Shocking Effects Of Energy Drinks

In recent times, our society has been saturated with various highly caffeinated energy drinks which the intake supposedly tends to portray one who takes it as being socially inclined, especially when it is combined with other alcoholic drinks.

If you are one of the many who imbibe in taking energy drinks copiously, especially in an effort to party longer, exercise better and what have you, then you might want to have a rethink before you open the next can.



*Energy Drinks

Although energy drinks have their many advantages and positive side effects, the impact of these drinks also depends on how they are consumed. Many people tend to abuse them, drinking more than one at a time and even mixing them with alcohol.

If you consume energy drinks while sweating, the effects can be particularly dangerous. Yes, you read right;The effects can be dangerous because you can be severely dehydrated quickly especially as it makes you to urinate in unhealthily quick successions.

It is true that energy drinks improve performance, increase concentration and speed and it also stimulate metabolism but do you know that you can experience all those afore-mentioned benefits through adequate sleep? Ironically, excessive intake of these energy drinks disturb your sleeping patterns. Does that not suggest anything to you?

Sadly, these drinks have a misrepresentation of the volumes of the various ingredients that make up the contents of each can.These misrepresentations are written cleverly in illegible lettering making most consumers who will rather not want to go through the stress of checking what has been written on the can before gulping down the content to be misled....and also easing the manufacturers off the blames of misinforming the public about the nutritional facts and over dosing the public with caffeine and vitamins.

Energy drinks contain more caffeine than a cup of coffee, plus an unimaginable quantity of sugar and other chemicals that pose great threats to your health when there is too much intake. Now, calculate the amount of cans you take per day and imagine what your health condition holds for you in few years' time.

Have you ever noticed that when you take your various energy drinks,you experience an immediate surge of strength which does not last forever? I know nothing lasts forever but shouldn't stimulants like energy drinks last for a reasonable long while? They succeed in stimulating your nervous system quickly and make you feel energetic at first and when all the sugar in your bloodstream are used up, you are left feeling more fatigued than you were before the intake.

Other negative side effects like inordinate mental coordination, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, jitters and anxiousness should make you slow down on the intake of these drinks. Are you having a re-think already?



- by Adams Odunayo



Sources: Naij.com news, Adams Odunayo

Men’s Penises May Promote Sexually-Transmitted Infections, Scientists' Warn

Scientists investigating Chlamydia in the US have discovered many tiny organisms living deep within men's penises which.

According to a report from the Scientist magazine, the area was once considered by biologists and doctors to be completely sterile in the absence of infections.

But experts now believe that there are many more micro-organisms in the penis – and occupying many more parts of it – than we had ever realised.

David Nelson, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology, said he and his colleagues at the University of Indiana were studying sexually-transmitted diseases when they found evidence that the pathogens were receiving metabolites – which promote growth – from another microscopic source.

Nelson added that different people were hosts to different blends of microbes, and that there didn’t seem to be a specific set that made for a “healthy” urogenital tract.



 * Streptococcus faecalis (a bacterium commonly found in the human intestine but which can also cause urinary tract and skin infections)

It was also gathered that while some bacteria could make a man more susceptible to infections like Chlamydia, others could actually help prevent them.

“We just don’t know at this point,” Nelson said.

It is believed that there are currently only two controllable factors which impact the number of microbes found in and on the penis, circumcision and sex.

According to a 2010 study published in Plos One, men who are uncircumcised “have significantly more bacteria on their penis, and the types of bacteria are also very different”.

The same study also found similar make-ups of bacteria between sexual partners, “lending support to the idea that partners share genital microbiota”.

The scientists however, advised that a great deal more research is required in the area before solid health advice could be issued.


Sources: Naij.com news, The Scientist

Reduce arthritis pain with good dietary habit

| credits: arthritistoday.org

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the conditions that ageing people of over 50 years of age sometimes have to contend with. Of course, physicians and scientists say old age does not necessarily mean that you must suffer from any disease or disability; however, things happen and people develop all sorts of health issues as they ascend the age ladder.

Being the commonest form of arthritis, experts say rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the joints in the hands and feet initially and also affects both sides of the body. Physicians say as the condition progresses, any joint may become affected, with patients developing stiff joints and feeling generally unwell and tired.

That is why the condition is regarded as the main cause of disability among people aged 55 and over.

Suffice to say though, there’s what’s called juvenile arthritis, meaning that young people can also develop the disease, with symptoms that include limping, irritability, crying and poor appetite.

Our focus, however, is the type that affects adults.

Causes

General Practitioner, Dr. Lekan Ahmed, says many things could cause this debilitating condition. He notes that for one, an individual may inherit rheumatoid arthritis from either of the parents (genetic cause); while being engaged in a physically demanding job, suffering a previous injury, infection or allergies, eating certain foods, being obese or suffering from any autoimmune disease could lead to having the condition.

Ahmed laments that the painful swelling that comes with arthritis can also lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.

“Eventually, the affected joints may become permanently damaged,” he submits.

Symptoms

Scientists at the online portal, medicinenet.com, state that “When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue, loss of energy, lack of appetite, low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness.”

It warns that muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity. The scientists say whenever a patient of arthritis has the crisis, it is common for the joints to become warm, swollen, painful and tender.

“This occurs because the lining tissue of the joint becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid. The tissue also thickens with inflammation,” they warn.

Worse still, apart from the fact that the sufferer may be unable to engage in routine tasks such as opening the door or opening a food jar, walking may also become an arduous task, especially in the early waking hours when the body may have gone into a recess.

The medicinenet.com experts also note that sometimes, rheumatoid arthritis can affect the cricoarytenoid joint that is responsible for the tightening of our vocal cords, changing the tone of the voice as a result.

“When this joint is inflamed, it can cause hoarseness of the voice,” the portal laments.

Beat arthritis with food

Researchers and nutritionists say one can beat the pains of this crushing condition by adopting healthy dietary habits that will reduce inflammation and set the body on a course of genuine recovery and life of ease from pains.

Since arthritis is caused by inflammation of certain cells in the body, nutritionists recommend the consumption of foods that tame inflammation such as fish, olives and olive oil, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Again, they suggest cooking with plenty of food seasoning agents such as turmeric and ginger which have been proved to be useful in soothing inflammation. The good news is that these ingredients are readily available in open market all the year round.

Again, eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as found in some fish has been known to reduce the pains of rheumatoid arthritis, experts say, as this soothes inflammation throughout the body.

Of course, cooked green vegetables also come handy, as they possess a lot of anti-oxidants that not only support the immune system but also fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the ageing process and they are responsible for the diseases that ravage the body.

You are also advised to eat beans in many forms — cooked plain beans or moin-moin, etc., but probably not akara, because it is fried.

“Smoking has never been known to have any positive effects, so stop smoking; and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. This is because smokers are more at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis. The same thing goes for alcohol consumption,” Ahmed counsels.

Nutritionists also advise a reduction in salt intake, as too much salt may also result in the inflammation of the already sore joints.

Again, experts say, maintaining healthy body weight is a must in rheumatoid arthritis management. This is because the heavier you are, the more likely the inflammation will be.

Know your food allergies

Different people react to different foods, but the snag is that many people just eat without watching the effects of the foods they take on their health. You can only monitor your health by eating one food at a time.

“That way, it’s easy to know what you are sensitive or allergic to, and that will help you to eliminate it from your diet totally,” Ahmed adds.

Foods to avoid

It goes without saying that just as there are foods to eat, so also are there foods to avoid in order to beat arthritis. Researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine advise against fried and processed foods, all of which are very likely to trigger a crisis.

Cut down on sugar and other foods that are high in carbohydrates, including white rice, soft drinks, white bread, sweets, etc.

The experts also advise against red meat. They say if you can’t eliminate red meat altogether from your diet, you should reduce the quantity and frequency of its consumption.

10 Facts About Mastu'rbation They Don’t Want You To Know

I do not expect that this article will change anyone’s mind about anything. I do feel that someone ought to speak out about this thorny subject and present clear facts and info about it for the benefit of those who have been harassed and made to feel less than human because they mas'tu'rbate.

What Is Mastu'rbation?

Mastu'rbation is the se'xual stimulation of one’s own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed using the hands, fingers, everyday objects, or dedicated se'x toys. I lifted that definition right off Wikipedia, as it is an accurate description and I do not feel compelled to reinvent the wheel.

Mastu'rbation Is Not A Sin

As I am a Christian (while this article is not religious in nature), I feel a need to speak out for the Bible. There is not one verse of the Bible that condemns self-stimulation. There is not one that insinuates such a condemnation. Yet, day after day, we hear preachers condemn mas'tu'rbation as a sin. Their arguments?

There is the argument that se'x was created for mutual pleasure: Yes; I agree. Se'x was. But mastu'rbation is not s'ex. It is se'xual, and many other things are se'xual, but it is not se'xual intercourse in itself. Se'x is for mutual benefits; mast'ur'bation is for personal benefits. Two different things. Yet, as I shall show later, mastu'rbation can be helpful in enhancing se'xual intercourse. Not only is it not a sin, it is a good thing.

There is also the argument that Jesus said if you lust after the opposite se'x in your mind, you are sinning. Yes; that is correct too, but then what part of physically stimulating yourself with the hands, fingers or any other object is lusting after someone in your mind? If a Christian lusts after someone in their heart while mastu'rbating, then such a one has crossed the line that Jesus drew. That does not make mastu'rbation in itself a sin. That person has merely corrupted a clean act and needs to deal with his or her thoughts.

Someone asked me yesterday how I want to prove that “those activities are censored and powered by the Holy Spirit”. Let me ask a question in response: Have you ever given any thought to what happens during actual se'xual intercourse? A man and a woman panting, sweating and heaving like two idiots. All those cool looking dudes in suits (yes; that includes me) don’t look so cool when banging their women and look like grotesque demons when having an orgasm. What seems Holy Ghost approved and powered about a hormone-raging man ramming a stiff rod into a woman again and again and having her moan like an animal? And as for the women, all those prim and proper women we see in public often look like demon-possessed pagan priestesses during intercourse.

Seriously, apart from the “Jesus!! Jesus!!” that some of the women cry out when in the throes of a good romp or an orgasm, there cannot be anything about se'x that looks like the Holy Ghost gives approval to the activity. Yet, He does. Case closed. The issue of Holy Ghost approval and all that is in the mind. The Bible that Christians claim to uphold does not make an issue of these things or of mastu'rbation.

I am tired of Christians being so close-minded that they manufacture rules to help God. First, God doesn’t need your help. Second, take a look around you and ask yourself if this close-mindedness has helped your homes. Se'xually dissatisfied husbands and wives everywhere, many of whom will not speak out though their marriages are in shambles. And many of them stubbornly refusing to look at facts when presented to them. Their call still.

Mastu'rbation Is Addictive

Yes; it is. But then, so are mobile phones, food, chocolate, wine, Coke, Twitter, Facebook and football. Yet, no-one is screaming “Sin!!!” for all those. Oh, even se'xual intercourse itself is addictive. Let’s just lay aside all those things because they are addictive; shall we? No; how to deal with anything that has the potential for being addictive is not to stay away from it, but to exercise moderation.

Mastu'rbation Is Not A Dirty habit

Some people call mastu'rbation a dirty habit. In what sense? It produces mostly the same results as se'xual intercourse – the man ejaculates. The woman has an orgasm and in some cases squirts. What else? Mastu'rbation is just as dirty as se'xual intercourse is, as far as I can tell.

Mastu'rbation Is Healthy

In general, the medical community considers mast'ur'bation to be a natural and harmless expression of se'xuality for both men and women. It does not cause any physical injury or harm to the body, and can be performed in moderation throughout a person’s lifetime as a part of normal se'xual behavior. Source

If you use other objects apart from your hands, be careful though so you don’t hurt yourself. Perhaps you should visit a se'x shop for some toys instead.

Why You Should Mastu'rbate

Now that I have cleared the objections to mastu'rbation, let me tell you why you should mastu'rbate.

One: mastu'rbation helps you get comfortable with your se'xuality. You get to know your body and what triggers you. That means you can generally be a better s'exual mate to your spouse. How do you expect your spouse to pleasure you se'xually when you are so clueless about yourself to start with? Do your partner a favour and play with yourself!

In counselling couples with se'xual issues over the years, especially where one partner is se'xually naive, I have recommended that he/she mastu'rbates to become more comfortable with their own se'xuality. A woman who is cold and passive during se'x can be a big problem to her husband. Mastu'rbation helps deal with that. She learns what she likes and what triggers her off. She learns what makes her climax. She becomes better at se'x with her husband. Same thing the other way round.

Two: With many couples, one person usually has a higher se'xual drive than the other. This can put pressure on the relationship. Mastu'rbation is an outlet for such individuals. Women keep complaining about their husbands mastu'rbating, yet forget that they are the ones who come up with excuses of having had a tired day or having a headache when the poor man wants se'x with them. Such women are evil and insensitive. Totally selfish. This applies to the men too. If your wife has a higher se'x drive than you do, mastu'rbation is a good let off of se'xual pressure. In the alternative, you could let her roam….

Three: For single folks, mastu'rbation is a good way of relieving the se'xual tension that can build up over time. It is safer than casual se'x and doesn’t cost you buying anybody lunch or dinner. Or breaking anybody’s heart just because you are horny. For example, every month whether a woman likes it or not, she gets horny (that’s every 60 seconds for a man, by the way). This is a biological function. For some, it is more intense than others. Mastu'rbation is a good way out. No; in itself, mastu'rbation will not hamper your se'xual intercourse later. Don’t believe the hype.

Four: Mastu'rbation produces almost all the other benefits of se'x without actual s'ex. It is a good anti-depressant, relieves tension (not just s'exual tension), helps you sleep, and keeps the mind sharp.

Who Mastu'rbates?

Almost everybody mastu'rbates, including many of those people who tell you that it is sinful, dirty, and a bad habit (yes; the hypocrisy is filthy). Most people start mastu'rbating from their teens. Remember wet dreams when you first hit your teens? Usually that’s where it starts. A wet dream is a natural procedure by the body. No; it has nothing to do with witches and wizards or spiritual husbands and wives. God knows how many spiritual wives I must have by now if I count all the times I have had a wet dream. Thankfully, I had an educated and enlightened father who explained to me that it was nothing to worry about when he saw my bed stains many years ago as a teenager.

Mastu'rbation is a normal part of the growing child’s exploration of his or her body and continues for the rest of the lives of most people. If you mastu'rbate, you are not an oddity. Actually, its those who claim not to mastu'rbate that are the oddities. Don’t let anyone crush your spirit ever again about this. There is nothing wrong with you. There is nothing to be ashamed of about it. As long as you don’t let it become an addiction or a problem to normal s'ex'ual activity with your partner (and usually it becomes a problem when fantasy gets involved), you are all fine and dandy.

Did I leave anything out?

Take olive oil for all-round wellness

Olive

The world over, people are afraid of taking fatty foods. And the reasons are clear: fats clog the arteries — a leading cause of cardiovascular problems that could be a precursor to other astounding health issues, including stroke.

However, one ‘fat’ that dieticians, cardiologists, physicians and nutritionists alike recommend all the time is the unsaturated fat in extra-virgin olive oil. This oil is a favourite among the Mediterraneans. Indeed, no Mediterranean dish is complete without olive oil in use!

The versatility of olive oil is commendable, in that it could be used to fry or cook foods; it could also be eaten raw (with yam, bread dip, on salads, etc.). On the average, the typical Mediterranean diet consists of much vegetables, fish, grains, red wine, fatty nuts and oils. All these foods, when eaten regularly in healthy quantity, benefit the body immensely, especially because they are never processed.

Again, note that you can’t make unhealthy foods healthy simply by adding extra-virgin olive oil to them. In other words, you can’t combine olive oil with any of the other oils that fill the market and expect to get the benefits of olive oil.

Lowered blood pressure

A study funded by the British Heart Foundation stresses that “eating unsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, along with green vegetables and other vegetables, creates a certain kind of fatty acid that lowers blood pressure.”

Scientific researches prove that the fatty acids and antioxidants in this oil have some powerful health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease. One of the reasons for this, researchers say, is that real extra virgin olive oil is 100 per cent natural and very high in antioxidants.

Reduced cardiovascular event

A research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and led by a professor of cardiovascular biochemistry at King’s College, London, Philip Eaton, states that “a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular problems like stroke, heart failure and heart attacks.”

Nutritionists say generally, olive oil boosts the immune system and also helps to protect against viruses; while it has also been found to be effective in fighting against diseases, including cancer, oxidative stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and arthritis.

And because of its low (monounsaturated) fat, experts advise, a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil reduces the risk of Type-2 diabetes by almost 50 percent, compared to a low fat diet.

Diabetologist/Medical Director of Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, Lekki, Dr. Afokoghene Isiavwe, notes that Type-2 diabetes is the most common and preventable form of diabetes.

Improved heart functions

According to a Spanish study published in the journal, Diabetes Care, a diet rich in olive oil or other monounsaturated fats could improve the heart functions, especially among the aged.

Scientists say as we age, all the organs of the body — including the heart — also age. However, researchers counsel, eating a diet that is rich in olive oil can slow down the ageing process and give our heart a lease of life!

A scientific research notes that the polyphenols in this oil are capable of reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the body, as well as the effects of ageing of the red blood cells. “Polyphenols are effective at protecting your red blood cells from oxidation. The phytochemicals in the oil are also effective at killing cancer cells and suppressing cancer genes,” the researchers say.

Vitamins all the way

Olive oil contains Vitamin E and beta-carotenes. Scientists say vitamin E, being an antioxidant, protects body tissue from damage that harms the cells, tissues and organs and which play a role in certain conditions related to ageing.

This vitamin also keeps the immune system strong against viruses and bacteria; while it is also important in the formation of red blood cells and in helping the body to effectively use vitamin K. It helps widen blood vessels and keeps blood from clotting inside them.

Of course, there are many food sources of vitamin E, but regularly eating diets prepared with olive oil will fetch you these benefits effortlessly.

As for the beta carotene in this oil, nutritionists say once it is converted to vitamin A in the body, it gives us healthy skin and protects the mucus membranes, strengthens our immune system and makes for good eye health and clear vision.

So, as you eat a diet prepared with olive oil, you stand to gain all these benefits.

Buyers beware!

However, experts warn that not all oils labelled as olive are truly olive oil. For one, they advise that to get the maximum benefits of olive, go for the one labelled Extra-Virgin and presented in dark bottles.

Scientists say once you read the label and you see something like “Enriched with olive oil,” don’t buy. It is a fraud. It is either olive oil or never.

Bake your own droplet lens

Researchers have created a new type of lens that costs less than a penny to make, and can be used in a 3-D printed attachment that turns a Smartphone into a dermascope, a tool to diagnose skin diseases like melanoma. Normal dermascopes can cost $500 or more, but this version costs a mere $2 and is slated to be commercially available in just a few months.

A droplet of clear liquid can bend light, acting as a lens. Now, by exploiting this well-known phenomenon, researchers have developed a new process to create inexpensive high quality lenses that will cost less than a penny apiece.

Because they’re so inexpensive, the lenses can be used in a variety of applications, including tools to detect diseases in the field, scientific research in the lab and optical lenses and microscopes for education in classrooms.

“What I’m really excited about is that it opens up lens fabrication technology,” says Steve Lee from the Research School of Engineering at Australian National University (ANU) of the new technique, which he and his colleagues describe in a paper published today in The Optical Society’s (OSA) open-access journal Biomedical Optics Express.

Drop, Bake, Repeat

Many conventional lenses are made the same way lenses have been made since the days of Isaac Newton — by grinding and polishing a flat disk of glass into a particular curved shape. Others are made with more modern methods, such as pouring gel-like materials molds. But both approaches can be expensive and complex, Lee says. With the new method, the researchers harvest solid lenses of varying focal lengths by hanging and curing droplets of a gel-like material — a simple and inexpensive approach that avoids costly or complicated machinery.

“What I did was to systematically fine-tune the curvature that’s formed by a simple droplet with the help of gravity, and without any molds,” he explains.

Although people have long recognized that a droplet can act as a lens, no one tried to see how good a lens it could be. Now, the team has developed a process that pushes this concept to its limits, Lee says.

All that’s needed is an oven, a microscope glass slide and a common, gel-like silicone polymer called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). First, drop a small amount of PDMS onto the slide. Then bake it at 70 degrees Celsius to harden it, creating a base. Then, drop another dollop of PDMS onto the base and flip the slide over. Gravity pulls the new droplet down into a parabolic shape. Bake the droplet again to solidify the lens. More drops can then be added to hone the shape of the lens that also greatly increases the imaging quality of the lens. “It’s a low cost and easy lens-making recipe,” Lee says.

The researchers made lenses about a few millimeters thick with a magnification power of 160 times and a resolution of about 4 microns (millionths of a meter) — two times lower in optical resolution than many commercial microscopes, but more than three orders of magnitude lower in cost. “We’re quite surprised at the magnification enhancement using such a simple process,” he notes.

A 3-D Printed Microscope for $2

Their low cost — low enough to make them disposable — allows for a host of uses, he says. In particular, the researchers have built a lens attachment that turns a smartphone camera into a dermascope, a tool to diagnose skin diseases like melanoma. While normal dermascopes can cost $500 or more, the phone version costs around $2. The new dermascope, which was made using a 3-D printer and is designed for use in rural areas or developing countries, is slated to be commercially available in just a few months, Lee says. A similar smartphone-based tool can also help farmers identify pests out in their fields.

Source: Optical society

Lower your blood pressure without drugs

| credits: idealbloodpressureinfo.com

Mention the phrase “blood pressure,” and the average adult is likely to stand still. For all reasons, issues relating to blood pressure readily arrest attention because it’s one aspect of personal health matter that determines whether or not you stay alive — and in sound health.

Physicians say the normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmhg (millimeters of mercury). Pre-hypertension is diagnosed between 120/80–139/89; Stage 1 hypertension is between 140/90–159/99; and Stage 2 hypertension is a blood pressure above 160/100, hence the need to monitor your blood pressure religiously once you hit age 40.

Blood pressure and health

Experts at the America-based National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute say about one in three adults has high blood pressure. And, as scary as it is, they warn that the condition usually presents with no signs or symptoms. As such, you may be walking around blissfully unaware that your days are numbered because of uncontrolled high blood pressure!

“You can have it for years without knowing it. During this time, though, high blood pressure can damage your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of your body,” the scientists enthuse.

Knowing your blood pressure numbers is important, they advise, even when you’re feeling fine. “If your blood pressure is normal, you can work with your physician to keep it that way. On the other hand, if your blood pressure is too high, treatment may help prevent damage to your body’s organs,” they add.

The age, sex factors

Physicians warn that blood pressure tends to rise with age. However, they add, following a healthy lifestyle helps some people to delay or prevent rise in blood pressure altogether.

“People who have high blood pressure can take steps to control it and reduce their risk for related health problems. Key steps include following a healthy lifestyle, having ongoing medical care, and following your treatment plan,” General Practitioner, Dr. Folabi Awolaye, counsels.

In terms of gender, experts say men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters); while women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (89 cm).

Good life, good BP

Of course, those whose blood pressures are high are advised to keep in constant touch with their physicians, just as they are also always counselled to imbibe healthy dietary habits and lifestyle that will not only return their blood pressure to normal, but also keep it at healthy level.

So, what is the natural way to realise a healthy blood pressure level? Here…

Lose weight

A Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Peter Olumide, says there’s no arguing the fact that unwieldy weight poses health risk any day. He warns that the heavier you are on the scale, the more likely is your risk of high blood pressure; and that by losing weight, you are doing your blood pressure a world of good!

He also reveals that if you’ve been placed on some blood-pressure medications, losing weight would make the drugs more effective.

Lower your salt intake

Olumide notes that people with family history of high blood pressure could have blood pressure that is particularly salt sensitive. Nutritionists corroborate this, saying since there is no way to determine if an individual is sodium sensitive, it is advisable for all of us to lower our sodium (salt) intake.

A nutritionist, Mrs. Tolu Afuwape, says the problem is with the “hidden salts” rather than with using a salt shaker. “When you habitually eat processed or canned foods, you unwittingly consume more than the recommended daily salt intake, because processed foods such as bacon, salami, cured meat, barbecued meat, etc; or canned foods of all categories, contain added salts that are meant to preserve them from going bad.

“Loading yourself with such foods will ruin your health in no time; so, avoid them like the plague that they are,” Afuwape advises.

Take tea

Generally, tea is good for the body; but when it comes to lowering high blood pressure over a period of time and keeping it at healthy level, nutritionists recommend hibiscus tea.

For instance, researchers from Tufts University say “the phytochemicals in hibiscus are probably responsible for the large reduction in high blood pressure when taken as tea.”

They are of the view that many herbal teas contain hibiscus and should therefore be adopted as healthy drinks because they are known to reduce blood pressure in pre- and mildly hypertensive adults.

Again, a Professor of Preventive Medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medical, Dr. Linda Van Horn, says consuming potassium-rich fruits such as beans, baked potato, green leafy vegetables, plain yoghurt, salmon fish, avocados, bananas, cashews, walnuts, coconut water, watermelon seeds, home-made orange juice, sweet potato, fresh tomatoes, etc., will boost your blood pressure-lowering efforts.

Go easy on booze

While the debates have continued unabated about the pros and cons of alcohol use, Awolaye is categorical in warning that alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. “It can also reduce the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications you may be using,” he notes.

His advice? “As much as possible, avoid alcohol; the disadvantages outweigh whatever advantages you may be told it has.”

Reduce your stress level

Increased stress can mean increased blood pressure, at least temporarily. If you’re at risk for high blood pressure due to being overstressed, you’ll want to pay particular attention to lowering your stress.

Many activities can help you stay calmer in the face of daily life stressors. Many of the same healthy actions that are good for your blood pressure — like eating right and exercising — can also be stress preventers.

In addition to exercise, other forms of relaxation like meditation or deep breathing can also be helpful, physicians say.

8 Ways To Slim Down With Sêx

We have always heard that to sêx can help you slim down but now we have the statistics to prove that it can actually help.

Here we look at how many calories you will burn with every sêxual activity when you and your partner turn off the lights.

Kissing.

Amazingly the simplest form of love burns about 68 calories per. Los Angeles–based sêxologist and the author of Red Hot Touch Jaiya Kinzbach said: Not only is smooching a great way to show affection and improve your bond as a couple, it can also help you burn fat.

“If the kissing is vigorous and involves some petting, it could be even closer to 90 calories burned in an hour'' She recommends.

Taking Off The Clothes:

An Italian researcher has found out that the act of taking off one's clothes burns up too 8 and 10 calories and when trying to remove a bra with your mouth burns about 80 calries.

Massaging your partner.

Make him lay down and give him the massage of his life and you will also lose about 80 calories per hour. When you are giving a massage your heart rate goes up and puts your body into calorie-burning mode. But don't speed it up, the slower the massage the more calories you burn.

Sêx

Boys have used this as an excuse to convince girls to have sex with them but it is actually true, having sex can burn 144 calories per hour amazingly.

The key to burn enough calories during sex is to make it last, You can also add a little moaning and sighing, which can help you burn an extra 18 to 30 calories, when you are on top move your hips like a belly dancer and try many more positions than usual. “Also try a position where you squat on top of him and then bounce up and down. This is a great workout for your thighs and butt, and it can burn up to 207 calories in 30 minutes.”

Experts estimate that women who orgasm during sêx burn more calories during lovemaking than those who don’t. Photo by Getty.

Giving Oral Sêx.

Oral Sêx can help you burn up too 100 calories per hour. Kinzbach said:“Try plank position into downward facing dog, and back into plank where you can lower down and do some oral stimulation.” Tack on 71 extra calories blasted when you do push-ups, and 35 additional calories by mixing in some yoga.

Use Your Hands. 

The more you use your hands effectively, you can lose up too 100 calories per hour.

Romantic Dancing.

Yes practice more of those dirty dancing you see on tv cause they can help you burn up too 103 calories per hour. New York–based psychiatrist and sex therapist Barbara Bartlik said: Couples who take dance lessons (and practice in the privacy of their homes) can attest to this. Bonus: “It has been shown in scientific studies that right after an aerobic exercise, women become aroused and lubricated more easily. You can also spice it up by adding some sweet kisses.

Make Out Sessions.

Those make out sessions which leaves you out of breath is good apparently, Anticipation can get your heart rate going. “It gives way to heavy breathing, which gives way to a great calorie burn. Always try to make the Make out room to be hotter and sweatier and you could burn about 238 calories in 30 minutes.

Sources: Womans Day

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis is still effective

Oladapo Ashiru
| credits: File copy

This topic was borrowed from a recent publication from the Journal of Fertility and Sterility; and from the pioneer of Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis worldwide, Dr. Alan Handyside.

I receive calls on a regular basis from people asking the question, “Do we do PGD in Nigeria? “Can we help sickle cell carrier or those who want to balance their family?” The enquirers say they ask because some doctors had told them that PGD is not done in Nigeria.

However, we are able to affirm that the procedure is available in Nigeria due to our pioneering effort in this area in the entire West African region. The application of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and pre-implantation genetic screening, commonly referred to as PGD and PGS techniques respectively, were initiated in our fertility clinic in 2009, and has resulted in the birth of healthy babies, especially without sickle cell anaemia. This was published in the recent edition of the Nigerian Medical Journal by Okeke, Ashiru, et al (2013).

What is PGD?

PGD is an acronym for Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. It refers to the techniques used to check for genetic defects in embryos created through in-vitro fertilisation before pregnancy. It refers specifically to when one or both genetic parents has a known genetic abnormality and testing is performed on an embryo to determine if it also carries a genetic abnormality.

When used to screen for a specific genetic disease, its main advantage is that it prevents abortions, as the method makes it highly likely that the baby will be free of the disease under consideration.

Who can benefit from it?

Candidates for PGD include couples that both have sickle cell trait (AS) and want children without sickle cell disease (SS). Also, couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages can make use of the process. It is also good for mothers who are above 38 years or those with a past history of having a baby with Down’s syndrome.

Again, couples who want to balance their family in terms of sex; or couples with family history of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, muscular dystrophy and others; as well as couples with repeated IVF failure and severe male factor infertility can benefit maximally from PGD.

What does it entail?

The story of one of our patients at the Medical Art Centre, narrated here, gives you an idea of the process: “John and I married when I was 31 and he was 33. We had been dating for four years and many people had advised us not to marry. In fact, neither his parents nor mine approved of our relationship as we were both AS. They were afraid that we would have SS children who would have the sickle cell disease. However, after dating on and off for four years, we decided to take our chances, as we could not find anybody else we wanted to be with more than each other. “I read somewhere that for each pregnancy, our chances of having an SS child was 25 per cent, an AA child was 25 per cent and an AS child was 50 per cent. Perhaps it was foolish of us, but after long and anguished debates, we decided that we would take the risk.

“It was only when we got married that I first met a child who had the sickle cell disease. He was the five-year-old son of our next door neighbour. I saw him having a crisis when I visited his mom in their flat. He was lying on the sofa, screaming in pain that his legs and joints were hurting, his eyes were yellow and his chest was large from an enlarged spleen.”

The scientific explanation, so far, is that when the sickled blood cell blocks the flow of blood through the small blood vessels, it causes damage to the lungs, which causes respiratory problems and also acute pain episodes in the arms, legs, chest and abdomen of the patient. It can also cause stroke, prolonged and painful erection (priapism) and damage to most of the organs, including the spleen, kidneys and liver.

Damage to the spleen makes sicklers, particularly the children, prone to bacterial infections which totally overwhelms them so that they are constantly sick and in pain. Nevertheless, with good medical care, some have lived up to 60 years and above.

Mrs. John continues her story: “If I had seen somebody going through the sickle cell crises before I was married, I might have made a different choice. It broke my heart to see this little fellow in so much pain. From then on, I grew cold feet about conceiving and bringing a “sickler” into the world.”

The sickle cell disease, a disorder of red blood cells, is mainly found in Africans and African Americans, and it is inherited from the parents.

People with sickle cell disease have abnormal red blood cells that have haemoglobin S, which sometimes become sickle or crescent in shape, making it difficult for the blood to pass through small blood vessels. When the sickle blood cannot pass through the small vessels, then blood cannot get to those parts of the body which the arteries serve. Eventually, these tissues become damaged due to lack of oxygen and other nutrients. These damaged organs and tissues lead to the complications of sickle cell disease.

Beware, mouthwash can cause oral cancer

| credits: speareducation.com

Enter any upscale pharmacy and what you are likely to see on the front desk are bottles of assorted mouthwash, with detailed explanation of what they do and how to use them.

For many people, the mouthwash is an integral part of their oral cleansing routine, whether in the morning or at night as they prepare for bed.

Of course, dental health specialists do prescribe them when necessary, and, like other medications, they are meant to be used under the supervision of a competent physician for a specified period.

A dentist, Dr. Mabel Phillips, warns that it is an abuse of drugs when you use mouthwash indefinitely, as they could do more harm than good.

She says, “Sure, your breath will be fresh for a few minutes, but trust me, the bacteria returns very quickly.”

Experts lament that most over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol, with nasty consequences for the user.

“Alcohol dries out your mouth and makes it a conducive arena for bacteria to thrive. Again, alcohol and smoking have been linked to oral cancer,” Phillips warns.

She says some mouthwash have a high percentage of alcohol that can have a negative effect of drying the mouth, especially for people who are undergoing cancer treatment, as well as those who are using hypertension drugs. Those using antidepressants and those who are diabetic are also warned against mouthwash use.

Phillips advises that plaque, which causes gum disease, can only be properly eliminated through teeth-brushing the right way: up and down, then sideways and inside out.

Good oral bacteria

In terms of oral ecology, experts say, those who care for their teeth and have a relatively clean mouth have between 1,000 and 100,000 bacteria living on each tooth surface. Phillips says if managed very well, bacteria and saliva can be beneficial to one’s health.

“Many diseases are related to oral bacteria. While bacteria will always be in our mouths, proper oral care and habits can protect against and reduce the effects of some harmful bacteria,” she counsels.

Scientists on mouthwash

While a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry reveals that using antiseptic mouthwash twice a day reduces the build-up of plaque and reduces incidence of inflamed gums (gingivitis) over six months; Australian researchers claim to have found “sufficient evidence” of a link between alcohol in mouthwashes and mouth cancer.

The researchers, McCullough M.J. and Farah C.S., note that it has been long established that smoking and alcohol consumption are risk factors linked to the development of oral cancer.

They therefore conclude, “We review the literature that associates alcohol-containing mouthwashes and oral cancer. On the basis of this review, we believe that there is now sufficient evidence to accept the proposition that alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer and further feel that it is inadvisable for oral health care professionals to recommend the long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes.”

Temporary relief for bad breath

As for those who think mouthwash can restore their fresh breath, dental health specialists insist that the real life situation reveals otherwise.

Indeed, the American Dental Association warns that mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. “If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odour, see your dentist,” the physicians advise.

They say if you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. Better still, they say, a fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.

Mr. Kunle Hafeez says he suddenly discovered, to his embarrassment, that he had developed bad breath. After several visits to his physician who ran some tests to determine if there were underlying health issues, he was relieved to learn that the bad breath was due to gum infection. The General Practitioner advised him to use mouthwash after brushing his teeth.

Hafeez says the first time he used it, he was elated that the mouthwash gave him fresh breath. He was however disappointed that the fresh breath didn’t last the entire day. Consequently, he says, he only makes sure that he maintains good oral habit by brushing twice daily and avoiding certain foods, such as garlic and raw onion, that could worsen the symptoms.

Artificial concoctions

Scientists at Harvard Medical School have harsh descriptions for mouthwash. A researcher, Dr. Anthony Komaroff, notes that in reality, mouthwash actually plays a fairly minor role in the prevention of plaque and gum disease. He suggests that brushing and flossing are much more important.

He says, “These days, many mouthwashes are highly artificial concoctions that contain sweeteners for taste and artificial colorings for a bright hue. Alcohol is often included as well.

“It’s true that mouthwash will make your breath smell better for a while. The question is whether that’s achieved by killing off odour-producing bacteria or merely masking the problem. More effective than mouthwash at masking the problem are breath mints. It’s easier to use them repeatedly during the day than to swish mouthwash repeatedly.”

Komaroff counsels that the most effective way to reduce bad breath is to brush your tongue when you’re brushing your teeth. Most of the bacteria that cause bad breath reside in a small area near the back of the tongue. Brushing them away with a toothbrush is more effective than rinsing with a mouthwash, he argues.

He, however, notes that some research has found that two antibacterial ingredients most commonly used in mouthwashes may reduce the levels of bacteria that produce bad breath; and that other mouthwash ingredients — zinc and chlorine dioxide — may neutralise other smelly compounds.

The bottom line: If you must, use mouthwash sparingly and under the supervision of a competent physician.

Lemons, more than food

You might love lemonade and lemon chicken, but your skin and hair love lemons even more. Here are some great uses for the sunny yellow fruit:

Clarifying moisturiser: Mix a few drops of coconut water with a few drops of lemon juice. The coconut will hydrate your skin, and lemon will clear and brighten it.

Elbow, knee bleacher: If your elbows and knees appear dark, simply rub them with half of a lemon. It’s like magic!

Blackhead treatment: It may sound too good to be true, but because lemons are antibacterial, they can help treat acne. Just slice a lemon, and squeeze the juice on your face. Your blackheads will start to fade before you know it.

Cleansing wipes: Mix a couple drops of lemon and tea tree essential oil in about six ounces of distilled water. Use it as a toner or for use with cotton pads as a cleansing wipe for problematic skin.

Teeth whitener: Mix baking soda and lemon juice, and apply it to your teeth with a clean Q-tip. Then, use your toothbrush to scrub your teeth and rinse. It’s way cheaper than going to your dentist’s office.

Canker sore treatment: You can use a few drops of the lemon essential oil on canker sores to help them heal faster.

Skin brightener: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and citric acid, so they can help brighten and lighten your skin when used over time. Vitamin C is a great antioxidant for neutralising free radicals and boosting collagen production, says Marina Peredo, M.D., a dermatologist. That means it can help lighten age spots or dark spots. Remember to wear SPF when using lemon juice on your skin, though, since the citrus fruit can make your skin more sensitive to ultra violet rays.

Shine eliminator: Lemon is great for reducing excess oil.

Lip exfoliator: Put a little lemon juice on your lips before bedtime, and wash it off in the morning to help remove dead skin cells and dried skin. One caveat: Obviously, if you already have severely chapped lips that have any cuts, do not try this.

Checkout the Foods that prevent hair growth

Sugar: For your hair’s sake, please step away from the sweets. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein and we all know how important protein is for your hair. Vitamin E is also essential for healthy hair growth and sugar can lower the level of vitamin E that needs to get to your strands! This doesn’t mean you have to cut out sugar altogether. It just means that you should reduce your intake. You should consider substituting for natural sources of sugar like fruits or vegetables if you can’t kick the habit.

Salt: Salt should be used in moderation because excess sodium has been shown to cause hair to shed excessively. Sodium should be limited to less than 2,300mg a day and even less if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or are over the age of 51. If you want to keep your curls full of body, sprinkle with caution.

Bleached white flour: Starchy foods are broken down into sugar and can cause your hair to thin. If you eat starchy foods like bread, pastas, cakes, and other floury deliciousness, it’s time to consider consuming smaller amount all the time.

Soft drinks: Consider what’s really going on when you pick up that carbonated soft drink. One soda contains an inordinate amount of processed sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and chemical-filled colours that don’t provide any nutrients for your hair — except completely dry out your hair.

Alcohol: If you want to keep a full head of hair, it might be in your best interest to reduce your alcohol intake, starting now. Excessive drinking reduces the amount of zinc, folic acid, vitamin B, and vitamin C in your body. What does that mean for your curls? It weakens your hair, makes it difficult to grow, and contributes to hair loss if you’re overindulging with the loose juice. Constant alcohol consumption can definitely take a toll if you aren’t mindful of your intake.

Source: naturallycurly.com

Stay away from illegal pharmacies

drugs
| credits: Shuttershock

Where do you purchase drugs when you are sick or when a family member needs some? Do you get them from the supermarket nearest to your house? Or are you like 22-year-old Seun  Awodugba who gets her drugs from  her  ‘physician,’ simply known as Iya Ibeji, the auxiliary nurse who dispenses drugs and administers injections right in her living room?

Worse still, is it Uncle Ben who has no training or knowledge in anything related to medicine that prescribes medicines for you? Experts warn that if you usually source your drugs from unorthodox places, you may be putting your life and those of your loved ones in danger.

According to physicians and also by law, for anybody to operate and dispense medicines in a retail drug store, he or she must be a licensed pharmacist.

However, this is often not the situation. As if they were mere kolanuts and candies, drugs are sold alongside bread, biscuits, alcohol, herbal concoction and any articles of trade in the country.

 People like Iya Ibeji who should not have anything to do with drug sale are going into the drug business in daily.

 Studies have even shown that there are more illegal drug store operators than legal ones in Nigeria.

A pharmacist, Mr. Ifeanyi Okechukwu, says though drugs from these questionable sources come cheap, their negative effects on an individual’s health may last forever.

He says, “There is this saying in pharmacy, ‘The bitterness of low quality drugs stays after the sweetness of the low price has gone.’ Buying or taking drugs from unauthorised persons or illegal chemists is just like buying food and eating it while you are blindfolded. You can be poisoned.”

Okechukwu notes that many of these drug stores are usually operated by quacks or unqualified personnel who have no knowledge on how best to guide you on the use of any medication.

He states, “It is only in a registered pharmacy that you can be guaranteed quality attention by a pharmacist who can give you drug information and medication advice.

“Drugs interact with each other either negatively or positively; it’s a pharmacist that can tell you what to do or what not to do, which food to avoid while taking certain drugs, etc. You won’t get that from a chemist where the owner may not even be educated. If they give you any advice, it is wrong.”

Okechukwu explains further that drugs sold in unauthorised premises are often sourced from manufacturers of fake and substandard drugs who sell at very cheap rates.

He adds, “Anybody who patronises an illegal outfit cannot be assured of safety or quality, because manufacturers of fake and substandard medicines often go through these channels to sell their goods. They know their business or intentions won’t be questioned. More so, you are not just harming yourself, you are also aiding and abetting illegality.”

Another pharmacist, Mr. Yinka Aminu, linked the patronage of illegal drug business to the increasing incidence of chronic illnesses such as liver and kidney problems in the country.

Aminu says, “Many operators of these illegal drug outlets prescribe drugs that you do not even need, just because they want to sell off the stock and make profit. They give you antibiotics, potent drugs that they don’t know how it works or its side effects.

“Medicines are supposed to solve problems, not to create problems for patients. Today, we are talking about the spread of chronic illnesses like kidney and liver diseases, a lot of these problems are traceable to the uncontrolled proliferation of medicine stores. When medicines are available everywhere, people tend to abuse them.”

He notes that even when the drugs are not fake, they may not be safe because illegal drug outlets do not store drugs under the appropriate conditions.

Aminu says, “They want to remain illegal because they are not ready to conform to standard pharmaceutical practices. When medicines are exposed to heat and other harsh conditions, they are as good as poison.

So, how do you know a registered pharmacy? It is simple, Aminu says. They have an Rx emblem, which is a mark of authenticity used by members of the pharmaceutical association in the country.

He adds, “There is an emblem that is used to distinguish registered pharmacies from illegal ones. Please, look out for this sign whenever you want to buy drug. That is the only way you can protect yourself for now.”

There are registered pharmacies in your neighborhood, patronise them. Remember, just as drugs heal and cure, they also kill when they are misused or abused.

Eat these foods, beat diabetes

Have the disease, or simply want to lose weight? The following foods can help:

• Whole grains: Not all carbohydrates are bad. Foods made with whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread and brown rice, are sources of filling fibre (aiding weight loss, which can reduce your diabetes risk) and nutrients such as potassium, which helps the pancreas release insulin, the hormone that helps your cells use glucose for energy.

• Fish, eggs, poultry: These foods (poultry without the skin) are fair game in a diabetes-friendly diet. Why? Because they’re high in protein (result: full stomach); but typically low in fat (result: better weight management). Fatty fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which cut down on cardiovascular problems that can accompany diabetes.

• Fruits: Although they do contain sugar, the rate at which it enters the bloodstream is slowed by fibre. Fruits with a red, blue or purple hue might be particularly beneficial, because they’re loaded with anthocyanins, compounds that heighten your body’s sensitivity to insulin.

• Nuts and seeds: Craving a snack? Grab a handful of nuts. Even though they’re high in calories, they’re also packed with filling protein and healthy fat that can help keep your weight in check. If you’re a fan of walnuts, you’re especially in luck, because their high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

• Green leafy vegetables: Pretty much everyone, with or without diabetes, should eat a lot of veggies, ideally at least three servings per day; and green leafy types, including spinach, kale and romaine should top the list. They have high fibre and water content that satiates your appetite on fewer calories, and they’re an important source of magnesium, which improves the body’s ability to turn glucose into energy and keep your metabolism humming (a process that is impaired in people with diabetes).

Source: All You Magazine

FOREVER HEALTHY! 6 Benefits Of Eating Potatoes

Potatoes (Solanum Tuberosum) are actually a very healthy food for you, if consumed in the right manner and kept away from deep fryer and extra fat. 

Many people eat potatoes in the form of oily french fries or potato chips and even baked potatoes which are usually mixed with fats such as cheese, butter, and sour cream that makes it a potential contributor to heart attack.

However, if consumed in the right way, the potatoes are a low-calorie and high-fiber product, which offers significant protection against several diseases and keeps the body healthy 

Benefits of Potatoes

Weight gain

Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and less in protein, making it an ideal diet for those who want to increase their body weight. The vitamins contained in potatoes like vitamin C and B-complex are also essential for the proper absorption of this compound.

Digestion

Since potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, so it is easy to digest and facilitate digestion. This makes them a good diet for patients, babies and those who difficult to digest but require energy.

Skin care

Vitamin B-complex, vitamin C and some minerals, like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, are good sources for the skin care. The pulp obtained from crushed raw potatoes, mixed with honey, can also be applied as a poultice in clearing the wrinkles and other skin blemishes due to aging.

Brain function

Proper brain function largely depend on oxygen supply, glucose level, magnesium, some members of the vitamin B complex and some hormones, such as amino acids and fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids. Potatoes meet almost all the needs mentioned above. In addition, it contains certain other substances like zinc and phosphorus which are good for brain too.

Inflammation

The nutrients in potatoes like vitamin C, vitamin B and potasium are good source to relieve inflammation, both internal and external such as inflammation of intestines and the digestive system. Since it’s soft and easy digestible then make them a good diet for those who have mouth ulcers.

Rheumatism

Potatoes are an excellent source of calcium and magnesium which can help reduce rheumatism.

Apart from the health benefits mentioned above, potatoes are also beneficial for the heart health, boosting energy and treating certain other illnesses.

Take care of your health with the right foods!

Source: The Trent

Space your children, the benefits are many

After Mrs. Folu Emmanuel had her baby and was discharged from the hospital, she was able to adjust to her new role without any stress, even as a first-time mother. This is because, while the antenatal period lasted, her care givers took time to teach all the pregnant women in her ‘class’ how to go about it.

About five weeks after delivery, her husband started making demands for sex. Again, she was prepared, simply because she had also been tutored at the antenatal clinic that one of the advantages of active and exclusive breastfeeding was that it also prevents pregnancy.

So, she went to work. Not long after, she started feeling sick. She made quite some visits to her doctor, and, each time, she was diagnosed as being in perfect health.

Folu recalls that most times, she was nauseated; and sometimes, she felt some pains that seemed to suggest that she had peptic ulcer. With this complaint, her physician prescribed Zantax for her. She took it but her discomfort persisted.

It was when ‘something’ kicked in her womb about five months into her initial complaint that she suspected she might be pregnant. A pregnancy test was positive. She was distraught because her baby was barely seven months old.

What went wrong, considering that her antenatal nurses had assured her that if she breastfed exclusively for the first six months of her pregnancy, she needed not to be worried each time she ‘met’ with her husband?

What Folu did not realise is that exclusively breastfeeding does not always work for everybody. Indeed, according to Dr. Akin Olugbade of Sinai Clinics, most women don’t commence their monthly period until some months after child delivery. He, however, warns that when a woman actively breastfeeds her infant, she is less fertile but definitely not infertile because her ovulation is still ongoing quietly and she could fall pregnant if she doesn’t apply caution.

Indeed, experts warn that “although you may not menstruate for months after giving birth, your body usually releases its first postpartum egg before you get your first period. So, you won’t know you’ve ovulated until two weeks later — when you menstruate.”

Again, physicians warn that though breastfeeding curbs the hormones that trigger ovulation, “remember that you could start ovulating again at any time after three months of lactation, and you probably won’t know when it happens.”

They, therefore, caution that in order to guard against unwanted pregnancy, you must adopt a birth control method.

The Senior Programme Manager on Reproductive Health at the Population Council, Dr. Salisu Ishaku, notes that there are various birth control measures such as the diaphragm, condom, and the pill. He, however, notes that while some women are able to tolerate some of these methods favourably, others react to them; while some men would not be dragged into using the condom.

He discloses that since one of the aims of the Millennium Development Goals is to enhance maternal and child health; and to also reduce maternal and child deaths — which are likely to occur when births are not well-spaced — a new, long-lasting, user-controlled natural progesterone hormone contraceptive for breastfeeding women is being introduced in Sub-Saharan Africa — Nigeria inclusive — and it has 98.5 per cent effectiveness for preventing pregnancy. It is called the Progesterone Vaginal Ring.

Ishaku notes that though breastfeeding may provide contraception for new mothers, “once her infant is six months old or a woman begins supplementing her infant’s diet or has her first postpartum period, the contraceptive protection of lactation decreases.”

He advises that a woman who does not want to get pregnant accidentally must consider safe contraceptive alternatives such as the PVR to avoid unintended pregnancy.

“The contraceptive releases by diffusion a continuous flow of the natural hormone (progesterone) from the ring outward to the vaginal walls. Progesterone enters the blood stream and regulates fertility, mainly by suppressing ovulation in lactating women,” Ishaku explains

In his presentation at a workshop on the introduction of the PVR, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Prof. Adeyemi Adekunle, explains that the contraceptive has been formulated to especially meet the needs of women who have just had babies, and therefore have considerable unmet need, especially during lactation (breastfeeding).

The fertility expert explains that progesterone is a naturally occurring female sex hormone and it is essential for the function of the female reproductive system. He says that is why the PVR has high acceptability among the subjects of the clinical trials in terms of safety and very low (if any) side effects.

Ishaku explains that the PVR is made of silicone rubber, and this enables the ring to slowly release the natural hormone progesterone, which is absorbed into the bloodstream to regulate a women’s fertility. “An individual ring lasts for up to three months, and a woman can use the method for one year,” he enthuses.

Adekunle adds that the PVR’s contraceptive effectiveness is ensured as long as the woman continues to breastfeed at least four times per day.

Better still, the physicians enthuse, while many contraceptive methods sometimes affect a woman’s ability to produce milk, PVR does not interfere with the breastfeeding process, nor does it affect the health of the breastfeeding baby.

Ishaku says a woman can insert and remove the ring herself, thus eliminating the need for a skilled health provider’s involvement. He however warns that though the PVR is worn in the vagina, it does not protect women from sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV. As such, he says, users must use appropriate protections against STIs.

Use condoms, they are good for you!

| credits: File copy

Many should know by now that forgoing condoms during sex puts them at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases or getting pregnant every other month, but they still prefer not to use it.

According to a recent study conducted by the Society for Family Health, 80 per cent of the 1.8 billion sexual activities that occur in Nigeria yearly take place without condom use.

The report states that in spite of its scientifically proven efficacy in reducing the spread of the dreaded HIV infection in  the country, eight out of every 10 Nigerian men do not use condom during sexual intercourse, while the women do not insist on men wearing condoms either.

Why is condom not popular in Nigeria? Though it is debatable, many are quick to give the excuse that it is uncomfortable and denies them the pleasure of love-making.

However, experts are worried about this low condom use among Nigerians. They note that the danger of not using condom outweighs the inconvenience that those who do not use it claim to have when they do.

 A medical practitioner, Dr. Olumuyiwa  Odusote, says  going without condoms during sex not only  heightens one’s risks of  contracting STDS like HIV, but it has also been shown to  increase  maternal deaths arising from unsafe abortions of unwanted pregnancies.

He notes that many women who get pregnant through unprotected sex are often forced, depending on the terrain, to seek unsafe abortions which could compromise their life and health.

Odusote states, “Unwanted pregnancy is one of the complications that arise from unprotected sex. Sex is seen as recreation and not necessarily for procreation. When people are stressed out and do not know what to do, sex is another way for them to relax. However, when an unwanted pregnancy arises from such activity, unsafe abortion is likely to happen.

“Many women have died seeking abortions of pregnancies that arose from unprotected sex. Many homes have been broken because of an unwanted pregnancy which occurred because someone, somewhere, along the line did not use protection. Low condom use in Nigeria is one of the reasons why the country has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality and unwanted pregnancies in the world.”

 On sexually transmitted diseases, Odusote likens non-monogamous skin-to-skin sex to an open invitation to sexually-transmitted infections.

He notes that though condom use does not guarantee 100 per cent that one would not contract HIV, during sex, it has, been proved to reduce one’s chances of getting infected by more than 80 per cent.

“HIV is not the highest killer disease in the world, but it has the potential to be because of its various modes of transmission which includes sexual intercourse. One can get infected without even recognising it. Condom use has been shown to reduce it transmission in Nigeria. I think it’s time people familiarised themselves with its use because HIV/AIDS is real,” he adds.

Odusote states that STDS such as gonorrhoea, syphilis and Chlamydia — which are transmitted during unprotected sex, when not detected and treated may lead to infertility.

He states, “Infertility is a growing problem in the world and statistics are now showing that one-third of the male population may have fertility challenges. This development has been linked to increase in STDs such as gonorrhoea and Chlamydia.

“These are infections that are difficult to detect and treat; but using condom has been known to prevent their transmission. This is a major reason why we advocate condom use for young people always, so that their fertility is not compromised.”

The physician stresses that it is not only the responsibility of a man to ensure that  sex is safe, a woman  can also ensure  that she is protected by using a female condom.

Some schools of thought even suggest that female condoms were invented because men did not like wearing theirs; so, if your partner refuses to wear a rubber, you can use yours.

Odusote says, “It is the woman that bears the brunt of an unwanted pregnancy in Africa. So, women should insist that their partners wear it. If he refuses, you can always use yours. Safe sex is a joint responsibility.”

Finally, if you must go without a condom, ask yourself sincerely: ‘is my partner faithful to me and only me sexually? If you can’t answer in the affirmative, don’t skip the condom.

Have a safe weekend.