Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts

Saturday, 11 July 2015

49-year old Managing Director of Medical Centre Commits Suicide

The 49 year-old Chief Consultant Gynaecologist and Managing Director of Hope Medical Centre Benin City, Dr John Abode, who was found dead in his wardrobe last Tuesday, may have actually committed suicide, Vanguard gathered.

Vanguard learned from a top security source that the deceased who was said to have attempted suicide on several occasions, but was stopped by the widow, injected himself with a yet-to-be disclosed substance before heading to his wardrobe where he hanged himself with his belt.

It was learned that the day the sad incident occurred, the wife attended a church service where she later called their 10-year-old son to inform the father that she wanted to speak with him.

The source told Vanguard: "It was at that point that the boy searched the house and discovered the deceased body in the wardrobe."

It was learned that the deceased's wife rushed down to their residence and it was in an attempt to see if she could revive the husband that she moved the body out of the wardrobe.

From investigations, the wife had earlier informed the deceased's family about the attempted suicide in the past by their son, which made the widow to be deeply involved in church activities to intercede for the husband in prayers.

It was further gathered that though the deceased, who also is a staff of the Stella Obasanjo Women and Children Hospital in Benin City, was a successful gynaecologist, his alleged occasional erratic behaviour at home had been a source of great concern to the wife, who had always counselled him against his urge to commit suicide.

Though the deceased's family is suspecting foul play, autopsy results so far indicated that the deceased died as a result of cessation, mostly caused by suicide. However, the family of the deceased called for another autopsy which is being conducted in Lagos.

Sunday, 28 June 2015

[Must See] Check Out The Deadly Virus Other Than HIV Than Even Condom Can’t Protect You Against

Condoms have been hyped as master-protectors against $exually transmitted infections.

However, health experts are warning that in as much as condoms significantly decrease transmission rates of the most life-threatening viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, it's not foolproof.

At a meeting of cancer specialists at the University of Nairobi last week, reproductive health expert, Nelly Mugo, said that even as we take protective measures using condoms against most STIs including HIV/Aids, the rubber sheaths cannot provide 100 per cent protection against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). "Condoms offer 60 per cent of HPV thus the virus can spread through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas of the skin not covered by the condom such as the scrotum, anus, or vulva," Dr Mugo said.

The 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, released last week, shows that male condoms are the most popular method among $exually active unmarried women. Unmarried men too seem to prefer condoms as the popular method to protect against STIs. But for a virus whose disease has no symptoms, the inefficacy of condoms allows for faster and wider spread, especially amongst those with multiple s*x partners.

The only 100 per cent effective way to prevent HPV transmission is abstinence from any s*xual contact, including or*l, an*l, and vaginal s*x. See also: Morning after:That 'oops' moment when women's emergency pills backfire Since abstinence may not be a realistic option, Dr Mugo advises remaining monogamous while in a relationship, vaccination and screening for women. Women can also pa$$ viruses without having any symptoms.

But the chance of females infecting men is estimated at less than five per cent of the rates of male-to-female transmission. There are more than 100 types of HPV and about 13 of these are cancer causing, with HPV types 16 and 18 causing approximately 70 per cent of all cervical cancers worldwide. Sadly, it's physically difficult to tell whether your partner has the HPV virus unless they have private part warts, yet those who do not have visible signs can also spread the virus.

The other interesting aspect of this particular virus is that you do not need to have s*x for it to be pa$$ed on from one person to another. The virus is found in the flora of the man-hood, scrotum, vag1na, vulva@, or anus of a person who has the HPV. One can get infected through kissing or touching an infected s*x organs or through or*l s3'x.

Since cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among adult women, in the developing world, and the second most common cancer among women worldwide, preventive measures include getting a pap smear for women and/or getting vaccinated.

Better still, it's important that you be honest with your partner about your s3'x history. Immunizing all girls before becoming $exually active ideally aged nine to 13 years in order to lower the risk of HPV took off in Kenya under a pilot project in Kitui County in 2013, targeting 20,000 girls.

 






Wednesday, 17 June 2015

Ladies Beware!!! Drugs Taken For Painful Periods Could Cause Infertility – Research Says

The researchers analysed the effects of the 3 NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) on fertility.

Women have been cautioned against taking drugs for painful periods and back pain as it could cause infertility.

A new study revealed that drugs such as naproxen, diclofenac, ibuprofen and aspirin which are largely used for the treatment of pain, inflammation, painful periods and fever can reduce a woman's fertility.

The researchers analyzed the effects of the 3 NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) on fertility.

As part of the study, painkiller study investigator, Prof. Sami Salman, of the University of Baghdad, Iraq recruited 39 women of childbearing age who suffer from back pain to take part in the study.

The women received diclofenac (100mg once daily), naproxen (500mg twice daily) and etoricoxib (90mg once daily) or a placebo.

The drugs were given 10 days after the beginning of their menstrual cycle, the first day of a woman's period.

Researchers tested whether the women had ovulated by analyzing the level of the hormone progesterone, via a blood sample. They also measured the diameter of the dominant follicle, a fluid-filled cavity in the ovaries that contains one undeveloped egg, using ultra sonography, a form of ultrasound.

The team found that of the women receiving NSAIDs, only 6.3% of those taking diclofenac ovulated, and only 25% of women taking naproxen and 27.3% taking etoricoxib ovulated.

This was compared with 100% of women in the control group, who were not taking medication.

Based on the findings Salman said:

"After just 10 days of treatment we saw a significant decrease in progesterone, a hormone essential for ovulation, across all treatment groups, as well as functional cysts in one third of patients. These findings show that even short-term use of these popular, over-the-counter drugs could have a significant impact on a women's ability to have children."

Also doctors said the risk of reduced fertility associated with the drugs, must be communicated to women regularly taking the medication.

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Some Causes Of Infertility in Men

It is estimated that about one couple in seven faces difficulties in conceiving. If you've been having regular unprotected sex for more than 12 months (or less, if you're over 35) and are still not pregnant, you may begin to wonder if you have a fertility problem. If you decide to seek medical help, the best thing to do is see your doctor. Many infertility problems can be pinpointed and the vast majority treated Infertility    

Infertility may be due to a single cause in either you or your partner, or a combination of factors that may prevent a pregnancy from occurring or continuing. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective therapies for overcoming infertility. These treatments significantly improve the chances of getting someone pregnant.

The Main Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility has many causes ranging from hormonal imbalances, physical problems, to psychological and behavioral problems.  Moreover, fertility reflects a man's "overall" health.  Men who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to produce healthy sperm.  The following list highlights some lifestyle choices that negatively impact male fertility. Note that it is not all-inclusive:

Smoking–significantly decreases both sperm count and sperm cell motility.Prolonged use of marijuana and other recreational drugs.Chronic alcohol abuse.Anabolic steroid use–causes testicular shrinkage and infertility.Overly intense exercise–produces high levels of adrenal steroid hormones which cause a
testosterone deficiency resulting in infertility.Inadequate vitamin C and Zinc in the diet.Tight underwear–increases scrotal temperature which results in decreased sperm production.Exposure to environmental hazards and toxins such as pesticides, lead, paint, radiation, radioactive substances, mercury,  benzene, boron, and heavy metalsMalnutrition and anemia.Excessive stress!

Modifying these behaviors can improve a man's fertility and should be considered when a couple is trying to achieve pregnancy. It is advisable that we all regularly see a doctor to evaluate our sexual health. This will allow you to arrest various deterioration quickly and tackle head-on.

Stay Healthy!!!

How You Can Get Rid Of Stretch Marks

One other skin problem I know majority of people do have are stretch marks.  They are annoying and disfigures wherever they appear on. According to Wikipedia , Stretch marks are a form of scarring on the skin with an off-color hue. They are caused by tearing of the dermis, which over time may diminish, but will not disappear completely.

Stretch marks can occur when there is a sudden change in body size. This often happen during pregnancy, puberty, or rapid weight-gain. Most pregnant women will get stretch marks around their abdomen, hips and thighs, and unfortunately,I think stretch marks are genetic so if your mom had stretch marks,you might end up with it too.

As your skin is stretched, the collagen in it is weakened and  damaged. This will lead to formation of fine scars under your skin. Initially the marks look pink or red, but over time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin surface and a stretch mark is formed.

Ways Of Managing Stretch Marks

Use of Moisturizers

This is a very simple concept especially to prevent your stretch marks from increasing. Like the name, they are formed when our skin is stretched so if those areas are well moisturized then the skin can stretch without getting damaged. Try and use your lotion well before leaving the house everyday.

Potato Juice

 

Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that improves or facilitates the growth and restoration of skin cells. You can just cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices. Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes and make sure the liquid from the potato covers the affected area. After the potato juice has dried for some time you should then wash it off with warm water.

Sugar scrub

White sugar is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar to exfoliate your skin. Take a tablespoon of raw sugar and mix it with some almond oil and add a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the stretch marks and other skin areas. Rub this mixture on the skin for at least 10 minutes every day before taking a shower and you should do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks go.

Aloe Vera

 

You all know that aloe vera is effective in the treatment of many skin problems. It has various essential nutrients and active compounds that can be used in getting rid of black spots  its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. You should  directly rub aloe vera gel on the affected skin area, leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.

Water

You all know the abundance of benefits you can get from just drinking water adequately daily. It also helps to protect the skin from many kinds of problems. Well-hydrated skin results in regular detoxification of skin pores and restores elasticity, which will help a lot in getting rid of stretch marks. You should drink one to two glasses of water several times during a day.

Lemon juice

 

We cannot overemphasize the unbelievable benefits of lemon . Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks. Daily rub  fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks. You should allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

Olive oil

Olive oil contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve various skin problems including stretch marks. Rub slightly warm pure olive oil into the affected skin area. This will improve the blood circulation and reduce the stretch marks to a great extent. You should the leave it for half an hour so that the vitamins A, D and E present in the oil are absorbed by the skin.

Egg whites

Eggs are a rich source of protein but you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins for your stretch marks. Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a spoon. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush. After the whites have dried completely you can then rinse with water. After this you can use your lotion or olive oil to keep the areas moisturized.

Stay Healthy!!!

Monday, 15 June 2015

7 Foods That Help You Get Sharper Brain / Memory

No matter the class you fall into in any society, there is always the need to improve your brain and memory. I don't think I have ever met anyone that does not forget things. Yes, many of us have a lot on our cards and we deal with several challenges everyday but with the inclusion of some particular foods in our diet, we might just be able to up our brain capacity and memory. As we age, so does our brain and we tend to forget thing more. Some of these foods help by slowing down the rate at which our brain ages.

I mentioned something related to this in one of my articles that talked about foods that serve as anti-ageing agents for us. They slow down the factors that age our body and keep us younger. It is a good read any day and you can still find the article here.

This article will share with you the foods that can help improve your memory and the food composition that actually does the job. I believe this should help you make decisions to determine if the food is good for you or not. If it is a food you would want to avoid eating, then simply just check the component that does the job and look for other foods that have it in abundance.

Read this article and add these foods to your diet and you may never need to read this type of article again.

7 Foods That Boost Your Memory & Brain Function

Navigate through the pages and explore the list of foods and how they help our memory. Don't forget to take note of the food composition that does the job.

1. Sardines, Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel and Trout

These are all fishes and I trust everyone reading this knows that. Adding fish to our diet has been found to help in the boosting brainpower. Eating fish may also lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The component of the fish that does this job is what we know as omega-3 fatty acids.

A lot of researches have shown that these omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. Fish is a particularly rich source of omega-3 and eating them regularly can help to boost your memory function. However, if you do not eat sea food for some reasons, there are other options you can explore. I will talk about them on another page of this article.

2. Crabs can help the brain too

In an article a colleague of mine posted recently on FoodsNG, he mentioned that some researchers have described these fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids present In a crab  as key in improving brain function in certain individuals. So, if you do not like fish, you may want to go for the crab option instead.

He also sounded a note of caution that crabs are not to be eaten in excess, especially for those who are hypertensive. This is because some species have been found to contain more sodium. I also talked about something like this in my article that explained how salt contribute to hypertension amongst other things.


It is also important to note that some species of Crab have more cholesterol than others thereby sending a signal to those at the risk of developing heart diseases not to indulge in them. If you fall into these category, there is another option to explore.

3. Walnuts, Kidney Beans, Soybeans, etc.

Like I have mentioned under previous foods listed, you may not like to eat seafoods for some reasons. If this applies to you, please consider non-fish sources of omega-3s such as walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, winter squash, kidney beans, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.

In one of my past articles, I have talked about walnuts how powerful they are in boosting heart-health. How their rich levels of omega-3 fatty acids help decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), triglyceride levels, and lower blood pressure. A study from the University of California Los Angeles has also now suggested that adults who consistently eat walnuts can improve their cognitive function.


The study was titled "A cross sectional study of the association between walnut consumption and cognitive function among adult US populations represented in NHANES". The research concluded that these significant, positive associations between walnut consumption and cognitive functions among all adults, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity suggest that daily walnut intake may be a simple beneficial dietary behaviour.

4. Grape Juice & Red Wine

Grape juice is very helpful in improving brain function as it contains resveratrol, a flavonoid that boosts blood flow in the brain. Researchers have also recommended red wine because it is packed with resveratrol, which makes sense because red wine is made from grape juice. I would, however, not recommend red wine because it contains alcohol and much alcohol is known to damage brain cells. Ironically, when alcohol is drunk in moderation (1 glass a day for women; 2 for men), it has been found to improve memory.

Scientists from the University of Cincinnati's psychiatry department carried out the study which showed that test subjects who drank Concord grape juice during the test period demonstrated a significant improvement in list learning.

Just like I said before, I would not recommend red wine because of its alcohol content. Therefore other foods that you can find resveratrol abundantly in include grape juice, cranberry juice, fresh grapes and berries, and peanuts.


5. Eat one Egg in a day

Studies have suggested lecithin or choline supplementation might lead to improved visual memory in the elderly and reverse abnormal neuropsychological development in children. Further researches into that suggestion later showed that consuming choline, a vitamin B group nutrient found in foodstuffs like eggs and chicken or beef liver, soy and wheat germ, helps improve long-term memory and attention-holding capacity.

Eggs are one of the best sources of choline, an important nutrient used to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory. Lecithin, spirulina and wheatgerm are also good sources of choline.


The study was conducted by scientists at the University of Granada (Spain) Simón Bolívar University, (Venezuela) and the University of York (United Kingdom).

6. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties, that we know. These antioxidants help fight against agents that are cause quick ageing of the brain. It also contains several natural stimulants of caffeine is prominent. These natural stimulants enhance focus and concentration, and stimulates the production of endorphins (feel-good chemicals), which helps improve mood. It is recommended that One-half ounce to 1 ounce a day will provide all the benefits you need.


The benefits of dark chocolate include to improvement of your memory, focus and protection against brain ageing. Some have even suggested that Cacao nibs and cocoa powder are even better.

7. Green Tea and how it helps the Brain

I have talked about this green tea in at least two of my previous articles – (i) as a strong anti-aging food to include in your diet  and (ii)  Food that detoxify the body  Soon, I am going to take this green tea as a topic and discuss all its nutritional and medicinal benefits to the body.

In one of those articles about green tea, I mentioned that it contains polyphenols. These polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. Regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain ageing.


A research team has suggested that green tea could be promising in the treatment of cognitive impairments associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as dementia. The team includes Prof. Christoph Beglinger and Prof. Stefan Borgwardt of the University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland.

Saturday, 13 June 2015

If You Want To Avoid Prostate Cancer, Have More S*x

S*x is mostly seen as a pleasurable act, even though medical experts have said repeatedly that it is medicinal and a form of exercise.

Regardless, s*xual intercourse is deemed to be one of the most enjoyable acts for both men and women. However, reaching or-gasm, which is a climax of s*xual excitement, characterised by feelings of pleasure centered in the genitals, has been found to reduce the likelihood of men having prostate cancer.

In fact, apart from the health benefits of s*x
it has been proven that reaching orgasm could improve one's health. Despite boosting testosterone levels, it helps men and women to sleep better and reduce insomnia, while relieving them of stress, because the oxytocin hormone released in the process relieves tension and stimulates feelings of warmth and relaxation.

Also, previous studies have shown that apart from enhancing people's sense of smell, the oxytocin hormone released during orgasm helps people's social feel, enhance their trust and bonding with others.

Notably, men's or-gasm is complemented by eja-culation. But, interestingly, a study has shown that apart from reaching the peak of s*xual enjoyment, an orgasm a day can lower a man's risk of prostate cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer in men and it is common in men who are about 40 years and above and its diagnosis increases with age.

But according to the study, men who have more s*x and eja-culate more frequently lower their risk of the disease. In fact, the study pointed out that those who eja-culate 21 times in a month significantly cut their risk of prostate cancer by 22 per cent.

Prostate on its own is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

The researchers from Harvard Medical School in the United States explained that orgasm flushes out cancer-causing chemicals from the system, giving room for a replacement by new ones. Thus, the more the or-gasm a man has the more his body would have been ridden of such chemicals.
"Another theory is that if sperm is regularly cleaned out to allow new cells to develop, it helps to flush out old cells and stop the build-up of old ones that could turn cancerous," said the researchers.

Guys, there you have it… get yourself a good woman who can take care of you, legitimately.

Thursday, 4 June 2015

4 Reasons You Should Consume Mangoes

While most African leaders believe that the treasures and diamonds of Africa are hidden in the ground, I believe they are hanging up on the trees. This is because most fruits (Loaded with medicinal benefits) are on trees and if we maximize them, then Africa will be a healthier place. One of such treasures is Mango.

As a young boy, I had always loved to consume mangoes more than any other fruit. Not knowing the benefits associated with it, during its season, it remains my favourite. The sweet juicy fruit has been commonly regarded as the king of fruits because of its loaded nutrients while it remains the most consumed in the world.

It will interest you to note that even as more nutritionist, dietician and other food enthusiast clamour for daily inclusion of fruits into one's diet, the World Health Organisation reported that millions of people around the world still die prematurely from diseases associated with low fruit consumption. This can be avoided if we decide to choose fruits like Mango over processed foods.

Find Below The Main Reasons Why You Should Consume Mango This Season

1. Mango Helps Improve digestion:

It will only surprise you that millions of people have digestive issues and yet indulge in processed foods. Mango is one fruit that can improve this condition. It is high in fibre and very juicy. These help in constipation and other digestive related issues.


2. Mango Fruit Improves virility in Men:

Love fruit as it is called. Mangoes are loaded with vitamin E which has been found to regulate sex hormones and initiate sex drive. Consuming adequate amount of mangoes on daily basis can make you achieve this.

3. It Helps Maintain Healthy Pregnancy:

Married couples do not want health complications during and after pregnancy and one of the ways you can avoid this is to include certain fruits that mitigate against this. Folic acid or folate is one of the nutrients found in mango which prevents against birth defects such as Spinal Bifida and Hydrocephalus. You will need about 400mcg of folate daily, a cup of mango juice produces 70mcg. Also, not only liver is rich in iron, mangoes also have a good supply of it. Pregnant women need an increased level of iron especially in the second and third trimester.

4. Mango Improves hair and skin quality:

Mangoes provide great quality for your hair because they contain vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturised. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of major bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Consuming Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin C, which 1-cup of mango per day can provide, is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair. Give it a shot.

Remember, the season of Mango is here, Enjoy it while it last. Consuming 1-2 Mangoes per day would provide your body system with adequate nutrients.

On the next page, you will see advice on how much Mango you should consume. There is also advice on who and who can consume Mango; it is not good for everyone.

ADVICE ON MANGO CONSUMPTION:

While mango remains a good fruit to consume, it is important to put into consideration when you eat them. Mangoes not in season are sometimes grown and ripened with a toxic chemical called calcium carbide that has been found to cause various complications in people especially children and pregnant women. Also, avoid unripe mangoes completely as it causes dysentery and irritation.

If you have kidney related issues, consuming high amount of mangoes is not advisable as your kidney may find it difficult to filter from the blood the high supply of potassium which could cause an imbalance.