Amino acids and natural hair growth

“You are what you eat” especially when it comes to being physically healthy.
Amino acids, which are essential organic compounds, are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins provide the structure for all living things. Every living organism from the largest animal to the tiniest microbe is composed of protein. It makes up the greatest portion of our body weight, next to water. It makes up the hair, nails, muscles, tendons, glands, ligaments and many vital body fluids. Each protein in the body is tailored for a specific need; they are not interchangeable.
Proteins that make up human body are not obtained directly from the diet. The liver produces about 80% of amino acids and 20% are obtained from diet. The ones obtained from the diet are the essential amino acids while the ones manufactured by the body are non-essential.
Sulphur containing amino acids like cysteine and methionine create the connective tissues found in hair, skin and nails and are of paramount importance when it comes to increasing the speed of hair growth. They are essential amino acids and we need to consume them by eating the right food because our body doesn’t synthesize them. Best food source of methionine and cysteine includes Eggs, Fish, Chicken, Brazil nuts, Sunflower seeds, Cheese, Oat, Peanut, Almond, Corn, Wheat germ, Beans etc. Brazil nuts contain larger amounts of sulphur and should be consumed in a balanced fashion, don’t overdo. Onions and garlic are also rich in sulphur. You can squeeze out it juice and apply on your scalp carefully, leave it for 15minutes and finally rinse off with mild shampoo. The key is to ingest them daily so that your body gets used to having a steady supply of these amino acids.
Having a consist level of methionine and cysteine in your body is what we increase the rate of hair and nail growth and skin rejuvenation. Loss of methionine has been linked to graying of hair; it leads to buildup of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles and a gradual loss of hair color.
When you make a lifestyle change to include amino acids in your diet, expect your hair to gradually grow faster, it won’t be overnight. In a month, you should definitely see the difference, especially if you are eating one of these foods daily. Keep it up and the result might really surprise you.

World Hypertension Day: know your number

World Hypertension Day is a day designated and initiated by The World Hypertension League (WHL). The day was initiated to increase the awareness of hypertension which is very important because of the lack of knowledge among hypertensive patients. Since 2006, the WHL has been dedicating May 17 of every year as World Hypertension Day. This year’s theme is ‘know your number’.
Everybody has blood pressure but not all has hypertension. Blood pressure depends on several factors: the output from the heart, the resistance to blood flow of the blood vessels, blood volume and blood distribution to the various organs. Pressure is abnormally high in people who suffer from hypertension.
What then is hypertension?
Hypertension also known as the silent killer is a medical condition that often remains undiagnosed until relatively late in the course. It can be explained as blood pressure exceeding 140/90mmHg. Sphygmomanometer is used to diagnose blood pressure. Blood pressure is expressed  by two measurements, the systolic pressure which is the pressure exerted by the blood when heart beats, forcing blood into the blood vessels  when the blood pressure is at its highest and the diastolic pressure, which is recorded when the heart is at rest in between peaks, when the blood pressure is at the lowest.
The condition is often associated with coronary heart disease, diabetes, kidney disorders, obesity, hyperthyroidism, arteriosclerosis and adrenal tumors. Men tend to develop hypertension more often than women, but the risk of women rises after menopause and soon approaches that of men. Women’s risk of high blood pressure also increases if she is pregnant or takes oral contraceptives.
Symptoms of hypertension include headache, blurred vision, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid pulse, fatigue and sleeplessness, nausea.
Lifestyle changes and medication can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of health complications.  Lifestyle changes include:
1. Weight reduction- maintain normal body weight (BMI 18.5-24.9kg/m2).
2. Adopt DASH eating plan- consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low fat dietary products. (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
3. Physical activity- engage in regular aerobic physical activity such as brisk walking and jogging.
4. Dietary sodium reduction- reduce dietary sodium intake to no more than 100mmol/day (2.4g sodium or 6g sodium chloride).
5. Moderation of alcohol consumption- limit consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day or stop the intake of alcohol.
If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, blood pressure medications are used. Several classes of medications, collectively known as antihypertensive medication are available for treating hypertension. Nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, garlic, selenium, essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, and blackcurrant seed oil), coenzymes Q10, vitamin C and vitamin E can help to improve heart function and lower blood pressure. Herbs like capsicum, chamomile, fennel hawthorn berries, rosemary, hops and valerian are also useful in calming the nerves. Ephedra and licorice can elevate blood pressure, avoid them.
Recommendations
1. Follow a strict salt-free diet.
2. Keep your weight down.
3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
4. Detoxify your body.
5. Get sufficient sleep.
6. Eat a high fiber diet and take supplemental diet.
7. Avoid stress as much as possible.
8. Drink steam-distilled water only.
9. Avoid all animal fats.
10. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Today is World Hypertension Day; know your number by visiting the nearest pharmacy store close to you. It is free!

Milk of Magnesia: Beyond a Laxative

Milk of magnesia is the trade name for the drug ‘Magnesium hydroxide’. It is used to improve digestive problems and fight stomach acid but it is also worth knowing that it can be applied externally too. So what does a proven laxative have to do with blemished skin? Well, it calms and relaxes the skin much as it calms and relaxes troubled intestines. It is a product that is appreciated in beauty due to its properties, which are great for improving skin appearance and treating certain skin conditions. Come on! Let’s see what other things milk of magnesia do aside being a laxative.
1. It is greatly used to fight greasy skin and its oily appearance by regulating excess sebum. It absorbs oil and shrinks pores. Hence, it is used as a face primer. Apply 2 drops of milk of magnesia onto a cotton pad and wipe it over your face. Always do it on clean skin.
2. It is an effective solution for treating skin with dermatitis because in mild cases it can minimize some of the main symptoms such as redness, itching and irritation. Apply twice a day for relief.
3. It is also effective for treating acne skin because it prevents outbreaks of pimples and pores becoming so easily clogged with external pollution. It also promotes skin cleansing by removing all the dirt and accumulated oil. Dabbing some milk of magnesia directly on an active pimple, leaving it overnight will dry out the zit before it can grow larger.
4. It helps to soothe the burning sensation in the dermis when it is burned due to excessive sun exposure.
5. To alleviate some conditions such as cold sores affecting your lips and also act as natural deodorant, combating excessive sweating and body odor.
6. It has alkaline nature that naturally draws oil away from the surface of the skin. It also has antibacterial qualities that help to kill bacterial on the skin.
But note that it is not suitable for very dry skin as it make it tight and make it even drier. It is essential to apply in small quantities. Do a small test on your hand before using it to check for possible allergic reactions. There are some treatments that are not exactly meant for acne but work well. Milk of magnesia is one such acne cure.                                                

Unfading beauty

There is a beauty that God is looking for in us. It attracts God to anyone that has it. It is the inner beauty of the hidden person of the heart, the ageless beauty of a meek, gentle and quiet spirit. It is the beauty from within, it is incorruptible, not subjected to decay, and it endures forever. This is the unfading beauty. Unfading beauty is of a great price and it is precious in Gods sight.
Somehow, women are generally concerned about their outward look. The desire to look attractive drives many into paying attention to their hairdo, kind of clothes and shoes to put on and jewels to put on. Covetousness has become a stronghold in many lives as they desire to dress as queens. Whereas the wearing of nice dresses, braiding the hair neatly and wearing of gold are not out rightly forbidden by God but a Christian beauty must not be made to depend on these.
Physical beauty can attract the natural man but not God. Beauty in the sight of God is that of the inner man which are the ornaments of meek, gentle and quiet spirit. These are precious much more than gold or silver in God’s sight.
To be meek means to be lowly, gentle and submissive. A gentle woman is humble, submissive and doesn’t struggle for anything even if she is right. She leaves all things in the hands of God, trusting God to defend her. Anyone who manifests a gentle spirit attracts God’s presence and attention. Press on for this inner jewel if you want to make yourself beautiful.
Quietness is another ornament of inner beauty God wants us to cultivate. To be quiet means to be peaceful and unperturbed no matter the situation. It is deeper than being silent. Silence is external and quietness is internal, though it may manifest externally by silence. A quiet woman is a woman that is healthy within and without. She is calm and free from all fears even if she is passing through some difficulties. She is free from moral conflicts. She may not look so beautiful in appearance but beautiful within because of what she possess within. Make it a lifestyle not to worry about anything but pray about everything.
Another ornament of inner beauty is holy life. Holiness is an external manifestation of an inner purity and loyalty to God. It is not ordinarily external. It has its root in the heart. Holy character and service will be produced by a life that is loyal to God. It is not a matter of holy dressing or speaking holy, it is being holy at heart. There is beauty in holiness. It is a life that makes the holy God to make himself manifest. Spend your time and resources to cultivate this.
Friend, have you discovered this unfading jewel yet? Or are you still busy running after the jewel of gold and silver? Gold and silver are good. They are God’s handiwork but they are perishables and are of no eternal value as far as attracting God is concerned. If you must invest your time, energy and resources, invest it first on the inner man, beautify the inner man which is of great price in God’s sight.
“Favor is deceitful. Beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth God shall be praised”.

Earphones and ear health

Technology is improving day by day, but the advancement is leaving many of us trapped in the comforts, imposing multiple side effects on our health. One of such technology affecting our health indirectly is the use of earphones. If you listed the benefits of earphones, you could go on and on. You can use them to listen to music while doing chores, working or even waiting for an impossibly long bus ride to be over. You can as well connect it with your television or computer.
However, no matter how beneficial earphones may seem, they still have their downside of which many people who use them have no knowledge of the kind of health issues they could cause. People using earphones are actually placing their hearing at peril.
The risks of using earphones
1. Hearing complications or hearing loss - One of the main side effects of listening to loud music is hearing loss. While using earphones, the sound reaches the ears directly. This sound should not exceed 90 decibels.  Any volume above this threshold impacts hearing. Ideally, one should not use earphones continuously for more than 15 minutes. There is a threat of hearing loss beyond this point. So if at all you have to use earphones, then make sure that you are giving some rest to the ears in between.
2. Severe pain in the ears - Those who use earphones regularly tend to visit the doctor with a complaint of severe ear pain. You will feel some strange and different sounds buzzing in your ears. You also feel numbness in your ears.
3. Ear infections - It is very common to share your earphones with others, since earphones are made for two ears, but is this practice really safe? No, sharing earphones with others is definitely not safe as the bacteria from other’s ears travel to your ears and cause infections. I advise everyone to avoid sharing earphones. If it cannot be helped, sanitize them before using.
4. Side effects on brain - Earphones produce electromagnetic waves, proven to be dangerous for the human brain. Those who use earphones, Bluetooth and headphones on a daily basis are prone to problems related to brain.
5. Blockage of air passage - There are many companies which manufacture earphones, making sure that the quality of the audio is clear and convenient for those who are using them. In order to get the best out of the earphones you will have to insert these earphones directly in the ear canals and this will result in blockage of air passage. This further result in ear infections, ear wax and finally even loss of hearing.
The key to keeping your ear healthy is knowing how much loud sound you are exposed to.  A “noise diet” can protect your ear from future problems.

World malaria day 2016: End malaria for good

World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria. This year’s theme is “end malaria for good" and it reflects the vision of a malaria-free world set out in the global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female anopheles mosquitoes called malaria vectors. There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans- Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium malariae of which P. falciparum and P. vivax pose the greatest threat. P. falciparum is the most prevalent malaria parasite on the African continent and it is responsible for most malaria-related death globally.
Malaria is an acute febrile illness. Symptoms appear 7 days or more in a non-immune individual after the infective mosquito bite. First symptoms include headache, fever, chills, joint pain, flu and vomiting. It may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria. If not treated within 24 hours, P.falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness like cerebral malaria often leading to death.
Vector control is the main way to prevent and reduce malaria transmission. Two forms of vector control- indoor residual spraying and insectides-treated mosquito nets- are effective in a wild range of circumstances. There are currently no vaccines against malaria and any other human parasites.
Antimalaria drugs can also be used to prevent malaria. For travelers, malaria can be prevented through chemoprophylaxis, which suppresses the blood stage of malaria infections, thereby preventing malaria disease. For pregnant women, intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is recommended at each scheduled antenatal visit after the first trimester.
Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces the disease and prevent deaths. The best available treatment is Artemisinin -based combination therapy (ACT) like the artemether/lumefantrine, artesunate/mefloquine, artesunate/amodiaquine etc.
Malaria eradication is defined as the permanent reduction to zero of the worldwide incidence of malaria infection. Once eradication has been achieved, intervention measures are no longer needed.
Malaria is preventable. End malaria for good.

The wonders of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apple or cider. It has pale to medium amber colour. It is made by crushing apples and squeezing out the liquid. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process and the sugars are turned into alcohol. In the second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria (acetobacter). Acetic acid gives vinegar its sour taste.
Apple cider vinegar is effective for pretty much anything- your hair, your skin, your house and even your overall health.
Health benefits of Apple cider vinegar
1. Diabetes: Apple cider vinegar has shown great promise in improving insulin sensitivity and help to lower blood sugar responses after meals. The acetic acid in vinegar may lower blood sugar by preventing the complete digestion of complex carbohydrates which is accomplished by increasing the uptake of glucose by bodily tissues. Hence, it is highly beneficial to diabetics patients.
2. Heart health: vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol and blood pressure. It contains the antioxidant chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to protect LDL cholesterol particles from becoming oxidized, a crucial step in the heart disease process.
3. Energy boost: it contains potassium and enzymes to help expel tiredness.
4. Weight loss: vinegar can increase feeling of fullness and help people eat fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss.
5. Antibacterial properties: the main substance in vinegar, acetic acid, can kill or prevent bacteria from multiplying and reaching harmful levels. It can thus be used as a natural preservative and disinfectant. It can also be used to treat infections like sinus congestion, warts and sore throat.
6. Skin irritations: its works for a variety of skin ailments from insects bite to sunburn.
Beauty and hygiene benefits
1. Facial toner: it helps to prevent breakout and even help bruises to fade out faster. A dab of the vinegar can also be left on the skin overnight to fade age spots or acne scars.
2. Hair rinse: it helps to remove products builds up and balance scalp’s pH level. It boost hair body, make it shine and also used as an anti dandruff.
3. Oral health: gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar helps to whiten teeth and eliminate bad breath. Always dilute before using because of the main ingredient in the vinegar (acetic acid) which is quite harsh.
4. Natural deodorant: helps to eliminate odor-causing bacteria and smell from the feet.
Home benefits
1. Fruits and vegetables wash: diluted apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural agents for removing certain bacteria from your fresh produce.
2. Natural cleansing: best natural cleaning agent due to the antimicrobial properties. It also helps to neutralize odor in the home.
3. Weed killer: it is very effective in controlling weed in the home.
Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful product that can be used in a multitude of ways. I highly recommend it!

All flesh is as grass...

Beauty can be said to be combination of qualities that give pleasure to the mind or senses. It is a pleasing or attractive feature about somebody or something that can either be external or internal.
The desire for beauty is the secret push behind the rush for new clothes, shoes, cars and architectural which many men and women pursue. Beauty is what pushes many to look for money at all cost. The desire to appear beautiful has become such a great matter that both the young and old press for it. Though the desire for beauty appears much more intense among women, the men are not left out of this mad rush. Most times it is the desire for beauty that makes most men go for most recent electronic gadgets, flashy cars and new architectural designs. The same beauty makes them rush for girls that look beautiful. Such girls often receive more proposals for marriage than the so called less beautiful girls, not necessarily because God is leading them but because the beautiful appearance of the girls attract them.
It is natural for people to go for things which appear beautiful, but unfortunately, such beauty is temporal. No matter how beautiful or attractive a house might be, it will fade away; collapse or little carelessness with fire may raze it down to ashes. So it is with beautiful clothes or cars. Even the beauty of human appearance is not everlasting. A girl who appears beautiful today may become ugly tomorrow by reasons of growth, sickness, childbearing or accident, and so with handsome men. Beauty can turn to ashes as life goes on. This is called the fading beauty (temporary beauty).
Physical beauty is pleasant to the eye but it does not last. No matter how much spent to bring forth a beautiful edifice, body or clothes, it is still temporary. The whole world is subject to the force of decay. What to concentrate our attention and lives upon is that beauty that is eternal (unfading beauty). It is the inner beauty, and when this is omitted in any life, every other thing around that life no matter how beautiful it is will be affected.
Physical beauty has a way of introducing idolatry and spiritual barrenness into the lives of those who go for it. Fashion, clothes and jewels could become your idol. It is alright if God made you beautiful but do not service it.
Our body (physical flesh) and this life are best described as ordinary grass. What exactly is grass? Grass withers, no matter how long it appears on the field. That is the end result. It is a temporal thing. Same as the flower, as beautiful as it appears, fade away. That is how God made it and that is how God made all flesh. It appears today only to disappear tomorrow. The physical life and our bodies are not meant to last, have this understanding so as to know where to apply your time, strength and resources. If you concentrate on beautifying the life that fade away, you will wither and soon fade away with it eternally.
Life is worth more than food and the body is worth more than clothing. It is helpful to focus and apply our lives to nurse and beautify our inner life and make it conducive for God to dwell in.

JAMB! JAMB!! JAMB!!!

There has been so many controversies surrounding this year's Joint Admission and Matriculation Board. Though we heard of some issues last year concerning the CBT exam being conducted. This year's experience has dented the credibility of the exam board.
Please share your experiences with us if you took part in the exam or know someone who did.

Remedy for a broken heart

People get together for so many reasons confusing nurturing with intimacy. Having unrealistic expectations can doom a relationship. Being heartbroken is a pain that no one can understand until they have experienced it for themselves. It is perfectly normal to feel sad and cry after a breakup you have invested most of your time and interest into.
To heal a broken heart, always focus on yourself first. Know that, the most important relationship we have in this life is with ourselves, with or without someone. Don’t forget yourself in the process of your heartache. Whether you made a big mistake or not, ensure your well-being is priority.
There is no set way to heal a broken heart but there are actions you can take to come out on top.
1. Create no room for guilt in your life in order to move forward. Feel the guilt for the moment and let it go.
2. Don’t be hard on yourself in the process of healing. Don’t be embarrassed the way you feel. Feel your emotions and acknowledge them.
3. Make a choice either to run from it or deal with it. But it is better you rise to the challenge and deal with it to free the pain in time.
4. Take each day as it comes and choose the attitude that will uplift you. Work on your mindset, it can either help you go forward or keep you in a state of fear, regret and sadness.
5. Change how you see yourself and your ex-partner. Learn how to control your visualization.
To feel better afterwards:
1. Decrease stress and order your thoughts.
2. Forgive yourself and the person in your own time.
3. Get happy with yourself again and focus on your ambitions and goals. Imagine a bright future.
4. Surround yourself with people who will allow you to be you.
5. Avoid negative thoughts towards the entire gender.
6. Learn from your mistakes.
7. Don’t neglect the spiritual side, get in touch with the inner self and listen to the word that comes to you. Seek peace, joy and strength through this time and you will receive it.
Healing a broken heart will take time but it is possible. There is a whole lot of empty space to fill after a breakup space that used to be filled with possibilities, excitement and expectations. It is never an easy process to go through but with the right remedy, you will be on your way to recovery and happiness again.
It is never too late to start over. If you were not happy with yesterday, try something different today. Don’t stay stuck. Do better!

Growth hindering hair habit to do away with.

Sometimes we don’t always pursue the best habits for our hair and sincerely, we are all human and sometimes our hair can’t take first place. However, let’s commit to being better to our hair and retain as much growth as possible by leaving these hair habits behind:
1. Over manipulation – brushes, combs and even heat tools all take a toll on our hair. Detangle with your fingers first when it comes to detangling after washing. It will help you alleviate the majority of your tangles without pulling your strands. Then use a wide tooth comb for smoother results. Refrain from using combs and brushes as much as possible, use your fingers instead. It may be time consuming but it’s totally worth the time. Use heat tools minimally and with care when you do if length retention is your goal. You can blow dry your hair using cool air to cut down on the use of heat for maximum stretch without the extra stretch of heat usage. Always deep condition with protein before flat ironing.
2. Styling – protective styling is good, but we have to make sure we wear these styles properly and take sufficient breaks in between. You can wear braids for a month; allow your hair to be free for a month in between. This will allow you to properly moisturize your hair and do scalp massage for healthy hair growth.
3. Neglect – natural hair suffers when it is neglected. Don’t be surprised that your hair won’t be where you want it to be if you are not doing the necessary things you need to do like proper moisturizing, sticking to good hair regimen, taking your vitamins regularly, scalp massaging, wearing your satin or silk scarf etc.
4. Deficient trims – trimming is an essential part of any natural hair regimen. Make sure you get all of the hair that needs to be trimmed when you do. When you don’t trim, you end up with thin ends and before you know it, you will be in need of a haircut. Trim when necessary, but don’t allow three months to pass without ensuring your ends are at their best.
5. Rash hair decision – refrain from cutting and damaging your strands. Maintain your strands to successfully keep your hair healthy in the process. It is better to wait until you have obtained the length you’ve been striving for.
6. Comparing your hair to others – we all has a hair crush. One thing you must remember when driveling over your hair crush is to admire their hair, and not compare it to yours. Comparing your hair to others can make you discouraged about your hair and you may start to neglect it trying to achieve a particular look.
What are some hair habits you are leaving behind?

Beautiful but Modest

Every creature God created is beautiful the way He made it. The creator is pleased with the way he made the earth and all that’s there in it. All the other creatures were and are still happy with the way God made them and whatever He provided for them. But man is always looking for ways of improving upon or even completely changing the way God made him. The birds of the air do not complain about their feathers and grass of the field about their leaves. But human beings are forever looking for ways to “make up” their external appearance possibly to look beautiful in their own estimation.
God cares for our bodies. He who made the body knows what to do to sustain and maintain it. He feeds the birds of the air and clothes them with feathers in different colors. He clothes the lilies of the field daily, if God is concerned about ordinary grass which appears today, and tomorrow cast into the oven, how much more we His temple,  inside whose bodies He dwells. He knows what you need to care for your body in such a way that it will not decay but that it will function properly to serve him here on earth. Be content with what he provides for you to take care of your body. The gain in doing this is eternally unquantifiable.
God is still in the business of clothing His creatures today but in His own way. He made our bodies and they are good in his sight the way He made them. All we need to do is to maintain it at the barest cost that will make it functional. We have to avoid wasting our money, time and other resources.
You don’t have to spend all your money, time and resources to look beautiful. Just take care of yourself by simply being clean and approachable. General cleanliness of the body helps keep it healthy. Use mild soap for regular bathing. Avoid bleaching your skin with bleaching soaps and creams, because it has an unhealthy effect on your skin cells, and you may end up with skin cancer and eventually, untimely death.
Wash your hair regularly. Tidy it up and make it neat. You don’t need to chemically alter it before you can look beautiful. Remember, God made everything and he saw that it was very good. How do you look at your body and your hair? Look at it very well to see the natural beauty in it.
Dispose your body waste properly. Wash your hands with soap and water each time you use the toilet. It helps to wash away dangerous toilet germs. This is preventive and it is cheap and simple. It helps to maintain the health and beauty of the body.
Finally, dress to cover your nakedness. Don’t forget, you will be addressed the way you dressed. Originally, a dress is meant for covering nakedness. Body will never complain of any dress you use to cover it. It is only self (the flesh) inside that complains.
God made us simple. We are the ones who have made ourselves complicated. Lack of contentment about how God made us and the provision he makes for us is what causes us to make ourselves complicated. But godliness with contentment is great gain. If we allow God to meet our needs the way He desires, His will is the best for our lives.
Do not be high minded but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Allow God in your life.

Recipe for a healthy relationship

First of all, ask yourself what a real relationship is. You need to understand what your desires are from another person, and what you are willing to give them. By doing this, you will know if you are to continue and work towards a future together, and if the other person feels the same.
Once you have decided to have an official relationship, you both need to remember what brought the two of you together in the first place. It will help not taking each other for granted, which can often happen after two people have been together for a long time. This does not mean the love is fading, but there is lack of effort. Everyone is independent in their own beliefs and ideas about things, so never expect a person to always see things your own way. However, if you want to avoid frequent arguments, it is important to have similar expectations out of a relationship. There are few recipes that go into this tasty meal of healthy relationship. Let get started.
Freedom of love -Showing affection is really one of the key things that distinguishes a relationship from friendship and it is important not to let it fade. When love is present, the other entire recipe falls into place.
Honesty and truth-  a top priority for healthy relationship. You need to know that you can trust your mate because it builds a zone of safety and comfort around them. You should be able to rely on your loving partner to tell you the truth. Always confess your wrong doings to another after making mistakes.
Patience is one of the keys to a healthy relationship. There are times when your partner will not respond in a way in which is pleasing to you, but this doesn’t mean we have to take it so serious or personal. Always slow down and think of reasons why your partner may be acting a certain way. Assuming and jumping into conclusions is not the best because it shows your partner they can act freely. No matter what the situation may be, patience is golden in a relationship.
Appreciation- If too much time goes by where they don’t feel like their effort is appreciated, they are bound to slow down, stop and maybe leave. Every healthy relationship consists of two people who not only appreciate what their partner does, but also who their partner is. Learn how to appreciate.
Respect- Respect is the bowl that you used to mix all of these ingredients together, without the bowl, everything else just falls all on the floor and becomes one big mess.
If you are in a relationship, I hope you commit to loving your partner with honest heart, transparency, patience and a fully present mind.
Lastly, never forget to say I LOVE YOU, it can never be said too much.

Celebrating Valentine's day as single

Valentine’s Day is a day couples or love interests go all to express their love. It’s all good but what about those who are single? Can singles enjoy a day like Valentine’s Day? Yes.
After all, Valentine’s Day is all about love and you have to love yourself first before any other. It is OK to long for that special relationship if you are single but you have no reason to feel unhappy in the meantime. You should have a loving relationship with yourself if you are not in a relationship. Use Valentine’s Day as a time to pamper yourself and treat yourself to something you truly want and know that you deserve. Give yourself the attention and love you hope someone will give you one day. It all start with self love, if you are able to love and treat yourself well first, you will be able to do the same for others, and will also never settle for less than what you are used to giving yourself and know that you deserve.
You can be happy as a single on Valentine’s Day. Resist the pressure to couple up if it’s not the time for you, and celebrate the moment. Forget about mopping around this Valentine’s Day! Do something you enjoy doing and catch some fun for you. Some ideas on what you can do are:
1. Cook yourself a delicious and healthy meal, set a beautiful table, create a relaxing mood for yourself and cuddle up with a good book.
2. Stay indoors and watch movies of your choice, while munching some sweet treats.
3. Spread your love by sending out greetings for loved ones in your life or by extending love to the needy.
4. Splurge on a spa package. Relieve pain, reduce hypertension and boost immunity with a massage.
5. Be creative. Involve yourself with something you love doing that has nothing to do with Valentine’s Day. It will put you in touch with how great your life is and remind you this is one day out of the year.
Love your singleness and think about the benefits of being single. For example, free time, no compromises on home front, no fighting over remote control, less responsibilities etc. Focus on the benefits rather than the drawbacks. Be happy within yourself.
Will all these lovers continue to whisper to each other’s ear sweet words? Will they keep surprising one another and trips down the memory lane? We all, as single or married can fall into a habit of not acknowledging the people who matter in our life. Why not use Valentine’s Day as a reminder to spend the rest of the year letting people know how much they mean to you. This will show your couple friends that love is everywhere.
Break away from tradition and reinvent the day as a reflection of who you are and a celebration of your life because who knows, next valentine’s day you may no longer be alone and may have someone in your life to treat.

Health benefits of African star apple (Agbalumo)

African star apple, botanically called chrysophyllum albidum is also known as African cherry fruit and white star apple. It is popularly called Agbalumo in the southwestern part of Nigeria and Udara in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It is associated with the dry season and has been enjoyed over the years by Nigerians as a fruit.

African star apple is mostly cultivated in the rural areas of the country and fully in season from January to April. Naturally, it’s advisable to let the fruit fall to the ground before harvesting but it is common practice for people to pluck it from the tree even when it has not ripened fully. This is one of the major reasons for its sour taste and slapping sensation when it is consumed. However when the fully ripe fruit is consumed, it is sweet, and sensitizes the taste buds of the eater. To crown it up, it is highly nutritious.

Previous studies indicate that the roots, barks and leaves of African star apple have been employed in folk medicine for the treatment of diseases. The bark is used for the treatment of yellow fever and malaria, while the leaf is used as an emollient and for the treatment of skin eruption, stomachache and diarrhea. The cotyledons from the seeds of African star apple are used as ointments in the treatment of vaginal and dermatological infections in Western Nigeria.

African star apples are a rich source of calcium (calcium lends strength to your bones and teeth, and it may also lessen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as cramping and abdominal bloating). This fruit also contains good amounts of vitamins A and C (higher content of vitamin c than oranges or guava).  100g of the fruit gives 25mg of vitamin C. African star apples are also quite rich in iron (a mineral vital for oxygenating your body, that you need every day).

African star apples are low calorie foods and are rich in dietary fiber. Eating up to 3-5 fruits can give a feeling of being full and keep dieters from over-eating and consequently controlling calorie or food intake thereby helping to control or manage weight. It is also a good snacking fruit which can be used to stop hunger pangs.

Eleagnine was found to be the main compound responsible for its antimicrobial activity. Eleagnine was further shown to exhibit anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The seed cotyledon has been reported to possess anti-hyperglycemic (lowers high blood sugar) and anti-hyperlipidemic (lower blood cholesterol) effects.

Consumption of African star apple gives your body a better chance of fighting and avoiding heart disease, cancer etc. because it contains natural antioxidants. It is a very good recommendation for patient with heart problems and diabetic patient.

Its antibacterial properties is useful in the relief of tooth abscesses, intestinal/stomach upset, skin infection and diarrhea. Reduction of inflammation associated with laryngitis (sore throat) and pneumonia.

As with all fruits and food, moderation is the key. Do not consume African star apple excessively because it could lead to heartburn.  Enjoy… Don’t forget to share with me.

World Cancer Day 2016: We can, I can

Every February 4^th is world cancer day to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer. Theme for this year is “we can, I can”. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Cancer affects everyone, the young and old, rich and poor, women, men and children. The most frequent types of cancer differ between men and women. Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising, with an estimated 13.1 million deaths in 2030.

Cancer, also known as malignant tumor or neoplasm, is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. There are over 100 cancers that affects human.

When cancer begins, it invariably produces no symptoms. Signs and symptoms only appear as the mass continues to grow depending on the type and location of the cancer. Possible signs and symptoms include: a new lump, a prolonged cough, change in bowel movements, unexplained weight loss etc.

90-95% cases of cancer are due to environmental factors. The remaining 5-10% is due to inherited genetics. Environmental factors such as lifestyle, economic and behavioral factors and not merely pollution. Common environmental factors that contribute to cancer include tobacco, infections (viruses, bacteria and parasites), lack of physical activity (negative effects on the immune and endocrine system), stress, radiation (ionizing, non-ionizing ultraviolet radiation, medical imaging, radon gas, radio frequency, electric power transmission and radiation from mobile phones), diet and obesity (over nutrition, high-salt diet, aflatoxin) and environmental pollutants. It is nearly impossible to prove what caused a cancer in any individual, because most cancers have multiple possible causes. Some hormones play a role in the development of cancer by promoting cell proliferation. Obese people have higher levels of some hormones associated with cancer. Women who take hormone replacement therapy have a higher risk of developing cancers associated with those hormones.  

Most cancers are firstly recognized either through screening or appearance of signs and symptoms. People with suspected cancer are investigated with medical test s such as CT scans, endoscopy, blood tests and x-rays.

Cancer is considerably a largely preventable disease because most of the cancer cases are due to environmental risk factors which are controllable lifestyle choices.

Vaccines have been developed to prevent some carcinogenic viruses. They include Human papillomavirus vaccine (cervarix) which decreases the risk of developing cervical cancer. Hepatitis B vaccine which prevents infection with hepatitis B virus and thus decreases the risk of liver cancer.

Many treatment option for cancer exist, they include chemotherapy (treatment with one or more cytotoxic anti neoplastic drugs), radiation therapy (use of ionizing radiation to either cure or improve the symptoms of cancer by damaging the DNA of cancerous tissue), surgery (primary method of treatment), hormonal therapy, targeted therapy (form of chemotherapy that targets specific molecular differences between cancer and normal cells), alternative and complementary treatments and palliative care (action to reduce the physical, emotional, spiritual and psycho-social distress experienced by people with cancer). The treatments are used depending on the type, location and grade of the cancer. The treatment may be curative or not.

Just as cancer affects everyone in different ways, all people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities.

We can inspire action and take action, stop the myths that lead to stigma against cancer patients, encourage schools to educate children on how to prevent cancer, create healthy environments, improve access to cancer care and work together for increased impact.

I can make healthy lifestyles choices, understand that early detection saves lives, ask for support and support others, love and be loved, return to work after cancer treatment, be myself, share my story and speak out.

World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what you can do and take action. Whatever you choose to do ‘we can. I can’ make a difference to the fight against cancer.

Communication that improves relationships

Communication can be said to be a two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange information, ideas or feelings but also create and share meaning.

Relationships don’t exist in a vacuum. They exist between two emotional human beings who bring their own past experiences, history, and expectations into it. Two different people also have different levels of skill when it comes to communication. But better communication can be learned because it is a skill.

Communication either makes or breaks most relationships. You can improve your relationship today, right now, by putting into practice some of these tips for improving the communication in your relationship.

Be open and honest with your partner. Being open means talking about things you may have never talked about with another human being before in your life. It means being vulnerable and honest with your partner, completely. It means opening yourself up to possible hurt and disappointment. But it also means opening yourself up to the full potential of all a relationship can be. Sometimes the truth hurts, but it’s the key to a healthy relationship. Admit that you aren’t always perfect and apologize when you make a mistake instead of making excuses. You will feel better and it will help strengthen your relationship.

Pay attention to nonverbal signals. Most of our communication with one another in any relationship isn’t what we say, but how we say it. Nonverbal communication is your body language, the tone of your voice, its inflection, eye contact, and how far away you are when you talk to someone else. Learning to communicate better means that you need to learn how to read these signals as well as hear what the other person is saying. Reading your partner’s nonverbal signals takes time and patience, but the more you do it, the more accustomed you will be to what they’re really saying.

Stop and listen. Listening is a very important part of effective communication. A good listener can encourage their partners to talk openly and honestly. Tips for good listening includes showing genuine attention and interests, keeping genuine eye contact, leaning towards your partner to show genuine interest and concern and always ask for feedback from your partners.

Make your message clear. No matter how well you know and love each other, you cannot read your partner’s mind. We need to communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings that may cause hurt, anger or confusion. Avoid talking about serious matters or issues in writing. Text messages, letters and emails can be misinterpreted. Talk in person so there aren’t any unnecessary miscommunications. When you talk to your partner, try to: Think about what you want to say and what you are feeling when you said it. Be clear about your message so that your partner hears it accurately and understands what you mean. Share positive feelings with your partner, such as what you appreciate and admire about them, and how important they are to you.

Stay focused. Sometimes discussions turn into arguments. To be respectful of one another and the relationship, try and keep the arguments focused to the topic at hand. 

Find the right time. If something is bothering you and you would like to have a serious conversation about it, make sure you pick the right time to talk. Don’t interrupt your partner when they’re watching a sports game, TV show, about to go to sleep or stressed about an upcoming test or event. Tell your partner you would like to talk later and find a time when you’re in the same room and not doing anything important. Don’t start serious conversations in public places unless you feel safe.

If your partner does something that makes you angry, you need to tell them about it. But you don’t have to do so right away. Remember your partner can’t read your mind. If you don’t speak up when you’re upset, there is no way for them to apologize or change. Once you do mention your hurt feelings and your partner sincerely apologies, let it go. Don’t bring up past issues if they’re not relevant.

It’s okay to get angry in a relationship. Everyone does at some point! What’s important is that you resolve fight in a healthy way. If you get angry with your partner, here are a few steps to take:

1.      Stop, take a step back and breathe. Give yourself time to calm down.

2.      Think about the situation and why you got so angry after you’re no longer upset.

3.      Talk to your partner and when you do, follow the tips above.

4.      Listen to what they have to say after you tell your partner how you feel. You both deserve the opportunity to express how you feel in a safe and healthy environment.

Communication is not about who is right or wrong, but instead about helping each other see things from each others perspective, so that you can be on the page and avoid any misunderstanding that will cause unneeded arguments. We can all learn how to improve the way we communicate.