CORONAVIRUS: Airports on alert as Nigeria tightens security

   

  NCDC sets up technical group to manage risk
 Officials urge calm,say country can contain infection


International airports yesterday went on red alert as they intensified the screening of inbound passengers, following an outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in China.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) advised passengers and other airport users to comply with all quarantine procedures at airports nationwide to prevent the importation of the virus.

Airports worldwide also increased health screenings and the implementation of new quarantine procedures as officials hurried to slow the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus, a new SARS-like illness that first appeared in Hubei province, China

The General Manager (Corporate Affairs) at FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu, said all the equipment and personnel used in combating the deadly Ebola virus in 2014 were still much in place at the airports and were being deployed accordingly.
She said FAAN had always had thermal scanners at its airports to monitor the temperature of passengers and capture their pictures. “When passengers walk pass the scanner, it registers their temperature. And if it’s too high, they are pulled aside for observation. FAAN, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, has confirmed the adequacy of the facilities at the nation’s airports, to prevent the importation of the virus through the airports. Passengers are therefore advised to submit themselves for routine quarantine checks whenever they are asked to,” Yakubu said

With the coronavirus (nCoV) reportedly infecting over ‘10,000’ persons and killing nine, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed that it had set up a multi-sectoral technical group to handle the threat. It advised Nigerians to remain calm, while travellers from Nigeria to Wuhan, China, have been asked to avoid contact with sick people, animals (alive or dead), and animal markets.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which implies that they are normally transmitted between animals and people. But a novel coronavirus is a new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified in humans. Some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, in a household or health care setting. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans, until now.

Caring for skin, hair and lips this harmattan

Just as the skin needs to be cared for and moisturised this
harmattan period, the hair also needs to be protected from harsh
weather, which can make the natural hair look dull and dry. The
season is dry and dusty, so it is important to take extra care of the
skin and ensure that retention of extra moisture on the hair is
maximised.
Dr. Erere Otrofanowei , Consultant Physician , Dermatologist and
Genitourinary Specialist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital
said : “ There is need to be more aware of the skin during harmattan .
The skin, hair , nails , and mucous membranes will be crying out for
more attention this period. The one thing they all need is adequate
and recurrent moisturisation.
“ As the air is dry and lacking water vapour , one must attempt to
restore this by drinking lots of water (not beers or fizzy drinks ,
which are argued to have liquid content only). The recommended
intake is at least three litres of water daily . This is about six of the
now ubiquitous water sachets peddled everywhere and two of the
large bottled water commercially sold . This will plump up the cells of
the body , which mostly contain water . About two thirds of
intracellular fluids is water .”
Otrofanowei explained that this is the season, when exposed skin of
the arms and legs are cadaveric grey in colour and the skin texture
is dry with lines and cracks .
She said : “ Medically , this dry skin is called Xerosis and in severe
form, xerosis brings about Ichthyosis . Xerosis is the harbinger of
itching, and when one scratches dry skin , it easily fissures , causing
sores and ulcers, depending on the intensity of the scratch (er ) and
the tools employed for scratching . Some people have bought those
long plastic hands to assist in scratching the difficult to reach parts
of the skin. Tight clothing such as jeggings or skinny jeans, scratchy
lace fabrics and stiff clothing worn during harmattan may not be
very pleasant for the skin .
“ Tight clothing will strip off the little moisture the skin tries to
produce and reduce or even cut off the skin capillary blood supply,
causing pins and needles sensation, numbness , and eventual sores.
Sometimes , people attempt to restore blood flow to the skin by
slapping on it gently or rubbing against a surface, when all that is
needed is to remove the tight clothing or spandex and allow
unrestricted blood flow.
“ The hair becomes dry, brittle , lacking in lustre and easily breaks
during this season. Females who wear their natural hair should put
them in protective hairstyles and limit the exposure to the dry
harmattan winds . Steaming , applying leave - in conditioners and
moisturising for all hair types is recommended . However , styles
needing hair gels are discouraged . Males who are bald or like clean
shave need to apply hair creams and oils to a damp scalp / skin often ,
whilst those who sport a hairstyle should ensure they apply hair
creams after a shower before combing. Everyone should avoid
combing the hair when dry.
“ The hair needs to be protected , as well as the skin to avoid looking
like you are malnourished or have just had an electric shock
therapy . The lips , the nails (especially the cuticles) and genitals are
all part of the skin and should not be neglected . Some people would
dress up fully after a bath and apply a moisturiser only to their feet
because they plan to wear slippers or open –toed footwear . Thus , the
hands were just lucky to be the messenger. The partition between
the buttocks easily gets robbed of its moisture because of clothing
(underwear, tailored trousers, jeans ) and is prone to fissures and
ulcers when dry.
“ The lips easily get chaffed . This is not a sign of vitamin C deficiency
requiring oral medication, but a cry for help in applying a
protective jelly . So, how does one go about maintaining healthy skin
this harmattan season ? The solution lies in adequately moisturising
the skin , hair and lips . There should be water on those surfaces
before applying the occlusive cream or ointment , which then
effectively traps the water on the skin . Attempting to apply oils
(whether organic or natural as the current trend is ) directly to dry
skin results in making the skin oily or slippery with a shiny exterior,
which has not been moisturised .
Appreciating that a cold bath may be a tall order now , a hot bath is
discouraged, as it allows for faster evaporation from the skin . Use
tepid water and a gentle toilet soap with no added antiseptics or
disinfectants . Do not stay too long in the shower and apply your
moisturiser while still in the bathroom.
Petroleum jelly or shea butter is recommended , and this should be
applied all over the skin surface, including the lips and nails . For
ladies, it may also be used to take off your make up at nighttime ,
before washing your face . A pocket - sized tub of the petroleum jelly
can be carried about to adequately re - moisturise as often as
needed .”

Tips you should know on safe fasting during harmattan-Medical Doctor

A medical doctor in Lagos, Dr Tunji Akintade, has advised people to drink lots of water while fasting during the harmattan season, in order to avoid dehydration and damage to the kidney.

Akintade, who is also the Chairman, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Lagos State Chapter, gave the advice in an interview with Newsmen yesterday in Lagos.

Fasting is abstinence from food and drink, especially as a religious observance. Many religious organisations use the beginning of the year to fast and pray for various blessings.

Akintade said that fasting during the harmattan season could be dangerous if not properly done.

He said precautionary measures should be taken to avoid health complications during and after fasting.

“The harmattan weather by nature is harsh; with this harshness comes a lot of adverse effect on health and well-being.

“If you are fasting during harmattan season, it is better to apply wisdom because a lot of people are getting so dehydrated and are coming down with kidney problems.

“This weather is not friendly, it dries one up. People go to their offices, stay hours inside air-conditioned rooms which leads to frequent urination because vessels in the body constrict.

“If you go out, it is double problem because you get more dehydrated, the throat is patched and everywhere is dusty.

“Dust is known to have a negative effect on health; it increases morbidity caused by diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract,” he said.

The physician advised people to drink a lot of water before and after fasting, use Vitamin C supplements or fruits high in the vitamin and avoid fizzy drinks.

He also advised that windows should be shut to prevent dust.

He also urged the use of masks and eye-glasses during outdoor activities.

Akintade urged parents to reposition their children’s beds from windows, as well as bathe them with warm water.

He added that people should wear appropriate clothes to reduce exposure to cold.

2019 Most Googled Health Questions

Everyone has something bothering them and most often, we turn to
google for help . Questions asked by people do not necessarily suggest
the kind of person they are, rather , it is more about what piques
their interest .

Nevertheless , Google searches can offer a sense of what many people
may be curious about or have on their minds .

Therefore, taking a peek at the following 10 most Googled health -
related questions of 2019 can give a look into the health questions of
interest over this past year .
These questions centre on health and below are some of them
according to Forbes:
How to lower blood pressure?
What is Keto?
How to get rid of hiccups ?
How long does the flu last?
What causes hiccups ?
What causes kidney stones?
What is HPV ?
How to lower cholesterol?
How many calories should I eat a day?
How long does alcohol stay in your system ?
These questions are interesting , however, it is safe to know that it is
better to see your doctor when you have health issues bothering your
mind unless you are reading it for fun .

Some Daily Habits You Need To Stop

There are many seemingly innocent daily habits that if we realise
how disgusting or unhealthy they are , we will stop them
immediately.

We are not talking about forgetting to brush your teeth before
going to bed or forgetting to cover your mouth when you yawn.
Keep reading about some of the daily habits you need to stop
immediately according to Appropriate Living .

Sneezing in your palms
Many of us are guilty of this but sneezing in the crook of your
elbows is safer than your palms because the palm retains the
germs . This poses a health risk to not just you but also the people
you come in contact with.

Sharing drinks with others
Sharing your friend ’ s drink is cool and affectionate but when you
do this, you are also sharing their saliva. The saliva can easily
transmit disease that either you or your friend has .

Keeping your bag on the table
Your bag travels everywhere and accumulates germs on the
way . A study by an English company , Initial Washroom
Hygiene found out that a bag actually contains on average more
bacteria than most toilets . When next you go out for a meal , you
might want to reconsider before putting your bag on the same
table.

Biting your nails
Already tagged a bad habit, you now have more reasons to stop
this habit . Firstly , it is impossible to have perfectly clean hands all
day long and that is why most germs hide in your nails , and when
you bite your nails you bring these germs directly to your mouth .
Secondly, biting your nails is also really bad for your teeth: it
affects your enamel and brings your gums in contact with the
bacteria in your nails .

Using hand dryers
When next you visit a restroom, you may want to rethink it before
you use the hand dryer because recent studies show that a hand
dryer sends out from 40 to 60 colonies of bacteria when you use
it! It is interesting to note that you are “ only” exposed to 1 colony
of bacteria while you use the toilet.

Picking up food from the ground for consumption
Once your food falls on the floor , just forget about picking it up to
eat because let ’s face it, the ground is not exactly the healthiest
platter.

Leaving your wet towel to dry in the bathroom
Many of us, this writer included is in the habit of hanging wet
towel in the bathroom to dry but a wet towel not only attracts new
germs but also keeps the bacteria and germs you left to it while
using it.

Cleaning your ears with your fingers
This doesn’ t clean ear wax rather , what you do is you push it
further inside, making it block your ear canal which can affect
your hearing . Bacteria are also introduced to your hand and pose
dangers to your health .

Ways To Get Through Work After A Short Night

It is Detty December and there are parties everywhere , it is time
for “ Parte after Parte ” but this does not rule out the fact that you
still have to work.
This period, it is possible to have less sleep and it might become
difficult to stay fully awake at work, and in most offices, sleeping
at work is not allowed , you need to go about your official duties in
the best way possible.
Below are some tips help you get through work after a rough night
or fun night, depends on which one you had .
Reduce the coffee
It is easy to turn to the “ darling” coffee , however, do not shoot
yourself in the leg by taking coffee over and over again . Coffee
will keep you alert in the morning but subsequently , you urinate
often, which makes you dehydrated .
Remember, lack of sleep makes you have a reduced concentration
rate while also making you feel fatigued . Hence , energy drinks
and caffeinated drinks make you feel fatigued subsequently . The
best thing is to take water . It is also cheap, try it!
Be active
Taking a jog in the morning or taking a walk can counter the
effect of a sleepless night. You can take a walk during your lunch
break .
Also, instead of opting to take a bus or taxi to work, you can walk
instead, this keeps you active throughout the day.
According to Dr. Chris Alford, an associate professor at the
University of West England and founding member of the British
Sleep Society :
“ Seeking out bright natural light will help switch off the
sleep - promoting systems in your brain and enable you to feel
more alert. ”
Eat energising food
Foods like porridge will make you energetic and this will keep you
active. Don ’t forget food gives you the energy to get through the
day, so try not to skip meals .
Foods such as porridge , whole grains , nuts , and seeds can help top
up energy levels .
Have a chat with your colleagues
This is one of the reasons you need to appreciate that “ ever ready
to chat colleague .” When you share some laughs and talk with
some of your colleagues , you feel less sleepy and more active .
In case you feel cranky, avoid sensitive topics or getting into
arguments so you do not shoot yourself in a spot where you’ ll say
things you shouldn ’t say .

Suffering insomnia? These few tips will help you fall asleep in two minutes

There are few things more frustrating than spending a night tossing and turning,
desperately trying to doze off to sleep.
And now the British government has announced that it will be publishing a set of
official guidelines on “sleep hygiene” to help improve public general health.
But if you’re used to lying in bed awake at night, brain whirring at a million miles
an hour and unable to get the sweet, sweet slumber you crave, then good news.

There’s a brilliant military technique that is said to help anyone fall asleep in just
two minutes – and it might just change your life.
The trick is reportedly used by the US army to help them fall asleep in situations
that are less than peaceful, such as on battlefields.
Detailed in the book Relax and Win: Championship Performance , 1981, the
technique is thought to have been developed by army chiefs to ensure soldiers
didn’t make life-threatening mistakes due to exhaustion.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Relax the muscles in your face, including tongue, jaw and the
muscles around the eyes
2. Drop your shoulders as far down as they’ll go, followed by
your upper and lower arm, one side at a time.
1. Breathe out, relaxing your chest followed by your legs,
starting from the thighs and working down.
1. You should then spend 10 seconds trying to clear your mind
before thinking about one of the three following images:
You’re lying in a canoe on a calm lake with nothing but a
clear blue sky above you
You’re lying in a black velvet hammock in a pitch-black room
You say “don’t think, don’t think, don’t think” to yourself over
and over for about 10 seconds.
The technique is said to work for 96 per cent of people after
six weeks of practice.
The NHS currently recommends the average person needs around
eight hours of good-quality sleep every night to function properly.
It warns a lack of sleep can make people more prone to a number of
medical conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure and heart
disease.
With one in three people in the UK suffering from poor sleep, the
army trick could provide some sweet relief.
If that doesn’t work, sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley says the most
important factor when it comes to falling asleep is quieting your
mind.
“In order to get to sleep you need three things: a
bedroom conducive to sleep’ a relaxed body and most
importantly a quiet mind. You can’t go to sleep if your
mind is racing and so anything you can do to slow it
down will help you sleep,” he tells The Independent.
“There is no magic way of doing this, you have to find
what works for you, be that reading, a warm bath,
camomile tea, mindfulness, aromatherapy or listening
to Pink Floyd. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as
it stops you worrying about the stresses of the day.”

Skipping breakfast is denying self of health benefits ― Experts

Research has shown that by eating breakfast to start your day, you will jumpstart your metabolism and be well on your way to reach your health goals.

Meanwhile, It is not uncommon that many people in Lagos specifically and Nigeria still skip what is regarded as the most important meal of the day, due to either busy schedule or time constraints despite its inherent benefits just like the Nutritionist, Adele Davis famously put it back in the 1960s “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper” and having described breakfast as the meal which helps the body and brain refuel after an overnight fast by The World Health Organisation (WHO).

A recent market research by NPD group as quoted by oats-overnight website, approximately 18% of males and 13% of females between the ages of 35 and 54 skip breakfast in the US. This data may not be different in Nigeria. This highlights the fact that people are always on the move, hasting to get out in the morning, hence skipping breakfast and not considering the health implications.

It has also shown that consuming breakfast greatly decreases hunger throughout the day. A report by WebMD on food recipes clarifies that this meal kick-starts consumer’s metabolism, helps to burn calories throughout the day. “It also gives you the energy you need to get things done and helps you focus at work or at school.”

It may even interest to know that a lot of people skip breakfast to avoid extra calories. By eating a high fibre, nutrient-filled breakfast early in the morning, you are actually less likely to be hungry throughout the day.

Speaking to the Assistant Brand Manager, Mamador, Omobolanle Akin-Fatodu noted the imperativeness of immense contribution of breakfast to the brains and body, including the psychic of the individual.

“Apart from providing us with energy, breakfast foods are good sources of important nutrients such as calcium, iron and B vitamins, as well as protein and fibre.

“The body needs these essential nutrients and research shows that if these are missed at breakfast, they are less likely to be compensated for later in the day.

“Fruit and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals so try to include a portion of these macronutrients to your daily life, especially during the mornings; whether that be a banana or glass of fruit juice.

“Breakfast can be good for waistline too; research shows those who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight and more likely to be within their ideal weight range compared with breakfast skippers. If you skip breakfast, you’re more likely to reach for high sugar and fatty snacks mid-morning.”

Omobolanle said Mamador has introduced its Light Fat Spread as it is suitable for healthy and tasty meals, and easily accessible in homes across Nigeria.

She said the Mamador Light Fat Spread contains triple benefits which include enjoyable taste, easy-to-spread, as well as the health benefits it brings.

“Among other foods, this is one of the breakfast meals needed for healthy living because of the immense nutritional values it contains.

“It is cholesterol and trans-fat free, and contains 30 per cent daily allowance of required vitamins,” she added.

She said the spreads were launched in two variants: classic spread; and particularly, the Light Fat Spread which emphasises ‘health and taste’ benefits.

The Assistant Manager said that breakfast also restores glucose levels, an essential carbohydrate that is needed for the brain to function even as she stated that healthy breakfast should provide calories in the range of 20-35 per cent of Guideline Daily Allowance (GDA).

Speaking also, A Nutrition consultant and The Chief Executive Officer, Carib Health Ltd, Sherese Ijewere described food as fuel, adding that the imperativeness of breakfast in providing one-third of the day’s calories.

Sherese said that breakfast enhances alertness, attentiveness and focus even as it provides the body and brain with fuel after an overnight fast.

“Food is fuel. Many studies have emphasized the importance of breakfast. If you want to make the most of your day, fuel your body early with the right stuff.

“A good breakfast is one that provides at least one-third of the day’s calories. This is also for children.

“It is essential for children to have breakfast; it keeps them alert, attentive and focused. Studies have linked healthy breakfast with less chronic diseases but increases longevity and better health.

“This is vital because breakfast provides the body and brain with fuel after an overnight fast; that is where its name originates, breaking the fast.

“Without breakfast, you are effectively running empty, like trying to start a car with no petrol,” Sherese said.

He cautioned that the effects of a skipped breakfast are short attention span, lack of alertness, longer reaction time, low blood sugar, decreased work productivity.

The Consultant said that Glucose is the basic fuel for the brain and central nervous system, adding that a good breakfast will prevent fatigue and mid-morning irritants.

Why malaria still infects millions of people every year-WHO

The World Health Organisation has said today that malaria still infects millions of people every year and kills more than 400, 000 – mostly children in Africa – because the fight against the mosquito-borne disease has stalled.

It said funding for the global battle against malaria – which kills a child every two minutes – is broadly flat, adding that due to continuing transmission via mosquitoes, half the world’s population remains at risk.

The organisation called on donor nations and governments in countries affected by the disease to step up the fight.

“The world has shown that progress can be made,” the WHO’s malaria expert, Pedro Alonso, told reporters.

He cited significant reductions in malaria cases and deaths since 2010 when case numbers fell from 239 million to 214 million in 2015, and deaths fell from 607,000 to approximately 500,000 in 2013.

“But progress has slowed down,” he said. “And we have stabilised at … an unacceptably high level.”

Cases in 2018 were down slightly – to 228 million from about 231 million in 2017 – and the number of deaths declined to 405,000 from 416,000 in 2017.

Of that 2018 number of deaths, an estimated 380,000 were from Africa.

The WHO’s report found that pregnant women and children in Africa continued to bear the brunt of the malaria epidemic.

An estimated 11 million pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa – 29 per cent of all pregnancies – were infected with malaria in 2018, leading to nearly 900,000 children being born with low birth weight, putting their health further at risk.

In November, Science Magazine reported that the first malaria vaccine was rolled out in Malawi, Ghana and Kenya. More than a third of young children in sub-Saharan Africa in 2018 also was still not sleeping under a mosquito net, which could protect them from the infection, the report found.

How falls could affect pregnancy —Experts

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, as most mothers to be will say. It’s also a time when the woman is full of questions, many of them, unfortunately, based on myth and superstition.

In fact, once pregnant a woman is quickly inundated with a long list – a few dos and several don’ts that are assumed will guide the new mother and help her sustain her pregnancy to full term.

Sometimes, these instructions come from her mother, who received them from her mother before her. Other times, they come from her in-laws, well-meaning friends, or even colleagues. Interestingly and only too often, such instructions include a pregnant woman must not fall down to prevent miscarriage.

Such situations are frequently seen in movies where a woman falls down a flight of stairs, ends up in the hospital, and eventually (and usually dramatically) loses her baby.  But are situations like this only true in movies?

Pregnant women, like every other person, are not expected to fall. Dr Olusoji Jagun, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospitals (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State stated that fall in pregnancy should be avoided although it does happen.

Dr Jagun said, “A fall is a common thing in pregnancy because of the softening of the joints due to the effect of pregnancy hormones, specifically the hormone relaxin. That is why they are told not to wear high heeled shoes. If they fall, they can easily have a fracture.”

Dr Jagun added that in some pregnant women, a drop in their blood sugar level can also cause a fall.

“A woman who is not eating very well or eating irrationally can develop low blood sugar and just fall down. People will assume she just faints, not knowing that it is because of low sugar level. That is why we encourage the woman to eat at least five times a day,” he added.

Pregnancy hormones can also make the feet unsteady, Relaxin is produced by the body to relax the ligaments in the pelvis and to soften and widen the cervix (mouth of the womb) in preparation for delivery. By doing so, the joints will be looser, balance will be uncertain, and the chances of falling will be greater.

Jagun added that in some pregnant women, a drop in their blood sugar level can also cause a fall.

Even though doctors advise women on inevitable instability during pregnancy due to loosening of joints, studies have shown that one in 10 will fall two or more times over the nine months period of pregnancy.

Now, falls during pregnancy are a major public health issue and a common cause of injury in women during pregnancy. In 2014, experts in Enugu found that 32.5 per cent of women had fallen at least once during the index pregnancy.

The study published in the Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice said most of these falls occurred during the third trimester.

The experts had looked at the prevalence and risk factors associated with falls during pregnancy in 332 consecutive pregnant women brought in during labour for delivery at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, between 1st May and 31st December 2012.

They found women younger than 30 years had a two-fold risk of falling during pregnancy compared to others. Similarly, women taller than 160 cm had a significantly higher risk of falling during pregnancy than shorter women.

Furthermore, those with their first pregnancy had an almost threefold risk of falling during pregnancy compared with others who had babies before.

Sadly, as much as 18.5 per cent and 13.0 per cent of the women who reported falling during pregnancy required hospital admission and sustained injury, respectively.

Furthermore, the women who were admitted had restricted movement for at least two days with possible impact on the psychological and social wellbeing of the affected women.

A cross-sectional cohort survey of 1,175 women in five public health facilities in Ado–Ekiti indicated also that one-quarter (25 per cent) of the respondents had a fall during pregnancy.

The high incidence of falls, they said, was even more worrisome because about 10 per cent of these women fell at least thrice during pregnancy, with associated complications.

Mothers who fell during pregnancy were significantly older, who previously had a baby, and with unintended/unwanted pregnancies than those who did not fall.

This 2019 study in The Scientific World Journal said most of the reported falls occurred in the third trimester, with about 10 per cent of the women falling at least thrice during the course of the pregnancy.

More than half of the reported falls occurred while engaging in household chores and carrying a child/object with compromised visibility of the feet and floor.

Some of these falls were associated with slippery floors, wearing inappropriate shoes, poor lighting, hurrying, having obstructed views, and using insufficient safety measures such as holding on to stair handrails.

What is more, some fell because they were shoved/struck mistakenly or deliberately, including during intimate partner violence.

The researchers reported contractions of the womb/abdominal pain being the commonest fall-related complications. Others include vaginal bleeding, ruptured placental membranes and broken or sprained bone in an expectant mother.

But do all falls give rise to complications? Can it lead to miscarriage or stillbirth? It depends largely on the stage of the pregnancy. The body is designed to protect the developing baby during pregnancy.

The wall of the womb is thick and made up of strong muscles that help to keep the baby safe. The amniotic fluid also serves as a cushion. During the early weeks of pregnancy, the womb is tucked behind the pelvic bone. So, minor falls during early pregnancy are typically not of concern.

However, falls during the late second trimester and early third trimester might be harmful to both the mother and the unborn baby, especially if there is a direct blow to the abdomen.

According to Dr Jagun, “contractions or abdominal pains as well as the loss of amniotic fluid can occur just as the placenta could be separated from the inner wall of the womb, resulting in the woman bleeding excessively and requiring to be transfused.

“Also the passage of the baby’s blood cells into the blood circulation of the mother can occur, and so the possibility of the baby to die immediately.”

Dr Jagun, therefore, asked that after a fall, women should report to the hospital to assess the likely harm, particularly if in the second or third trimester.

Irrespective of the source of the blow or injury, he said every effort should be made to prevent injury to the abdominal region during pregnancy.

The good news is that risks of a fall can be reduced with a few simple steps:

• Wear shoes that are flat, rubber-soled and not lose shoes.
• Go more slowly. Avoid sudden movements and just slow down, in general.
• Avoid twisting and turning. Avoid shortcuts to grabbing things and try not to hurry. This will help maintain balance.
• Be careful when carrying children, walking on unlevel surfaces or when performing any activity that obstructs your view.

How Lack of Fruits and Vegetables Can Affect The Body

It is often said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away , but
what happens when you don ’ t have an apple or any fruit at all?
That’ s one thought many fail to take into consideration .
No doubt fruits and vegetables contain some of the most vital
nutrients for our health but when you don ’ t get enough of these; it
can lead to nutritional deficiencies as well as unpleasant side
effects . Although you could get many of these vitamins and
minerals from other foods, it usually contains high concentrations
of them .
Nevertheless , if you aren’ t getting enough, these are a few negative
effects it has on your body:
May Increase Cancer Risk
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) revealed in a
study that no one food can protect you against cancer —but a diet
filled with plant- based foods can help lower your cancer risk .
Vitamins E and C are natural antioxidants which may reduce
cancer risks by protecting healthy cells from free radicals . In
addition , Carotenoid which can be found in spinach , other dark
leafy greens, deep orange fruits, sweet potatoes, squash, and
carrots —may protect against cellular damage and have been
associated with lower rates of cancer .
Possible Digestive Problems
You are more prone to digestive ailments such as constipation,
hemorrhoids , etc ., if your diet lacks fruits and vegetables. The
latter are known to contain cellulose , which increases stool weight,
eases passage. In addition , they also contain fiber , which also
helps prevent constipation. A study from Harvard Medical School
showed that a diet high in dietary fiber , which fruits and
vegetables reduces the risk for diverticulitis .
The medical information provided in this article is provided as an
information resource only. This information does not create any
patient- physician relationship and should not be used as a
substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Global Handwashing Day- Why You Need To Wash Your Hands Regularly

Every 15 th of October (today ) is the Global Handwashing Day – a
day set aside to motivate and mobilize people around the world to
improve their handwashing habits.

Hand washing hygiene is the act of cleaning hands for the purpose
of removing soil , dirt, and microorganisms. Many germs that can
make people sick are spread when we don ’t wash our hands with
soap and clean , running water .
Every time you touch an object or shake someone’s hand, you are
probably picking up bacteria and potentially viruses too . We ’re
estimated to have around 1 ,500 bacteria living on each square
centimetre of skin on our hands .
Below are 3 reasons why you should wash your hands regularly:
Reduce the bacteria content on your hands
Your hands and most especially your fingernails harbour all sorts
of microorganisms . This is why you should take proper care of
your nails by cutting and cleaning them regularly.
When you gnaw on your nails , these nasty bacteria end up in your
mouth & gut , thus increasing the risk of developing
gastrointestinal infections that lead to diarrhoea and abdominal
pain .
Avoidance of common eye infections :
Eye infections are commonly caused by the bacteria that get into
the eyes from our hands . It would be great if you could refrain
from touching your eyes with your bare hands . However , it
usually happens involuntarily.
By keeping your hands clean you stand a greater chance of
avoiding hand to eye bacteria transfer.
Some of the common eye infections that happen as a result of
direct contact with different germs are: Conjunctivitis (pink eye ),
Keratitis, Stye and Blepharitis
All these infections start with similar symptoms: redness of the
eye , mild pain , itching sensation, blurry vision and the like.
Again, while these issues are not very difficult to treat , prevention
is a much wiser course of action. You should never touch your
eyes with unwashed hands and your handwashing needs to be
thorough
Prevention of diarrhoea
It is estimated that Diarrhea kills 2 , 195 children every day —
more than AIDS , malaria , and measles combined .
Diarrheal diseases account for 1 in 9 child deaths worldwide ,
making diarrhoea the second leading cause of death among
children under the age of 5 .
According to a study, handwashing reduces diarrhoea episodes in
both child day‐care centres in high‐income countries and among
communities living in low and middle - income countries by about
30 % .

International Breweries educates consumers on smart drinking

To further demonstrate its commitment to responsible drinking in Nigeria, employees of International Breweries Plc, has taken the message of responsible drinking to consumers,  in communities where they operate across the country.

This is in contribution to the United Nations Goal 12 which is centered around Responsible Consumption and Production and as part of the activities to commemorate the Global Beer Responsible Day, an initiative conceptualized by its parent company AB InBev and celebrated across its operations worldwide.

In a statement, the  Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Otunba Michael Daramola, said, Responsible drinking is one of the key pillars of our business. It is a message that is dear to us and we constantly make out time to communicate this message in our sphere of influence. The turnout of our employees was great and we visited a lot of bars in many communities where we operate to interact with consumers, traders and the general public on the best way to consume alcohol responsibly.

This years commemoration coincided with the companys efforts under the auspices of the Beer Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to reduce underage drinking. The Beer Sectoral Group to which International Breweries belongs has collaborated with the Collingwood Learning Incorporated and Thespian Theatre to launch an underage drinking intervention program tagged Smashed.

Smashed global initiative is a theatre-in-education program aimed at breaking the culture of underage drinking and reducing alcohol related harm among youths. Smashed program instructs young people on the dangers of underage drinking. 

The Global Beer Responsible Day is a day set aside every year, specifically on September 13, to promote responsible consumption of alcohol. The theme for this years edition, Drink Smart Today, Celebrate Tomorrow - Lets Champion Smart Drinking Together encourages consumers, bar owners and the public to make personal commitments around responsible drinking. 

As part of this year’s Global Beer Responsible Day commemoration, the company re-enforced its strong commitment to reduce harmful use of alcohol by educating consumers on the dangers of drinking and driving; marketing its products responsibly; and discouraging underage drinking and consumption of alcohol by pregnant women.

Consumers were also advised to pace their alcoholic drinks to not more than one  drink per hour, eat food before or while drinking alcohol, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages while drinking, avoid drinking and driving, and encourage others to not drink and drive.

The Managing Director, International Breweries,  Annabelle Degroot, said, "We are always taking steps to shift social norms and behaviors around harmful use of alcohol and ensure every experience with beer is a positive one. Were committed to helping advance the World Health Organizations target to reduce the harmful use of alcohol by 10% by 2025".

"Simultaneously, we aim to contribute to the UNs Sustainable Development Goals of strengthening the prevention and treatment of harmful alcohol use. “Initiatives like the Global Beer Responsible Day and the Smashed Initiative are complementary projects which we think will do our society a lot of good in this regard".

5 Eating Habits That Affect Your Health

When you’re almost always on the move, your diet and fitness
goals sometimes get derailed in ways you don ’t even think about.
By doing so , you may be unintentionally harming your health .
But , here are five ways to realize if / when you are failing at
staying healthy .

Skipping Meals
This is one of the worst things you can do to your body and mind .
Your metabolism slows down , and you’re much more likely to
overeat later in the day. The American Journal of Epidemiology
found that people who cut out breakfast were 4 .5 times more
likely to be obese .

Eating Too Quickly
Your stomach takes 20 minutes to tell your brain that you’ re full ;
therefore, every meal should take you at least 20 minutes to finish.
Try and chew your food 20 times in each bite and pace yourself .

Watching TV while you eat
Yes, this is a bad habit ! When you watch television , you’ re not
fully concentrating on anything else that you’re doing, and this
includes eating . You tend to eat 5 - 10 times more when you eat
while watching TV which can lead to extra consumption of
calories .

Taking Big Bites
Cut your food into smaller pieces, use a smaller fork or spoon. You
increase enjoyment and take longer to eat , which increases your
satisfaction. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that
people who took large bites of food consumed 52 % more calories
in one sitting than those who took small bites and chewed longer.

Avoiding the Scale
Accountability is one of the best things you can do for your body ,
and a scale will help keep you on track. Stepping on a scale every
other day keeps your goals and accomplishments fresh in your
mind . Smart phone apps can also help you track your diet
programs and the calories burned with a heart rate .

Health Group Collaborates To Facilitate Workability of Health Insurance In Nigeria

 The Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN) and Health Care Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN), the umbrella body of NHIS-Accredited Healthcare Providers in Nigeria collaborated to facilitate the workability of health insurance scheme in Nigeria.

Speaking at the briefing yesterday in Lagos, The President of HCPAN, Dr.Jimmy Arigbabuwo said, "HCPAN and "HMCAN  have synergized and come up with resolutions having reviewed the challenges affecting the operations and knowing the importance of health insurance in other countries.

According to him, "These two critical stakeholders must work together to build processes and systems in corporate governance to follow laid down principles, concept of global practices and bridge identified gap in the health insurance industry"

"As Primary healthcare is the cornerstone of health care services as it accounts for 80percent of the health care needs of the populace and in view of this the existing operational structure of health insurance in Nigeria should be reviewed to reflect the global trend".

"In line with best practices and corporate governance the regulators should be reorganized and re-energized to deliver on their statutory functions appropriately.

"Having considered  the concurrent nature of health in the Nigeria Constitution with a view of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), HMCAN and HCPAN the two critical stakeholders have unanimously resolved to strategically expand health insurance coverage with strong political will from the government at the three levels."

Speaking to our correspondent, Oyinlola Awonuga, Arigbabuwo implored, State Governments starting social health insurance programmes to strongly carry along the major stakeholders in the health insurance industry as represented by HCPAN and HMCAN throughout the entire scope, including but not limited to legislative drafting, benefit design, actuarial valuation, tariffs and premium setting.

"HMCAN and HCPAN have agreed to maintain an effective and efficient line of communication, in other to continuously provide uninterrupted, qualitative and measurable healthcare services to our enrolled at the healthcare facility."


Arigbabuwo added, that the two critical stakeholders, HMCAN and  HCPAN should be allowed to nominate their representatives to the Board of the National Health Insurance Scheme to ensure fair and inclusive representation of the healthcare industry.

Ways to improve your Mental Health

It is important to take care of yourself and get the best from life. Below are five ways to look after your mental health.

1. Surround yourself with good people:

People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network.

Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people.

Talking about your feelings can help you stay in a good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. Talking about your feelings to family and friends is not a sign of weakness, it is part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what can make you stay healthy.

2. Eat well:

There is a link between what we eat and how we feel. The food you eat has a long lasting effect on your mental health. The brain needs a mixture of nutrients to stay healthy and function well.

A healthy balanced diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables and plenty of water. Taking nutritious meals and enough exercise helps to decrease depression and anxiety.

3. Avoid alcohol and other drugs:

Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to “self-medicate” but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is temporary.

4. Do something you are good at:

Volunteer your time and energy to things you are good at doing. You’ll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need and it’s a great way to meet new people. Enjoying yourself helps beat stress by doing an activity you enjoy and achieving something that boosts your self-esteem.

5. Value yourself:

Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid self-criticism. Decide on what you want to achieve professionally, academically or personally and write down you need to realize your specific goals.

Feeling good about oneself boosts one’s confidence to learn new skills, visit new places and make new friends. Good self-esteem helps you cope when life makes a difficult turn

Nigerians consume 3percentage of juice against 27percentage of consumption in other countries says Akinola

The Head Research and Development of Chivita company has said Nigerians consume just 3percentage of juice against 27percentage consumed in other countries.

Making this announcement yesterday in a Press briefing , in Lagos, Mr Seun Akinola said, " Chivita  juice is a drink that contains vitality and people should change their behavioural pattern towards juice consumption as juice has its own benefits to the body system in different categories  and they all give nutrients to the body system.

According to him, Chivita is a company that has democratized the "juice" depending on your purpose and activity. We have 100 percent Chivita, Chi exotic, Happy hour, Caprisun and Ice tea, which all have their functions.

"100 percent Chivita is our drink that contains concentrate and water alone, no preservatives at all which gives people access to pure natural fruit in a well- preserved form without any human contact in the production system, promotes vitality and pure nutrients to the body system".

"Chi-exotic is the right brand to go for as an individual who still engage in rigorous day-to-day activities. Chi-exotic gives you strength has it contains not less than 10% sugar content. Which gives energy to the body system which helps discharge our duties to the best of our capacity.  Chi-exotic is for those who are still on the move. It is a mixture of citrus fruit as well which is rich in Vitamin c".

The consumption of 3percentage of juice devalues our health system as Chivita contains a wide percentage of fruits which Nigerians miss out from as it helps to build a balanced lifestyle.

Tips: Towards healthy heart

How much should you weigh? It depends on your age and height. If you’re overweight, the extra kilos will put extra stress on your heart. So, losing weight can help your heart stay healthy. Eexercise makes your heart stronger and helps it pump more blood with each heartbeat. With more oxygen, your body functions more efficiently. Exercise can also lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and “bad” cholesterol that can clog the arteries and cause a heart attack. Exercise can also raise levels of “good” cholesterol that helps protect against a heart attack by carrying fatty deposits out of the arteries. A combination of healthy diet and exercise can speed up weight loss.. Aerobic exercise is best because it causes you to breathe more deeply, makes your heart work harder to pump blood and raises your heart rate. Good examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, running, dancing, swimming, and bicycling. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, try to work up to 30 minutes, four to six times a week. You may alternate exercise days with rest days. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during break or lunch. Walk to work, or park at the end of the car park so you have to walk farther. Walk more briskly. Do housework at a quicker pace and more often. Diet and exercise are an important part of your heart health. If you don’t eat a good diet and you don’t exercise, you are at increased risk of developing health problems. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease all of which increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

WHO-One million sexual infections recorded everyday

The world has failed to combat sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the past few years, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said today in a study that estimates one million new cases every day. The annual total of 376 million infections with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and syphilis is based on data from 2016. It is about five per cent higher than the UN health agency’s previous global estimate from 2012. “We consider this a hidden epidemic, a silent epidemic, a dangerous epidemic that is persistent globally,’’ WHO epidemiologist Melanie Taylor told a news conference in Geneva. These four diseases can be cured, but if they are left untreated, patients can develop neurological and cardiovascular problems as well as infertility. In addition, pregnant women who get infected are at risk of stillbirth. “Since most people do not develop symptoms, infections often go unnoticed, allowing them to spread further,’’ Taylor said. The WHO recommended the use of condoms, sex education, and improved disease screening in developing countries as ways to fight these four diseases. The report did not cover the sexually transmitted viruses HIV, hepatitis B, herpes and human papillomavirus.

4 Amazing Health Benefits Of Drinking Honey- Lemon-Water Concoction

It is highly recommended to start your day with lemon , warm
water and a drop of honey on an empty stomach once you wake
in order to improve digestion , liver function etc .


Most of us drink this mixture with the intention of losing weight,
but it has more benefits than just to help burn fat .

Here ’s what this magical mix does for your body and why you
should drink it, if you’re not already.

It is capable of Boosting Your Energy
This mix is a natural energizer . It hydrates and oxygenates the
body, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized for quite some
time; as opposed to coffee , whose effects are short lived. Perhaps
the biggest benefit of drinking warm honey- lemon - water mix is
that it helps to maintain your body in an alkaline state.

Helps cleanse the liver – Liver is the main organ whicBenefits Of Drinking Honey-Lemon-Water Concoctionh helps inpurification of the body . This mix , helps keep the liver pure and toxin free. The liver is mainly responsible for producing protein and maintaining digestion process, so it is essential that the liver is kept pure and functioning well also.

Natural Remedy for Throat Infection
Contrary to the popular belief , citrus foods do help in relieving
one from the problem of the sore or irritated throat. Lemon helps
in thinning of the mucus and so makes it easier to throw it up.
Honey , on the other hand, has peroxides that act as a disinfectant
on the virus causing bacteria . It also aids in suppressing the
excessive formation of phlegm and mucus and drying the
respiratory tract, thereby , controlling instances of cough.

Rich in Vitamins and minerals – Consuming the concoction every
morning kick starts your system by providing it with a boost of
essential vitamins and minerals first thing in the morning . The
drink is a heady mix of vitamin C, vitamin B , magnesium , calcium
and phosphorous .