The Health Benefits Of Listening To Music

Listening to music relieves stress. Songs have a way of reminding me of certain periods in my life. Tu Face’s African Queen always reminds me oof my first love.  James Arthur’s Roses remind me of being a struggling university student. Mohits’s songs from their glorious era remind me of my wide-eyed optimism as a teenager. Wande Coal’s Mushin to Mohits album reminds me of my rush to grow up, enter university and enjoy the rest of my life. Look at how that turned out.”

 

I’m sure this is the same for everyone — we all have songs that calm us, excite us, or remind us of certain periods in our lives. Perhaps when we were different people or when we had different dreams.

Scientists do not fully understand the effects of music on human beings. However, what they do know is that when we hear good music, the brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which positively affects our mood. It is, therefore, no surprise that songs we like can make us feel strong emotions such as joy, sadness, happiness, nostalgia etc.

Music helps with memory. This premise of emotions associated with music prompted researchers to postulate that music may possess the ability to affect our health and well being. While there is still ongoing research on the health benefits of a beautiful symphony, early results suggest that music may have some of the following benefits.

Music and Endurance
Music can be the difference between a boring work out session and an interesting one. Not only does it relieve boredom, but it also improves stamina and puts you in a better mood.

Picture yourself in the gym playing upbeat music [gbedu wey dey burst brain] while exercising. Not only does the tempo move you, it also adds a new twist to your work out session. Motivational or catchy music synchronised to your work out routine has been shown to have positive physical and psychological effects — you can bench press to Burna Boy’s Way Too Big, do push-ups when Zlatan says Gbe body eh, or even prove your gym haters wrong when Davido’s Fem starts to play. All these are satisfying and even encourages you to exercise harder and longer than your usual routine.

 

Music and Mood
Lights off, scented candles, soft music playing in the background. What does this remind you of?
Let’s flip it: Cold play’s Fix you, lonely nights and a fresh break-up? What does this remind you of?
Worship songs, a place of worship, and a charismatic religious leader. Any guesses?
Because of the chemicals released by our brains when we encounter different musical chords, music can greatly improve or reduce our mood depending on the context. Music can make you sad if you are happy and vice versa. In other cases, it could make someone who is happy happier and a sad person sadder. Alternatively, it could also be a trigger for nostalgia. So, scientists advice that the love song you currently share with your significant other that makes you so happy could one day be a source of sadness. Especially if you guys are no longer together.

Music and Memory
I can bet that no Nigerian can recite the multiplication table without singing it. Okay, what of Nigerian states and capital? Let’s try Rivers in Africa? Last one: spell hippopotamus without singing. I dare you.
Various studies have shown that when trying to learn new a language, groups which sang the phrases fared better than groups who tried to learn normally. There was more verbatim memory recall for the sing-song group than for the other group. This is because repetitive parts of a musical rhythm help the human brain form patterns that enhance recall. This improved memory recall through songs have been shown to be useful in the management of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and early onstage dementia.

Music and Stress and Anxiety
Listening to low tempo music such as classical music has been shown to reduce stress levels as they have a soothing effect on the body. Studies show that it reduces stress and anxiety in healthy people undergoing medical procedures such as surgery, dental appointment, or even routine check-ups. In some cases, while waiting for results of a test. I’m sure many people have a memory of listening to their favourite song, praying, and telling themselves to relax while waiting for the result of an HIV test.

  

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Why You Should Let That Fart Out Now

There are some healthy habits we tend to ignore because we think they are embarrassing, well, farting is part of it. Yes! Let that fart out! However, you might consider using a restroom and saving other innocent people from having to smell it.

 

When we take things in, we tend to swallow air. Also, during the process of digestion, our body releases some gases as a by-product. Burping and farting help release all this air and gas from our body.

 

According to a study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, farting means an instant reduction of a swollen belly (caused by bloating), helping you feel much more comfortable.

Below are some reasons to let the fart out according to healthshots:

Reduces abdomen pain
When gas gets accumulated in your gut it puts pressure on the abdomen. Due to this you can have a swollen stomach and might even be in extreme pain. Passing gas can give you instant relief from such a situation. Do you know if you hold a fart in or are unable to fart, then the gas accumulated in your gut can also give you a severe headache?

Reduces bloating
Bloating is basically a mix of water and gas. It usually happens when you eat a large meal and don’t give it time to digest. Bloating won’t just give a swollen belly, but can also be very painful.

An indicator of food allergies
If you are allergic to a particular food, then you might experience more gas upon their consumption. So, if eating certain kinds of foods makes you gassy, then it could be your body’s way of saying that you must stay away from them.

Helps you detect problems with your colon health
If your fart has a very funky smell, you experience pain while farting, or if you are farting way too often—then it could be an indication that your gut isn’t functioning properly. This improper functioning can also lead to gastric issues and even constipation—which can be problematic in the longer run.

Helps in preventing illnesses
When we fart, we release some amount of hydrogen sulphide. According to studies, if you don’t fart then this gas keeps on accumulating inside your body and in severe cases can also lead to cell damage and heart problems, and even stroke.

So, do not be ashamed of releasing some gas, it is good for you.

  

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COVID 19: Vaccine Alone Cannot Stop Pandemic - WHO

The World Health Organization said yesterday  that a vaccine will be a “vital tool” in the global fight against the coronavirus, but it won’t end the Covid-19 pandemic on its own and there’s no guarantee scientists will find one. 

World leaders and the public must learn to manage the virus and make permanent adjustments to their daily lives to bring the virus down to low levels, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a news conference from the agency’s Geneva headquarters.

 “At the same time, we will not, we cannot go back to the way things were.”

Throughout history, outbreaks and pandemics have changed economies and societies, he said.

“In particular, the Covid-19 pandemic has given new impetus to the need to accelerate efforts to respond to climate change,” he said. “The Covid-19 pandemic has given us a glimpse of our world as it could be: cleaner skies and rivers.”

 

The virus has infected more than 22.7 million people worldwide and killed at least 794,100 in more than seven months, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 30 potential vaccines currently in clinical trials, according to the WHO, but there is no guarantee they will be safe and effective, he said.

 

Even though human trials for potential vaccines are progressing, scientists say key questions remain. Covid-19 was discovered in December. While numerous research papers and studies have been produced on the virus, scientists still don’t fully understand how it affects the body or how well someone is protected from reinfection after recovering.

 

Earlier this month, Tedros said there was no “silver bullet” to the coronavirus and “there might never be.”

He said world leaders can stop new outbreaks by practicing the “basics” of public health and disease control. “Testing, isolating and treating patients and tracing and quarantining their contacts. Inform, empower and listen to communities..

Tedros said Friday that “every single person” can make a difference in the pandemic.

“Every person and family has a responsibility to know the level of Covid-19 transmission locally and to understand what they can do to protect themselves and others,” he said.

WHO director general warns of ‘vaccine nationalism’ and price gouging

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, head of the WHO’s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, said it’s “very important” for the public to learn “how to live with this virus.”

That will help “continue to suppress transmission, identify cases and clusters that pop up so we can quickly put those out and minimize as many deaths as possible,” she said. “In doing so, some countries may need to implement some measures again.”

 

Van Kerkhove said some countries, using data, are now choosing to implement social distancing measures in areas where there is a high level of transmission.

“What we are seeing now is a targeted approach to adding interventions that need to be put in place to get outbreaks under control and reduce the number of infections that are happening,” she said. 

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Yellow Fever Outbreak In Nigeria: WHO Steps In

The World Health Organization says it is supporting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Delta and Enugu States to tackle the outbreak of yellow fever.

WHO disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday from its Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo.

According to the statement, WHO is supporting NCDC, Delta and Enugu to investigate and respond to recently reported deaths from unknown cause in some communities now identified to be an outbreak of yellow fever.

The Ministries of Health for both states notified the NCDC on 2 and 3 November 2020 respectively of cases presenting with symptoms indicative of viral hemorrhagic fever.

As at 6 November 2020, three samples from Delta and one from Enugu tested positive for yellow fever at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Laboratory and NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.

Yellow fever is caused by a virus spread through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitos.

Large epidemics of yellow fever occur when infected people introduce the virus into heavily populated areas with high mosquito density and low vaccination coverage.

With the onset of the current outbreak, epidemiologists, and other health professionals in WHO, NCDC and National Primary Health Care Development Agency are working in support of State public health teams.

They are working in support of State Public health teams or Rapid Response Teams that have been organised and trained in each of the affected States.

Outbreak investigation is ongoing in each state through the RRTs under the coordination of respective State Ministries of Health.

Hospitals have been identified in each state and capacitated to manage patients who develop symptoms and complications.

Initiating a response to the outbreak, Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Emmanuel Obi during the EOC meeting after definitive diagnosis of the disease said that the disease had been reported from Etteh-Uno and Umuopu communities in Igbo-Eze north LGA.

Obi indicated that the state RRT had done an outbreak investigation and identified those so far affected.

He promised to facilitate a reactive yellow fever mass vaccination intervention for the affected and neighbouring LGAs.

Meanwhile, the UN health agency said proactive vaccination campaigns were planned for most at-risk states including Delta in 2020.

The Delta campaign that was supposed to start by the end of November 2020, has now been brought forward and started on 10 November 2020 in the affected LGAs.

Speaking on the outbreak, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo says that Nigeria is one of the countries implementing Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics strategy.

This strategy is being steered by WHO, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance and United Nations Children’s Fund, to protect at-risk populations, prevent international spread and contain outbreaks rapidly.

“As part of EYE strategy, Nigeria has developed a 10-year strategic plan for the elimination of yellow fever epidemics. Through this strategy, the country plans to vaccinate at least 80 per cent of the target population in all states by 2026”, Dr. Mulombo said.

The Delta statewide proactive vaccination campaign was planned under the EYE strategy. 

(NAN)

  

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Lowering Blood Sugar With Mulberry Leaf And Kidney Bean Extract

Researchers has shown that mulberry leaf and white kidney bean extract mix could be a solution for lowering post-meal glucose level.

 

A study conducted by Peking University and supported by the Key Projects of Beijing Science & Technology showed that mulberry and white kidney beans could lower the glucose level by decreasing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. It is the first trial on the effects of the ingredients on pre-diabetic individuals.

 

The individuals who had taken the mixture had reduced glucose, insulin, and c-peptide levels, which are all interlinked. This is because insulin and c-peptide levels are regulated by the glucose levels.

 

Sixty-five pre-diabetic subjects aged 45 to 65 completed the random controlled trial (RCT) which took place between October and November 2018. As pre-diabetics, their fasting plasma glucose was in the range of 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L or haemoglobin A1c (the average level of blood sugar) levels in the range of 5.7 to 6.4 per cent.

 

The experiment group took a brown powder containing 0.5g of mulberry leaf extract and 1.0 grammes of white kidney bean extract with 100 grammes of white bread and 200ml of plain water. Their blood samples were then collected at the 30th, 60th, and 120th minute. 

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Eating Bitter Kola Can Reduce Eye Pressure In Young Adults

Eating bitter kola can reduce intraocular pressure in the eye of healthy young adults by 21 per cent and this may be of benefit to individuals with primary

open-angle glaucoma (POAG), which is the most common form of glaucoma or ocular hypertension in low-income settings, a study has said.

 

In the new study, researchers assessed the effect of eating bitter kola on intraocular pressure (IOP) in 46 healthy individuals aged between 19 and 27

years at the Optometry Clinic of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. They were recruited from the University of Cape Coast student population and randomised

into two groups (A and B).

Group A took 100 mg/kg body weight of bitter kola that was mashed and dissolved in a 200 ml of water on their first visit and group B ingested 200 ml of

water. On the second visit, the order of treatment was reversed. The IOP was measured at baseline and every 45 minutes interval for 135 minutes.

 

The dosage of 100 mg/kg used in this study is equivalent to 5.0 to 9.6 grammes of bitter kola and it falls within the average daily consumption of two

nuts of bitter kola. This dosage is considered to be safe because other scientists had speculated that high doses (400 mg/kg) of bitter kola can be toxic

to human organs and may cause liver damage and peptic ulcer.

 

They had a baseline IOP measurement of between 11 and 24 mmHg in both eyes, and none of the subjects was a casual or habitual bitter kola consumer.

Also excluded were I ndividuals that had a family history of glaucoma, any eye or systemic disease, or were taking any forms of medication at the time of the study.

Same too fori ndividuals that had reported allergic reactions to bitter kola, corneal abnormalities or have potential risk factors for angle-closure

glaucoma.

 

This 2020 study to determine whether eating bitter kola in a dose comparable to normal daily consumption levels will reduce IOP significantly in healthy

young adults had involved Alex A. Ilechie, Mohammed M. Jeduah, Carl H. Abraham, Stephen Ocansey, Emmanuel Abu, Theophilus Okyere and Obarijima Ngosaro.

It was in the journal, Acta Ophthalmology.

 

They found that the average IOP measurements decreased by 7.9, 18.2 and 20.6 per cent at 45, 90 and 135 minutes, respectively, after bitter kola treatment.

The reduction, though variable across the individuals, was statistically significant across the respective time points.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Its most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), is characterised by progressive

optic nerve degeneration and affects more than 60 million people worldwide.

In Africa, glaucoma accounts for 15 per cent of blindness and it is the region with the highest prevalence of blindness relative to other regions worldwide.

Intraocular pressure is the only modifiable factor in patients with glaucoma; therefore, treatment with IOP-lowering medication has been critical to prevent

blindness.

 

However, the development of an active natural product that is effective in lowering IOP and have fewer side effects might be critical to improving glaucoma

treatment compliance.

One of such natural products is bitter kola. It is colloquially referred to as ‘bitter kola’ because of its typical distinct bitter taste. In Africa, bitter

kola is prevalently used for traditional hospitality and serves a variety of roles in the treatment of several ailments including coughs, colds, voice

hoarseness, aphrodisiac and liver diseases.

Studies have found Bitter kola has blood pressure lowering effects. It has also shown potential utility for fighting virulent diseases, including Ebola,

by halting viral replication. Also, there is significant scientific evidence suggesting that bitter kola is safe in humans at the normal consumption level.

The IOP-lowering effect of applying its water solution has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies, including a recent randomized clinical trial

which examined different IOP-lowering medications. 

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