10 stress-related health problems you didn't know

10 Health Problems Related to Stress
Stress is undoubtedly a catalyst to several disease and ailments, but there are a few health problems not widely recognised as being related to stress.
Here are some:

1. Heart disease: Researchers have long suspected that the stressed-out, type A personality has a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart problems. We don't know why, exactly. Stress can directly increase
heart rate and blood flow, and causes the release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the blood stream. It's also possible that stress is related to other problems -- an increased likelihood of smoking or obesity -- that indirectly increase the heart risks.
Doctors do know that sudden emotional stress can be a trigger for serious cardiac problems, including heart attacks . People who have chronic heart problems need to avoid acute stress -- and learn how to successfully manage life's unavoidable stresses -- as much as they can.

2. Asthma: Many studies have shown that stress can worsen asthma . Some evidence suggests that a parent's chronic stress might even increase the risk of developing asthma in their children. One study looked at how parental stress affected the asthma rates of young children who were also exposed to air pollution or whose mothers smoked during
pregnancy . The kids with stressed out parents had a substantially higher risk of developing asthma.

3. Obesity. Excess fat in the belly seems to pose greater health risks than fat on the legs or hips -- and unfortunately, that's just where people with high stress seem to store it. "Stress causes higher levels of the hormone cortisol," says Winner, "and that seems to increase the amount of fat that's deposited in the abdomen."

4. Diabetes . Stress can worsen diabetes in two ways. First, it increases the likelihood of bad behaviors, such as unhealthy eating and excessive drinking. Second, stress seems to raise the glucose levels of people with type 2 diabetes directly.

5. Headaches: Stress is considered one of the most common triggers for headaches -- not just tension headaches , but migraines as well.

6. Depression and anxiety: It's probably no surprise that chronic stress is connected with higher rates of depression and anxiety . One survey of recent studies found that people who had stress related to their jobs -- like demanding work with few rewards -- had an 80% higher risk of developing depression
within a few years than people with lower stress.

7. Gastrointestinal problems:Here's one thing that stress doesn't do -- it doesn't cause ulcers. However, it can make them worse. Stress is also a common factor in many other GI conditions, such as chronic heartburn (or gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD ) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS ), Winner says.

8. Alzheimer's disease . One animal study found that stress might worsen Alzheimer's disease , causing its brain lesions to form more quickly. Some researchers speculate that reducing stress has the potential to slow down the progression of the disease.

9. Accelerated aging. There's actually evidence that stress can affect how you age. One study compared the DNA of mothers who were under high stress -- they were caring for a chronically ill child -- with women who were not. Researchers found that a particular region of the chromosomes showed the effects of accelerated aging. Stress seemed to accelerate aging about 9 to 17 additional years.

10. Premature death. A study looked at the health effects of stress by studying elderly caregivers looking after their spouses -- people who are naturally under a great deal of stress. It found that caregivers had a 63% higher rate of death than people their age who were not caregivers.

• Still, you might be wondering why. Why would stress make us sick? Why would an emotional feeling wreck havoc on our bodies?

Stress isn't only a feeling. "Stress isn't just in your head," Winner says. It's a built-in physiologic response to a threat. When you're stressed, your body responds. Your blood vessels constrict. Your blood pressure and pulse rise. You breathe faster. Your bloodstream is flooded with hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
"When you're chronically stressed, those physiologic changes, over time, can lead to health problems,"

Source:webmd.com

Mosquitoes develop resistance to insecticides in Lagos, Kwara state and others

A new study conducted by scientists at the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, has revealed that mosquitoes in 18 states have developed resistance to insecticide nets.
The outcome of the study , which was presented in NIMR on Tuesday, identified mosquito resistance to insectides as a major threat to the eradication of malaria in Nigeria by 2030.
The lead researcher and the Deputy Director & Head , Public Health Department, NIMR, Dr . Sam Awolola, said insecticide resistance were detected in Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue , Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Anambra , Enugu, Rivers, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states .
According to the malarialogist, Lagos, Ogun and Niger states recorded the highest incidence of resistance.
Nigeria has distributed over 182 million long - lasting insecticide - treated nets since 2003 till date.
Awolola said the result of the study meant that Nigeria would record a sharp increase in malaria deaths in the 18 states where mosquitoes had developed resistance to these treated nets without quick intervention.
“ Most of the insecticide products used in malaria control are also being used in agricultural sector in Nigeria. This over - saturation is a major source of resistance. ”
The Director- General of NIMR , Prof. Babatunde Salako , warned that the progress made in malaria control in the country was under threat due to the discovery.
“ There is now clear evidence as insecticide resistance has been confirmed in at least 20 states across Nigeria. There is also a gap in the availability of resistant data in 14 states, which requires urgent attention.
There is need to urgently explore alternative non - chemical base control measures. ”
He stated that the trend could lead to public health crisis, as insecticide resistance could quickly over power the current portfolio of vector control tools being used in the country.
Salako said government could no longer feign ignorance to the fact that it needs to embrace multiple vector control interventions.
“The government as a matter of urgency must designate NIMR as a hub for vector surveillance and insecticide resistance mapping in Nigeria.
It must empower scientists to explore the use of alternative mosquito control measures such as the “sterile insect techniques” and “genetically modified mosquitoes” for malaria control , he added.

Source:http://punchng.com/mosquitoes-develop-resistance-to-insecticide-nets-in-lagos-kwara-others/

OCEANS RUN RED WITH BLOOD AS FAROE ISLANDERS PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL WHALE SLAUGHTER

We like to think of ourselves as civilized and progress. Go back a few decades and see what we used to find acceptable and then compare it to know. With new knowledge, awareness, and of course, activism, we can change minds, alter ideas, and even change established practices. Tradition and heritage may hold some sway, but in light of what we now believe is inexcusable or barbaric, they fail to find full support.

This Is Horrifying

Still, there are places on this planet that are fully entrenched in their unconscionable desire to destroy. This is especially true of the age old clash of man vs. nature. On the one side is the dwindling number of pilot whales around the world. On the other is the 1000 year old practice of the Faroe Islands off of Denmark. The result is a disturbing mass slaughter which sees hundreds of these animals killed and the neighboring waterways bright red with their blood.

So Red

Source
Whaling has long been a source of livelihood for those in underdeveloped nations (Japan though). It is something that stretches back centuries and has been immortalized in art and literature. There is still a market for whale meat and the fat (known as blubber) and, even with the high profile protest and constant pressure from organizations like PETA, there are still places that make it their trade.

So Brutal

Source:akonkonnected. Com

Aquatic Ecosystem: interesting facts about Lampreys

SEA LAMPREY 

Sea lamprey Facts Sea lamprey is an eel-like type of primitive fish which spends part of its life in marine and part in fresh water. It is native to the Atlantic Ocean, and it can be seen near the coasts of North America and Europe. When it comes to the fresh waters, sea lamprey is native to Connecticut River ecosystem. In the first part of 20th century, sea lamprey managed to expand its habitat to Great Lakes and Lake Champlain by traveling through man-made system of canals. Sea lamprey acts as parasitic and invasive species in each new habitat. It attacks and decreases population of native fish and disturbs natural balance of the ecosystem.

Interesting Sea lamprey Facts:
Sea lampreys can reach 12 to 20 inches in length and 8 to 13 pounds in weight.
Sea lamprey has eel-shaped body that is slimy and naked. It is brown to black on the back and light yellow to light brown on the belly.
Sea lampreys are jawless fish. They have large, reddish eyes and single nostril on the top of their head.
Just like other fish, sea lamprey breathes using the gills. It has seven gill openings that are located behind the eyes.
Sea lampreys are easily recognized by the large mouth, filled with circular rows of teeth. They are designed for sucking.
Sea lamprey is feeding by sucking blood and bodily fluids of other fish. They will attach mouth to the prey like a vacuum cleaner. Sharp teeth and rasping tongue easily damages the prey's skin and induces blood flow.
Larger fish might survive attack of sea lamprey, but smaller usually dies due to serious wounds or subsequent infections.
Sea lamprey usually attacks white fish, trout and chub. Besides fish, sea lamprey feeds on small invertebrates.
Sea lamprey also uses its mouth to attach itself to the stones and take a rest during migration from marine to fresh water. Lampreys bore into host skin, a destructive feature.
Sea lamprey spends around 10 years in the fresh water. After that time, it migrates to sea, where it stays usually around 2 years. During that time, sea lamprey will become mature and it will return back to fresh water for spawning.
Spawning takes place in the spring. Sea lamprey can deposit as much as 100 000 eggs in the stony nests. Sea lampreys will die immediately after spawning.
A lot of eggs deposited by sea lamprey serve as food for other fish in the water.
Sea lamprey can induce significant damage to an ecosystem by killing large number of native fish species. For that reason, people use chemicals, electric fences and dams to prevent uncontrolled spreading of the sea lampreys toward sensitive rivers and lakes.
Sea lampreys can be fished and used as delicacy in certain European countries.
Average lifespan of sea lamprey is 14 years.

4 Shocking reasons you need to stop Nail-biting

Hello, do you bite your nail unconsciously? Do you go out and feel embarrassed at the look of your ugly sore nails? Or are you always sad at the injury or the blood you see after biting? Nail biting, which is also called onychophagia, is that the act of putting ones fingers in the mouth and biting/chewing on nails with the teeth.

• Many begin this unconscious act from childhood and sometimes it graduates into adulthood. Although many people do one thing or the other, like reading a book, sitting alone or chatting with friends when biting the bails, nail biting is harmful to the health.

Various researches have shown the handful effects of nail biting, an act which is commonly practised during idleness, loneliness, boredom, stress, or depression. While some tag this act as a "bad habit," it is considered an impulsive control disorder - a compulsive habit where one cannot the urge and action to bite their nails.

• This action should be paid close attention, especially when it gets to an high level of severity, as it affects one both physically and emotionally. The fingers which nails are bitten is much more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria than others. Imagine the diseases causing agents that can be immediately and easily transported from the fingers via the mouth into the body.

4 EFFECTS OF NAIL-BITING AND REASONS YOU NEED TO STOP
1. Dental injury;
Nail biting can cause numerous dental issues. This habit can lead to damages to your front teeth and gum tissue. Fingernail-biting habit causes dental injury which may cause a lot of serious complication, namely, gingival abscess.

2. Oral Infection;
As said earlier, the nails is a potential area for harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, and when you bite - you risk unhindered transfer of diseases into your body.

3. Nail Infections;
By biting the nails, you leave room for tears in the skin around the nail. This will result to soreness, redness and swelling of the finger. This can also enable the entry of harmful germs that can cause infections.

4. Harm To Nail Beds;
Nail biting can cause harm to nail beds. Deformities like irreversible nail shortening are commonly associated with nail biting.

How to prevent Nail Biting
1. Proper self management: Nail biting may be as a result of inactivity, so you should change that by properly managing yourself.

2. Keep the nails short always to curtail the urge biting it.

3. Try to resist the urge to move carry your arms towards the face or lips.

4. Apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nail. The bitter taste will prevent you from biting the nails.

5. Therapy which will determine the psychological cause of the habit and try to get rid of it.

It is now clear that the effects of nail biting is harmful and can leave one more depressed and embarrassed in public. Stop the bad habit today!
I hope this helps?

 Stay healthy! 

Turn down your volume: Loud music causes deafness

Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss. And once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. Hearing loss is costly. The cost for the first year of hearing loss treatment in older adults is projected to increase more than 500% from $8 billion in 2002 to an estimated $51 billion in 2030. Hearing loss from loud noise can be prevented. About 70% of people exposed to loud noise never or seldom wear hearing protection.


CDC supports the World Health Organization’s World Hearing Day, an annual event held on March 3rd. World Hearing Day was designated at the First International Conference on Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Impairment in Beijing, China in 2007. The day aims was to raise awareness and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

The theme for the World Hearing Day 2017 was “Action for hearing loss: make a sound investment’. This aims to draw attention to the economic impact of hearing loss and cost effectiveness of interventions to address it. Hearing loss is costly. The cost for the first year of hearing loss treatment in older adults is projected to increase more than 500% from $8 billion in 2002 to an estimated $51 billion in 2030.

Did You Know?
Repeated exposure to loud noise over the years can damage your hearing.

Turn down the volume!
The outer ear—the part of the ear you see—funnels sound waves into the ear canal.
By the time you notice hearing loss, many hair cells have been destroyed and cannot be repaired.
By the time you notice hearing loss, many hair cells have been destroyed and cannot be repaired.
This is just one of the many informative facts available on CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health’s new hearing loss website.

Think you’re well aware of how to protect yourself? When it comes to hearing loss, we can all think of the usual suspects: listening to fireworks, attending sporting events, and loud concerts.

However, you may be surprised at what you don’t know. For example, everyday activities such as using power tools, mowing the lawn, or attending a fitness class with loud music can damage hearing.

Useful info

Is the noise too loud? If you need to raise your voice to make yourself heard, yes.
After a very loud event, such as a concert or football game, normal hearing usually returns within a few hours to a few days—however, repeated exposure to loud noises will eventually damage the inner ear permanently.
Ways to protect your hearing include turning the volume down, of course, and also taking periodic breaks from the noise and using hearing protection.
Signs that you may have hearing loss include difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (e.g., doorbell, telephone, alarm clock) and difficulty understanding conversations in a noisy place.

By the Numbers
Sound is measured in decibels (dB). A whisper is about 30 dB, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a motorcycle engine is about 95 dB. Loud noise over a prolonged period of time may damage your hearing. Loud noise above 120 dB, even for a short period of time, can cause immediate harm.

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the United States. Almost twice as many people report hearing loss as report diabetes or cancer. In the United States, about 40 million adults aged 20–69 years have noise-induced hearing loss, and about 1 in 4 adults who report “excellent to good” hearing already have hearing damage.

Think that hearing damage is usually workplace-related? Actually, activities away from work can damage hearing just as much a noisy job. Over half of all adults with hearing damage do not have noisy jobs.

The average person is born with about 16,000 hair cells within their inner ear. These cells allow your brain to detect sounds. By the time changes in your hearing can be measured by a hearing test, up to 30% to 50% of hair cells can be damaged or destroyed.

There is no cure for hearing loss! Damaged inner ear cells do not grow back. Protect your hearing, and if you already have hearing loss, take steps to keep it from getting worse.

Source: https://blogs.cdc.gov/yourhealthyourenvironment/page/2/ 

Sickle cell day: 10 things you should know about sickle cell

June 19th:Today is world sickle cell day.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited form of
anemia where red blood cells become abnormally long and pointed, similar to the shape of a banana. It affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide. In the US It occurs in about one out of every 365 African-American births and more rarely in Hispanic-American births. Although sickle cell disease is not an extremely rare condition, there are some lesser-known facts and misconceptions that we will review here.

• It Can Occur in Any Race or Ethnic Group

Although sickle cell disease has long been associated with people of African descent, it can be found in many races and ethnic groups, including Spanish, Brazilian, Indian, and even Caucasian. Because of this fact, all babies born in the United States are tested for this condition.

• An inherited Disease

Sickle cell disease is not contagious like a cold. People are either born with it or they are not. If you are born with sickle cell disease both of your parents have sickle cell trait (or one parent with sickle cell trait and the other with another hemoglobin trait). People with sickle cell trait cannot develop sickle cell disease.

• Diagnosed at Birth

In the United States, every baby is tested for sickle cell disease. This is part of the newborn screen performed shortly after birth. Some people may refer to this as the PKU test. Identifying children with sickle cell disease in infancy can prevent serious complications

• Connection Between Sickle Cell Trait and Malaria

People with sickle cell trait can be found most heavily in areas of the world that have malaria . This is because sickle cell trait can protect a person from becoming infected with malaria. This doesn't mean a person with sickle cell trait cannot be infected with malaria, but it is less common than a person without sickle cell trait.

• Not All Types Are Created Equal - There are different types of sickle cell disease which vary in severity. Hemoglobin SS (also the most common type) and sickle beta zero are the most severe followed by hemoglobin SC and sickle beta plus thalassemia. 

• More Than Just Pain

There is a lot more to sickle cell disease than just painful crises. Sickle cell disease is a disorder of the red blood cells, which supply oxygen to all the organs. Because sickle cell disease occurs in the blood, every organ in the body can be affected. Patients with SCD are at risk for stroke, eye disease, gallstones, serious bacterial infections, and anemia, to name a few.

• Children at Risk for Stroke

Although all people with sickle cell disease are at risk for stroke, children with sickle cell disease have a much higher risk than the children without sickle cell disease. Because of this risk, physicians who treat children with sickle cell disease use an ultrasound of the brain to screen and determine who is at highest risk of stroke and start treatment to prevent this complication.

• A Simple Antibiotic Changes Life Expectancy

The antibiotic penicillin is life-saving. People with sickle cell disease are at increased risk of serious bacterial infections. Starting penicillin twice a day for the first five years of life has changed the course of this condition from something only seen in children into a condition people live into adulthood with.

• Treatments Are Available

There is more than pain medication for treating sickle cell disease. Today, blood transfusions and a medicine called hydroxyurea are changing the lives of people with sickle cell. These therapies are allowing people with sickle cell disease to live longer lives with fewer complications. Multiple research studies are ongoing to find additional treatment options.

• There Is a Cure

Bone marrow (also called stem cell) transplantation is the only cure. The best success has come from donors who are siblings whose genetic makeup matches the person with sickle cell disease. Sometimes types of donors, like unrelated individuals or parents, are use but mostly in clinical research studies. In the coming years, gene therapy looks like a promising treatment.
If you or your family member has sickle cell disease, it is important to have regular follow-up with a physician to ensure up to date care is provided.

Source:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Evidence-based Management of Sickle Cell Disease: Expert Panel Report, 2014.

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11 health conditions onions can help you with

11 Health Conditions Onions Can Help You With
Onions are native to Asia and The Middle East. Onion is the most cultivated species of the genus Allium, and the cultivation goes back to over 5000 years. It has also been used in traditional medicines since ancient times for its health promoting and curative properties.
The flavonoids in onion, which are responsible for many of the health benefits, are usually more concentrated in the outer layers of the bulb. To get the maximum benefit, try to peel as little of the outer skin as possible.

Nutritional Value Of Onions
Vitamin C – 11.1 milligrams. 19% RDA (Recommended daily value)
Folate – 28.5 micrograms. 7% RDA
Potassium – 219 milligrams. 6% RDA
Manganese – 0.2 milligrams. 10% RDA
Fiber – 2.6 grams. 10% RDA
Vitamin B6 – 0.2 milligrams. 9% RDA

11 Proven Health Benefits of Eating Onion

• Prevents Diabetes

Onions are good for people who have diabetes, and people should include red onions regularly in their diet. A single serving of onions contains 27% of your biotin DRI. Biotin has many positive impacts on your health, one of which is combatting symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. Early research suggests that a combination of biotin and chromium might help regulate blood sugar and even decrease insulin resistance.

• Fight Cancer

Onion extract is rich in a variety of sulfides, which provide some protection against tumor growth. Some studies have shown, regular consumption of onions helps to reduce the risk of several cancers such as colorectal cancer, oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

• Builds Strong Immunity

Due to their polyphenol content, onions can help boost your immunity by protecting your body against free radicals. Plus, onions contain a trace mineral selenium that helps improve immunity by initiating an immune response and also preventing an excessive immune response.

• Lowers bad cholesterol

Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong show that onions can help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol. Studies show that consuming half a raw onion daily can help to raise the good HDL cholesterol by 30%. Chives, garlic, and shallots are also effective. They all come from the Allium family.

• Relieving Earache

A few drops of onion juice may actually prove immensely beneficial to individuals suffering from an acute earache. The ringing sound in the ear may be cured by applying onion juice through a piece of cotton wool.

• Tooth Decay

Raw onions may make our breath stink, but they can actually improve our oral health. Simply chewing a raw onion can strengthen teeth and eliminate bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Two to three minutes of chewing on an onion can kill most germs in the mouth.

• Improve Digestion

Onions are high in fiber, which is good for maintaining a healthy and regular digestive system. Fiber prevents digestive pain and breaks down food can keep it moving.

• Boosts Sexual Drive

Onions are said to increase the urge for a healthy sex life. One table spoon of onion juice along with one spoonful of ginger juice, taken three times a day, can boost the libido and sex drive.

• Stimulate Hair Growth

Onion is rich in sulfur which is one of the essential nutrients in promoting hair growth. A study has shown that applying onion juice on scalp twice a week for 2 months will stimulate hair regrowth.

• Sinus Relief

For a clogged nose and sinusitis problems, onions can help to loosen mucous, clearing the nasal passages and making breathing easier.

10 common habits that seriously damage your kidney

There is an increased rate of mortality as a result of kidney damage lately. Hence, the need for proper care of our kidneys. This article outlines some of the few habits that contribute to kidney damage. 

   Our kidneys are super important for our health. They filter our blood, produce hormones, absorb minerals, produce urine, eliminate toxins, and neutralize acids. So as one of the most important organs in your body, your kidneys deserve some love.
Damage or steady decline of your kidneys can often go unnoticed for years as your kidneys can still do their job with as little as 20% of their capacity. Therefore kidney diseases are often referred to as “The Silent Diseases”. That’s why it is so important to take care of them before it is too late.
Here’s a list of 10 common habits that put a lot of pressure on your kidneys and can cause serious damage over time.

1. Not Drinking Enough Water
Your kidney’s most important function is to filter blood and eliminate toxins and waste materials. When you don’t drink enough plain water during the day toxins and waste material start to accumulate and can cause severe damage to your body.

2. Too Much Salt In Your Diet
Your body needs sodium or salt to work properly. Most people however consume too much salt which may raise blood pressure and put a lot of stress on the kidneys. As a good rule of thumb, no more than 5 grams of salt should be eaten on a daily basis.

3. Frequently Delaying The Call Of Nature
Many of us ignore the urge to go because they are too busy or want to avoid public bathrooms. Retaining urine on a regular basis increases urine pressure and can lead to kidney failure, kidney stones, and incontinence. So listen to your body when nature calls.

4. Kick The Sugar Habit
Scientific studies show that people who consume 2 or more sugary drinks a day are more likely to have protein in their urine. Having protein in your urine is an early sign your kidneys are not doing their job as they should.

5. Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies
Eating a clean, whole food diet full of fresh vegetables and fruits is important for your overall health and a good kidney function. Many deficiencies can increase the risk of kidney stones or kidney failure. Vitamin B6 and magnesium, for instance, are super important to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
An estimated 70 to 80 percent of Americans isn’t getting enough magnesium, so there may be a good chance that you are one of them.

6. Too Much Animal Protein
Over consumption of protein, especially red meat, increases the metabolic load on your kidneys. So more protein in your diet means your kidneys have to work harder and this can lead to kidney damage or dysfunction over time

7. Sleep Deprivation
We have all heard how important it is to get a good night’s rest. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to many diseases and kidney diseases are also on the list. During the night your body repairs damaged kidney tissue, so give your body the time to heal and repair itself.

8. Coffee Habit
Just as salt, caffeine can raise blood pressure and put extra stress on your kidneys. Over time excessive consumption of coffee can cause damage to your kidneys.

9. Painkiller Abuse
Way too many people take painkillers for their small aches and pains, while there are many all-natural, safe remedies available. Excessive use or painkiller abuse can lead to severe damage of liver and kidneys.

10. Alcohol Consumption
Although there is nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of wine or having a beer once in a while, most of us don’t stop after just one drink. Alcohol is actually a legal toxin that puts a lot of stress on our kidneys and liver.

To stay healthy and avoid kidney issues it is important to eat lots of fresh, whole foods and if you keep the above information in mind and avoid these common habits as much as possible, your kidneys will not be under constant stress and your body will thank you for that.

Source:naturalnewsblogs.com

Rainy Season: Tips for Personal Safety during a Flood

 Photo credit:erieinsurance

    During rainy season, residents are encouraged to take precautions and protect themselves and their property from flood risks and flood damage.

Tips for Personal Safety during a Flood

• Avoid walking through flooded areas. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk through flood, use a pole or a stick to guide you.
• Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out during flood.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical currents can travel through waters. Report downed power lines to the appropriate authority.
• Have your electricity turned off. Some appliances, such as televisions, retain electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Do not use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been cleaned and dried.
• Look out for animals, especially snakes that have been flooded out of their hidings and may seek shelter in your home. Use a pole or a stick to uncover pests that might be hiding in some obscure parts of the house.
• Watch your step. After a flood, the ground and the floors are covered with debris which might include broken bottles, etc. Floors and staircases that have been covered with mud can be very slippery. Therefore you should always get the house cleaned up after a flood.
• Be alert for gas leaks. Use torchlight to inspect for damage. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you know that gas has been turned off and the area is well ventilated.
• During rainfall, stay away from flood channels and areas prone to sudden flooding.

Help your community and respond to disasters promptly
Source:nesrea

See list of world most reputable people, 7 Nigerians made the list

Global performance-reputation management consulting agency, Reputation Poll International has announced its inaugural list of 100 Most Reputable People on Earth.

A list of individuals across the globe that have amassed high reputation for themselves through their works and achievements.

The list which features individuals from diverse sectors including policy, entertainment, leadership, education, business etc.

We have our very own:
1Pastor E.A Adeboye, 
2Bishop David Oyedepo, 
3Emir Sanusi, 
4Pastor Paul Enenche,
5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
6Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
7Oby Ezekwesili

See full list below:

5 Nigerian dishes making you gain extra weight

Nigerian dishes are relatively healthier and more nutritious when compared with those of the western world. We love our foods and most times we can’t go a day without them. I can’t go a day without some Nigerian foods, so asking you to stay away from these foods like some blogs do would be hypocritical of me.
And do you know seemly healthy foods can also be packed with loads of calories? Sometimes, much more than the so called unhealthy foods. Now if you are conscious about your weight, then I am sure that got your attention.

Basically, to lose weight, you just have to use more calories than you are getting. And that can be achieved in numerous ways. Cutting down on your calorie intake is one of them, which is what this post is all about.

So if you are on a weight loss plan or you find yourself adding extra pounds and wondering why, this article may help you solve part of that problem. These foods although packed with a lot of nutritional benefits can be suspects and cutting back a little on their intake would help you keep some extra pounds away.
Okay, let’s arraign these suspects one after the other.

Suspect #1 | EGUSI SOUP|
Charges: Carries out its dark plans in a deceptive and good looking way.
Evidence: 700 calories in a single serving
This ‘yummiscious’ looking dish will make you bite your finger off. It is almost impossible to neglect.
Good looking and very nutritious when prepared the right way. But as jaw dropping as this delicacy can be, it is made up of 60% fat with a whopping 700 calories spinning down your throat in one typical Nigerian serving. But that’s not the only problem, Egusi soup doesn’t ball alone. It has partners in crime.
Pounded yam contains 400 calories per cup while Eba has about 360 calories. So in one serving of Egusi soup and pounded yam, you get a massive 1,100 calories, WOW! That’s almost half of your daily requirement.

Judgment: Reduce your intake

Suspect #2 | NOODLES/PASTA|
Charges: guilty of making students overweight.
Evidence: A popular medium size noodles is packed with 640 calories in a pack.
Gone are the days when university students go back home looking like skinny bones. Not the case anymore. Aside other numerous reasons why that may be so, this easy going food may just rank high on that list.
Quick and easy to prepare, noodles and pastas are the darling of most homes and hostels. The noodles for example, innocent looking as it may be, one medium pack of it deposits 640 calories into your system. Double the pack as most people do and that gives you 1,280 calories but in return gives you little nutrient. Simply junk!

Judgment: By all means elimination is the best therapy

Suspect #3 | WHITE RICE |
Charges: won it ways into our heart for deceptive purposes.
Evidence: 700 calories per cup.
Rice is our staple food. From our homes to parties and back to our homes, we can feed conveniently on this food for days. We simply can’t do without rice. And on Sundays, we let lose, rice becomes a hit, we consume it back to back from the church to our homes to parties, like we are all signatories to an unwritten rice pact. And we know how to bring this dish to life.
A typical Nigerian rice and stew serving would hit the 1,000 calorie mark before we are done with it. That’s huge considering the number of times we can eat rice in a day. Surprised how much I know about this, well it was a common thing in my house as a child.
No wonder my teacher back in school once referred to me as ‘fat athlete’.

Judgment: 1. Replace white rice with brown rice if you can. 2. Reduce your portion.

Suspect #4 |WHITE FLOUR|
Charges: may spike sugar levels if taken continuously leading to diabetes especially in older people.
Evidence: it is refined! Contains unhealthy amount of carb and sugar. 460 calories per cup.
This manly looking swallow naturally balls with soups. E.g: Egusi soup. I had to charge it separately because of the havoc it is causing. It goes about deceiving people that it is the healthiest, “you can eat me as much as you want”, bla…bla…bla.
But do you know, during the process of turning whole wheat into powder, an unhealthy amount of carb is cramped together and its continuous consumption can spike blood sugar level. wheat flour as refined flour has a high GI, it releases sugar into the bloodstream quickly. Which can lead to diabetes.

Judgment: Elimination! Go for garri, fufu or Amala 
instead. And as usual be mindful of calories.

Suspect #5 | BEANS |
Charges: deceives people into consuming a lot of it with it’s holier than thou status.
Evidence: Contains 378 calories per cup.
Like I always say, just because it is healthy doesn’t mean it won’t make you add an extra pound if taken more than you are required to. And that’s one thing beans is so good at. Deceit!
When it comes to beans, a lot of people who are on a weight loss plan eat beans without paying attention to their calorie intake. After all, since we’ve been told it aids in weight loss, so the more beans I eat, the more weight I lose right? Wrong!
The human body has its specific requirement of the various classes of food. Protein is one of them. No matter the amount of protein you send down your stomach, your body takes its requirement and the rest is stored for future use. A single serving of beans contains about 520 calories. Relatively low compared to others on the list though. But with its ability to make you eat more than required, I had to charge it.

Judgment: Never eliminate! As long you get your portion right, you are safe with beans.

    In rounding up, never go on dieting otherwise you’ll end up being a Yo-Yo dieter. Its unsustainable. Especially if you are a Nigerian. How long can you keep off that delicious Egusi soup with Amala or Eba. Not sure you can for long. Instead try to figure out the healthy foods and a lot of Nigerian foods fall under this cycle, then mind your portion.
But if you realize you have eaten more than you are supposed to, don’t kill yourself by starving all through the next day. Your body doesn’t work that way.

And more importantly, Diet and workout goes together. One without the other simply cannot work. So mind what you eat and workout more often. This way you will be slim and bold.

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June 5: It's world environment day today...

IT'S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY TODAY... 

Here are the few things we can do in our own part to contribute to the sustainability of the earth 

Going green is not the colossal endeavor that some might think it is. Obvious moves such as separating your recycling or being aware of how much water you use take little effort. Lest you scoff at the insignificance of your actions, know that every little thing you do has an impact. Whether it's to Mother Nature's benefit or your health, there really isn't any harm in being friendly to the environment.

1. Recycle beer bottles (and cans).
Glass can take up to a million years to decompose. Recycling your beer bottles is a much better way to get rid of them — plus, if your state has a bottle deposit-refund system, that change could come in handy.

2. Use one less paper napkin.
Each year, an American uses about 2,200 paper napkins — that's around six every day. If everyone used one less each day, we'd save more than a billion pounds of napkins from ending up in landfills.

3. Avoid driving at least once a week.
Motor vehicles account for 75 percent of carbon monoxide emissions in the U.S.
If driving to work or school is the most sensible thing to do, take other modes of transportations during the weekend. Bike, walk or take the train for a scenic, leisurely trip.

4. Shower with your partner.
Showering with your significant other is a triple threat: get clean, save water and ... other perks.

5. Go vegetarian/vegan once a week.
Livestock production uses an enormous amount of resources. For that piece of steak to land on your dinner plate, it caused a carbon footprint more than twice the size of a plant-based product. Did we mention that cutting meat and/or animal products from your diet once a week is also good for your health?

6. Carry a reusable bag with you.
Pesky plastic bags, begone! Reusable bags are much sturdier and better for the environment.

7. Change your light bulbs.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if every household in America replaced one incandescent light bulb with a qualified Energy Star (an EPA program) compact fluorescent light bulb, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes — and reduce the pollution made by an equivalent of one million cars on the road.
8. Snub bottled water.

Only 1 in 5 plastic bottles are recycled. These bottles take more than 1,000 years to biodegrade and produce toxic fumes when burned. Talk about bad for the environment.

9. Buy local.
It takes a huge amount of resources to get something from the farm to your table. Consider shopping at your local farmer's market — it has less of an environmental impact and you get to contribute to your community.

10. Buy second hand.
Second hand doesn't mean second best — just ask thrift-crazy hipsters. Toys, clothes, furniture and electronic equipment can be purchased at your local thrift store and are often wholly unique. You're less likely to get caught wearing the same mass-produced dress as your co-worker.

11. Cut out paper mail.
Paper bills, paper bank statements, paper flight tickets — all these can be handled online, saving millions of trees and other greenhouse gases.
Source:aplus.com

"We did not inherit the earth from our ancestors, it's a loan from our children"

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1 Year after Nigerian govt’s launch of Ogoni clean-up, ‘not a drop of oil cleaned’ – Group

Exactly 12 months after the Nigerian government launched the clean-up of Ogoniland, actual work is yet to commence in the community, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, has said.
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in June 2016 flagged off the oil spillage clean-up exercise amidst an elaborate ceremony in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Godwin Ojo, Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, said almost six years after the UNEP report, “not a drop of oil” had been cleaned in Ogoniland.
“As we speak, there has been no serious effort to manage the expectations of the Ogonis. While some believe that the clean-up process is a money-making venture, others are facing difficulties to pursue the clean-up process,” Mr. Ojo said at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday.
“Authorities responsible for the clean-up should come up publicly, provide a template for the clean-up and a step by step blueprint on how it would progress. The media is even kept in the dark, for example, no one knows the effective date of the clean-up process, and this is not good enough to manage the people’s expectations. Not everyone is being carried along at the moment.”

A United Nations Environment Programme scientific study released in 2011 exposed the large-scale, continued contamination of the water and soil in Ogoniland, and the serious threat they pose to human health.
In one case, UNEP found that a community drinking well was polluted with benzene, a cancer-causing substance, at levels 900 times above the World Health Organization guideline.
The report presented to former president, Goodluck Jonathan, on August 4, 2011, was, however, not implemented throughout the life of Mr. Jonathan’s administration.
Barely three months after he assumed office in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari approved several actions to fast-track the long delayed implementation of the UNEP report. Some of the actions included the amendment of the official gazette establishing the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) and the approval of the composition of a Board of Trustees for the HYPREP Trust Fund.
The president also approved a $10 million initial take-off grant for the implementation of the report.

Heavily polluted land with crude oil

In February, Mr. Osinbajo said the federal government had secured over $1 billion dollar from Shell Petroleum Development Company for the clean-up, adding that a governing council and board of trustees had been inaugurated on August 4, 2016 and January 12 this year, respectively.
“A funding of one billion dollars at 200 million dollars per annum over five years has been provided by Shell to provide drinking water, conduct health impact assessment and demonstrate remediation technologies,” Mr. Osinbajo, a professor of Law, had said.
Mr. Ojo, however, said the government is yet to release any fund for the clean-up.
“From the records we have, the US$10 million promise of initial take-off grant is yet to be released,” he said.

“And that is not even the question, the government and Shell and other joint ventures have come to the understanding that they will be able to pay $200 million on a yearly basis for the $1 billion recommended by UNEP report.
“The UNEP report recommended $1 billion initial take-off grant, but the government and Shell is already short-changing the people to have a fixation of $1 billion.
“Almost two years into President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and about a year after the kick-off ceremony of the clean-up of the Ogoniland, nothing pointing to justice for the people has started. Justice delayed is justice denied.

“The question on the lips of Nigerians is: When will the clean-up of Ogoniland and by extension the Niger Delta begin?”
Source: premiumtimesng.com