What to look out for when purchasing packaged food items

Food products could be packaged in plastic bags, paper bags, cans, plastic containers , glass bottles/jars , and other materials that are suitable for packaging food items. The information about the foods are always written on the body of the pack, where it was made and if it is also approved for human consumption. The onus is on the buyer and consumer to check for important information written on the item he or she wants to buy and consume as well.
Another thing to look out for is the state of the material used in packaging these foods . You find some food items on the shelf in really bad shape. Some could be distorted in shape, rusty , leaking or the seals damaged.

THE FOLLOWING ARE WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO BUY ANY FOOD ITEM

1. Dented body especially canned foods ; It could serve as a route through which rodents or pathogens could contaminate the food there by causing food poisoning 
2. Rusty tins; This is can lead to food poisoning especially when the food accidentally comes in contact with rust when you want to consume the food. 
3. Damaged seals or caps especially drinks or purees 
4. Leaking packages; 
5. Tampered packages ; A part of the pack is torn and you see sellotapes or water gum being used to secure the area. The foods we consume are produced in a highly hygienic environment, so using bare hands to secure such an item could contaminate the food.
6. Altered colour; You see this in drinks or drugs. Some food items change colour if they absorb light , moisture or if the ideal temperature of the food item is altered.
7. Torn labels: This will make it difficult for you read all the information written on the item
8. Ingredients/Content ;  People have different preference for food either because of their health or just by choice. Diabetic patients should abstain from refined sugars and foods that have high GI( glycemic index). Other things to look out for is non GMO ( genetically modified organism ) , no preservatives,no artificial colouring, no additives, no artificial flavour, no sweetner in the food. Others could be no gluten no casein for Autistic children, no lactose for lactose intolerant patients . Others are allergens for people with food allergy.
9. Nutritional Information/Nutrition Values / Nutrition facts; This is where the energy , fat , dietary fibre, protein , vitamins and minerals content are stated with their respective values per serving. People on weight loss journey should look out for food with low calories.
10. Expiry date /Best by date/Best before date ; Always check the date on the body of the item. This will inform your decision about getting the item and if you can consume it before the expiry date.
11. NAFDAC  No; Here in Nigeria we have NAFDAC NO.(National Agency For Food And Drug Administration and Control) which is stamped on all foods and drugs approved by the agency. Find out the one in your country when buying any food .
12. Complete accessory for opening ; Always make sure that the tools for opening the food item is in tact before purchasing it. Some canned foods and canned drinks  come with a ring pull that makes it a lot easier to open . One could have injuries while using other tools to open it.

Thanks guys for reading and always stay healthy

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Missing in Action

Hello guys, its been long since I last updated on this blog. I have been undergoing some physiological changes and its quite difficult trying to keep up.I will be doing scheduled posts from now henceforth .I have a lot of interesting posts to put up. Please do look out for them. Thanks and stay healthy guys.

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What is the ideal weight for your baby?

At birth, the baby usually weighs 2.5 kg or more. A birth weight of 4 kg is termed macrosomia (big baby). There are factors that can affect  the birth weight of a baby. It could be as a result of maternal or neonatal factors.
For the purpose of this post I will just dwell on the approximate weight of a child at a particular age. A lot of mothers get worried when they see other babies of the same age with their baby weighing way more than their baby. They start to ask questions about what to give the child.They get all sorts of information that could make the child become ill. As the child grows to become an infant(first 12 months of life) there is a certain weight gain in a day at a particular age.
When a child is born, during the first week the baby may drop in weight. This is due to the loss of extravascular fluid and possibly the colostrum intake. Colostrum is the milk produced in the first few days after delivery.It is thick and yellowish or clear in colour. It has less fat compared to a mature milk.
The following are formulae used to calculate the approximate weight at a particular age

1. For 3-12 months of age = Age(months) + 9/2 
2.  1-6 years = Age (year) x 2 + 8
3. 7-12 years  =Age(year) x 7- 5/2 

In summary,it means that if the child is between the age of 3-12 months, the approximate weight will be 6 kg at 3 months. Now you can add  0.5 kg to subsequent month until 12 months . In this order; 

4 months = 6.5 kg 

5 months = 7 kg

6 months = 7.5 kg

7 months =8 kg

8 months=8.5 kg

9 months=9 kg

10 months=9.5 kg

11 months=10 kg

12 months=10.5 kg

Now remember that it is an approximate weight and there is a range . Not all children will be exactly the same weight.

For 1-6 years, the approximate weight for 1 year is 10 kg, so all you need do is add 2 kg to the following year. In this order;

2 years =12 kg

3 years = 14 kg

4 years = 16 kg 

5 years = 18 kg

6 years =20 kg

 

For 7-12 years , the approximate weight for a 7 year old child is 22 kg, So add 3.5 kg to the subsequent years up till 12 years. In this order;

8 years = 25.5 kg 

9 years = 29 kg

10 years = 32.5 kg 

11 years = 36 kg

12 years = 39.5 kg 

Please remember that these approximate weights are not rigid. There are factors that can make a child weigh more than the other even when they are of the same age. These include Sex, Race, Genetic make up, Environmental factors etc.

For babies  0-3 months,the approximate weight is 30g/day. Is quite technical because you have to convert to kg. With this you can know what your baby will weigh during the period of the first 3 months.

Alternatively, there are a lot of applications that can accurately calculate the growth percentile of the weight, height and head circumference based on age and gender. 

These apps are user friendly and can be down loaded to our phones. It can also give you the multiple units for measures like kg, lb, cm, oz, ft etc. Some of the apps can also monitor growth data of children up to age 20.

Share your experiences with us and do take care of your babies.

Thanks for visiting.

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TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT BATHROOM INJURIES

Every year thousands of people over age 15 visit the emergency room(ER) because of injuries suffered in the bathroom and a significant percent are hospitalized..
Women are more likely to be hurt than men. Bathroom injuries increases with age peaking after 85.
These injuries can occur in the shower,bath tub,toilet areas, around the sink etc. The injuries also occur more while getting out of the bath tub or shower.

BATHROOM INJURIES CAN LEAD TO THE FOLLOWING;

• Sprains
• Contusions
• Fractures
• Concussion
• Abrasions
• Spinal cord injury

THE FOLLOWING PARTS OF THE BODY COULD BE AFFECTED IN BATHROOM INJURIES:

1. Head (Traumatic brain injury)
2. Chest
3. Abdomen
4. Upper limbs
5. Lower limbs

INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF HAVING BATHROOM INJURIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 

• PREGNANT WOMEN; Dizziness is one of the symptoms seen in pregnant women. They can also get tired easily as they progress in their pregnancy. This can lead to injuries in the bathroom because they tend to loose balance when they are dizzy.
• ELDERLY; As one gets older the bone density reduces, elderly people are also prone to having osteoarthritis etc These make elderly people to have less strength, grip and the balance to support themselves. Minor falls can cause fractures in people with osteoporosis, which is seen in post-menopausal women and elderly men . 
• PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PEOPLE: They are always prone to falls in areas that are not well designed for them to move around or use. They can fall while trying to gain entry into the bath tub or leaving the bathroom. In well developed climes laws are put in place so that houses are built to also suit physically challenged individuals who might want to occupy the apartment.

TIPS TO PREVENT  BATHROOM INJURIES

To reduce the risk of bathroom injuries, an environmental modification is required. The following should be put in place to ensure that bathroom injuries are reduced to the barest minimum

• ANTI-SLIP BATH TUB MAT;

This is placed in the bath tubs to prevent you from slipping while having a shower. It is made up of natural rubber. It has suction cups on the reverse side of the mat, this is the part that adheres to the surface of the bath tub. The part you stand on has a secure grip that prevents you from falling.

• NON SLIPPERY FLOOR TILES;

Always use non slippery floor tiles for the bathroom. When you use smooth surface floor tiles for the bathroom, it will increase your chances of having bathroom injuries. Well designed houses will always put that into consideration.

• SHOWER CURTAINS;

Most of the bathroom injuries that occur happen when leaving the bath tub after bathing. This is so because while taking your bath the water and lather from bath soap or bath gell splashes on the floor of the bathroom causing you to slip off once you step on the floor. The shower curtains helps to collect the water that might splash on the floor during shower into the bath tub. There are a lot of beautiful shower curtains in  the market that are not expensive. They also come in different materials like fabrics or PEVA( poly ethylene vinyl acetate).You don't need a shower curtain if your shower has a transparent door/shield.

• GRAB BARS;

Toilet Grab Bars

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•  
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Bathroom Grab Bars

Grab bars are put in the bathroom and close to the toilet area. This will make it easier to enter and leave the bathroom when they hold on to it. It can also help the elderly and physically challenged individuals to stand up from sitting position after using the toilet and also serves as a support while sitting down during defecation.

• FLOOR MAT/TOWEL

This is always kept just by the corner of the bath tub or shower. It absorbs the water from your feet just as you leave the bath tub and can also absorb any water that could have collected on the floor while bathing. This helps to keep your feet dry, thereby preventing you from slipping.

For people that stay in apartments  where there are no bath tubs or showers, the floors of the bathroom can be made with anti slippery floor tiles and also wear slippers that have anti slippery surface. 

Just like the saying goes 'Prevention is better than cure'. Putting the aforementioned items in place will save you a lot compared to when you get admitted for fractures or lacerations on any part of the body. You spend more money in the hospital and will eventually stay away from work until you are better.

Feel free to ask questions or you can share your experience with us.

Stay healthy guys and thanks for visiting .

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On International Women's Day, UN officials call to 'Step It Up' for gender equality

The 2016 theme for International Women’s Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality.” 

 Senior United Nations officials from around the world are marking International Women's Day with calls to “Step It Up” with more resources and greater political action to achieve gender equality by 2030.

“I remain outraged by the denial of rights to women and girls – but I take heart from the people everywhere who act on the secure knowledge that women's empowerment leads to society's advancement,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message for the Day.

“Let us devote solid funding, courageous advocacy and unbending political will to achieving gender equality around the world. There is no greater investment in our common future.”

Listing successes during the past eight years within the UN linked to gender equality and women's empowerment, Mr. Ban said he has signed nearly 150 letters of appointment for women in positions for Assistant Secretary-General or Under-Secretary-General.

“We have shattered so many glass ceilings we created a carpet of shards,” he said. “Now we are sweeping away the assumptions and bias of the past so women can advance across new frontiers.”

The theme for this year's Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality.” The year 2030 is the deadline for the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include targets on achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls, as well as ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning.

The other half of the theme is a reference to UN Women's Step It Up initiative, which asks governments to make national commitments that will close the gender equality gap, by the 2030 deadline.

As part of this initiative, more than 90 Member States have pledged concrete actions “to crack some of the fundamental barriers to achievement of gender equality in their countries,” said UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Given the “unprecedented” expressions of political will, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka called for the beginning of a countdown to substantive gender equality by 2030, supported by accountability and measurable actions.

“The participation of women at all levels and the strengthening of the women's movement has never been so critical, working together with boys and men, to empower nations, build stronger economies and healthier societies,” she said.

Promoting gender equality is also a top priority guiding the work of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.

In her message, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova called the promotion of gender equality “a transformational force for more just, inclusive and sustainable development.”

She noted that despite progress, steep obstacles remain before genuine equality is a reality for all women and girls.

“The new global agenda will succeed only if every country advances the rights, ingenuity and innovation of every one of its citizens, starting with girls and women,” Ms. Bokova said referring to the SDGs and Agenda 2030.

In Geneva, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, spoke about his conversations with Syrian women who have been affected by the country's five-year war.

In a video message, Mr. de Mistura said he has been able to see the women's “enormous suffering and their dignity” and yet they have retained hope and given the international community hope.

“They have, and must have, the right to be part of the political process and the negotiations which we, at the UN, are planning to have. They are part of the future of Syria, of the present and of the past. They have much to say and much to teach us,” said Mr. de Mistura, who has established a special advisory board comprised solely of Syrian women to advise him about what is really needed in political aspects of Syria.

Source; UN.org

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10 FACTS ABOUT DIABETES

1) About 347 million people worldwide have diabetes

There is an emerging global epidemic of diabetes that can be traced back to rapid increases in overweight, including obesity and physical inactivity.

2)Diabetes is predicted to become the 7th leading cause of death in the world by the year 2030

Total deaths from diabetes are projected to rise by more than 50% in the next 10 years.

3)There are two major forms of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lack of insulin production and type 2 diabetes results from the body's ineffective 

use of insulin.

4)A third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes

This type is characterized by hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, with values above normal but below those diagnostic of diabetes, occurring during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery. They are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.

5)Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes

Type 2 accounts for around 90% of all diabetes worldwide. Reports of type 2 diabetes in children – previously rare – have increased worldwide. In some countries, it accounts for almost half of newly diagnosed cases in children and adolescents.

6)Cardiovascular disease is responsible for between 50% and 80% of deaths in people with diabetes

Diabetes has become one of the major causes of premature illness and death in most countries, mainly through the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

7)In 2012 diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths

8)80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries

In developed countries most people with diabetes are above the age of retirement, whereas in developing countries those most frequently affected are aged between 35 and 64.

9)Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, amputation and kidney failure

Lack of awareness about diabetes, combined with insufficient access to health services and essential medicines, can lead to complications such as blindness, amputation and kidney failure.

10)Type 2 diabetes can be prevented

Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days and a healthy diet can drastically reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.

Source;WHO

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Tips to cure your recurrent vaginal candidiasis

Candida albicans

Vaginal candidiasis( yeast infection) is an infection of the vagina caused by Candida. The species of Candida include albicans, glabrata, tropicalis etc. This type of infection can also affect the area around it externally ( vulva)
This infection is what people call "Toilet infection".
10-20 % of women during reproductive years may harbour Candida spp in the absence of symptoms. At some point in their lifetime nearly 75% of all women experience an attack of vulvovaginal candidiasis .
The vagina is maintained at a  PH ranging from 3.8-4.5. This is as a result of the balance maintained by the microflora seen in the vagina .

WHAT IS RECURRENT VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS?

This means having more than 4 episodes of vaginal candidiasis in a year with positive microscopy or a moderate /heavy growth of C.albicans.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VAGINAL  CANDIDIASIS

• Vaginal discharge;this is a thick ,white curd like discharge
• Vulval itching
• Vulval soreness
• Excoriation of the vulva
• Burning and Irritation of the vulva
• Oedema of the vulva
• Dyspareunia (Painful sexual intercourse)  

RISK FACTORS FOR VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS ARE ;

• Frequent use of antibiotics
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Vaginal douching
• Immunodeficiency syndromes e.g HIV/AIDS
• Long use of steroids
• Hyperestrogenemia ie increased estrogen level in blood. This is seen in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptive 
• Pregnancy
• Genetic susceptibility

TIPS TO AVOID RECURRENT VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS 

• Avoid vaginal douching 
• Avoid tight fitting synthetic under wears or clothings. Wear cotton under wears to keep the area dry.
• Avoid local irritants e,g perfumed products
• Wash under wears with hot water and dry it outside
• Avoid scented pant liners, sanitary pads and tampons
• Change your underwear regularly if you sweat a lot around the genital area.
• Avoid use of contraception with high level of oestrogen

Always visit your doctor so that tests like blood sugar, HIV and cultures can be done. Your doctor will also prescribe the right drugs for you to take.

 Please do feel free to leave a comment. Stay healthy guys and thanks for visiting .

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WHO outlines ways to prevent and mitigate childhood hearing loss

“A child who struggles to hear may also struggle to learn to speak, underachieve at school and end up socially isolated,” says Dr Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention. “But this doesn’t have to happen. We have a range of tools to help prevent, detect and treat childhood hearing loss.”

Most childhood hearing loss can be prevented

There are many causes of childhood hearing loss. It is estimated that 40% is attributable to genetic causes; 31% to infections such as measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis; and 17% to complications at birth, including prematurity, low birth weight and neonatal jaundice. In addition, an estimated 4% results from expectant mothers and new-borns unknowingly using medicines that are harmful to hearing.

To prevent childhood hearing loss, immunizing children against diseases and regulating certain medicines and noise levels are vital.

Mitigating the impact of hearing loss

Early identification of those children with hearing loss helps to trigger the needed interventions, such as the provision of hearing devices and other communication therapies.

Hearing screening programmes for infants, and pre-school and school-based children, alongside hearing care training for health professionals, can dramatically improve the lives of children. Such programmes ensure that those in need of specialized care receive the interventions they need to be able to communicate, receive education and gain employment later in life.

Raising public awareness about ear and hearing care is another key strategy for reducing hearing loss and associated stigma around the use of hearing devices. Strengthening organizations of people with hearing loss and their families can contribute greatly to this effort.

The WHO report includes case studies from Cambodia, Canada, Thailand, Uganda, United Kingdom, Viet Nam and the United States which showcase the impact that programmes in these and other countries are having on the lives of children across the world. In settings where public health interventions, such as immunization programmes, are functioning optimally, much of childhood hearing loss is avoided. In others, early detection and treatment are key.

WHO collates data and information on hearing loss to demonstrate its prevalence, causes and impact as well as opportunities for prevention and management; assists countries to develop and implement strategies for hearing care that are integrated into the primary health-care system; and provides technical resources and guidance for planning, implementation and human resource development.

World Hearing Day is an annual advocacy event held on 3 March. It aims to raise awareness and promote ear and hearing care across the world. The theme for World Hearing Day 2016 is Childhood hearing loss; act now, here’s how!

Source; WHO

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‘Stand out and stand together,’ says UN on Zero Discrimination Day

Zero Discrimination Day is an opportunity to join together against discrimination and celebrate everyone’s right to live a full and productive life with dignity. Source: UNAIDS

1 March 2016 – The United Nations agency leading the world’s HIV/AIDS response today called on the international community to celebrate individuality, as it observed Zero Discrimination Day, stressing that embracing diversity brings valuable benefits to all societies around the world.

The theme of this year’s Day is ‘Stand Out,’ and encourages everyone to stand for fair and just societies. People are being urged to value and embrace diversity and recognize the diverse set of talents and skills that each person brings – talents that enrich society and strengthen communities.

“On Zero Discrimination Day, stand out and stand together for the right to live free from stigma and discrimination,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). “By celebrating diversity, we can transform the future,” he added.

However, discrimination remains widespread – gender, nationality, age, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or religion can all unfortunately be the basis for some form of discrimination, the agency says. In only four out of 10 countries worldwide do equal numbers of girls and boys attend secondary school and 75 countries have laws that criminalize same-sex sexual relations.

“When the most marginalized and vulnerable face discrimination and abuse, all of us are diminished,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a message for the Day. “The United Nations is strongly committed to upholding human rights and dignity for all,” he said.

Discrimination in health-care settings also continues to be widely reported. Imagine a young woman newly diagnosed with HIV being told by her doctor that she must be sterilized, a sex worker facing violence or abuse from a nurse, a disabled person denied access to proper advice about their sexual health, a gay man frightened of disclosing his sexuality to medical staff, a person who injects drugs dying after being refused treatment or a transgender person attempting suicide after being turned away from a clinic.

Health-care settings should be considered as safe and caring environments, however, such cases are happening too frequently throughout the world. Any obstacles that inhibit access to health-care facilities, including to testing, treatment and care services, must be removed. Access to health must be open to everyone. UNAIDS is partnering with the World Health Organization’s Global Health Workforce Alliance to develop a plan for action to end discrimination in health-care settings.

Source; UN.org

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Steps to keeping your water dispenser clean

WATER DISPENSER

How many of us clean our water dispensers regularly? Did you know that your water dispensers are to be cleaned every 3-6 months? This will make our water cleaner and will keep us from having any infection contracted from drinking unclean water.
The reservoir of the water dispenser can become slimy if not cleaned regularly and this could be a nidus for bacterial growth.
Water dispensers are found in banks, offices, homes etc. Do you think they clean the water dispensers regularly? When most of us come down with water borne diseases, we begin to question the diagnosis. You hear things like ' I use only bottled water  ' or  'I don't drink sachet water'. The question is 'HOW OFTEN DO YOU CLEAN YOUR WATER DISPENSER'.

 YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING TO CLEAN YOUR WATER DISPENSER 

• A pair of clean rubber gloves
• Clean brush or soft cloth
• Cleaning pad 
• Hot water

TAKE THE FOLLOWING EASY STEPS IN CLEANING YOUR WATER DISPENSER:

• Unplug the dispenser from the power source

• Remove the water bottle. Always do this when the water in the bottle is finished i.e when you want to put a new water bottle in the dispenser
• Drain water from the water dispenser
• Remove the top of the dispenser

NO SPILL ADAPTER

• I prefer to use hot water only for the cleaning but some people use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar in a volume of water to get the actual concentration to be used for cleaning.
• Pour the hot water in the reservoir after removing the no spill adapter and baffle

RESERVOIR UNIT

• Allow the hot water to sit for about 5 mins. Wear the gloves and use the soft pad or brush to wipe the inside of the unit.Drain the water through the spigots and repeat the process about 2 times.
• Wash the no spill adapter, baffle and the drip tray in a warm soapy water and allow to dry.

DRIP TRAY

• Clean the top of the dispenser and the back to remove dust and also around the spigots.
• Replace the baffle and the no spill adapter .

BAFFLE

• Replace a new water bottle on the dispenser
• Plug the dispenser and it is ready to be used again.

The drip tray should be washed every 2 weeks or monthly. Before buying any water dispenser, be sure that it can be removed easily when you want to clean it .

Stay healthy guys. Always drink uncontaminated water to avoid having water borne diseases. Feel free to ask any question.

Thanks for visiting.

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Panic in Ogun state as first Lassa fever victim dies

The Ogun State Commissioner of Health, Babatunde Ipaye, disclosed this at a press conference in Abeokuta. He said the government did its best to save the victim, who died on Sunday, and has contacted the deceased family for approval to bury the victim based on WHO protocol.

Mr. Ipaye said the 28-year-old victim was admitted into the isolation unit of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, which was specifically equipped, staffed and funded by the state government to manage confirmed cases of Lassa fever.

“The patient received a nine-day course of Ribavirin, potent antibiotics, appropriate blood transfusions and necessary psychosocial support.

“We were only waiting to celebrate the completion of medication today and take a blood sample to confirm cure when unexpected complication set in yesterday, Saturday the 13th February, 2016,” she said.

Mr. Ipaye advised Ogun residents not to panic because of the death. He said none of the 121 primary contacts with the deceased have shown any signs of the deadly fever.

“The first 10 days of active surveillance on these contacts have been free of any suspected case and we hope to keep daily communication and visits with these contact in the next 11 days to make up the longest incubation period of 21 days,” he said.

The commissioner said the second person diagnosed with lassa fever in the state was still under care. He said the 12 weeks pregnant victim had recovered from initial fatigue, body weakness and depression.

“Like the first case, she also travelled into Abeokuta from Kogi State. As a responsible government we have taken full responsibility for her care and she has been on medication with ribavirin for three days now.

“We have been in contact with her family members and presently have mounted active surveillance on the 60 primary contacts of this patient,” he said.

The commissioner implored care providers to alert the Department of Public Health of the State Ministry of Health or the Local Government Area Health Departments closest to them of any suspected case.

Source ; Premium Times

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Happy Valentine's day.

Love and Hugs on Valentines's day.
Do have a Happy Valentine's day Celebration.
Remember to stay healthy guys.

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My husband beats me with planks, wires, threatens to kill me

A 27-year-old mother of one, Flora Okwuosa, has lamented the ill-treatment and constant battery she receives from her husband, one Chris Obiekezie.

DAILY POST gathered that Flora who hails from Orisite Local Government Area, LGA, of Anambra state and married to Chris of Awkuzu LGA of the same state, worked with Nigerian Brewery Company and subsequently with Central Business Unit, Abuja, before her marriage to her husband on 21 August, 2014.

Chris, a factory worker, had however, asked her to resign from her job after marriage, saying he would cater for her and that she had no need to work.

According to Flora, her husband of less than 2 years has already turned her to a punching bag.

In a chat with DAILY POST, the battered mother of one who is resident at Agbara, along Badagry Expressway, Ogun state, said the last straw that broke the camel’s back was when she asked her 32-year-old husband for baby diapers.

Flora who recently lost her both parents to an undisclosed cause, further lamented that her husband, an electrical engineer had changed within such a short time.

Narrating her ordeal, she said, “On Tuesday, we took our one-month-old baby to the hospital and we were given a list of prescribed drugs to buy for her. I wanted us to get the medicines on the same day but my husband and his mother said we will do so when we get home, later in the evening. We ended up not getting the medicines.

“On Wednesday, my husband went out to see his brother and as he was staying out too long, I called to remind him that we needed those drugs unfailingly. He said he would be back in an hour and we would go to the pharmacy. I kept waiting for hours, yet he didn’t show up. So I asked a neighbour to hold my baby while I drove to the pharmacy to get the medicines myself.

“He returned home much later in the evening and like husband and wife, I called him to talk to him. First, I asked him why he showed less concern about anything that had to do with our baby. He didn’t give me any chance to speak further, he flared up and pounced on me, but I kept my cool.

“On Thursday, he was about to go out when I asked him for money to buy diapers for the baby. He said he had just N1,000 which he threw at me. I told him the money was not enough for diapers, which he knew. He asked me to use my money to buy the diapers, while he said that, he collected the money.

“I took the car key so I could go get the diapers myself, with my money. I was going to leave the baby behind with him because she is only a month old and not fit to go out.

“He asked me to give him the key which I refused because I had to drive to the supermarket. I am still not so strong after child delivery,” she added.

“I need help, I have taken so many tablets of paracetamol because I can’t take anything stronger because am breastfeeding.”

Flora said following her refusal to hand the car keys over to her husband, he grabbed her and strangled her with his bare hands and then with a wire which he also used to lash her severally.

“I was almost losing my breath, so I dropped the keys and ran out of the house. He followed me out and picked up some planks to hit me. I ran back into the house to carry my baby who was already crying, he followed me still.

“Again, I found my way out and he continued pouncing on me while I held our baby. He slapped me endlessly, beat my head, hand with planks and didn’t care if our baby would be hurt in the process. At that point, a passerby, a woman, came to my rescue and begged my husband to let me be.

This morning (Friday), he threatened to kill me and that nothing will happen. He reminded me that I was an orphan and if I die, nobody will look for me. He said he will kill me and take the property we both laboured for and nothing will happen. He says my people are preaching “no divorce, no work it out.

“I have sacrificed my good paying job, my life savings, my life and family on the altar of this sham called marriage.

“I want to be out because the attempts to strangle me even with wire, pushing me down when I was pregnant and beating me regularly may just take my life one day,” she told DAILY POST.

“If I die any time soon,my husband, Chris killed me.

“I am still in his house and I don’t have anywhere to go. Besides, my people are in the East and I can’t travel with a month old baby,” Flora sobbed.

“I want to start life afresh, I may have resigned from my job and I know my colleagues will say we warned you, but I can’t die in silence.”

She, however, called on good-hearted Nigerians to come to her rescue and give her a free legal divorce service.

Source; Daily Post

This is what we see in our society every day. Neighbours bring them to the ER ( Emergency room) and when you take your history this is what you find . Some come in unconscious , lacerations on the body , stab wounds etc. 

This is violence against women. I wrote a post on VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN read HERE

Is very important we put legislations that protect women from violence. Another important factor is women empowerment.

Always seek help when in such situations. 

Thanks for visiting.

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Tips to stay safe this Valentine season

The Valentine season is here again!!! This is the season we share love and spend quality time with our loved ones, exchange gifts ,visit the orphanage, visit the sick in the hospitals, the destitute in the society, the prisoners in the prisons etc

Valentine means different things to different people. This period is really an exciting period for young people who think it is the best time to have sexual relationship with their partners. 

As we celebrate Valentine with our lovers, friends etc I just want to remind us of the ABC ways of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STIs( Sexually transmitted infections). They are as follows;

A - Abstinence
 B - Be Faithful
 C - Use of condoms

A and B ways of preventing spread of HIV/AIDs are self explanatory.I will talk about the C-Condoms.  Am sure most of us know what condoms are and what they are used for. Condoms are actually latex tubing worn over the penis by either the male or in vagina by the female partner during sexual intercourse for the purpose of preventing pregnancy or protecting against sexually transmitted infections. I will concentrate on male condoms in this post. 

To reduce spread of HIV/AIDS, STIs like Genital  Herpes, Gonorrhea, Syphilis,Hepatitis B and C, Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) etc , Unwanted pregnancy, the use of condom is always advocated for in other to have a safer sex.

There are varieties of condoms in the market. Always bear in mind the following  when buying one;

• Lubricants; Always buy condoms with luburicant, this will reduce the friction between you and your partner, thereby reducing the risks of having a burst condom during intercourse.
• Size; Condoms come in different  sizes. Men have different sizes of penis so always try and get the one that fits you well. They come in ultra, max,and slim fit sizes. This also prevents accidents of condoms slipping off the phallus during coitus(sex).
• Texture; Always go for the right feel. It makes you comfortable whenever you wear it and you also have maximum satisfaction with your partner. Some condoms are also too thin, this type of condom can burst as well during intercourse. Use the right texture to prevent transmission of infection and unwanted pregnancy.
• Allergic reactions; Always look out for condoms with hypoallergenic content.Some people can react with the lubricants or the latex as well.
• Reservoir tip ; Look out for condoms with reservoir tip. This is were the semen collect after ejaculation (release)
• Affordable; Go for condoms that you can afford any time any day but still with the right quality.
• Colour, Smell ; Just like they say 'Variety is the spice of life'. You can try different colours and flavours just to spice up your love life with your partner.

Below is a model of a phallus showing how to wear a condom. We need to know how to wear the condom well in other to avoid burst condoms or condoms slipping off the phallus during intercourse. We teach our clients and patients when they visit the HIV clinic or the family planing clinic how to wear the condom.

A model of the phallus.

Lets assume this is an erect penis of a dark skinned man . lol 

Open the condom and look at the edge to know the right direction so that when it is placed on the penis it rolls down easily with the aid of your fingers wrapped round it.

If you look closely you will see the reservoir tip I talked about earlier. When sliding down the condom down the erect penis don't slip it all in, leave the reservoir tip for the semen to collect in it. Do it gently by holding the tip while rolling down the rest of the condom down to the base of the penis.

Of course you go to the convenience to remove the used condom after the intercourse.

Please read HERE in cases of burst condoms 

I hope you understood the process of wearing the condom using the model. Stay safe guys. Please do feel free to ask questions in the comment section. 

Do have a wonderful Valentine and loads of fun with your loved ones.

Thanks for visiting.

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The man that loved me is not the same man that I Iive with now

The next patient that entered the consulting room was a light skinned, tall woman, well dressed but didn't look happy. She just managed to give me a smile as she sat down .
I had the following conversations with 3 patients;

PATIENT 1

Doctor ; Good day ma, how are you?
Patient 1; Am not fine doc
Doctor ; What happened?
Patient 1: Doctor what can be done about my face my husband hit my head on the wall after our discussion resulted into a fight.I want everything written in that folder. I will surely take up the matter. My whole body aches. I can't even lift this hand. He was just punching me like a sack of rice.
Doctor ; Sorry ma, I will prescribe some analgesics for you.
Patient; I am light skinned and I will need some thing to take away the black eye.

PATIENT  2

Nurse ; Doctor there is an emergency. A patient is bleeding from a laceration on the face.
Doctor ; Madame what happened?
Patient; Is it not my husband, he hit my head against the wall  in the bathroom.
Doctor; Where is he?
Patient; He didnt come,it was my neighbour that brought me here.
Doctor; Ok, just be calm while I suture the cut, is quite deep.
Patient;I feel much better now. The pain was so much . That man is very heartless. My daughter ran to him and told him that mum was bleeding from the face and lying on the floor. He never came to help me.
Doctor ; Really sorry for what happened. Take your drugs as prescribed. You will be fine.

PATIENT 3

Patient; Please I need help.
Doctor; What happened ma?
Patient ; My husband beat me. Look at my mouth is swollen , my back aches.
Doctor; What happened? Lie down on the couch so that I can examine you. I will give you some analgesics.
Patient; It all started during the last Christmas season.We were ...............

And the story goes on and on. All the above patients suffered from violence against women. I had to counsel all 3 patients and also show empathy. Surprisingly , all 3 women were well educated and I just couldn't figure out were they went wrong.

According to WHO;

• Violence against women - particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence - are major public health problems and violations of women's human rights.
• Recent global prevalence figures indicate that about 1 in 3 (35%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
• Most of this violence is intimate partner violence. Worldwide, almost one third (30%) of women who have been in a relationship report that they have experienced some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner.
• Globally, as many as 38% of murders of women are committed by an intimate partner.
• Violence can negatively affect women’s physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health, and may increase vulnerability to HIV.

• Factors associated with increased risk of perpetration of violence include low education, child maltreatment or exposure to violence in the family, harmful use of alcohol, attitudes accepting of violence and gender inequality.
• Factors associated with increased risk of experiencing intimate partner and sexual violence include low education, exposure to violence between parents, abuse during childhood, attitudes accepting violence and gender inequality.
• There is evidence from high-income settings that school-based programmes may be effective in preventing relationship violence (or dating violence) among young people.
• In low-income settings, primary prevention strategies, such as microfinance combined with gender equality training and community-based initiatives that address gender inequality and relationship skills, hold promise.
• Situations of conflict, post conflict and displacement may exacerbate existing violence, such as by intimate partners, and present additional forms of violence against women.

The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."

Factors specifically associated with intimate partner violence include:

• past history of violence;
• marital discord and dissatisfaction;
• difficulties in communicating between partners.

All these have health consequences like; Homicide or suicide, injuries, unintended pregnancies, depression, post traumatic stress disorder,emotional stress , negative impact on the children etc

Legislations that protect women , empowers women and promotes gender equality should be put in place.
If there is a crack or friction in your marriage always seek a marriage counsellor early before it deteriorates.

Remember that problem shared is problem half solved. Please do share your experiences with us.
Thanks for visiting.  

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