Imo State Bans Female Circumcision

Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha says  the ancient practice of female circumcision has been outlawed in the state, warning that offenders risk jail terms without an option of fine.
Okorocha, who stated this yesterday, during the official launch of the campaign against  Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) disclosed that a bill to that effect would be passed into law by the state Assembly .
According to him, such barbaric culture, which  is harmful and not beneficial to the people, ought to be abolished, noting that Imo was still one of the  states in the South East where female circumcision was widely practiced.
“ This harmful ancient practice has been outlawed in this state and a bill to put a permanent stop to it will be passed into law very soon and let me warn those who are still indulging in this practice to be ready to go to jail if caught because there would be no option of fine,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Nkechi  Okorocha, who initiated the campaign in  collaboration with the United Nations Fund for Population Agency (UNFPA), said women in the state have vowed to put an end to the barbaric practice which is not beneficial to  the girl child.
Mrs. Okorocha further explained that the continual practice of Female Genital Mutilation must be  stamped out in the state, especially in the rural areas, where the practice is prevalent and led to emotional trauma, broken homes and even death.
The  Country Representative of UNFPA,Mrs Beatrice Mukta,  disclosed that the organisation has been campaigning against the practice in most African Countries where the practice still subsist.
She commended the wife of the governor for her relentless fight against FGM, noting that the battle against the ancient practice which is steeped in cultural myth may not be an easy one.  she appealed to traditional institutions as well as women in the state to support the campaign.
Mrs. Okorocha had kick started the campaign against FGM/ Cutting with a protest match in which over 500 female students drawn from various schools in the state and women  participated.

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Nigerian Mothers Do Not Understand Exclusive Breast Feeding - Survey

A survey carried out by Nigeria Natural Health Online www.kimekwu.blogspot.com has shown that most mothers who live in the ghetto parts of Nigerian cities do not understand the importance of exclusive breast feeding despite all the media campaigns being carried out to create awareness to that effect.

Using Lagos as a case study, the survey was carried out amongst mothers residents in suburbs and rural parts of the city including Makoko, Iwaya, Mushin, Ijora, Badagary, Ikorodu and some parts of Alimosho.

Of  the 8,000 respondents who were captured in the survey, 87 percent did not see anything wrong in complementing breast feeding with infant formulas and other foods like pap, tea and mashed yam within the first six months of a child’s life. As high as 92percent believed it is ok to give water to a child within these first six months. Only a paltry 7percent agreed that it is strictly wrong to give water to a child within the first six months.

The survey also revealed that these mothers do not really understand the effect of exclusive breast feeding both for the immediate and the future of the child’s life, especially in the area of mental development. Some of them argued that their children are healthy (even though some of this children did not really look it) despite being given complimentary foods aside from breast milk. The situation becomes even more precarious when considered in the light of the fact that these mothers live in unhygienic environments where there are no access to portable clean water.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has directed that mothers should exclusively breast feed their baby for the first six months of the child’s life after which they could augment with other, semi solid foods.

Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. Review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

Breast milk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third during the second year of life.
Breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness. These effects can be measured in resource-poor and affluent societies.

Commenting on the out come of the reaserch of the Nigeria Natural Health Online, a health provider based in Lagos told our reporter that the authorities should step up the awareness campaign not just in the media. according to him, “I think there should be an experiential approach towards creating awareness on the importance of EBF. There should be an interface with these mothers whereby health workers indoctrinate in them the benefits of EBF.”

Mrs Anyanwu, a traditional birth attendant, (TBA) also toed  the same line when she said: “most mothers who live in the suburb of the city do not really listen to this media campaign. I think health officials, apart from placing adverts in the media, should also go into these communities and have a one on one encounter with them. I think that would create more impact.” Story By JOHNSON OKPUSA OBASI

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The Dangers Of High Cholesterol In Your Diet

During the last festive period, a woman in her middle age developed partial stroke and was admitted in the hospital. She recovered fully but the family felt that the problem might not be stroke since the woman’s blood pressure had never been high and her blood sugar level had always been within the normal range, meaning she was not hypertensive or diabetic.

Her blood sample, which was sent to the lab for investigations, showed elevated blood cholesterol, a condition called hypercholesterolemia. It was later found that high cholesterol was responsible for the first stroke she suffered.

Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that is a natural component of all the cells in the body. The body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, added cholesterol, which comes from the foods eaten, may cause harm.

High cholesterol raises the risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. When there is too much cholesterol circulating in the blood, it can create sticky deposits (called plaque) along the artery walls. Plaque can eventually narrow or block the flow of blood to the brain, heart, and other organs. Blood cells that get caught on the plaque form clots, which can break loose and completely block blood flow through an artery, causing heart attack or stroke.

While heredity may be a factor for some people, the main culprits are lack of exercise and diets high in saturated fat. High cholesterol can be prevented, sometimes with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) alone. If these do not work, your therapist may recommend some special fruits and vegetables that are anti-cholestrols. 

In the early stages, there are usually no symptoms of high cholesterol. The only way to tell if the cholesterol is high is through a blood test.

In some cases, high cholesterol levels may be inherited; the liver may make too much cholesterol, or the body may not remove bad cholesterol from the blood efficiently. High cholesterol and elevated triglycerides can also be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes. But often, high cholesterol is caused by eating foods high in saturated fat and not getting enough exercise. High cholesterol is more common in people who are overweight or obese.

 Being overweight or obese, eating a diet high in saturated fat and trans fatty acids (found in processed and fried foods); not getting enough exercise; family history of heart disease; high blood pressure; smoking; and diabetes.

 Most people do not have any symptoms of high cholesterol. A blood test is the only way to check levels of cholesterol in the blood. If the levels are above 200 mg/dL, the doctor will do a fasting lipid profile, a test performed after you abstain from food for nine to 12 hours.

A lipid test generally determines four distinct numbers: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. The LDL or low-density lipoprotein and the HDL or high-density lipoprotein are the two fundamental “cholesterol types”. The LDL is known to be negative (bad) when in excess. Therefore, minimising it will be much better. HDL, known to be the positive (good), is better when elevated. In addition, the lipid profile appraises the triglycerides (whole fat in a person’s body). They have an impact on the health in the same manner cholesterol does. At last, the total cholesterol (sum of HDL, LDL and 20 per cent of triglycerides) is integrated as well in the results.

It is important to say at this juncture that people with chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, among others, should have their lipids check periodically.

Have your blood checked today. By JOHNSON OKPUSA OBASI

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The Amazing Health Benefits Of Ewedu Leaf

• Do you enjoy eating Ewedu soup? apart from its delicious blend with most staple food like Amala and Eba ewedu soup also has high nutritional values. Here is what a respondents has to say concerning this wonderful leaf: " How could I have ever thought that I will enjoy Ewedu vegetable now? I had constantly condemned it as I never encouraged its consumption in my family. By the second day of my Mother’s in law visitation I knew I had no option than to cook it for her since she is a complete Oyo woman who cannot do without Amala and Ewedu. Shortly after I took the bold step to learn the process of making the soup from a Yoruba friend, I found it was completely simple to prepare. Joining my mother in law in taking a bite on the meal, I was completely surprised by how delicious it was when combined with Amala". These were the words of a 36 years old Delta woman married to an Egba man. 
  
  The jute leaf which is commonly called Ewedu among the Yoruba people has been part of the south westerner’s diet for so many decades. A few people who do not enjoy it describe it as a weed, while others cannot completely describe how delicious and medicinal this natural green is when regularly consumed. Ewedu is clearly rich in plenty micro nutrients that have been found to help many in reducing one’s chances of developing certain illnesses. The vegetable can be enjoyed in different forms. It can be eating with Gbegiri (a local soup made from beans) or with Melon soup. I bet whichever you choose; you will definitely enjoy the delicacy if combined with Amala (Yam Flour dough).
  
  
  Cochorus olitorius as the leafy vegetable is botanically called, has been scientifically proven to be efficient in the improvements of certain conditions in people for more than a century. Research has shown that the different varieties of Ewedu possess very important and valuable vitamins and antioxidant that will be of immeasurable nutritional and therapeutic value to our body system. The main vitamins in this vegetable are A, C and E, which are key to protecting the body from degenerative diseases such as Cancer.
  The leaves provide low calorie and an adequate source of fibre which has made it key in weight management. Also, some certain traditional healthcare providers have used the leaf in the prevention of constipation, dysentery and infestation of worms. In fact some old Asian health specialists have reported to have used it for pain and pile reduction.
  If you can recollect correctly, as the world battles with finding a permanent cure for the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, it was reported that one Professor Adebukola Adefule Oshitelu, Professor of ophthalmology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, claimed that jute leaf, commonly called Ewedu, has the ability of curing Ebola.
  
  
  However, the point remains that Ewedu boosts immunity and nourishes our body system. This in itself is one of the greatest health benefit you can get from any food. If you don’t like Ewedu, you may want to start adding it to your diet because of its health benefits. Story By JOHNSON OKPUSA OBASI

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How Stress Reduces Conception In Women

Determined to tackle infertility in women, scientists have confirmed that stress in women reduces their probability of conception.
This was the finding of a study recently published in the journal, ‘Annals of Epidemiology.’ University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences epidemiologist, Kira Taylor and her UofL and Emory University colleagues, found that women who reported feeling more stressed during their ovulatory window, were approximately 40 per cent less likely to conceive during that month than other less stressful months. Similarly, women who reported feeling more stressed than other women, were about 45 per cent less likely to conceive.
Taylor said: “I hope the results of this study serve a wake-up call for both physicians and the general public that psychological health and wellbeing is just as important as other more commonly accepted risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or obesity when trying to conceive.” Conception is the initiation of pregnancy, or when an egg and sperm form a union. It normally occurs in the ampulla of the uterine tube.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a process by which conception occurs outside the body.
According to Taylor; “These findings add more evidence to a very limited body of research investigating whether perceived stress can affect fertility. “The results imply that women who wish to conceive may increase their chances by taking active steps towards stress reduction such as exercising, enrolling in a stress management programme or talking to a health professional.”
The study also found that women, who did conceive, experienced an increase in stress at the end of the month in which they became pregnant. A report in the sciencedaily  said by Taylor’s hypothesizes, this could be the result of two factors; women became stressed after taking a home pregnancy test and learning they were pregnant, and/or most likely the increased stress was the result of changes in hormone levels caused by pregnancy itself.
“Some individuals are skeptical that emotional and psychological attributes may be instrumental in affecting fertility,” Taylor added.
In the study, 400 women, 40-years-old and younger, who were sexually active, recorded their daily stress levels measured on a scale from one to four (low to high). The diaries also contained information regarding menstruation, intercourse, contraception, alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
Urine samples were also collected throughout the study, and women were followed until they became pregnant or until the study ended, for an average of eight menstrual cycles. Researchers calculated mean stress levels during each phase of the menstrual cycle, with day 14 as the estimated time of ovulation. They found the negative effect of stress on fertility was only observed during the ovulatory window, and was true after adjustments for other factors like age, body mass index, alcohol use and frequency of intercourse. Story By JOHNSON OKPUSA OBASI

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Over 60 Million Nigerians Suffer From Mental Disorders - Health Commissioner

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, has said that over 60 million Nigerians have various degrees of mental disorder.

He told newsmen in Abeokuta, the state capital, that about 80 per cent of people move about with metal disorder without knowing or seeking for help, while 20-25 per cent live with a full blown mental disorder in the country.
He said cases of mental challenges range from simple minor mood disorder to extreme cases of mental accreditation, adding that one out of every five Nigerians have an extreme mental disorder.

 

The commissioner said event that could trigger minor mood disorder that could finally lead to extreme mental illness are marital pressure, educational and economic pressure.

Ipaye said other pressures are expectation and disappointment, advocating that community mental home should be created across the country to socially manage mental disorder at the grassroots level.

While urging the federal government to prioritise primary health care intervention for minor mood disorder, the commissioner said people should always go for regular psychotherapy check-up with no cost implication to manage cases of mental challenges before they get out of hand.

Investigations by Nigeria Natural Health Online show that there are one or two things that  could be done on individual level to manage mild mental disorder.  In most cases, a mental illness won't get better if you try to treat it on your own without professional care. But you can do some things for yourself that will build on your treatment plan:

• Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions. Even if you're feeling better, don't skip your medications. If you stop, symptoms may come back. And you could have withdrawal-like symptoms if you stop a medication too suddenly. If you have bothersome drug side effects or other problems with treatment, talk to your health provider before making changes.
• Avoid alcohol and drug use. Using alcohol or recreational drugs can make it difficult to treat a mental illness. If you're addicted, quitting can be a real challenge. If you can't quit on your own, see your therapist or find a support group to help you.
• Stay active. Exercise can help you manage symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. Physical activity can also counteract the effects of some psychiatric medications that may cause weight gain. Consider walking, swimming, gardening or any form of physical activity that you enjoy. Even light physical activity can make a difference.
• Don't make important decisions when your symptoms are severe. Avoid decision-making when you're in the depth of mental illness symptoms, since you may not be thinking clearly.
• Determine priorities. You may reduce the impact of your mental illness by managing time and energy. Cut back on obligations when necessary and set reasonable goals. Give yourself permission to do less when symptoms are worse. You may find it helpful to make a list of daily tasks or use a planner to structure your time and stay organized.
• Learn to adopt a positive attitude. Focusing on the positive things in your life can make your life better and may even improve your health. Try to accept changes when they occur, and keep problems in perspective. Stress management techniques, including relaxation methods, may help.
• Are you having issues bothering on mental health? do you know anyone who has mental disorder and needs a cure? you can permanently cure your mental disorders with traditional African medicine. call the Consultant on +2347031040178. Story By JOHNSON OKPUSA OBASI

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