5 Health Tips to Help you Prevent Stroke

Stroke occurs when there is blockage in  the flow of  blood to the brain and the part of the body that the blood-deprived brain cells control stops working. This deprive the brain from functioning well due to the fact that the blockage prevent the supply of oxygen into the brain tissues.  Stroke can lead to death if not properly treated at the early stage and can either be Transient Ischemic Attack(TIA) which is due to blood clot or ischemic stroke  (i.e lack of blood flow) or hemorrhagic stroke (leaking of blood).
TIA is temporary. It get treated on it own but if not noticed or proper treatment isn't done,it leads to Ischemic stroke and can lead to death.
The symptoms to  look out for include;
Numbness
Paralysis
Confusion
Vision problem
 Severe headache
Difficulty in walking and in speech
 

Stroke can be very severe in some cases and its risk factors include signs of obesity, health issues such as blood pressure,diabetes, heart disease and other vascular diseases. Also, sometimes, the genetic history of an individual may be considered as a risk factor, especially if there are direct traces in such genetic history. Other risk factors include eating food with much salt, saturated fats and cholesterol as well as smoking, taking illicit drugs and alcohol

Having mentioned the risk factors, it is important to note that stroke can be prevented if the below is taken:

1. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol use

If you really want to beat stroke, it is important to stop smoking and completely desist from drinking alcohol.

2. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
3. Treat diabetes, heart disease and blood pressure
4. Eat healthy food such as food  containing fruits, Vegetables, wholegrains and legumes.
 
 

5 Facts You Need to know about Body Physiotheraphy in Nigeria

Body physiotherapy, which is also known as physical therapy is a physical treatment that improves the mobility and function of the affected area in the body. This physical  treatment can be in form of movement and exercise,icing, hydrotherapy, massaging and so on. There are different kinds of physical therapy treatment depending on the kind of  disease you have. Physiotherapy can also be used to treat injuries,motor accident,joint pains, obesity, chronic and back pain.

 

Most people don't see the importance of physical therapy. They prefer to use the modern drugs prescribed by doctors than visiting the therapist. Below are five(5) facts you need to know about body phyiotherapy. 

 

1. It prevents Sports-related Injuries

Since it is said that some of the ways in which one can get the physical treatment is through movement and exercise therefore, it is clearly known that physiotherapy will sure prevent one from sports related injuries. 

 

2. It helps to improve overall strength

Physiotherapy helps in strengthening of bones and joints. If there's any  symptoms of weakness, it is advisable to visit the therapist and get yourself a physical treatment that'll help you get back your strength. 

3. It makes one depend less on medicines

As we all know, modern drugs do have side effects but physical therapy don't have. If going for physiotherapy will make me get heal with no side effects why should I go for the modern drugs then?

 

4.  It helps reduce pain or eliminate it completely

Going through therapy session will help reduce the pain in the affected area and in some cases it get them eliminated completely. The primary aim of physical therapy is to reduce  pain and make it able for the affected area to function well again without any form of pain in the future. 

 

Read: Biography of Emeka Nobis

 

5.  Helps patient to recover from stroke:

Physiotherapy will help  strengthen the part that got paralysed with  stroke and get it reformed and it begins to function just as the way it should. 

There are lots more facts about physiotherapy but this article gives the best  5. Read, digest and visit physiotherapist in order to get yourself treated with the physical treatment and say bye bye to vertigo, obesity, in any kind of pain. 

Top 5 Nigerian Myths about Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer, known as ogbe inu in Yoruba, onya in igbo, and miki in hausa, can be simply defined as sore of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) or digestive tract lining, the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine especially. Although the prevalence of peptic ulcer in Nigeria is not exactly known yet, chances are that you know someone or you know someone that knows someone with stomach ulcer, which is the commonest type of peptic ulcer. However, there is still so much misconception around this disease. Let us take a look into some of them.
 

1. Skipping breakfast/fasting is the primary cause of Ulcer

Having breakfast regularly is a healthy practice, yet skipping breakfast is not the primary cause of ulcer. The stomach normally produces some acidic juices to aid food digestion. The lining of the GIT, however, is protected from the effects of the stomach juices. If these protective mechanisms get compromised, the acids can work on the walls of the digestive tract and ulcerate them. Recent studies have shown that the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, which is introduced into the stomach and intestine through contaminated food and water, and coming in contact with contaminated fluids like saliva, poses a major threat to the integrity of the GIT walls and hence the primary cause of ulcer.

2. Eating some kinds of food can cause Ulcer

Many believe that eating a lot of peppery and acidic food can make one have peptic ulcer, but that, as far as research is concerned, is incorrect. The only type of food that can lead to the ulceration of your GIT is contaminated food, as earlier discussed. Peptic ulcer patients are advised to stay off spicy, rocky, and highly acidic food not because that was what caused the ulcer, but because their stomach walls are already injured and eating those foods will worsen the pain.

3. Peptic ulcer has no Cure

This is a myth you've probably heard  more than once. Yet, studies show that peptic ulcer can be cured if diagnosed early and treated properly. The first step in treating ulcer is identifying the cause and getting rid of it. Giving antibiotics against Helicobacter pylori have been proven to be an effective treatment for peptic ulcer. They can be used alongside proton pump blockers, which reduce the amount of stomach acids being secreted. Moreover, a group of drug known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), or simply put, painkillers, like aspirin and ibuprofen, if used regularly, can compromise the integrity of the GIT walls. Desisting from the use of these drugs can therefore be the first step in treating some ulcers. When these treatments begin early, are strictly adhered to and properly followed up, peptic ulcer can be cured, many of the times.

4. Overeating can cure Ulcer

People who eat regularly have lesser chances of having ulcer because whether your stomach is full or empty, it still produces acidic secretions. These secretions tend to work on the stomach walls when there’s no food in the stomach, hence an acidic environment makes the GIT more prone to ulceration. However, this is only a secondary cause of ulcer, as the digestive tract naturally has means of protecting its lining. The primary cause still needs to be taken away. So, overeating does not cure ulcer. It might make the patient feel better for a while. In extreme cases even, overeating can constipate the ulcer patient. This is why people with peptic ulcers are not advised to overeat, but to eat regularly.

5. Peptic ulcer is not a serious Disease

Many people feel peptic ulcer is a disease that anyone can endure for the rest of his life, so long his cupboard is filled with painkillers or herbal medicines. Well, it's true that many times, symptoms of peptic ulcers tend to be mild at the onset, however, in the long run, if causative agents aren't properly dealt with, ulcers can get serious and lead to internal bleeding and eventually death. In fact, in the World Health Organization (WHO) data published in 2020, Nigeria was ranked Nigeria as #31 out of countries with high death rates from peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcer is indeed a serious disease, and treatments should be sought for as soon as possible.

 

Now that you know what peptic ulcer is not, when next you come across any of these myths we just examined, you remember that they are nothing but what they are—myths.

The Harmful Effects of Shisha - Plague or Pleasure?

 

Hookah, Narghile, Waterpipe, or Hubble Bubble smoking, popular as Shisha in this part of the world is a way of smoking tobacco, sometimes mixed with fruit or molasses sugar, through a bowl and hose or tube. It is a glass-bottomed water pipe in which fruit-flavoured tobacco is covered with foil and roasted with charcoal. The tobacco smoke passes through a water chamber and is inhaled deeply and slowly; the fruit-flavoured tobacco tastes smooth and smells sweet, making it an enjoyable and unrushed experience.


Shisha pipes use tobacco sweetened with fruit or molasses sugar, making the smoke more aromatic than cigarette smoke. Popular flavourings include Apple, Plum, Coconut, Mango, Mint and Strawberry . The tube ends in a mouthpiece from which the smoker inhales the smoke from the substances being burnt into their lungs.

How Harmful is Shisha?

It’s difficult to say exactly how much smoke or toxic substances an individual is exposed to in a typical shisha session. People smoke Shisha for a much longer period of time than they smoke a cigarette, and in one puff of Shisha you inhale the same amount of smoke as you’d get from smoking a whole cigarette. Shisha smoking appears to increase the risk of several Cancers (lung, esophageal, and gastric), Pulmonary diseases (impaired pulmonary function, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema), Coronary artery disease, Periodontal disease, Obstetrical and Perinatal problems (low birth weight and pulmonary problems at birth), larynx and voice changes, and osteoporosis.

Is Herbal Shisha Healthier?

No it isn’t. Shisha, herbal or not, usually contains tobacco. Fruit or herbal flavours do not mean the product is healthy.  Using a tobacco-free shisha still put the individual at risk from the Carbon monoxide and any toxins in the coal or charcoal used to burn the Shisha.

Second hand smoke is also a worry. If you’re smoking with other people or in a public place and the Shisha includes cigarette tobacco, it’s likely you’ll breathe in their second hand smoke too.

                 

5 Facts You Need to know about Body Physiotheraphy in Nigeria

Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the medical professions. It is provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, prognosis, patient education, physical intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention, and health promotion. Physical therapists are known as physiotherapists in many countries. Speaking about the emergence of body physiotherapy in Nigeria, the first meeting held by the Society was held on 28 November 1959 in Lagos at a physiotherapist's home. Within a short period (1961-1962) the society was recognised by the Federal Government and other Regional Governments. It was the only body that had the power to negotiate with the governments. Therefore the In addition to clinical practice, other aspects of physical therapist practice include research, education, consultation, and health administration. Physical therapy is provided as a primary care treatment or alongside, or in conjunction with, other medical services.

Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) is the embodiment of Physiotherapists in Nigeria, is a member of the World confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) and a leading member of the WCPT Africa Region (WCPTA).  Physical therapy addresses the illnesses or injuries that limit a person's abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs use an individual's history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan and, when necessary, incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies like X-rays, CT-scan, or MRI findings. PT management commonly includes prescription of or assistance with specific exercises, manual therapy, and manipulation, mechanical devices such as traction, education, electrophysical modalities which include heat, cold, electricity, sound waves, radiation, assistive devices, prostheses, orthoses, and other interventions. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles, providing services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing treatment in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease, or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy.

With all the explanations given above about physiotherapy, mind you lets not forget about what Body Physiotherapy entails. 

Body physiotherapy is defined as the treatment of problems of the muscles, joints, or nerves, especially using exercises or by rubbing or moving the affected body parts. Mind you there different types of body physiotherapy functioning for different parts of the body and this includes: sport physiotherapy, rehabilitation and pain management. The best among them all is orthopedic physiotherapy. 

Therefore, the 5 facts about Body physiotherapy in Nigeria are listed below: 

1. Physical Therapy Eliminates The need for Surgery

Physical therapy can not only relieve pain, but completely reverse some conditions or stop them from progressing, eliminating the need for surgery. For many patients, the thought of surgery is overwhelming; it can be expensive, uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially when an extended recovery period is required.

2. Physiotherapy Prevents and Manages Obesity

Physiotherapists can play a role in educating client about weight lost by assessing and planning an exercise program which focuses on energy expenditure modification through exercise. Fitness is also associated with more desirable clinical outcomes in many instances

3. Physiotherapy is Drug-Free

Non-surgical/drug free treatment physiotherapy is a medical treatment for the problems of joints, muscles or nerves by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, exercise rather than drugs or surgery.

4. Physiotherapists are Health Care Givers

They participate in global health work beyond direct patient care, including advocating for and developing rehabilitation programmes.

5. Physiotherapists can help improve your general body functional performance

Physiotherapists supports people at all stages of life to recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness and maximize function and quality of life, incorporating physical, psychological, emotional and social well being. 

5 Recommended Foods that Reduces Your Risk of Cancer

 It is said that what we consume has a very great  impact on our health. Most people consume whatever they see, not even considering the nutritional factor, health benefits and risk of the food they consume, in as much as it makes them feel full. However, it is important for one to know the health risk and benefits of the food he/she consumes because some can lead to increase to some certain kinds of diseases while others can lead to decrease in some certain kinds of diseases. 

In this article, you'll learn to know 5 important foods to take in order to reduce your risk of cancer. But before that, I'd like to tell us what cancer mean. 

Cancer is a broad term  that contains large group of diseases. It happens when  cells grow abnormally in any organ or tissue  of the body. The name given to each kind of cancer is gotten from the tissue that got affected by the abnormal cell. Some of which include; breast cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, cancers of the digestive and upper respiratory tract etc.

Cancer is a very deadly disease and infact,it  is the second leading cause of death globally.

Below are 5 Recommended Foods that Reduces Your Risk of Cancer

1. Plant based foods

These are foods primarily from plants. They include; crusiferous vegetables(brocolli, cauliflower and cabbage), fruits, nuts,olive oil etc. They contain phytonutrients which helps to reduce the risk of some certain kind of  cancer which  include head and neck cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer.

 

2. Vitamins and minerals 

Foods of this category include; green leafy vegetables, fish, citrus fruits and juices etc. Consumption of these foods will help in the reduction of some cancers such as; breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, cancers of the digestive and upper respiratory tract. 

 

3. Fiber rich foods

Foods rich in fiber helps to reduce the risk of Colorectal cancer. They include pulses and legumes, whole wheat, wheat grain  bread and pasta, local rice, flaxseed etc

4. Carotenoids

These are plant pigment that are responsible for the orange,yellow and red color  in plants, vegetables and fruits. They include; tomato, pawpaw, watermelon,pepper and most foods with a red color. Consumption of these foods lead to  decrease in  the risk of prostate cancer.  

5.  Antioxidants 

These are compounds that inhibit oxidation. They help to destroy any form of abnormality in the oragn,tissue ,cells and other part of the body. Antioxidants are very effective because they are naturally produced in the body  to fight against free radicals that promote oxidative stress. Oxidative stress increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and many other chronic diseases. Hence,it is recommended to take foods that are rich in antioxidants,they include; berries(goji berries, strawberry, raspberry etc),green tea,fruits and vegetables, dark chocolate etc. 

But however,it is important to note that too much intake of these foods may lead to increase in other kinds of diseases.  And a rich diet meal paired with a healthy lifestyle will yield a better health.  

 

 

5 Healthy Eating Tips for Nigerian Pregnant Women

During pregnancy, the food you eat helps your body to provide nutrients so that your baby can grow and develop normally. But recent discoveries are showing that the nutrients they receive while in the womb have a much greater impact on their future health than was previously thought. Learn how pregnancy nutrition plays a crucial role in your baby’s health beyond birth, and how to maximize your intake from the food you eat. Common sense tells us that eating well during pregnancy is good for mother and baby. But only recently has science revealed just how much impact your pregnancy diet can have. It’s now recognized that the nutrition babies receive during pregnancy does more than support their growth and development in the womb. It also influences their health throughout infancy, childhood and for the rest of their life. This means that by making healthy choices and eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet now, you are supporting your baby’s wellbeing for decades to come. A balance of life-sustaining nutrients in pregnancy. During pregnancy, your baby grows from a single cell to a fully formed, unique and beautiful baby. Certain nutrients are essential to this growth, and including them in your pregnancy diet at the recommended levels will help to give your baby the best start for a healthy future. As well as protein, fats and carbohydrates (the macronutrients that provide the bulk of your baby’s energy), many micronutrients are essential to their normal growth and development. A well-balanced pregnancy diet is one that includes a healthy intake of macronutrients and micronutrients.


Although there are many nutrients involved in your baby’s development, the vitamins, minerals and fats explained below are particularly important during pregnancy. Some, such as vitamins C, D, A, folate, thiamin and riboflavin are needed to such a degree that your recommended levels are higher than they would normally be. But with many available from various everyday food sources, the good news is you may already be getting the levels you need.


To learn more about the key nutrients and how to get them, take a look at the articles about the 5 Healthy Eating Tips for Nigerian Pregnant Women.


1. Base meals on starchy food (such as bread, rice, pasta, potatoes), choosing wholegrain   options where possible. This is because they provide energy, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Eating enough nutritious starchy foods can help a person's digestion, satiety, and energy levels.


2. Eat foods with lots of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, oats, beans, peas, lentils.

The intake of fiber‐rich foods during pregnancy and lactation helps in promoting heart health, decreasing diabetes risk, preventing constipation, as well as reducing risks of preeclampsia risks, together with providing nutrient‐rich food with low energy density.

3. Eat at least 5 portions of different fruits and vegetables each day (3 vegetable if possible)

Fruit is an excellent source of nutrients that are essential during pregnancy. Fruits can provide vitamins, folate, fiber, and more, which all help to keep the woman and baby healthy. These nutrients can also help to relieve some of the common symptoms of pregnancy.

4. Don’t over-eat. 

For the first two trimesters of pregnancy there is no need to eat more than the normal 2,000 calories recommended for women. You can use the NHS Choices calorie checker to count your daily calories.

5. Don't skip breakfast, choosing sugar-free cereals if you have cereal.

Skipping breakfast and [other] meals increases the risk of premature labor.” Without a healthy morning meal, you also may feel sick to your stomach, lightheaded and, soon, famished. Today, nearly all cereals have B-vitamins, magnesium, iron, zinc, and folic acid (source: AAPS). In the US, breakfast cereals are the leading dietary source of folate, an important vitamin during pregnancy that supports a baby's nervous system development (source: Public Health Nutrition).

5 Ways to Prevent Blood Clot Disorder

Blood Clot Formation occurs when you cut or injure yourself; your body stops the bleeding by forming a blood clot. Biologically it is said that the proteins and particles in your blood, called platelets, stick together to form the blood clot. The process of forming a clot is called coagulation. Normal coagulation is important during an injury, as it helps stop a cut from bleeding and starts the healing process. Hypercoagulable states are usually genetic (inherited) or acquired conditions. The genetic form of this disorder means a person is born with the tendency to form blood clots. Acquired conditions are usually a result of surgery, trauma, medications or a medical condition that increases the risk of hypercoagulable states. But since this article is talking about Blood clot disorder, this brings us to the explanation of what blood clot disorder entails.

Blood clot disorder occurs when blood forms clots more often than it is supposed to. Your body maintains normal blood flow because of a balance of molecules called procoagulant factors and anticoagulant factors. Any imbalance of these factors can lead to a blood clotting disorder. The most common type of hereditary coagulation disorders is Hemophilia.

This is a rare disorder in which the blood doesn't clot in the typical way because it doesn't have enough blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors). If you have hemophilia, you might bleed for a longer time after an injury than you would if your blood clotted properly. 

Therefore, the 5 ways of preventing Blood Clotting Disorder are listed below. 

1. Raise your legs 6 inches above your heart from time to time.

When you're sitting or standing, oxygen-depleted blood in your legs must also work against gravity in order to return to your heart.  This means that gravity is now working in your favor which may help improve blood flow in the veins in your legs. 

2. Wear special stockings (called compression stockings) if your doctor prescribes them.

Compression stockings apply pressure to your legs and ankles, which may reduce the diameter of major veins by increasing the volume and velocity of blood flow up toward the heart which helps to prevent blood from refluxing downward to the foot or laterally into superficial veins.

3. Maintaining a healthy weight

Eating a healthy diet can strengthen your bodies and joints, helps you maintain an ideal weight, makes the body more efficiently circulates blood and enables the body fluid levels to be properly and easily managed.

4. Avoid crossing the legs

Avoid keeping your legs crossed for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Get up and walk around or just stand up and stretch if you've been sitting for more than 30 minutes. This is because researchers and Doctors will often tell you to uncross your legs because blood pressure rises slightly when you cross your legs at the knee. 

5. Standing or sitting for no longer than an hour at a time

A growing amount of research suggests that just standing -- even if you don't walk around -- can have health benefits. To get the right balance, sit 20 minutes out of every half hour at work, standing for eight minutes and moving around for at least two minutes. This will stop the sluggish blood flow through the legs.