Oil Pollution: Otuoke Community Cries Out For Water

Barely three months after leaving office as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and his kinsmen in Otuoke community now face serious health implications from lack of portable water.

Elijah Ateki, the Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC), Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa, has bemoaned the scarcity of potable water in the area.

Ateki said in Otuoke yesterday that lack of drinking water was the major problem in the community.

According to him, the situation is due to the pollution of rivers in the area by oil spilage.

He said the community had suffered inadequate potable water over the years, and urged the State and Federal Governments to provide the people with potable water.

'Otuoke community depends on rivers and now that all the rivers are polluted by oil, it is difficult for us to get potable water here,' Ateki said.

Emmanuel Agede, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the area, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation and called for government’s intervention.

'You will not believe it that here in Otuoke, we use water from an unused suck-away pit dug near our lodge, for washing clothes and bathing.

'For cooking and drinking, we buy sachet water; life is very difficult here; we spend the bulk of our monthly allowances on water for survival.'

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Natural Injectable Skin Lightening Solutions: The New Alternative To Bleaching Creams

A more natural therapy of lightening the skin is gradually establishing itself. The beauty of this advanced natural therapy is that it not only lightens the skin naturally from the inside, it also helps to cure some skin related diseases.  The Intravenous Glutathione Skin Whitening Treatment can lighten your skin evenly. Glutathione is administered via IV and is able to deposit evenly throughout the body. Glutathione will swop up the oxidative damaged cells (which cause skin to darken) and lighten your skin naturally, safely, evenly and in a healthy manner.
Glutathione is advertised heavily by naturopaths as a panacea for many conditions. Flourish Natural Medicine in Portland claims:

It’s the most important molecule you need to stay healthy and prevent disease — yet you’ve probably never heard of it. It’s the secret to prevent aging, cancer, heart disease, dementia and more, and necessary to treat everything from autism to Alzheimer’s disease. There are more than 89,000 medical articles about it — but your doctor doesn’t know how address the epidemic deficiency of this critical life-giving molecule. What is it? It is about the mother of all antioxidants, the master detoxifier and maestro of the immune system: GLUTATHIONE

Skin lightening has a controversial background. Ideas equating skin lightness with desirability, beauty and even class/caste are prevalent in some cultures. Shadeism (or colorism) is a term used to describe discrimination based on skin tone within a community, with lightness being perceived as more desirable. The marketing of skin lightening products is widespread, as is their use. Worldwide, this is a billion-dollar industry, one with a lot of critics. The official reaction to the naturopath’s advertisement was quick:

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is naturally synthesized in the body. It is involved with numerous biochemical pathways and may have some role in different diseases, but there is a lack of robust evidence linking supplementation to changes in health outcomes. In spite of this, glutathione seems to be a darling of the alternative medicine industry. Dr. Oz calls glutathione “the superhero of antioxidants.” Mark Hyman calls it “the mother of all antioxidants.” Importantly, while glutathione is also found in food, dietary consumption doesn’t appear to relate to blood levels, suggesting that oral supplementation may not be that effective. And given our bodies synthesize glutathione, the relationship between supplementation, blood levels and disease is not established.
There have been preliminary studies of glutathione for a number of uses, such as Parkinson’s disease. The best scientific evidence for infusions seems to be for its possible use to reduce the side-effects of cancer therapy.

When it comes to skin whitening, glutathione may have anti-melanogenic effects. There have been some studies conducted on the oral version and on a topical lotion. The trials have been small but generally positive...
(To Be Continued)

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Unhealthy Skin Care Practices To Beware Of

Nowadays, they no longer call it bleaching. They call it "Toning" or "Lightening"; but whatever nomenclature you chose to describe it, it is still the same thing. Non-prescription creams that claim to bleach or lighten your skin can be harmful.

A survey recently carried out by expert dermatologists believe lightening creams are completely unsafe, and 80% feel they are only safe when prescribed by a dermatologist.
 
There are prescription-only lightening creams, which must be used under the supervision of a doctor. A lightening cream obtained without prescription – for example, bought in a shop – may contain banned substances and be on sale illegally. People who use these illegally sold creams might not realise the harm they can cause.
Hermione Lawsone of the British Skin Foundation says: "Unfortunately, many skin-lightening creams contain illegal compounds that can damage your health. The most common compounds are high-dose steroids."
Some creams also contain hydroquinone, a bleaching agent banned from use in cosmetics but can be prescribed by doctors for medical reasons.
The damaging effects of these products are taken seriously by the law. In November 2012, a man pleaded guilty to possessing skin-lightening creams for supply, as well as prescription-only medications. The skin-lightening creams contained hydroquinone. The man was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,375.

Although steroids can be useful in treating some skin diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema, this must take place under the supervision of a skin specialist.
"Unmonitored use of high-dose steroids can lead to many problems," says Lawson, a specialist in the field of Dermatology "Patients are often very distressed by the results of skin-lightening creams."
Skin-lightening creams can cause:

• permanent skin bleaching 
• thinning of skin
• uneven colour loss, leading to a blotchy appearance
• redness
• intense irritation

If you've used a skin-lightening cream and are worried about the effect it has had, see a GP. They may be able to refer you to a dermatologist.
 
"Medically approved preparations prescribed by a GP or a dermatologist are not dangerous, within reason," says Lawson.
A cream that you buy over the counter is not necessarily medically approved and could permanently damage your skin.
Depigmentation, a medical treatment that lightens or fades skin, is sometimes used in the treatment of vitiligo (a condition that causes pale patches on the skin).
This treatment uses prescription medication and needs medical supervision. It's not suitable for everybody.

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Stroke, Cancer, Diabetes, Blood Pressure And Others Can Be Lowered With A Daily Intake Of Oranges - Research

We all know the proverb "an apple a day," but equally an orange could be recommended. There are thousands of reasons why eating an orange a day is a good idea; they are low in calories but full of nutrients, they promote clear, healthy skin and can help to lower our risk for many diseases and conditions as part of an overall healthy and varied diet.

Possible health benefits of consuming oranges

Stroke: According to the American Heart Association, eating higher amounts of a compound found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit may lower ischemic stroke risk for women. Those who ate the highest amounts of citrus had a 19 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke than women who consumed the least.
Blood pressure: Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure, however increasing potassium intake may be just as important because of its vasodilation effects. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2 percent of US adults meet the daily 4700 mg recommendation.
Also of note, a high potassium intake is associated with a 20 percent decreased risk of dying from all causes.
Cancer: According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, consuming bananas, oranges and orange juice in the first two years of life may reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia.
As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C, oranges can also help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. While an adequate vitamin C intake is necessary and very beneficial as an antioxidant, the amount necessary to consume for therapeutic purposes for cancer is beyond oral intake. High fiber intakes from fruits and vegetables are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.
Heart health: The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and choline content in oranges all support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Mark Houston, M.D, M.S, an associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School and director of the Hypertension Institute at St. Thomas Hospital in Tennessee.
In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day).
High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.
Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One medium banana provides about 3 grams of fiber.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 g/day for women and 30-38 g/day for men.
Skin: The antioxidant vitamin C, when eaten in its natural form (as in an orange) or applied topically, can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the support system of your skin.

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Is It Healthy To Include Raw Tomatoes In Your Diet?

Raw tomatoes can be a contentious food item when used raw. While some people adore their natural sweetness and use them on everything from sandwiches, suya to casseroles to pizzas, others dislike their relatively slimy texture and acidic nature. Whether you love or hate them, however, raw tomatoes provide essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that can deliver a number of profound health benefits.

Raw tomatoes naturally contain an assortment of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that have the potential to guard against serious diseases. Eating more tomatoes and vegetables in general can help prevent conditions including bone loss, cancer, diabetes, kidney stones, stroke, heart attack and obesity. In an article for the “American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine,” Dr. Britt Burton-Freeman observes that raw tomatoes have anti-inflammatory properties and that they might even help prevent cognitive dysfunction. Tomatoes might have particular benefits for men. The American Dietetic Association encourages men to eat tomatoes at least once a week because the lycopene present in them promotes prostate health.

The tomato’s positive health properties are a result of the antioxidants and beneficial compounds found in the food. it is noted that the main antioxidant in tomatoes is lycopene, which neutralizes harmful free radicals that can damage cells in the body. Tomatoes also contain beta-carotene, folic acid, and vitamins A, C and E. Additionally, tomatoes have exceptionally low energy density, which means a large serving size delivers only a small amount of calories and fat. According to the USDA, a cup of sliced tomatoes has just 30 calories and less than 0.5 g fat.

 

However, there are also potential ill effects of eating raw tomatoes. They have an acidic quality that might aggravate frequent heartburn or acid reflux. Dr. Frank Jackson, of Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology Clinic, recommends steering clear of tomatoes altogether if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease because they might act as a “trigger food.” Eating too many tomatoes at the expense of other fruits and vegetables might also lead to eventual nutrient deficiencies.

 

Eating cooked tomatoes and processed tomato products can deliver many of the same health benefits as raw tomatoes, although some enzymes and beneficial compounds are destroyed in the cooking and production processes. If you have specific questions related to tomatoes in your diet, talk them over with your physician or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your current eating plan.

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Sewage Breakdown: Disaster Waiting To Happen At FESTAC Town, Lagos

What appears to be a disaster in waiting is currently playing out at the FESTAC area of Lagos. A resident of the area, Mr. Oghene Emma-Egoh, has lamented the poor state of the place, calling it “a disaster waiting to happen.” Emma-Egoh, a member of the House of Representatives, on Sunday urged the Federal Government to move in and save “FESTAC and its satellite towns” in Lagos State.

The lawmaker warned of possible epidemics in FESTAC owing to the near total collapse of infrastructure, particularly the sewage system.

FESTAC Town is a federal housing estate on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Lagos,

FESTAC means Festival of Arts and Culture, and the estate was constructed to house the participants of the festival in 1977. It was subsequently allocated and sold to Nigerians after the festival.

But Emma-Egoh, who represents Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, complained that in spite of collecting all manner of rates and levies from residents in the area, both the federal and the Lagos governments cared less about the decay in the town and its surroundings.

He recalled that he had earlier moved a motion on the problem on the floor of the House last week, as part of the efforts to get the Federal Government to rescue FESTAC Town.

The House, in a resolution, had called on the Federal Government and its agency, the Federal Housing Authority of Nigeria, to begin the “immediate rehabilitation of FESTAC Town.”

Emma-Egoh said, “This estate has been built for over 40 years and as we speak, there are no functional infrastructure. Today, the Federal Government collects tenement rates from residents in FESTAC, while the Lagos State Government also collects land charges.

“There is no single firefighting vehicle in the place. If there is any fire incident in FESTAC, it will be a total disaster. So, given its importance as one of the oldest housing estates and satellite towns in Lagos, it is important to rehabilitate the area,” he said.

He noted that the condition of roads in the estate had become deplorable, while residents no longer had access to potable water.

The lawmaker said, “The central sewage systems in the estate are no longer functional. They now gush out dangerous wastes into the open at uncontrollable rate and the drainages are no longer flowing and have become the habitat for giant mosquitoes.

“This situation can lead to the outbreak of an epidemic,” he submitted.

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