Your uncle is as dead as he could be. When people are dead, they can't move by themselves. If you paid attention in your science class you would have known this, that is if common sense does not tell you.

What you could do is to install a covert camera. That will show you who has been moving the corpses.

The month of Ramadan is the period when Muslims all over the world engage in fasting during the daylight hours. This period forms a significant part of the religious devotion of many Muslims.

Fasting in the Islamic religion involves eating one meal before dawn (the ‘suhoor’) and a second meal only after sunset (the ‘iftar’) and this goes on for 30 days. This fasting period is normally followed by the festival of the breaking of the fast, known as‘Eid-ul-Fitr’.

Although Ramadan is a purely religious affair for many people, the evidence does suggest that there are likely to be some health benefits to fasting as well.

What are the health benefits of fasting?

Fasting can help you lose weight.

For people who are overweight or obese, the fasting period can be a good opportunity to shed some weight because, during the period of fasting, the body often breaks down the excess fat stored up in different parts of the body.

Fasting may help to reduce your blood cholesterol

High cholesterol in the blood can result in complications such as heart attack and stroke. However, it has been found that in some cases, fasting helps the body to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Fasting helps to regulate the digestive system.

The gap between the morning and evening meals gives the digestive system enough time to properly process the food you eat and regulate the activity of the digestive system.

Fasting can improve your mental wellbeing.

It has been shown in some cases that fasting improves the ability to focus the mind and also helps the brain to release certain chemicals that make you feel good about yourself, improving your mental function.

So, it is clear that fasting not only profers spiritual benefits, it can also contribute to your general physical wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to maintain some, if not all of the healthy practices learned during this period.

[url]patientnaija.com[/url]

People who suffer from depression do feel sad a lot, but does that mean that depression and sadness are one and the same thing?

Sadness is a normal emotional response to certain events in our lives. For example failing an exam, losing a loved one, or losing money. As these events pass or things improve for us, the sadness also passes.

In contrast, however, is depression which is not just a temporary state of mind but a medical condition that controls the state of mind irrespective of the events that are happening in or around us.

People with depression feel sad, but in addition, they often lack any energy or drive to do anything, even the things they previously enjoyed doing. They suffer from a lack of sleep or too much sleep. They, unfortunately, also experience thoughts of not wanting to be alive and this sometimes is strong enough to cause them to attempt taking their lives.

These thoughts and emotions can be very debilitating such that a person with depression could end up neglecting themselves and the people they love.

What should I do if I think I or someone I know has depression?

The best action to take when someone is depressed is to seek medical advice. Often, depressed people do not recognize the fact that they are depressed. This is where friends or family members could help them in seeking appropriate help.

Can depression be treated?

Depression can be treated either with psychological therapy, also known as, talking therapy or with medications known as antidepressants. People with depression may need to undergo either or both of those treatments on a long-term basis in order to prevent their symptoms from recurring.

In severe cases or where the individual is deemed unsafe to be on their own, they may be offered admission into the hospital for care and support.

The bottom line is that people with depression can be sad a lot of the time, however, depression is more than just a state of sadness, it is a mental health problem that often requires treatment like every other kind of physical health problem.

more @ [url]naijapatient.com[/url]

Some people wish to get rid of belly fat because of how they feel it makes them look. Others are not bothered by the looks because they in fact like the way it looks.

Irrespective of how you feel about it, belly fat poses health risks and this is the main reason why you need to get rid of them.

Health conditions that are linked with high amounts of belly fat include Stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Follow these 5 tips and you will be able to reduce your belly fat and stay healthy.

Avoid foods high in sugar

Eating too many sugary foods causes your body to convert the excess sugar into fat and this fat is deposited in different parts of the body including your belly.

As an alternative to sugar, you may try sweeteners instead.

Particularly notorious for being high in sugar content are soft drinks, energy drinks, and common snacks such as puff-puff and cakes.

Watch the quantity of food you eat

The quantity of food you eat each day has a big impact on how much fat your body stores up. To maintain a healthy weight and waistline, it is important to be mindful about eating just enough portion sizes to keep you going on a day to day basis.

You could also calculate the calories that your body requires either to maintain your current weight or lose weight. There are many online tools available for this purpose.

Eat foods high in fibre

Fibre in food, also known as roughage, helps us feel fuller after eating without necessarily eating a lot in terms of quantity, or calories. Foods high in fibre include beans, vegetables, nuts, fruits like oranges, and whole-grain foods like whole-wheat bread.

Try intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting refers to an eating pattern that involves alternating periods of fasting and usual feeding. For example, you can fast for 24 hours once or twice weekly. Alternatively, you could limit your food intake such that you eat all your meals within 8 hours, for example between 9 am and 5 pm every day; eating nothing outside of this time period.

There is good evidence to suggest that this type of eating pattern helps to reduce body fat.

Exercise

Exercise always comes up whenever we talk about weight loss or healthy living. Regular moderate-intensity exercises such as brisk walking, running and swimming can help to reduce belly fat and contribute to general wellbeing. It is advisable to do 30 minutes to 1-hour exercise daily for good results.

Abdominal fat might look good on you, however, it poses health risks which can be minimized by ensuring you are eating healthily and exercising regularly.


more @ [url]patientnaija.com[/url]

I need a 2D animator to work with to make explainer videos on an ongoing basis. If you are interested, kindly send your details, samples of your work, pricing to borlah123@yahoo.co.uk.

Thank you.

The Urinary tract is part of the body responsible for filtering the blood and making urine. It consists of the Kidneys (filterer), Ureters (pipe), the Bladder (storage tank), and the Urethra (tap).

Urine infections are caused by bacteria which can affect any part of the urinary tract. However, infections most commonly affect the bladder.

Women are more likely than men to suffer from urine infections because of the differences in the short length of their Urethra (tap) which allows easy travel of bacteria from the outside to the inside of the body.

What are the symptoms of urine infection?

Passing urine more frequently than normal
Not being able to hold down the urine when you feel the urge
Pain, burning or stinging sensation when passing urine
Smelly urine and cloudy urine
Lower abdominal pain
Fever

Why do I get recurrent urine infections?

Some people are prone to getting recurrent urine infections, not because of any particular known reason. However, there are a few things that can increase your risk.

Sexual intercourse. The bacteria that cause urine infections are normally found in the intestines and around the anus. Sexual intercourse increases the amount of these bacteria that get into the bladder which in turn causes infection.

Use of spermicides. Spermicides are birth control chemicals that you put in your vagina before intercourse to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. These chemicals also tend to increase your risk of getting urine infections because they kill off the good bacteria within the vagina.

Tight underwear and jeans. These may increase your risk of recurrent UTIs because they can increase the warmth and moisture in your private area and this can possibly aid the growth of bacteria.

Menopause. Women who have undergone menopause are at a higher risk of getting recurrent urine infections due to changes in the reproductive system that occur.

How can I prevent recurrent Urine infections?

The chance of getting recurrent urine infections can be reduced by the following measures.

Ensure that you drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. This helps to “flush” your urine system.

Make sure you urinate before and after sexual intercourse.

Avoid tight underwear and jeans

Avoid the use of spermicides if you experience recurrent urine infections.

When you wipe yourself after visiting the toilet, wipe from front to back

How do I treat urine infections?

Confirmed urine infections usually require treatment with antibiotics. Speak to your doctor about the most suitable antibiotic for you.

Should a man be worried if they get urine infections?

Men are less likely than women to suffer from urine infections, so it is important if you experience symptoms of a urine infection as a man, to contact your doctor.

For more relevant medical information see [url]patientnaija.com[/url]
Follow and DM us on instagram for your private questions https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

Migraine is a condition where people have episodes of headaches which is usually on one side of the head. The headache could be mild or moderately severe.

In addition to one-sided headaches migraine could also cause a feeling of nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, and tingling on the face and arms.

In some cases, people have warning symptoms when they are about to experience migraine headaches. These could include seeing flashing lights or zig-zag lines.

What causes Migraines?

It is not clear why people suffer from migraines. There are different theories that attempt to explain the cause of migraines.

Although the exact cause of Migraines is unknown, for most people who suffer from the condition, there are often triggers that could be identified. For these people, if those triggers are avoided, then it is possible to at least reduce the frequency of them suffering from migraines.

So what are the triggers for Migraines?

Some foods and drinks. Certain foods and drinks can trigger an attack of migraines in people who suffer from the condition. Examples are:

Chocolate
Coffee and tea
Alcohol
Cheese
Salty foods

Menstrual period. Some women experience migraines at the start of their periods, due to changes in their hormones.

Stress. Physical or emotional stress can often be a trigger for migraines

Dehydration. Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration and even mild dehydration can be a trigger for migraines.

Sleep Changes. Disruption in sleep patterns, lack of sleep, or unrestful sleep could be triggers for migraines.

Weather changes. Some people can find that their migraine headache comes on when there is a change in the weather.

Medications. There are a number of medications that can trigger migraine headaches. These include.

Birth control tablets
Some antidepressant medication
Steroid nasal sprays
Hormone replacement therapy

How can I recognize my migraine trigger?

The triggers for migraines are different from person to person, so it may be useful to find out what your own particular trigger might be.

One of the ways of finding out what your trigger might be is to keep a migraine diary which involves writing down the details of your migraine attacks and all the circumstances surrounding each attack. It might be possible, that way, to identify a pattern to your migraines.


How do I treat my Migraine headache?

There are a few different treatments for migraines depending on how severe or how often you get them.

For most people, early treatment with pain-killers such as paracetamol or Ibuprofen relieves the symptoms. This is in addition to staying well hydrated and having a period of rest.

If your symptoms are not relieved by simple pain-killers, you may benefit from specific migraine treatments that you can discuss with your doctor.

Migraine diary template. https://patientnaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Migraine-diary.pdf


More at [url]patientnaija.com[/url]
https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

It is a blessing to have a restful night's sleep. However, it appears that you are anxious about other things as well. It might be worth looking into any anxieties you may have in more detail.

Read more for how to have a good night's sleep every night.

https://patientnaija.com/how-to-have-a-good-night-sleep-every-night/

Hepatitis B is transmitted in a similar way as HIV. Through bodily fluids, blood and blood products.

The infection could go two ways. One is that the body could fight it off and become immune to it. This happens in about 90% of cases. That means if 10 people develop hepatitis B infection, 9 of them will clear it.

However, the remaining 10% of people will have persistent hepatitis B infection. This is called chronic hepatitis B. The problem with chronic hepatitis B is that it can result in shrinkage of the liver (Cirrhosis), leading to liver failure or cancer.

There are possible treatment options for chronic hepatitis B. If you or someone you know has this condition, you will actually need to see a specialist gastroenterologist or hepatologist or virologist. Please don't try to treat it by yourself.

I hope this helps.

https://patientnaija.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-hepatitis/

COVID-19 is spreading fast around the world and the pandemic appears to just be starting in Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Governments are putting measures in place to halt the spread of the disease and this is causing untold hardship on individuals, businesses and the economy in general.

You can keep yourself up-to-date with information about the condition and track the cases in Nigeria and around the world.

Visit https://patientnaija.com/covid-19/

https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

Stay Home, Stay safe, look after yourself and your neighbours.

COVID-19 is spreading fast around the world and the pandemic appears to just be starting in Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Governments are putting measures in place to halt the spread of the disease and this is causing untold hardship on individuals, businesses and the economy in general.

You can keep yourself up-to-date with information about the condition and track the cases in Nigeria and around the world.

Visit https://patientnaija.com/covid-19/

https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

Stay Home, Stay safe, look after yourself and your neighbours.

COVID-19 is spreading fast around the world and the pandemic appears to just be starting in Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Governments are putting measures in place to halt the spread of the disease and this is causing untold hardship on individuals, businesses and the economy in general.

You can keep yourself up-to-date with information about the condition and track the cases in Nigeria and around the world.

Visit https://patientnaija.com/covid-19/

https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

Stay Home, Stay safe, look after yourself and your neighbours.

COVID-19 is spreading fast around the world and the pandemic appears to just be starting in Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Governments are putting measures in place to halt the spread of the disease and this is causing untold hardship on individuals, businesses and the economy in general.

You can keep yourself up-to-date with information about the condition and track the cases in Nigeria and around the world.

Visit https://patientnaija.com/covid-19/

https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

Stay Home, Stay safe, look after yourself and your neighbours.

It is no longer news that the coronavirus is spreading fast and that its impact on public health and the economy is considerable. As a virus that spreads very quickly and could potentially cause serious illness, it understandably causes concerns among a lot of people.

These few tips might help you in warding off the virus, protecting yourself and your family and preserving public health.

Stay at home

This is no longer a choice in many places as there is strict enforcement. However, if you still have the choice, then staying home is important as it reduces your chance of contracting the virus and if you already have the virus without knowing it, it prevents you from spreading it.

Understandably many people are worried about their livelihoods during this lockdown, which in itself is not good for their general health and wellbeing. This is, however, where the Government comes in. If a Government asks you not to go to work, then they must provide for you while you are at home.

Wash your hands

The importance of handwashing cannot be overemphasized. It helps to kill the virus in case you have touched a contaminated surface. Some will ask how often should I wash my hands or how do I know if a surface is contaminated? The answer to this is that all surfaces should be deemed contaminated. Therefore, you should wash your hands regularly after touching any surface. Yes, any surface. This way you keep your hands constantly clean.

Don’t touch your face

The hands carry lots of germs, not just the coronavirus. So touching your face could transfer the virus close enough to your nose for you to inhale.

In a similar vein, some have asked if wearing a facemask would protect against COVID-19. If you are not having close contact with other people, then face-masks are not necessary. However, if you have to be in close proximity to other people then it might offer some protection against the virus especially when someone else coughs or sneezes near you.

Eat well, stay hydrated, keep healthy

In these times, it is important to put the effort into keeping yourself as healthy as possible by ensuring that you eat regular healthy meals and keep yourself well hydrated by drinking water regularly. In addition, exercises like simple walking or dancing indoors can also help to keep your immunity up, as long as you avoid contact with other people as much as possible.

Avoid unnecessary use of drugs

In a bid to protect themselves against the virus some people will resort to self-medication with conventional or herbal medicines. It is however not advisable to do this as this could cause more harm than good if it’s not recommended by qualified health professionals. Many medications and herbal preparations can have unwanted and unseen effects like kidney or liver damage, so it is important to only take medications if it is deemed safe that you do so by qualified medical professionals.

Finally, in these times keeping safe should be a priority but we will do well to also remember those who cannot look after themselves. Our vulnerable neighbours, the elderly, disabled or those with long term medical conditions. Ensuring they are safe without putting them at risk will mean we all can make it through this pandemic and become better at looking after ourselves.

More at https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

The whole world has been shaken with an unprecedented pandemic. A lot of people are hyper-alert and taking precautions. However, a few are still unsure of what to make of the coronavirus pandemic.

These are a few reasons why you should take this virus seriously.


It can be transmitted very easily and very fast

The COVID-19 is transmitted through coughing or sneezing by an infected person. It is thought that it can also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces such as door handles or mobile phones. The spread of the COVID-19 is made easy due to the fact that individuals can have the disease and not show any symptoms. So there are healthy infected people who go around, unknowingly infecting other people.

It can cause really serious symptoms and lead to death

Although the majority of people with COVID-19 will have only minor symptoms, some people will have a very serious illness which mainly affects the lungs and leads to breathing failure.


It Overwhelms healthcare systems

Because the Covid-19 spreads very fast and can affect vast numbers of people at one time, it can result in the inability of hospitals and healthcare workers to cope. This means that the time and resources that would have been utilized in treating people with other ongoing medical conditions will be diverted to treating COVID-19. This results in an overall reduction in the quality of healthcare received by the whole population.

There is no drug yet which cures or prevent infection with the virus

As this virus is a new virus, at present, there isn’t any licensed medication for the treatment of this virus. Although there are efforts to produce a vaccine against this virus, there is no vaccine yet which can prevent infection. Production of vaccines usually takes many months to complete.

It can infect anybody

The coronavirus is known to affect people of every race, sex or age. No particular groups of people are immune to this virus, so it is important to take all the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of this virus.

There is no doubt that the coronavirus can be deadly on individuals. The nature of the virus also means that it has a huge effect on the general population, affecting the economy adversely. Therefore the wise thing to do is to take every necessary precaution and break the chain of transmission. Wash your hands often, stay at home as much as you can and follow all necessary public health advice.


More at [url]patientnaija.com[/url]

Read more here. https://patientnaija.com/womens-health/

https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

There is often a lot of confusing information about fibroids and how they affect women. One of the most common concerns is the effect of fibroids on the ability of women to get pregnant.

Fibroids are very common and they affect about 1 in 4 Nigerian women and many of these women do not experience any symptoms, especially where the fibroids are small in size.

However, this is not to say that fibroids can not cause any problems. Indeed, one of the complications of fibroids is that they can cause issues with a woman’s ability to have a baby.

Effects of fibroids on fertility

There are two ways in which fibroids can affect a woman’s childbearing potential.

Firstly, fibroids can cause infertility by occupying a significant proportion of the womb, thereby preventing the woman’s fertilized egg from settling down within the womb (Implantation). Also, fibroids can also increase the risk of having an early pregnancy loss for the same reason.

Effects of Fibroids on pregnancy

Although fibroids can affect the ability of a woman to get pregnant, many women with fibroids go on to become pregnant normally. However, occasionally fibroids can also cause issues during pregnancy as well. Some of these issues include:

Abdominal pain. Fibroids can grow in size during pregnancy, thereby causing pain and discomfort during pregnancy.

Growth restriction. Fibroids can restrict the growth of the growing baby in the mother’s womb.

Breech. Fibroids can restrict the movement of the baby in the womb, resulting in a breech presentation in the womb.

Placenta positioning. The position of the placenta can also be affected by fibroids and this can also result in the placenta breaking away from the womb before the baby is at term.

Preterm delivery. Occasionally, large fibroids can result in stimulation of the womb before the baby is term and result in premature labour.


What should I do if I have fibroids and I’m planning to become pregnant or I’m already pregnant?

If you are planning to get pregnant and you have fibroids, it is important that you discuss with your doctor so you can know how it is likely to affect your pregnancy. It is also important to discuss possible treatments for your fibroids before you become pregnant.

If you are already pregnant, there is a limit to what can be done to treat the fibroids because of the growing baby. Usually, your doctor will advise regular monitoring of you and your baby, more frequent scans and follow-up.

It is called pityriasis Versicolor, caused by a yeast infection. It can be treated with antifungal cream and shampoo.
You need to persist with the treatment for at least 4-6 weeks

For more health topics visit [url]patientnaija.com[/url]

The prostate gland is found only in men and is part of the male reproductive system. It has the size of a table-tennis ball and is located between the base of the penis and the anus.

The prostate is involved in producing a fluid (prostatic fluid) which forms part of the semen.

As men get older, the size of the prostate gland also generally increases. For some men, the prostate is not enlarged enough to cause any problems however for some others they may experience some symptoms which can be annoying.

Because the prostate is located at the base of the bladder and it wraps itself around the pipe that transports urine out of the bladder (the urethra), when it is enlarged it can cause symptoms due to obstruction of this pipe or irritation of the bladder.

The following are some of the symptoms which would suggest an enlarged prostate.

Frequent urination in the day and at night
Feeling unable to hold your urine when you feel the urge
Poor flow of urine
Finding it difficult to start passing urine
Dribbling of urine
A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder

What should I do if I feel these symptoms?

If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to see a doctor who will examine your prostate to determine if it is enlarged.

They may also request some tests including urine tests, blood tests, and scan if needed.

Is there a treatment for an enlarged prostate?

There are a few options with respect to treating an enlarged prostate.

Medication. There are effective tablets which can help to shrink the size of the prostate and relieve the pressure it causes on the urine pipes.

Surgery. In the cases where medication hasn’t worked, surgical intervention might be required.

Why is it important to treat an enlarged prostate?

Enlarged prostate glands cause obstruction of the bladder and if this remains untreated for a long time, there can be a build-up of pressure in the urinary tract which can result in damage to the kidneys.

Also, an enlarged prostate can result in recurrent urine infections which also has the potential of affecting the kidneys and indeed the whole body.

Prostate enlargement can also result in a complete blockage of urine flow from the bladder (urinary retention) which can result in severe pain and also cause damage to the kidneys.

Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

[url]patientnaija.com[/url]

Nonso has got a good-paying job, he is married to a beautiful wife and he eats regular tasty meals. He was very slim as a young man but now, in his 40s, he is having the time of his life and he has developed a big tummy.

This is the story of many people. As we grow older, it becomes easier to gain weight around our belly and some interpret this to be a sign of good living. Its is, however, a well-known fact that fat around the belly does increase our risk of developing serious health problems.

Developing a big tummy is the result of fat collecting under the skin of the abdomen and, more concerning, within the abdomen itself. The fat wraps itself within and around intestines and other organs such as the liver.

So what is the problem with having tummy fat?

Apart from the fact that belly fat increases the amount of cholesterol in the blood (resulting in an increased risk of heart attack and stroke), it also releases chemicals that cause inflammation in different parts of the body result in different long-standing medical conditions.

These are some of the medical conditions that can occur as a result of excessive belly fat.

High blood pressure
Heart attack
Stroke
Dementia
Breast cancer
Cancer of the large intestines
Chronic breathing problems

What can I do about my belly fat?

The first thing you need to find out is if your belly/waistline is bigger than should be and you can measure this by yourself at intervals.

To measure your waistline, use a tape measure like a tailor would do and measure around your waist at the level of your navel (umbilicus). For women, the waist circumference should not be more than 80cm and for men, it should not be more than 94cm.

So if you have a problem with belly fat then it is time to try and get rid of it and the way to go about this is to lose weight through exercise and dieting.

To shed your belly fat, it is recommended that you engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (for example brisk walking, jogging, swimming) every day.

Secondly, watching what you eat will also go a long way in helping you control your weight and your belly fat. Pay attention to the amount of food you eat and make sure you eat lots of vegetables and fruits and choose complex carbohydrates and avoid sugary foods.

So although having a fat belly might be seen by some as a sign of good living, it is actually a sign that your health is at risk. Therefore, you should do whatever you can to ensure that you do not develop belly fat and if you have already developed it, take the steps to get rid of it.

Find out more at [url]patientnaija.com[/url]

https://www.instagram.com/patientnaija/

There is an increasing awareness these days about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. However, due to the fact that there is also a lot of information out there, people tend to get confused about what the right approach to healthy living is. There are different facets to healthy living and one of the most important is our daily diet.

In this post, we focus specifically on fats and oils and we try to answer those commonly asked questions people have.

What are the different types of fat we eat?

There are two main types of fats. There is the Saturated fats and unsaturated fats. Most fatty foods contain both types. However, the difference is in the amount of each type of fat contained in the food.

Foods high in Saturated Fats. Animal fat (meat, milk, wara, cheese), palm oil, coconut oil

Foods high in unsaturated fats. Most plant oils (olive oil, groundnut oil, sunflower oil), nuts, oily fish (Mackerel, sardines)

Do we need fat in our diet?

Yes. Fats form an essential part of a well-balanced diet. Fat helps the body to produce energy and also aids the digestive system in absorbing other nutrients from the food we eat.

How much fat should I include in my diet?

As a general rule, fats should not make up more than ⅓ of our total energy intake. This might be difficult to calculate especially where you do not know the number of grams of fat that is contained in a particular food. However, if you are eating packaged foods you would be able to see the nutritional content of the food on the label.

What type of fat is preferable?

Because the consumption of saturated fats can result in high blood cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease and strokes, it is preferable to go for food that is high in unsaturated fats.

What are the adverse effects of eating an unhealthy or excess amount of fats?

Eating excessive amounts of fats particularly saturated fats can result in high blood cholesterol levels and this can result in blocking of the blood vessels and ultimately result in heart attacks and strokes.

What are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids?

These are types of unsaturated fats called polyunsaturated fats. They are essential for good health mainly because they help to lower the amount of bad fat in the blood, thereby helping to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Sources of Omega-3 fatty acids

Oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines
Soya bean
Green leafy vegetables
Walnuts
Cod liver oil
Some foods are fortified with omega-3

Sources of Omega-6 fatty acids

Vegetable oils
Corn oil
Olive oil
Nuts

How do I choose the best types of oils?

As previously discussed, it is preferable to choose oils that are rich in unsaturated fat and the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids than saturated fats.

Read more at [url]patientnaija.com[/url]

It is Monday today and everyone is ready to start the weeks hustle but do we look after ourselves enough?


In the busyness of today’s world, we all are caught up in constant activity trying to make our lives and that of our loved ones better. We work from sunup to sundown in a bid to place bread on the table and enjoy life. Although we may gain the rewards of our hard work in monetary terms, oftentimes we do not make provision for our bodies and minds to rejuvenate and be restored.

The popular saying goes-“health is wealth” and this is certainly true. To have an enjoyable and fulfilling life, it is necessary to remain healthy. Although there are aspects of our health that we have no control over, we also have the power to take deliberate steps and make decisions aimed at improving our health and general wellbeing.

These five steps are simple proven day-to-day decisions you can take to improve your health and wellbeing.


1. Eat well

Eating well means different things to different people. For some, it is having a plate full of their favorite meal, whatever that might be. For others, it is making sure they have regular meals. It is not surprising that a lot of people do not take deliberate steps to ensure that they eat healthy meals.

So what does it mean to eat healthy? It means eating a regular balanced diet which is basically having the correct proportion of the different food types in each meal. So, for example, a meal of bread and noodles is not necessarily a balanced meal as it is made up mainly of carbohydrates but a meal of a small quantity of pounded yam, vegetable soup, fish and juice is more balanced as it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fat, and vitamins. As part of a healthy diet, one must also make sure that each food component is not excessive than the others.



2. Relax

At times when people think about relaxing, they think merely about being away from the workplace. It is a good idea to rest from work but relaxation is also a state of the mind. It is when you decide to be in the present moment, to keep your mind quiet from all the hustling and bustling of the outside world and focus on yourself. There are different ways of relaxing, for example, spending time with the family and friends, enjoying the simple things of life like a stroll, play in the park, listening to nice music or meditating. It is important to understand that for an activity to be relaxing, it has to put your mind at rest. It has to be free of worries, anger, bitterness or strife. So, make time for yourself, find an activity you enjoy and relax!

The other aspect of relaxation is sleep. Good sleep is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Some people struggle with sleep and often feel terrible as a result. The following simple measures can help you ensure that you experience refreshing sleep all the time.

Keep a regular sleep time
Make your sleeping environment comfortable
Cut down on caffeine which can be found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks
Quit smoking
Try and relax before sleeping

3. Regular Exercise


Exercise helps to keep you active and fit. It maintains the muscles and keeps the heart healthy. It does not need to be a strenuous activity like working out in the Gym, it can very much be the day-to-day activities which we take for granted like walking or dancing. The next time you want to get into your car to drive somewhere, ask yourself, can I walk to this place? Or do you know how to ride a bike? Why not ride to work or for fun? What about skipping rope or playing football? All these are different kinds of exercises that you can perform. Start small-30 minutes daily and build on that. You will see how well it will make you feel.


4. Reduce alcohol intake


Excessive alcohol intake can have many harmful effects on the body. One is that it can damage the liver which is the organ that helps the body clean up the blood. When the liver becomes damaged it is difficult for it to recover and this leads to a buildup of toxic chemicals in the body. Excessive alcohol can also result in the buildup of unhealthy fat in the body. So what amount of alcohol intake is acceptable? It is not always easy to quantify how much alcohol is acceptable but as a piece of general advice do not drink more than 6 big bottles of beer per week or 1 and a half bottle of wine per week. Cutting down on alcohol will improve your health and would also help you sleep better.


5. Quit smoking


Smoking is one of the most damaging habits to the health that people engage in. It is the cause of many cancers, infertility, breathing problems, heart problems, and strokes. If you smoke, stopping smoking would be one of the best health decisions you would be taking.

Stopping smoking will immediately improve your breathing and your general wellbeing. In addition to that, it will also save you some hard-earned money. So take the steps today, stop smoking and improve your life.


Learn more at [url]patientnaija.com[/url]

Are you young (16-23)? Are you a budding writer? Would you like to earn some money on the side while doing what you love?
We are seeking a health news writer for a nigeria based health blog.
You will be responsible for writing at least 3 useful health news items every week. All news articles must be original and very readable.
You will be credited for your work.

This will earn you 500 naira per news item written.
If you are interested please write to this email admin@patientnaija.com

Are you young (16-23)? Are you a budding writer? Would you like to earn some money on the side while doing what you love?
We are seeking a health news writer for a nigeria based health blog.
You will be responsible for writing at least 3 useful health news items every week. All news articles must be original and very readable.
You will be credited for your work.

This will earn you 500 naira per news item written.
If you are interested please write to this email admin@patientnaija.com

The MTI is a scheme which allows international medical graduates who are in specialty training from low income and low-middle income countries to train in the UK health system while providing an important service for a period of 24 months. Through this scheme trainees are able to gain experience in their chosen field before returning to their countries of origin.

As this scheme is for a limited period of time, it is suitable for individuals who are looking for the experience of training in the UK health system without necessarily thinking about settling in the UK for the long-term, although this is an option after completing the scheme.

It is important to note that each royal college runs their individual MTI process and the trainee is required to make an application to the relevant college. For example a psychiatry trainee makes an application to the Royal college of psychiatrist while a medical trainee makes an application to the Royal college of physicians. The list of the participating royal colleges can be found here.

Steps to applying to the MTI scheme

Click here (https://theukimg.co.uk/the-medical-training-initiative-mti/) to learn more about the steps you need to take to join the MTI scheme.

For many doctors, a main career goal is to become a specialist in their chosen field. This is the same for IMGs. Many want to know what the prospects are like in the UK. Some people have a fixed goal in mind while others can be flexible but whatever category you fit into, the bottomline is that you want to know if you would be able to progress your career in a desired field.

In the UK, the medical specialties are as they are found in many other places; General medicine, Medical sub-specialties, Surgical specialties, Paediatrics, O&G and General Practice/family medicine etc. Also in the UK, as it might be in other places, there is a variation in the level of ease or difficulty of getting into the different specialties. This competition ratio also changes slightly every recruitment round but it is important to note that some specialties are generally more competitive than others. In general terms, the surgical specialties tend to be the most competitive and psychiatry and general practice the least competitive; but this might change in the future.

Most specialty training programs go on for an average of 6 years in total but could be more depending on the level of specialisation, whereas, GP training is typically a 3 year program. In addition, these programs are usually in blocks of 2-3 years for which you need to make an application at each stage.


Factors to consider when applying for specialty training spaces

What is your particular interest?

This is a primary consideration as you do not want to end up in a specialty where you feel miserable or unfulfilled. Many people, as early as medical school, already know what they would want to specialise in. If you are one of those people, there is no harm in exploring your chosen path. However other factors may determine if you are actually able to proceed with your chosen specialty or not.

Competition ratios

As earlier mentioned, different specialties have different competitive ratios. This means there may not be as many spaces as the number of doctors trying to get in. So it’s going to be the survival of the “fittest”. But remember that for such specialties the “Resident Labour Market Test” (discussed next) is likely to be an important factor. For doctors who are flexible as to what specialties they are willing to go for, competition ratios might be less of a factor. You can find the competitive ratios of the different specialties on this website.

Immigration status

The UK is about to leave the EU and this might mean immigration rules will again change as regards employment for non-UK/EU citizens. However, as things stand, the ‘Resident labour market test’ is in place; which means that before you can be employed as a non-UK/EU citizen, the employer must ensure that there is no suitably qualified UK or EU citizen for that job. So basically, competition ratios also come into play here. So, where there are already sufficient numbers of UK/EU citizens applying for a post, the chances of a foreign doctor of getting into such a post might be slim. Having said this, it is important to always clarify what you can or cannot do based on your immigration status.

The factors above are common to most IMG applicants, however, everyone’s circumstances are different and there may be other factors which may enhance or impede your journey. This factors need to be worked out as you go along.

Who is responsible for specialty training in the UK?

The body responsible nationally for the post graduate training of doctors in the UK is the Health Education England (HEE), which has smaller local bodies which used to be called “deaneries”. HEE usually advertises the posts available in the oriel website, usually in 2 major recruitment rounds every year. When applying for your specialty, you will also be able to do a ranking of your desired training locations in order of preference. Also useful to know is that you could apply for more than one specialty during a particular recruitment round. This gives you an extra layer of security in case you are not able to get into a particular preferred specialty.

What are the requirements for specialty training?

Different specialties have different person specifications but generally speaking you need to have completed foundation training or its equivalent. As most international doctors usually have completed the equivalent of foundation training, they’ll need to evidence this with a “Certificate of readiness to enter specialty training” (formerly “Alternative Certificate to Foundation Training” ) which can be signed off usually by any consultant whom you have worked with for at least 3 months in the UK or at home and who can sign-off the required competences.

You would also require an Advanced life support certificate before you start your training. This is usually organised in different local hospitals but nationally coordinated by Resus council UK.

For the interviews, you may be required to present a portfolio which is supposed to basically reflect you suitability, experience and interest in the specialty you are applying for. Person specifications of the different specialties can be found on the HEE website.

To conclude, the experience of different people vary when it comes to specialty training program in the UK. For some people it is a generally smooth ride while for others there are many bumps on the way. In any case, it is important to always be up to date with the most relevant information and always enquire where you are unclear about things.

More at [url]theukimg.co.uk[/url]

Get insight on working in the UK as a Nigerian medical graduate @ [url]theukimg.co.uk[/url]

There are many reasons people leave the comfort of their home to travel to lands unknown. Some like to explore, for others it’s a search for green pastures and more still for others it’s family commitment. Whatever the reason for which you have decided to take your medical practice to the UK, the routes are similar for all, whether you have studied in Nigeria, Pakistan, India or Sri-Lanka.

The apprehension of an uncertain future usually puts people off from taking the first steps, but being armed with good information can make all the difference. As things change frequently, relying on friends who have gone before, although very useful, might not always be the the most uptodate source of guidance.

This website aims to bridge the information gap for international medical graduates seeking employment in the UK. Information is updated frequently to reflect the most recent changes. Additional guidance is also given on the routes to specialty recruitment.

Step by step guide getting into the United Kingdom’s general medical register

1. Now that you want to start your journey of a thousand miles, you must first ensure that your medical qualification is acceptable by the General Medical Council. If your medical education was in the United Kingdom, there is nothing to check, but if you have been educated outside of the United Kingdom verifying your medical degree may be worthwhile before you proceed. There are a number of ways to do this; firstly, you should check your university on the world directory of medical schools. Having found your university, you need to check the qualifications the GMC does not currently accept. You can do this by clicking on this link or going to the gmc website.

2. Having made sure that you are eligible to practice in the UK, your next step is to confirm your english language proficiency. The most usual route is to take the academic IELTS test. The current criteria requires that you get a score of at least 7.0 in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and an overall score of 7.5. Because these criteria might change, you need to get details from the GMC website. There are IELTS centres in different countries. In Nigeria, the test is conducted by the British council with centres around the country. Other routes of confirming english language eligibility can also be found on the GMC website. The IELTS test is the first in the series exams you’d take. Keep in mind that your IELTS certificate is valid of 2 years, so you’ll need to pass your PLAB 1 exams within this validity period.

3. Now that you have confirmed your English language proficiency, you need to take the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) tests. There are two parts to this test- PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. PLAB 1 test is in the multiple choice question (MCQ) format and can be taken in Nigeria and other countries whereas PLAB 2 is in OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) format and is done in the UK. Adequate and relevant preparation is the key to success in these exams. Many people pass them at the first attempt. The new GMC guideline stipulates you that from september 2017 you can only attempt each exam a maximum of four times. Details about each exam and sample questions can be found through this link and on the GMC website.

4. The next step after passing your exams is to complete your registration with the GMC. You have done all the hard work and this is just the icing on the cake. You will usually start the registration process on the GMC website, you’ll pay the fees and then you’ll book an appointment at GMC for a check of your documents. At the registration stage, you’ll also need to ensure you are registered with your home medical licencing authority and you will also request a letter of good standing which will usually be sent from your home medical council to the GMC directly. There is usually also the need to independently verify your credentials at this stage and this is also done via the EPIC website.
Once you have completed your registration, the next step is to take a year off and rest from all your labour. That would have been possible if you were already a billionaire and you were just doing this for the love of it. For all the normal folks, it’s time to secure a job. There are different ways to go about this. You could either apply for resident medical officer posts, locum posts, Trust grade posts or you can apply for a training post. Your decision will depend on a few factors like your immigration status, the state of your finances or the availability of jobs. But whichever one you choose, it is always good to give a thought to your career progression.

Generally speaking, to progress in this journey, it is always good to take one step at one time, get up-to-date and useful information and follow your heart. There will always be wonderful people along the way to help you.

More Information at [url]theukimg.co.uk[/url]

PLAB 2 exam is an OCSE type exam which consists of 18 stations each lasting 8 minutes. The stations usually cover all medical specialties and they involve consulting with actors (not real patients). In some stations there may also be a consultation with a talking mannequin and where there is need to have an intimate examination (breast, prostate or genital), that will be with a normal mannequin. In between the stations, there is usually a one and half minute break to read the task for the next station. Details of the exam itself can be found on the GMC website.

The main key to success in this exam is first and foremost ensuring that you understand the setting of the exam and the domains which you are being marked against, which are your data gathering, technical and assessment skills, clinical management and interpersonal skills. In this exam, you will have the opportunity to showcase your communication skills in addition to the clinical skills which you already demonstrated in PLAB 1.

The next recommendation is to ensure that you are very well prepared. This needs a lot of practice. Although, if you have looked at the GMC website, it states that you do not need to attend any courses in order to prepare but most people who have taken this exam will tell you otherwise. This is simply because things are done differently in different places. And I’m sure if some of the GMC examiners needed to take a similar exam in your country, where they are unfamiliar with guidelines and culture, they will need to take courses. So it is advisable to find yourself a good PLAB 2 preparation course and practice extensively with other candidates.

It is also important to ensure you give yourself sufficient time, so you do not have to rush things. Everyone is different and you may find that you require more or less time to prepare than some other candidates. Work at your own pace and within the limit of your resources.

Having done adequate preparations, there are a few things to bear in mind, so you do not make some of the mistakes we medical expats make.

One common mistake is that of using clichés which often sound very unnatural. It is important for you to be yourself and communicate as you would naturally, as long as you have developed your communication skills in the course of your career and during your preparations.

Also on the day, where in your view, one station goes wrong, try not to panic so you’ll be able to focus on the next station. Remember that each station is a new one, with a new patient and a new examiner, so attempt every station as though that’s the only one (as much as you can)

Finally, having given your efforts to adequate preparation, go to the exam well rested and with confidence that you are able to come out successful at the end of the day because you are in fact more likely to pass than not.

For details visit [url]theukimg.co.uk[/url]

One of the things most international doctors think about when making their decision to move to another country is what life would look like working in a place that is unfamiliar and out of their comfort zone. Apart from the fact that there are differences in the way that medicine is practiced in different countries, the contrast in cultures and ways of expression also adds to the complexity.

In all however, given time, many people are able to adapt both their practice and lifestyle to that which is most appropriate to their current situation in a foreign land. Whilst it is important to acclimatize to one’s environment, one needs not compromise on those values that one holds dear as long as they are not at odds with what is obtainable in the new environment.

The first few months

In the early days when you start working in the UK, you will find that there are a whole lot of differences in the way things are done compared to your home country. It might at first be daunting, but people are generally nicer to you when they perceive that you are willing to learn. In addition, you must remember that professional hierarchy in the UK health sector is not so much about being a boss than it is about being able to take decisions based on the knowledge and skill you have acquired. Never be ashamed to learn from people who you may take to be junior to you. They could save your ass!

The key to getting things right is willingness to learn. It’s not the case that you are deficient, it’s just that you are in a new environment and you need to get familiar with things. Think of it like buying a new phone of a different brand from the one you had before. You will have to unlearn a few thing to be able to learn the new things.

Day to day work as a ward doctor

Once you get the hang of things life as a hospital doctor is generally bearable. How busy you are on a day to day basis will depend on your specialty and on the hospital you work in. People generally work in teams of consultants, registrars, SHOs (FY2 upwards) and FY1s. Most IMGs start to work as SHO as they usually have completed their FY1 equivalent in their home country before gaining full GMC registration. In these teams, no one person is expected to know-it-all. Collaboration is the keyword. It is useful to know your duties and learn to do them well but also assist others where you can. As a general guide familiarize yourself with the GMC good medical practice. You might need to reflect on this somewhere along the line in your practice.



In many places, the day would typically start with a team meeting or a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting (depending on specialty and hospital) and then ward round which could be consultant, registrar or other junior doctors ward rounds. After the ward round the junior doctors tend to embark on carrying out the tasks (jobs) from the ward round and the consultant goes off to do “grown-up” business (clinics, admin or management). The general management of patients is usually the responsibility of the junior doctors.

Looking forward

Most international doctors integrate perfectly into the UK medical profession and general society. In fact international doctors contribute immensely to the rich diversity and they play a vital role in keeping the NHS afloat. Without foreign trained doctors, the NHS could never survive. So the next time you doubt yourself, remember this. As you make your journey remember to have your eyes on the bigger picture, ensure you take concrete steps to advance your career while you make your contributions to the system.

Read more at https://theukimg.co.uk/the-life-of-an-international-medical-graduate/

The UK offer great opportunities for doctors from around the world to advance their career. There are at the moment thousands of Nigerian doctors practicing in the UK. Have you or someone you know contemplated this option? Find answers to some of the questions you might have on your mind with regards to practicing in the UK as an International Medical Graduate (IMG).

Is it worth taking the effort to obtain UK medical registration?

The answer to this is that it all depends on you. Different people contemplate making this move for different reasons. However, whatever the reason might be for you, if it is something you desire, you can always take the required steps. It might cost you money and time but as a doctor, even if things do not work out as planned you can always go back to your current practice.

What do I need to do to practice in the UK as an IMG?

First, you need to make up your mind and go for it. Having made up your mind you need to get all necessary information from reliable sources, most importantly from the General Medical Council (GMC) website. This will ensure that you are clear on what the requirements are. It is however useful to know that things will also get clearer as you move along.

Usually the first stage to obtaining your GMC registration is to ensure that you have evidence of English language proficiency and the first way to do this is by taking an English language test. The most commonly one being IELTS. This is usually conducted by the British council in many countries and the requirement is that you sit for the Academic IELTS and you score an overall total of 7.5 and no less than 7 in each form of communication ( reading, writing and listening and speaking).

After completing your IELTS you have to sit PLAB 1 within 2 years for the IELTS results to be valid. PLAB 1 is usually also conducted by british council. PLAB 2 follows after passing PLAB 1 and this can only be done in the UK so after passing plab one you should have plans to come to the UK to sit PLAB 2 and possibly attended some courses prior to sitting the exam.

Once you have passed your PLAB exam you can apply for GMC registration and find jobs afterwards.

How much does it cost?

The cost will come from applying for exams, and costs for your visa and maintenance while in the UK. IELTS exam costs about £170 (N75 000 in Nigeria), PLAB 1 costs about £235 and PLAB 2, £840. The cost of visa application might depend on what country you are applying from.

How easy is it to get jobs in the UK?

It is relatively easy to get employment as a doctor in the UK and this is not likely to change in the near future. The National Health Service (NHS) is the main employer but there are also private hospitals who employ doctors including international doctors. As long as you all the necessary documentation, you should have no problems being called for interviews. You can check jobs.nhs.uk for example of available jobs.

What is the remuneration for doctors in the UK?

The starting basic salary for Junior doctors in the UK starts at £27,146 per annum. This rises to £31, 422 in the second year and then £37,422 in the first year of specialty training. Details of this can be found on the BMA website.

How is like living in the UK?

Different people have got different experiences but generally speaking the UK is a developed country with a relatively high standard of living. The people are relatively more conservative than you would find in other countries. You can find more about life in the UK here. https://theukimg.co.uk

There are many reasons people leave the comfort of their home to travel to lands unknown. Some like to explore, for others it’s a search for green pastures and more still for others it’s family commitment.

The apprehension of an uncertain future usually puts people off from taking the first steps, but being armed with good information can make all the difference. As things change frequently, relying on friends who have gone before, although very useful, might not always be the the most uptodate source of guidance.

Step by step guide getting into the United Kingdom’s general medical register

Now that you want to start your journey of a thousand miles, you must first ensure that your medical qualification is acceptable by the General Medical Council. If your medical education was in the United Kingdom, there is nothing to check, but if you have been educated outside of the United Kingdom verifying your medical degree may be worthwhile before you proceed. There are a number of ways to do this; firstly, you should check your university on the world directory of medical schools. Having found your university, you need to check the qualifications the GMC does not currently accept. You can do this by clicking on this link or going to the gmc website.

Having made sure that you are eligible to practice in the UK, your next step is to confirm your english language proficiency. The most usual route is to take the academic IELTS test. The current criteria requires that you get a score of at least 7.0 in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and an overall score of 7.5. Because these criteria might change, you need to get details from the GMC website. There are IELTS centres in different countries. In Nigeria, the test is conducted by the British council with centres around the country. Other routes of confirming english language eligibility can also be found on the GMC website. The IELTS test is the first in the series exams you’d take. Keep in mind that your IELTS certificate is valid of 2 years, so you’ll need to pass your PLAB 1 exams within this validity period.

Now that you have confirmed your English language proficiency, you need to take the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) tests. There are two parts to this test- PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. PLAB 1 test is in the multiple choice question (MCQ) format and can be taken in Nigeria and other countries whereas PLAB 2 is in OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) format and is done in the UK. Adequate and relevant preparation is the key to success in these exams. Many people pass them at the first attempt. The new GMC guideline stipulates you that from september 2017 you can only attempt each exam a maximum of four times. Details about each exam and sample questions can be found through this link and on the GMC website.


The next step after passing your exams is to complete your registration with the GMC. You have done all the hard work and this is just the icing on the cake. You will usually start the registration process on the GMC website, you’ll pay the fees and then you’ll book an appointment at GMC for a check of your documents. At the registration stage, you’ll also need to ensure you are registered with your home medical licencing authority and you will also request a letter of good standing which will usually be sent from your home medical council to the GMC directly. There is usually also the need to independently verify your credentials at this stage and this is also done via the EPIC website.

Once you have completed your registration, the next step is to take a year off and rest from all your labour. That would have been possible if you were already a billionaire and you were just doing this for the love of it. For all the normal folks, it’s time to secure a job. There are different ways to go about this. You could either apply for resident medical officer posts, locum posts, Trust grade posts or you can apply for a training post. Your decision will depend on a few factors like your immigration status, the state of your finances or the availability of jobs. But whichever one you choose, it is always good to give a thought to your career progression.

Generally speaking, to progress in this journey, it is always good to take one step at one time, get up-to-date and useful information and follow your heart. There will always be wonderful people along the way to help you.

You will find more useful information at https://theukimg.co.uk