Monday 26 October 2015

Week 10 games of the EPL

The giant killers have done it again. After defeating Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City. Chelsea were the latest big team to be defeated by West Ham United, thereby compounding the woes of Jose Mourinho, after struggling with Chelsea this season. A late Carroll goal ended the game 2-1 in favour of West Ham. The next game would determine whether Mourinho remains the boss at Chelsea.
When Arsenal are in such great form, they are practically unplayable.
Mid-week, they defeated almighty Bayern. Everton knew before the game that they stand no chance of winning, a draw would have pleased them.
Tottenham thrashed Bournemouth 5-1, with Harry Kane bagging a hat-trick. The much anticipated and over hyped Manchester derby didn't live up to its billing, as the game ended in a stalemate, to the disappointment of many, despite being the most expensive Manchester derby ever.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool recorded their third consecutive draws.
Benteke came off the bench to give them the lead, but a late equalizer
from Mane gave Southampton a point.
West Ham 2-1 Chelsea
Arsenal 2-1 Everton
Tottenham 5-1 Bournemouth
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Liverpool 1-1 Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur were the biggest winners of this week while Chelsea
are the biggest losers for their loss.

Saturday 24 October 2015

Natural hair headache!

Hair is hair whether natural or relaxed, and yes, you are going to have some issues concerning it from time to time. It takes some work for you to keep your natural hair tidy and good looking and it has to be done correctly.
There are few issues that can or will arise when dealing with natural hair especially for newly naturals. They are:
1. Question of "where do I start?" You can't shy away from this question. If you have never dealt with natural hair, then you are going to be clueless. You will need to search on web or go to natural hair salon.
2. You may not like what you are getting from being natural. Yes, hair changes with time. It could be hormonal or it could be that your hair needs to get used to a different way of being treated, but whatever the reason, newly naturals can become very different in a few weeks, months or years. Take note!
3. Dealing with the transition period. This is for those transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair. If you need to keep your hair length and not cut it, you will have to work with 2 different texture of hair and figure out how to deal with it. You may try a protective style like braids or weaves. It's hard but fret not, you are not alone and there's help.
4. Buying new products. Trust me, you will definitely need natural hair care products to take good care of your natural hair. There is a difference between relaxed hair care products and natural hair care products because most of these products are made for chemically treated hair.
5. Expensive hair care products. Although, this solely depends on the individual but then most of these natural hair care product are damn expensive. You can get cheaper product if you can't get expensive ones. The list of natural hair care products is growing but let's face it, it may take a while for you to find what works best for you. Meanwhile, you have growth frustration. My dear, don't worry, you will find the holy grail soon enough.
6. Detangling - it is a big issue for quite a few naturals and some struggle through it while others may just quit the natural hair journey. This is where the use of water is necessary. Natural hair needs and loves water. It is very essential.
I believe most naturals would agree that being natural is worth all the headaches in the world.
Don't get discouraged. Stay tuned!

Natural hair: Know your hair type

What is natural hair type? This question can determine a lot about your daily styling routine. Knowing your hair type is basically knowing your natural texture. Your head could have a mix of 2 or 3.
There are four types of hair with 3 sub types each. They are:
1. Type 1 hair which are generally greasy, lifeless, frizzy and oily could be 1A, 1B or 1C. Type 1 hair are straight hair and their texture differs with type. Type 1A hair are fine, very thin, soft with a noticeable shine. 1B has medium textured and more body than type 1A. 1C types are most resistant to curly styling and relatively coarse compared to other type 1 hair.
2. Type 2 hair- they are basically wavy hair. It could also be 2A, 2B or 2C. Type 2A is relatively easy to handle from a styling perspective because it can be straightened or curled. 2B has waves that tend to adhere to the shape of your head and 2C is fairly coarse and will frizz easily.
3. Type 3 hair - type 3 hair are curly hair. Type 3A hair is very shinny and loose. Type 3B has medium amount of curls, ranging from bouncy ringlets to tight corkscrews. Type 3C has tight curls that looks like cockscrew.
4. Type 4 hair - this is the kinky type of hair. Most common hair type found in blacks (the African american hair). It is the coarsest and driest of all hair types. It is very hard to get moisture to the scalp and maintain shine because of the many twists and turns of the texture type. The hair also tends to shrink, making it very hard to determine the actual length of the hair. Type 4A is full of tight coils and follows s- pattern shape while type 4B has a less defined pattern of curls and looks more like a "Z". Type 4C is not a common hair type.
Finding your hair type is definitely not the 100% solution to understanding your hair but it does provide you with a good starting point. It will enable you choose more suitable products and will help provide you with guidance for how you should care for your hair.
How do i discover my hair type? To discover your hair type, wash your hair and examine your strands in the mirror without any styling products.
Knowing your hair type is essential and very useful.

Monday 19 October 2015

Hydroquinone: stay away from it

Hydroquinone is a tropical agent for reducing skin pigmentation. It is available over-the-counter strength up to 2% and higher concentration (4%) by prescription.
How does it work?
Hydroquinone works by denaturing the melanin-protein complex, causing decolouration of the skin. It also works by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, as well as the synthesis of the protein associated with melanin.
People typically use hydroquinone to lighten areas of skin affected by hyperpigmentation disorders, as well as the freckles and age spots.
If you are thinking about using hydroquinone; there are different reasons you should stay away from it.
1. Ochronosis - a long term disease condition that is caused by exposure to certain chemicals. When this occurs, the skin becomes darker and thicker than normal.
2. Allergic reaction - it can cause extreme redness, itching or even  severe burning and stinging sensation.
3. Photosensitivity - hydroquinone can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Exposure to UV light can cause severe sunburn when using hydroquinone.
4. Carcinogenic property - hydroquinone makes your skin lighter by reducing the amount of melanin your skin produces. However, doing this makes your skin more susceptible to UV rays that can lead to dangerous sunburn, and over a prolonged time, there will be increased risk of certain types of skin cancer.
Make the safe decision, and avoid topical skin lightening products that contain hydroquinone, even in small concentration.

Saturday 17 October 2015

Week 9 games of the EPL

With the international break now over, we can now sit back, relax and
enjoy our club football. The week 9 games started with a litmus test for the new Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Tottenham Hotspur welcomed Liverpool to white Hartlane. The game was a drab affair. Klopp shouldn't be too bothered about the outcome of this encounter considering the records of his predecessors in their first games in charge of Liverpool.
Man City came out smoking, capitalising on their last game against Newcastle. Though the likes of Kun Aguero and David Silva were lost to injuries during the international break, it was an opportunity for Bony and Sterling to stand up and be counted, which the did. Raheem Sterling bagged his first hat-trick, while Bony got a brace to hand Bournemouth a 5-1 bashing.
Everton had been a thorn on Man Utd's flesh. United had not find joy
visiting Everton, they practically lost their last three encounter without even registering a single goal in those encounter. Today, United broke the jinx with a resounding 3 nil victory over Everton, with goals from Schneiderlin, Herrera and Rooney. Rooney's goal brought him joint second with Andrew Cole on the League table of top scorers ever.
Chelsea were able to grind out a win against lowly Aston Villa even in
the absence of Jose Mourinho. The returning Diego Costa gave them the
lead, with Villa conceding an own goal to end the game 2-0.
Southampton surrendered a two goal lead to end the game against
Leicester City in a 2-2 draw. Vardy continued in his spectacular form
by grabing a brace.
Watford couldn't help but taste defeat against a rampant Arsenal side. Though it took Arsenal over an hour to record their first goals courtesy of Sanchez. Giroud and Ramsey scored to make it 3 goals 3points against Watford.
Our biggest winner for this week is Man City for their 5-1 demolition
of Bournemouth. Choosing our biggest loser was a bit difficult, but
Tottenham should take it for not scoring a goal at home against
Liverpool.
I think the league is Arsenal and Man City to lose.

Thursday 15 October 2015

Global Hand washing Day: Raise a hand for hygiene!

Global Hand washing Day takes place 15th of October of every year. It was first held in 2008. It is an annual global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding the importance of hand washing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
Global Hand washing Day is designed to foster and support a global and local culture of hand washing with soap; shine a spotlight on the state of hand washing around the world and raise awareness about the benefits of hand washing with soap.
Hand washing is an easy way to prevent infections. Frequent washing of hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick or spreading illnesses.
As you touch people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, you accumulate germs on your hands. In turn, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Washing your hands frequently can help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes.
Always wash your hands before:
1. Preparing food or eating.
2. Inserting or removing contact lenses.
3. Giving medicine, treating wounds or caring for the sick or injured person.

Always wash your hands after:
1. Preparing food.
2. Using the toilet or changing diaper/napkins.
3. Touching an animal, toys or waste.
4. Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands.
5. Treating wounds or caring for the sick.
6. Handling garbage, household or garden chemicals, or anything that could be contaminated.
7. Shaking hands with others.
With the short and simple act of hand washing, you could stop a child from vomiting, help hundreds to avoid diarrhoea and food poisoning, and even prevent the outbreak of flu.
Notes:
1. Use soap and warm running water to wash your hand and wash for at least 10secs.
2. Supervise young children while washing their hands and don’t use a single damp cloth to wash a group of children’s hands.
3. Keep the surface areas in your home and office free of germs by cleaning them. Telephones, keyboards, light switches and door knobs are especially important to keep clean.
4. Throw away tissues as soon as you use them. Do not squeeze into your hands.
5. Hand sanitizers can be used when their is no access to soap and water.
6. Drying your hands properly is as important as washing them.
Hand washing is extremely important but sadly most people don’t realise this.
Don’t underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you the trips to the doctor’s office. Raise a hand for hygiene!

Friday 9 October 2015

International World Egg Day 2015: Health benefits of health

International World Egg Day is celebrated every 2nd Friday in October of every year and Nigeria is one of the 7 countries in Africa that celebrate it. It was established at the International Egg Commission (IEC), Vienna 1996 conference. It is a unique opportunity to promote egg. The concept of World Egg Day is a unique opportunity to help raise awareness of the benefits of egg.
Eggs are the source of life and a symbol of fertility. They are produced by the female animals of many different species, but the most common choice for consumption is the egg of the chicken. They are very affordable and widely accessible.
Egg is an excellent source of high quality protein, rich in amino acids, Calcium, Selenium, Iron, Iodine, Sodium, Choline, Biotin, Folic acid, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, B, D and E.
Health benefits of egg includes:
1. It lowers the risk of heart diseases, breast cancer and age-related eye diseases such as cataract.
2. It promotes healthy baby development during pregnancy.
3. It aids thyroid gland function.
4. It is needed for healthy immune system.
5. It aids energy metabolism.
6. It keeps bones and teeth healthy.
7. It helps to maintain brain function.
8. It helps to improve healthy eyesight.
9. It keeps the reproductive system, nervous system and muscles healthy.
10. It protects cells from oxidative damage.
11. Its highly filling and tend to make you eat fewer calories, helping to lose weight.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs because bacteria can enter the egg through pores in the shell. Eggs with cracked shells shouldn't be consumed, unless the cracking occurs during the process of cooking. A fresh egg will sink in water, a stale one will float.
Eggs are versatile food that can be prepared in many different ways such as poaching, scrambling, cooking, frying and baking. It goes with almost any food and, it taste awesome.
Eggs - simply delicious and nutritious!

Natural hair: If you love it, it will grow

The decision to "go natural" can both be empowering and daunting. The question of how do i style it? What do i do with it? Or what products should I use? comes to mind. But wait a minute!  Before you start dreaming and planning, know that you need have realistic expectations for your hair or you are not going to be happy. Whether you are considering going natural or have just begun your natural hair journey, I am sure you have a big plan for your hair, right? But what do you need to know about natural hair?
1. Texture - it refers to the thickness or diameter of the hair strand. This has to be the number one thing that newly naturals should wonder about. Your hair could be fine, normal or thick (coarse). Whatever your texture happens to be, just know that it is beautiful no matter what. Know that the more kinky your texture is, the more delicate and protective you will have to be with it.
2. Elasticity- this is how much your hair will stretch and then return to it normal state. Almost all natural hair have shrinkage to some extent. Healthy hair should stretch 50% or more and return to its normal state when wet and unhealthy hair 20%. Hair that is not elastic is more prone to breakage. You can use braid outs, twist outs, banding, African threading and roller sets to stretch your hair. As your hair grows longer, this will be less of a problem.
3. Moisture - preventing dry hair is quite easy. Moisturize your hair effectively to keep it healthy. If you suffer from dry hair, a good method is the LOC method. First, use liquid like water, then use an oil before sealing the moisture into your hair with a moisturizing hair cream.
4. Regular washing and conditioning schedule - it is good for you to wash at least once a week.
5. Keep your hands off your hair - constant manipulation of your hair will lead to breakage, for those with thick texture especially. This includes: Daily combing, brushing, styling or detangling improperly etc. Keep your hair in protective styles like braids or twists. The more you touch your hair, the weaker it becomes, so keep contact with your hair to a minimum.
You can't do everything everyone else does. Embrace your hair for what it is, and do what works best for you, depending on your hair type.
Black hair is complex. No two heads of hair are alike, not even hairs on one head act alike. This is what makes us unique. Embracing our natural hair is a way of empowering ourselves. If you love it, it will grow!

Monday 5 October 2015

Breast Cancer Awareness 2015

Every October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Today, 5th of October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast Cancer Awareness is an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. The pink ribbon is the most prominent symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness. The goal of the campaign is to raise public's 'brand awareness' for breast cancer, its detection, treatment and the need for a reliable permanent cure.
As a result of awareness, breast cancers are being detected at an earlier , more treatable stage.
Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast cells or tissue. It is the most invasive cancer in females worldwide. Men can have breast cancer too, but the number of cases is small. Breast cancer rates are much higher in developed nations compared to developing ones. It affects 1 in 8 women during their lives.
Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, fluid coming from the nipple, dimpling of the skin, a change in breast shape, red scaly patch of skin, swollen nymph nodes, bone pain, and shortness of breath.
No one knows why some women get breast cancer, but there are a number of risk factors. Risk you cannot change includes: Age (the chance of getting breast cancer increases as the woman get older), genes, personal factors (beginning periods before age 12 or going through menopause after age 55). Other risks include: lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, taking birth control pills, estrogen exposure, obesity etc. Diabetes mellitus might also increase the risk of breast cancer.
Women are usually diagnosed after a routine breast cancer screening, or after detecting certain signs and symptoms. Diagnostic tests include: breast exam, mammography (commonly used for breast cancer screening), biopsy, breast ultrasound and breast (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan.
Treatment may consist of radiation (to destroy microscopic tumor), lumpectomy (removal of a small part of the breast), mastectomy (removal of the whole breast), chemotherapy (use of drugs) and hormone therapy (e.g. Tamoxifen and Aromatase inhibitors).
There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. To lower the risk of breast cancer:
1. Limit alcohol consumption.
2. Be physically active.
3. Do not smoke.
4. Control your weight.
5. Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.
6. Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy.
7. Breastfeed.
Early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. So, do the simple thing: check your breast regularly. If you notice any unusual thing, go to the hospital. Treat it as a medical issue. Every woman is at risk - nobody is spared. Take charge of your breast health. Live life to the fullest!

Sunday 4 October 2015

Week 8 games of the EPL

The week 8 games would usher us into yet another international break.
Everybody wants to end on a high, but only few teams in the top seven
of last season could record a win.
Man City laid down the marker with a resounding 6-1 annihilation of
lackluster Newcastle, who held Chelsea to ransom last weekend. Last season top scorer, Kun Aguero scored five goals in the encounter, making him the fifth player in the league history to score five goals, and holding the record for the fastest.
Chelsea on the other hand were humiliated in front of their fans by
Southampton. Chelsea were given the lead through the trademark free kick of Willian, but couldn't hold on to their slim lead. Southampton came from behind to defeat them 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.
It was a Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool. It was a
clash between an inform Everton and a Liverpool who hasn't lost in the derby of recent memory. Though we expected lot of goals, we only got
goals from Ings and Lukaku, thereby ending in a 1-1 draw.
The biggest game of the weekend, was between Arsenal and Man United. It was a stroll in the park for Arsenal, to the surprise of many. United were shocked by Arsenal when they ended the game before it even started. Arsenal were 3goals up as early as 20 minute. It was a game dominated by Arsenal, and the inspired Sanchez did the damage.
Tottenham held Swansea to a 2-2 draw. Harry kane scored an own goal, after goal from Erikson had brought them game level. All thanks to Christian Erikson for scoring his second goal in the game to save Kane and Tottenham's blushes.
Man City 6-1 Newcastle
Chelsea 1-3 Southampton
Everton 1-1 Liverpool
Arsenal 3-0 Man United
Swansea 2-2 Tottenham
With City, Southampton and Arsenal all recording wins while Chelsea and United losing their games, we would select our biggest winner and loser. I don't see any reason why Man City wouldn't be our biggest winner with such goal margin,  5 goals difference, while the other Manchester is our biggest loser, with -3 as goals difference.
Thumbs up to City for going into the break on top of the league.