Health

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.

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 by Oluwanifise Ifeoluwa Onafowokan

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.

5 Facts You Need to know about Body Physiotheraphy in Nigeria

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).

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.

So Far So Good - A National Review on Issues Affecting Nigeria

We can decide to make rants, asking what could be the major problem of Nigeria and what our fifty nine years of independence has taught us? The reality in Nigeria has shown us the hard side of life with no remorse whatsoever.

You ask further - Could it be we are accursed?

Without argument, it is said that predominant happenings in Nigeria are on the highly negative side, giving lesser or no hope to an aspired future. Going from the nature of social problems, developmental problems, economic crisis, political unrest, security problem, etc, we are certain that life itself has imparted a sense of adversity to Nigerian citizens.

The major uproar now in Nigeria is the pandemic across the world affecting the four walls of Nigeria COVID-19. The pandemic came to Nigeria first month of this year and according to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ( NCDC) the confirm cases has grown to four thousand one hundred and fifty one (4151) as at 9th may, 2020 with a discharged cases of seven hundred and forty five (745) and the death of one hundred and twenty eight (128) .

Does this speak volume of hope to the nation?

The lock down is another issue her citizen would not want to adhere to mainly because of the lack of trust she has on her leadership. During the first lock down, her citizen took upon herself through social media on the necessity of getting food on the tables as eighty percent of her population live on a daily income. The second lock down declared by the president on Monday, 13th April, 2020 opened the nation to insecurity problems as the AWAWA BOYS and ONE MILLION BOYS became the fear of the day.

What was the reason for the fear?

Why the cause of commotion?

To some, it was food. Some said it was the boredom and yet another came saying it was a political plot of the leaders to her citizens. The issue is yet to be settled as the Ogun and Lagos States Commissioners released in statements in the early hours of the morning 13th of April 2020, saying it was just uproar and a false alarm by the citizen that the nation is at peace with her. However, the citizens would not have it as vigilante groups were formed at different areas in the Abule egba axis, Iyana ipaja, Sango, and Ogun environs. On social media, videos of apprehending the thieves were sent across to show what stay the country is indeed is. 27th of April of the year 2020 was another day of the delivery of the President's speech which reduced the tension of her citizen on the ease of the lock down on the 4th of may of the year 2020.

The issue which is predominant had shove every other problem that is faced by the country for now and the people strongly believe that this could be a sign of rest that the nation leader should take advantage of and give thought to solution and attention to problems of the nation.

Should we hope they make use of the advantage?

The pandemic also didn't leave the students out as academic curriculum is left to an halt due to lock down of public places and gatherings of more than twenty people. It has shown the level in full picture the level of our academic student. As social media which has been a major tool during this lock has it how patiently the citizens of the nation wait for current from the developed countries. Although, the reaction the citizen has is the fact that there might not be no pandemic which is just a general myth by the nation's citizen because of the level of interest of the government. The vaccine that was rumoured to be a possible cure for the for the affected cases was said to be tested in Nigeria pioneer by Bill Gates. The people went a full force in rejecting such act because of lack of trust and the reasoning of who among the affected countries beeds it the most?

The coming of the Chinese doctors is another issue that brings the lack of sincerity on the part of the government towards her citizen. On Twitter it was attend that their was no need of the doctors coming over, even while the doctor's of her beloveth country Nigeria gave their non approval of the coming if the doctor's it came as a shock when the minister of health on channels gave his talk on the government not knowing the coming of the doctors neither did the government invite them but they were a gift from a Chinese company.

Who are our leaders?

We may not say all is bad. We only have a positive position to all that is happening and continually say, "Where there is life there is hope"

Exposure to Pesticides causes low sperm count – Health Expert

Prof. Suleiman Ambali of the Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ilorin, has warned that continuous exposure of humans to pesticides causes a decline in male sperm count.

Ambali disclosed this in his paper presentation at the 192nd Inaugural Lecture of the University, entitled: "Preventing pesticides from poisoning away our health and future – the oxidative approach".

The don, who lectures in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the university, warned that there was evidence that human species was approaching a fertility crisis based on trends in male reproductive health.

He said based on the troubling data from laboratory, clinical epidemiology studies, it was obvious that the world would witness fertility crisis.

To corroborate his reports, he explained that some Danish scientists' research had also indicated that sperm counts of men have declined by about 50 per cent since 1940 worldwide.

"The researchers analysed the result of sperm counts between 1938 and 1991. Since then several other studies have confirmed the decline.

"Environmental causes including pesticides especially those that cause endocrine changes in fetal and pre-puberty life prior to birth or during childhood or during breastfeeding are involved in the decline of semen quality," he said.

According to him, the effect of chemical pesticides on 'birth sex' is in favour of more females than males.

He explained that this trend was worrisome as human activities continue to change the natural demography in favour of women, as a lesser number of male births occur.

Ambali said that the use of pesticides by people had led to a reduction in the quantity and quality of food available.

The expert in Toxicology who quoted WHO said about three million workers in agriculture in the developing world experience pesticide poisoning annually with about 18,000 deaths.

He also disclosed that there were estimated 250,000 deaths annually from pesticide self-poisoning worldwide, accounting for about 30 per cent of the suicide rates globally.

Coronavirus and the Politics of Life

Since the Coronavirus pandemic has taken over the world like a raging storm with over five million confirmed cases worldwide. The disease which started in the later part of 2019 in Wuhan, a town in the Hubei province of China is said to be a respiratory disease and has claimed more than two hundred thousand lives in the world. It is a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) and in its contracted form, it is COVID-19. The disease has made the world's economies to be on a standstill as most countries are either partially or totally locked down.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the virus a pandemic which needed international attention. A new name for the disease, COVID-19 was announced by WHO on February 11, 2020. Nigeria confirmed its first case of the disease on 27 February, 2020 when an Italian citizen in Lagos was tested positive for the virus. Since then, Nigeria has experienced a rise of the disease. As at May 7, Nigeria had a total of 3526 confirmed cases with 601 discharged cases and 103 deaths across 34 states and

the FCT

Right from the confirmation of the first case in Nigeria, government officials and politicians alike showed signs of irresponsibility. Many politicians started off playing politics with the virus without cares that the time was not right for any form of politicking going by the happenings in countries with far more developed health systems. Politicians downplayed the presence of the disease in Nigeria, simply calling it a hoax and that it was a well coordinated effort of the government to embezzle public fund. Days later, another case was confirmed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

As the cases rose, it began to scare well informed Nigerians, but the rise didn't stop these politicians from inciting the public against the government with plenteous rubbish. People, believing in the 'madness' of these politicians started demanding for the pictures of the Italian and others who were confirmed infected with the disease. This continued until Muhammad Abubakar, the son of the former president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar was tested positive for the virus.

As the World's Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the virus a pandemic with information and guidelines as the virus could be transmitted from person to person, one of the standard prevention procedures was that anyone who had visited any countries with confirmed cases of the virus should self isolate for 14 days upon return to their countries. Around early March, the Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari returned from his Germany's official trip. On his return to the country, he was supposed to self isolate, but he didn't do so. He instead attended theKogi state governor's mother's 3-day Fidau prayer the next day. Some days later, it was reported that he had tested positive for the virus. Also, at the time when the virus had gained momentum in Lagos, PDP held a rally in Ibadan, Oyo State where Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State governor was quoted to have said that the PDP members were immuned to the virus. Three days later, a case of the virus was confirmed in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State and many days after, the governor himself confirmed he has tested positive for the virus through his social media handle. This means that if we assume that he was a ticking time bomb when the rally was held, then, we can not doubt the reality of having a thousand cases in Oyo state at this moment to grace.

While the Sanwo-Olu Lagos State Government and the administration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) increased their testing strength as a way to curtail the spread of the disease, the northern states except Kaduna and Borno states did practically nothing to prepare for the advent of the virus in the state. The Kano state governor didn't lift a finger except closing the state's border, a move that was quite ineffective until the deaths in the state became alarming. Concerned corners thus raised questions at the time as regards the lateness before actions were made.

Government and politicians once again showed cold hearts in the distribution of relief materials and palliatives which were intended to help reduce of the effect of the lockdown declared in the country. Lagos was first to roll out its plan to distribute palliatives which was 'hijacked' by politicians. Streets with over a hundred dwellers were given small sacks of rice, few tubers of yam and loaves of bread in the most ridiculous manner. The same happened in Osun state where a household was given a cup of rice and far as a governor who asked his citizens to buy 'gaari' if they didn't have the money to stock their homes.

With 774 local government heads, 36 state governors (including the ministers of the FCT), 109 senators, 365 house of representative members and 36 state assemblies, shouldn't there be concerns about the welfare of those who elected them?

Nigeria has a track record of having one of the worst health systems in the world despite billions of naira that is being pumped to it every year. Instead of improving the health systems, government and politicians busy themselves with funds to embezzle. The Coronavirus has highlighted how weak our health systems are. Truth is, with the present health systems in Nigeria, we will be overwhelmed by the virus way before we reach ten thousand confirmed cases.

On a final note, the Coronavirus has shown how inhumane and incompetent our politicians are. It shows politicians are only interested in sharing the national cake. The coming of this virus should be an eye opener for leaders in power corridors and politicians alike to plan ahead for future possibilities.

HealthWise: 5 Reasons Why You Should Take Vaccines

Vaccines are substances,when injected into the body, help fight the body against diseases and infections. There are different vaccines for different diseases. When the body is exposed to pathogen, the injected vaccine help stimulate the production of antibodies that helps fight the disease.

Below Are 5 Reasons You Should Take Vaccines

1. Protection against Diseases and Infection

To protect yourself against diseases that could have serious negative effect on your health: Getting immunined will not only be beneficial to you but also to people around you. You gets saved from getting infected from people around you and you also save people from getting infected by you due to the fact that you had been vaccinated hence, everyone is safe .

2. Protection against Spread of Disease/Infection

Vaccines protect you from having being tagged as a disease spreader: When your body get exposed to pathogenic organisms and there were already substances to stimulate the production of antibodies to help fight against the organisms (i.e you are vaccinated), this saves you from getting infected by the disease and it also save people around you from getting infected by the disease. If everyone or half of the population gets vaccinated, everyone feels save and there is reduction in the rate of spread of diseases.

3. If collected once , you get protected for many years: It is very important for one to get vaccinated for it keeps you protected for many years or even for a lifetime. But there are some vaccines that can only keep you protected for limited years, hence,their dosses will be boosted at every required time.

4.Vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away
The viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not protected by vaccines. Getting yourself vaccinated will protect you from such viruses and bacterial because your immune would have been able to identify the do called virus hence, you'll be safe.

5. It makes you Stay healthy

Many health organizations had recommended vaccines for protection over many diseases. It is important for you to always go to the hospital for boosting of dosses if you are not subjected to a lifetime vaccination. When you ignore this,you leave yourself vulnerable to all forms of harmful and dangerous diseases.

In summary, the use of vaccines are very important to everyone just as food.

5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Skin Care Products

As the name suggests, Skin care simply means the care of the skin. You can simply take care of your skin with any kind of skin products that comes your way but I'd advice that you take care of your skin with quality skin care products that will have no effect on your skin or better still, you visit the dermatologist for effective skin care routine. The skin is the largest organ of the body that protect against light,heat and other factors that can cause infections or harm the body. You should take care of your skin just as you'll take care of your and every other organ in your body as it is as important as other organs too. Everything that happens abnormally in the internal body showed through the skin hence, while taking care of your skin by using quality skin care products, you should take care of your cells too. Still not bothered why you should take care of your skin? Read on and see 5 reasons you should invest in skin care products

1. It Boosts your self confidence

The use of quality skin care products boost your self confidence. When you look at yourself and you see the the beautiful effect of the skin care products you use, you feel happy looking at yourself and hence , you believe more in yourself.

2. It makes you feel younger

Old age bring about shrinking of the skin but the use of quality skin care products will improve the texture of your skin and gives it quality radiant that makes you feel happy about yourself. And happiness they say makes one feel healthier and happier.

3. It prevents you from infections

Invest now in using quality skin care products and save yourself and family against nursing skin infections in future. Also you'll save from yourself the stress of visiting the hospital to treat infections. Remember,health is wealth.

4. It puts your skin in good condition

The use of high quality skin care products will make your skin look attractive,it will increases its radiant,prevent it from acne,treat wrinkles and your skin will be just perfect.

5. It makes You look more beautiful

Cosmetics give your skin everything it need to be radiant, to glow, to improve it appearance, texture,prevent it from ance, and even improve the mental health. Now tell me why you won't look beautiful with the use of high quality skin care products.

Because you are advised to use skin care doesn't mean you should use anyhow skin care products. One of the reasons to use skin care products is to save you from infections hence you should be careful on what skin care products to use. As earlier stated, it is important to see a dermatologist for effective high quality skin care products rather than using less quality skin care products or using skin care products that you are allergy to which will at the end not serve the reason of investing in quality skin care products.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Starchy Foods for Nigerians by Haroon Nafeesah

Starch is a type of carbohydrate consisting of glucose molecules. Glucose provide cells with energy and helps nerve cells in the brain function properly.

Starchy foods are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet. Some of these starchy foods should be eaten every day as part of a healthy balance diet. Starchy foods come in many forms, and people often consume them as staple foods in diets worldwide. Legumes, grains, and root vegetables are all examples of them.

However, too much consumption of these starchy foods are linked to a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease and weight gain. In addition, they can cause blood sugar to spike rapidly and then fall sharply. This is especially important for people with diabetes and prediabetes, since their bodies can't efficiently remove sugar from the blood. For example, those with diabetes need to be more aware of their starchy food intake than others. This does not mean they must avoid starchy foods, it simply means that because their bodies are more sensitive to carbohydrates, they need to pay close attention to what they consume.

In this article, the benefit of consuming starchy foods will be discussed in order for to know the usefulness of consuming starchy foods and the educate the Nigerians that total avoidance of starchy foods are not good for the proper function of the body system.

Health Benefits of Starchy Foods

Starchyfoods are an essential part of a nutritious diet. They are a vital source of energy and nutrition and provide the basis for a satisfying, balanced meal. As recommended by doctors,eating plenty of starchy foods as part of a balanced diet provide energy and fiber, as well as to increase feelings of fullness. Here are various reasons why starchy foods are crucial as part of a balanced diet:

1. Energy

Starchy foods are a suitable source of energy because of their high carbohydrate. When the body digest starch, it converts it to glucose which is the main human fuel. It goes through the bloodstream and give energy to almost all the cells in the body. The body can use this glucose right away or store it in the liver for later use.

2. Fiber

Many starchy foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and beans, are high in fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate with a unique molecular structure. Because of its unique structure, it's glucosec molecules are bound tightly together, hence, it passes through the digestive system because it can't be easily broken in the small intestine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that most people in the United States do not include enough fiber in their diet and it also says that fiber helps move waste through the digestive system. High fiber diets can also reduce a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

3. Satiety

Satiety is the feeling of being full after eating. Certain foods make a person feel more satiated after eating them. Research suggests foods containing fiber increase satiety. They also offer other health benefits, including improving the body’s insulin sensitivity and reducing fat storage.Some of the top foods include potatoes, porridge, and brown pasta.

Starch is a carbohydrate and a natural component of most plants, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Starchy foods are an essential part of a balanced diet, as they provide energy, fiber, and a sense of fullness.

The body breaks down starch molecules into glucose, which is the body’s primary fuel source. The brain, in particular, requires a considerable amount of glucose each day. Starchy foods are safe for most individuals and present no risks or side effects. However, it is important that people with diabetes or CSID carefully consider their starch intake.

5 Negative Effects of Antiseptics

As we adjust to the new normal since the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is practically meticulous, so to say, especially when it comes to water. However, it is pertinent to know that no matter how clean water appears to be, there is every possibility that there are germs in it cloaked in invisibility. With the knowledge that water is always contaminated, most people have imbibed the habit of the regular use of Antiseptic liquid as a means to "kill germs". Is it really possible to totally kill germs 99.9%, does the Antiseptic liquid have the perceived belief of totally exterminating germs? These are questions most people have failed to ask. They have been made to believe via adverts on TV that adding few drops of these Antiseptic liquids to water kills germs and reduces the risk of contracting skin infections of different types; thereby giving us a germ free skin, but this belief has been discovered to be mythical.

In a recent tweet, precisely last week by a Nigerian Doctor. He stated that the use of Antiseptic liquids in bath water cause more harm than the "believed cure". He further confirmed that it has not been stated anywhere adding Antiseptic to bath water makes it the safest. Doctor Olufunmilayo, unequivocally re-stated that there are helpful bacteria which protect our skin and a woman's vagina from infection. But the use of Antiseptic liquid kill these protective agents, leaving the skin vulnerable to other infections and the vagina begins to emit discharge, foul smell and causes severe itching.

Finally, he advised that just as the frequent use of antibiotics can be bad for one’s health, so also is the frequent use of Antiseptic liquid and soap is bad for one’s skin. He doesn't totally condemn the use of Antiseptic, but condemns the frequent use of Antiseptic and places emphasis on its severe side effects.

5 Ways to Actively Include Men in Family Planning Discussions

Family planning refers to use of modern contraceptives or natural techniques to limit or space pregnancies. Modern methods of contraception include the pill, female and male sterilization, IUD, injectables, implants, male and female condom, diaphragm, and emergency contraception. Traditional methods include periodic abstinence, withdrawal and folk methods.

Reason for not using contraception

Preferred method of contraception for future use

Heard family planning on radio and television or in a newspaper or magazine

Acceptability of media messages on family planning

Contact of non-users with family planning providersP

lanning is being used

Was family planning use mainly the woman's/the husband/partner's or a joint decision

Informed choice of family planning methods

Unmet need for family planning Spotting between periods. Breakthrough bleeding, or spotting, refers to when vaginal bleeding occurs between menstrual cycles.

What is male involvement in family planning?

Male Involvement through spousal communication and approval about family Planning. In the current study, nearly 60.0% of men were involved in family planning through spousal communication and approval. Among all respondents, more than half (54.0%) of men have never discussed FP with their partner.

Why is male involvement in family planning important?

Male engagement in family planning (FP) is a subset of male engagement in reproductive health. Gender experts agree that men should be encouraged to be supportive partners of women's reproductive health while also meeting their own reproductive health needs, and engaged as agents of change in families and communities. Men are also recognized to be responsible for the large proportion of ill reproductive health suffered by their female partners. Male involvement helps not only in accepting a contraceptive but also in its effective use and continuation.

Step 1: Define the behavioral aim of your initiative.

Common behavioral aims of male engagement programming include increased male participation as:

Contraceptive users (e.g., condoms and vasectomy) or as partners using methods requiring active cooperation (e.g., Standard Days Method)

Partners engaged in open communication and decision-making about family planning and contraceptives

Advocates for gender equality and family planning in their families and communities

Step 2: Assess mens and boys knowledge and attitudes related to reproduction and contraception.

Knowledge of individual methods, how they work, and their side effects. Ideal family size. Beliefs about how contraception affects health, work, and future fertility

Knowledge of, preferences for, and perceptions of family planning services, for example:

3: Assess how gender norms affect male engagement in family planning.

Men play an important role in challenging inequitable gender norms and fostering positive norms, particularly among their peers and with their children. Failure to address issues such as womens subservient social status, economic dependence on men and limited agency, household power dynamics, and harmful masculine norms are common reasons that investments in family planning service delivery fail to achieve expected results.

4. Identify programming approaches that engage men and boys.

After clarifying the relevant norms, identify the people whose opinions matter to men and may influence those particular behaviors. Such individuals could include community leaders, parents/in-laws, religious leaders, health care providers, or positive deviants (i.e., those already practicing the desired behavior). Also, identify the sources and locations where men and boys prefer to receive sexual and reproductive health information and services.

5. Social and behavior change category

consider integrating information sharing and discussions into traditionally male spaces such as agricultural projects or development committees.

5 Healthy Eating Tips for Nigerian Pregnant Women

You are what you eat. However, when you are pregnant, you are not only what you eat, your baby also is. Studies have shown that the fetus derives everything needed for its growth and survival, from the very moment of conception to the very moment of birth, from its mother. This includes nutrients, fluid, oxygen, and antibodies. Thus, we can never overemphasize how important it is to eat healthy as a pregnant woman, and you know what? Doing this doesn’t have to be burdensome. Here are 5 tips that would bring you closer toward achieving your healthy-eating goals and maximizing nutrients from available foods as a Nigerian pregnant woman.

1. Start your day with a healthy breakfast

Starting your day with a healthy meal when pregnant doesn’t only energize you, and of course your baby, for the day, it has also been observed to reduce the chances of you feeling hungry every single hour of the day, and that’s a good thing. As you continue reading, you’ll come to understand why that’s good, but for now, let’s get a glimpse of what a healthy breakfast should look like. Really, it’s not far-fetched. A healthy breakfast should span across all, or almost all the classes of food. So, you might want to consider easy combinations like bread and egg with home-made orange juice, or moin-moin(bean pudding) and pap/ eko(solid pap), or even your regular fortified cereal with a lot of milk, and then one apple. Any energy-rich, protein-containing, mineral-and-vitamin-including diet works just fine. Make sure you get enough water too. Also, you need to know that skipping breakfast is not a remedy for early-morning nausea. Find food combinations that work for you, instead. You can consider taking ginger tea or pepper-mint tea before having breakfast too, if that works for you.

2. Eat well, but don’t overeat

Some pregnant women are extra careful when it comes to eating because they are afraid of gaining too much weight. Other pregnant women in the bid to “eat for two” would make sure their mouths are busy all day. The danger of the former is that if you don’t eat well enough, your baby won’t get enough nutrient and can end up being underweight, and in extreme scenarios, the baby can die prenatally. Meanwhile, the danger of the later is that both the mother and the baby can become obese, and this can cause complications, and eventually lead to death. The solution, however, is to eat well, but not overeat. Having a healthy breakfast, like I’ve earlier stated, is one way to achieve this. Also, have a healthy lunch and dinner; experts advise that you should consider spreading your lunch, and even dinner, over 2 or 3 servings, rather than eat a large portion at once. Taking a lot of water all through the day helps too and if you ever feel like munching on something else during the day, you might want to consider healthy snacks, which leads us to the next tip.

Consider healthy snacks.

It’s very possible that even after having a good meal for breakfast and drinking just enough water, you still feel like snacking on something before your next lunch or dinner serving. However, rather than go for junk food that would provide your baby little or no nutrient and would only make both you and your baby gain unnecessary weight, consider healthy snacks. The best and cheapest form of healthy snacks still remain handy fruits like bananas, apples, oranges, watermelons etc. You can try fruit salads too. Youghurt as well has been proven to be a very nutritious snack for pregnant women as it contains fibres, calcium and other vitamins that are necessary for both your health and your baby’s growth. You can also consider other snacks rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals like smoothies, fruit parfaits, fruit-rich cakes, egg scrambles etc.

Vary your diet.

Every class of food plays a role in the proper growth and development of your baby. From carbohydrates and good fats that supply your baby with energy to proteins and minerals that provide a building block for your baby’s developing organs to even vitamins and water that allows the other nutrients to be properly utilized, your baby needs them all. Since no single food has been found to contain all the nutrients your baby needs, you need to make sure your diet is as varied and balanced as possible, from animal proteins to whole grains to legumes and to even fruits and vegetables. If for any reason, you don't eat some kinds of food, you need to find alternatives to getting the nutrients those food contain, and this might involves creating weekly or monthly meal plans that help you ensure you’re getting an adequate amount of every nutrient your baby needs. Creating the plan with someone, maybe your husband, or a friend could make the process more fun, and if you are particularly allergic to some kinds of food, then you should consider involving your dietician or doctor.

Finally, eat clean.

Eating healthy is not just about eating right but also eating clean. While you endeavour to get a healthy breakfast, eat the right proportion of food, take healthy snacks and vary your diet, you also want to make sure that everything you eat is in a proper condition, so as not to compromise your baby’s mmune system and so your baby can get maximum nutrient from every food. Hence, you have make sure your fruits and vegetables are fresh, and avoid stale or pest-infested food. Also, make sure your fruits and food ingredients are properly washed before you use them. In addition, ensure that your food is always properly cooked. Avoid over-cooking vegetables as this can rid them of the water-soluble vitamins B and C. Make sure your meats are thoroughly cooked too. Basically, just make sure you eat clean.

Now, it hasn't only been established that what you eat as a pregnant woman greatly affects the growth and health of your baby, we’ve also looked into ways pregnant women can go about eating healthy without particularly stressing themselves. I hope you take these tips into consideration these tips even as you choose your next breakfast and as you create your next meal plan because the healthier you eat, the healthier your baby.

People often complain of headache, headache is a child of many parents, it could be a symptom of many things, and it could result from stress. A major characteristic of migraine headache is a pain at just one side of the head.

What is Migraine headache about?

Migraine headache is a disorder characterized by pains on either one or both sides of the head lasting from 48 to 72 hours. Migraine headache could be accompanied with an aura. Physical activities worsen the pain. An individual experiencing migraine headache often seeks for a quiet and dark room.

What causes Migraine Headache?
Migraine headache is often due to some physiological changes in the brain or an irregularities in the blood vessels and nerves. It is majorly caused by environmental and genetic factors. However, the main cause of migraine headache is not fully known. Migraine headaches sometimes are triggered by some factors which may include tiredness, smoking, alcohol, hunger, inadequate sleep, onset of menstrual period, stress and certain foods and drinks. It is more common among females after puberty and its chances decrease during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of Migraine Headache?

Some individuals get a warning symptom prior to the headache or even after the headache. Symptoms prior to the onset of the headache include altered mood, neck pains, sensitivity to light, smell or noise, constipation or diarrhoea, craving for somekinds of food. The headache is often accompanied with nausea, mood swing and irritability, sensitivity to light and sound.

How is Migraine headache diagnosed?
It is often required to note some important factors such as the onset, the triggers, duration of pain. Most diagnosis are based on signs and symptoms. According to the International Headache Society, diagnosis of migraine headache can be made using the ‘5,4,3,2,1 criteria’ which represents 5 or more attacks
4 hours to 3 days in duration
At least 2 days of unilateral location, pulsating
At least 1 additional symptom such as sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting

What are the factors that increase the risk of migraines?
FAMILY HISTORY
Migraine headache can been traced to a family history. About 90% of individuals suffering from migraine have a family history of migraines, with both parents being a better marker. GENDER Migraine headache is common among males before puberty and common among females after puberty. Its chances decrease as a woman goes into menopause.
AGE
According to Mayo Clinic, Migraine headache usually improves after age 30.

TYPES OF MIGRAINE

Migraine with aura
This involves migraine headache accompanied with aura, a subjective sensation experienced before the attack. This often serves as a warning preceding the headache.This happens to about 16-30% of migraine patients. The symptoms include flashing of light, blind spots, having difficulty in speaking, stiffness in the shoulder or neck.

Migraine without aura
This is by far the most common type with no usual warning preceding the headache. However, some individuals may experience aura without having the headache.

How is migraine headache managed?

It is often better to engage in preventive mechanism other than its correction. Several drugs have been administered in the management of migraine headache. Pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used for severe migraine headaches, other analgesics such as aspirin with caffeine can also help to stop the headache. Antiemetic drugs can be used to control symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Antidepressants are also administered to reduce migraine symptoms. Other classes of drugs used in the management of migraine headache include the ergotamines and triptans. However, frequent use of drugs may lead to severe and more frequent headache.

What are the preventive measures to be taken?

One of the heathiest ways of preventing illness is a healthy lifestyle. Other preventive measures include medications, nutritional supplements, and surgery. It is practically impossible to eliminate headache totally but the main aim is to reduce its frequency, duration and pain. Healthy lifestyles are but not limited to regular exercise, adequate drinking of water, sufficient sleep, avoid smoking and drinking of alcohol. Medications often use in the prevention of migraine headache include propranolol, metoprolol, gabapentin and pregabalin.

Emi ni akowe

5 Sleep Hacks to Help You Get Over Insomnia by Haaroon Nafeesah

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is caused by stress, depression, mental health issues and other factors that disenabled one from having a quality and sound sleep or making it difficult for one to sleep. Insomnia can be long term(primary Insomnia) or long time (secondary insomnia). The symptoms of Insomnia include:

Stress
Depression
Headache
Change in sleep schedule
Noise
Anxiey

Insomnia can be caused by

Hereditary
Alcohol
Unhealthy life style habit
Pregnancy etc.

Since the causes of insomnia are much and it affects women more than men and older people more than younger ones,this article will help with providing sleep hacks that will help you get over Insomnia.

Sleep Hacks To Help You Get Over Insomnia.

1. Nap – Wisely

Taking a nap during the day will make you feel less stressed and will aid you in having a quality sleep during the night. The best time to have a nap during the day is between 2 and 4. Having a sleep towards bedtime is not encouraged for it causes sleep disorder (insomnia).

2. Take a hot bath

A warm bath before bed seems to help people fall asleep more quickly, but also get better quality sleep, according to a small 1985 study.

3. Get out of bed if you really can’t sleep

If you are finding it If difficult to sleep, get out of bed. Engange yourself in what you love doing or in other activities that will make you feel relaxed and stress less. Then climb back up to bed if you are feeling sleepy and really tired.

4. Grounding (sleeping on bare floor)
The earth has a calming energy that can be felt throughout your entire body. Sleeping on the earth makes you feel cool and relaxed.

5. Consider therapy

Maybe your sleep troubles are a little more serious and could use the insight of a professional. Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered the gold standard when it comes to treating insomnia, and usually involves meeting with a therapist for various sleep assessments, keeping a sleep journal and adjusting some of your bedtime habits.

Menstrual Hygiene is one of the fundamental issue concerning reproductive health. It is instrumental in raising the dignity and well being of women and girls. Menstrual Hygiene day is an important day to delve openly about periods, help break silence, raise awareness and change negative social norms surrounding menstrual hygiene around the world.

Period are facts of life and integral part of every teenage girls and women's life. Approximately 300 million women menstruate on a daily basis. Yet, there are still stigma associated with period. It is imperative to delve into one of the key issues behind World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the devastating reality of period poverty around the world and its high prevalence in Nigeria.

WHAT IS PERIOD POVERTY?
Periods are highly dreaded and rarely something we look forward to every month. Painful, tiring and inconvenient, plus the accompanying friends it brings along ranging from abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and dizziness are challenging to cope with. But for many women and girls around the world especially in Nigeria, it is way beyond the side effects, the bleeding itself poses a huge problem as well.

Period poverty is when a girl cannot afford menstrual products during menstruation which is approximately three to seven days every month resulting to use of unhygienic practices.

1 in 5 girls are unable to afford sanitary products. They have to improvise using tissue paper, cotton wool, discarded news paper, towels which are unhygienic and may pose risk. Staggering amount of young girls and women are not well enlightened about menstruation and are disadvantaged by their lack of knowledge and access to clean sanitary products in poor urban and rural communities.

Period is inevitable in young girls women's life but it is so disheartening that over 1.2 billion women across the world do not have access to basic sanitation. The National Democracy and Health Survey 2013, revealed that girls make up 60% of the 10.5million out of school children in Nigeria with period povertty contributing immensely to these.

In a country where an estimated 44% of its population live in extreme poverty and high population amidst the adolescent. Lots of parents struggle to make ends meet and see sanitary products as unaffordable luxury especially with high hike and surge in prices of these sanitary products experienced over the years. There have been clamors for subsidizing and removal of taxes on sanitary products with no action taken by the government.

On average, a woman will menstruate for over 30 years of her life and uses roughly over 9600 pads in her lifetime. Put in the factor that most tampons and pads are not reusable and lots of it go to landfill and the non-organic items take up to 500 years to decompose. Even sometimes, the properties in these pads and most especially tampons are injurious to health as it could cause Toxic Shock Syndrome.

The pandemic has intensified period poverty. Periods dont stop for pandemic and few families are able to afford the products as most people are plagued with hunger, job loss in these crises and have to prioritize food and health care first even though sanitary products are life essentials as well.

Beyond period poverty, lack of access to water and poor or inadequate toilet facilities in schools and public places makes girls stay away from school and prove a high constraint in achieving menstrual hygiene.

Meeting the hygienic needs of all adolescent girls is a fundamental issue of human rights and public health and not something to be treated as a mere triviality. To tackle period poverty in Nigeria, there should be access to sanitary products by girls and women. Sanitary products should be heavily subsidized and distributed freely to secondary school teenage girls and young women.

Demystifying period stigma and shame with awareness on menstrual health and hygienic practices should be given to young girls and boys. Almost every teenage girls have stories to share on being unknowingly stained and being laughed and mocked at by boys. Education needs to go both ways in educating young boys and men that period are normal physiological process and not something to be laughed or mocked for.
Adoption of sustainable alternative products like reusable sanitary products and home made sanitary product to replace its disposable counterparts that can be used continually should be massively produced in Nigeria with affordability given a priority.

It is time for action to ensure that girls and women do not feel limited by something as natural and normal as period through increased education on menstrual hygiene, and affordability reusable sanitary produts. It is time to create an enabling society in which women and teenage girls are empowered to manage their period safely and in a hygienic manner. Its high time to see to the rise of period power and absolute end of period poverty.