Health Archives - The Nigerian Reporter

A Guide to Stroke Prevention

Midey — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:53:57 +0000

Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when there is a disruption in the blood supply to the brain, either due to a blockage or the rupture of a blood vessel. It is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Fortunately, many strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes and proactive health management. In this article, we will explore various strategies and habits that can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet:
– Emphasize Fruits and Vegetables: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall cardiovascular health. Aim for a variety of colors to ensure a diverse range of nutrients.
– Choose Whole Grains: opt for whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat, which are rich in fiber and can help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
– Limit Saturated and Trans Fats:Reduce the intake of saturated and trans fats found in fried foods, processed snacks, and fatty cuts of meat. Replace them with healthier fats like those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight:
– Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. This can help control weight, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
-Strength Training: Incorporate strength training exercises at least twice a week to improve muscle mass, metabolism, and enhance overall physical fitness.

3. Manage Blood Pressure:
-Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your blood pressure regularly, and work with your healthcare provider to maintain it within the recommended range (usually below 120/80 mm Hg).

– Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Reduce salt intake, limit alcohol consumption, quit smoking, and manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga.

4. Manage Cholesterol Levels:
– Choose Healthy Fats: Focus on unsaturated fats found in fish, nuts, and olive oil. Limit saturated and trans fats that contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
– High-Fiber Foods: Include soluble fiber in your diet, such as oats, beans, fruits, and vegetables, to help lower cholesterol levels.

5. Control Diabetes:
– Healthy Eating: Follow a balanced diet that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Monitor carbohydrate intake and choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars.
– Regular Exercise: Physical activity plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. Consult with a healthcare professional to develop a safe and effective exercise plan.

6. Quit Smoking:
– Immediate Benefits: Quitting smoking has immediate health benefits, including a reduced risk of stroke. Seek support from friends, family, or smoking cessation programs to increase your chances of success.

7. Limit Alcohol Consumption:
– Moderation is Key: If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation. For most adults, this means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

8. Regular Health Check-ups:
– Monitor Overall Health: Regular check-ups with healthcare providers help monitor and manage risk factors for stroke. Discuss your family history, lifestyle choices, and any concerns you may have.

Preventing strokes involves adopting a holistic approach to health that includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and the management of key risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. By making positive lifestyle changes and prioritizing cardiovascular health, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing a stroke and enjoy a longer, healthier life. It is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance based on individual health needs and conditions.

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Junk Food’s Attack on Your Health: A Simple Detox Solution

Midey — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 10:02:12 +0000

Junk food, our daily indulgence, is silently wreaking havoc on our health, and it’s time to take notice. Despite its tempting taste, junk food poses serious threats that often go unnoticed. Research reveals that these delectable treats pack a punch of calories, fats, and sugar, while lacking essential nutrients and dietary fibers.

Parents, in particular, should be wary of letting their kids fall into the junk food trap, considering its detrimental effects on health. The impact on the heart is a cause for concern, as it interferes with its proper functioning.

These foods spike blood sugar levels instantly, leading to lethargy and an inactive lifestyle over time. The risk of clogged arteries and potential heart attacks looms large for regular junk food consumers. It’s a clear signal that avoiding these unhealthy choices is crucial for preserving one’s well-being.

In response, a natural detoxification approach becomes essential to combat the accumulated toxins from daily food and water intake. Consider incorporating three simple and effective detox supplements: ginger, lemon, and raw honey.

A Lemon-Ginger-Honey morning detox drink is an excellent way to kickstart your day. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, this concoction gently cleanses and alkalizes the body. It also boosts the immune system, making it an ideal choice during cold and flu seasons.

Creating this healthy detox drink at home is a breeze. Simply wash and cut one lemon, peel and blend fresh ginger, add water, and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a glass tumbler, stir in 3 to 4 tablespoons of raw honey, and savor the benefits.

Embracing homemade detox drinks, like the lemon-ginger-honey concoction, is a smart move. These beverages, made from water, fruits, vegetables, and herbs, stimulate the body’s natural detoxifying process, eliminating toxins and waste. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the ingredients also help alkalize the body.

**Benefits of Lemon-Ginger-Honey Detox:**
– Boosts immune system
– Rich in vitamin C and flavonoids
– High in potassium
– Balances body pH
– Aids digestion
– Acts as a natural diuretic
– Filters and flushes toxins from the body

In a world saturated with tempting but harmful food choices, a conscious effort towards detoxification can be the key to a healthier and happier life.

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Ola Light Poundo Rice: Learn How to Make Rice Poundo

racheal igbokwe — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 11:49:44 +0000

Discover the Art of Crafting Ola Light Poundo Rice Unveil the secrets of creating a delightful rice-based swallow with this comprehensive recipe using a combination of rice flour and cassava flour.

Rice Poundo, a popular Nigerian swallow, distinguishes itself from tuwo shinkafa despite their shared use of rice or rice flour. While they may seem similar, each possesses its unique characteristics, adding a diverse touch to Nigeria’s culinary landscape.

Here’s a simple guide to make delicious Ola Light Poundo Rice

1. Grab a clean bowl.
2. pour rice flour in the bowl.
3. Put a pot on high heat, add 3 cups of water, and let it boil.
4. When it’s boiling, lower the heat.

5. Pour the rice flour mix into the boiling water while stirring with a wooden spatula.
6. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes, even if it looks done.
7. Slowly add the rest of the flour while stirring until it’s as thick as you like.
8. Add a bit more flour and stir for extra thickness..
9. Add about 1/4 cup of water.
10. Cover the pot, cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
11. After 3 minutes, stir the rice well for a fluffy texture. Enjoy!

To make order on ola light poundo call/whatsapp:

07014388853

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Netherlands provided €60 million to improve nutrition

racheal igbokwe — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:02:22 +0000

Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Wouter Plomp Amid efforts to tackle the high rate of malnutrition in the country, the government of The Netherlands has provided €60 million to improve the nutrition of 1.1 million women and children across four states.

The project, tagged ‘Catalysing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE) is to be implemented by Cooperative Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) International and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), with funding from The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for a period of four and half years.

It will improve nutritional outcomes for 1.1 million women of reproductive age and children under five years of age across Bauchi, Jigawa, Kebbi and Nasarawa states.

Speaking at the launch of the project, yesterday, Country Director of CARE International, Hussein Abdul, noted that the project was apt, given the current nutrition challenges facing the country’s vulnerable population, especially pregnant women and children.

He stated that CASCADE was introduced to tackle the nutrition challenges, adding that states were selected based on the enormity of the challenges they have.

The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Wouter Plomp, stated that they stand united to launch a transformative project to strengthen nutrition systems, uplifting 1.1 million women as well as children under the age of five.

According to him, strengthening nutrition is not unique to Nigeria in the face of soaring and unpredictable food prices worldwide, adding the kingdom of The Netherlands is championing nutrition globally, knowing that nutrition will always be the bedrock of any society.

He revealed that in the past two years, through a Nigeria programme, they had supported over 50,000 women and men in Kano and Kaduna states in good agricultural practice to boost household nutrition and livelihoods.

Representative of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Faniran Sanjo, stated that the government had also demonstrated commitment to strengthen investments in food and nutrition by developing the National Food and Nutrition Policy and the implementing the manual known as National Multi Sectoral Plan of Action that would enable every stakeholder to know what should be done, as well as associated guidelines aimed to strengthen policy implementation and create enabling environment for service delivery.

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Anambra Government Escalates Battle Against Quack Doctor

racheal igbokwe — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 08:52:10 +0000

Anambra State government has commenced training for its task force team to monitor hospitals to curb operations of quack doctors in the state.

The three-day training was organised by the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS under the Resilient and Sustainable System for Health initiative of the state government.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, at the opening of the training, yesterday, in Awka, said that many hospitals in the rural areas are run by quacks and secondary school dropouts. He harped on the need to improve healthcare service delivery in both public and private health facilities, as well as to protect the health of residents.

“Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration set up this task force for the continuous monitoring, supervision, and strategic means of identifying quacks and fake hospitals in the state.

“It is sad to note that many of those who operate health facilities, especially in the rural areas, are not medical personnel, while some are secondary school drop-outs.

“We have sealed up many hospitals where quacks operate, because their operations endanger the lives of residents.’’

“This capacity training is to strengthen the task force to improve healthcare delivery and not to witch-hunt. It is so that our people can receive quality care, as well as have trust in the healthcare system of the state,” he said.

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Africa: CDC Flags High Male Suicide Rate

racheal igbokwe — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:51:13 +0000

Dr Naeem Dalal, Advisor, Non-communicable Diseases, Injuries and Mental Health for AfricaCDC, has stressed the need to stop cultural stereotypes that prevent African men from seeking emotional and mental wellness help.

Dalal spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lusaka, Zambia, on the sideline of a parallel session on Youth Mental Health in Africa, at the International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) on Tuesday.

According to him, this is necessary as statistics specifically show that more men die by suicide on the continent in Africa.

The CPHIA, an annual event, is organised by the Africa Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), with the 2023 edition being hosted by the Government of Zambia.

The CPHIA2023 has the theme: “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture.’’

The annual event runs from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30.

Dalal is a Psychiatrist from Lusaka, Zambia, a youth mental health specialist and currently the National Mental Health, focal person and specialist for the Zambia National Public Health Institute.

He said: “There is more active suicide amongst men.

“When we talk about suicide, we need to understand two things. There’s suicide which is passive and suicide, which is active

“Active suicide is where you die by suicide.

“Passive suicide is where you have thoughts of dying by killing yourself or harming yourself, but you don’t go ahead with those thoughts. So, that’s passive suicide.

“Now, when we talk about statistics specifically for men on the continent in Africa, more men die by suicide.

“So, there’s more active suicide amongst men. For every 50 per cent of it, it is amongst the men that die and this is because men use more lethal with dying.’’

Dalal highlighted some reasons that make men resort to suicide rather than seek help.

“It’s also important to understand that men do not reach out for help for mental health concerns or issues that they face because of the culture that we have in Africa, where men are supposed to be supportive.

“Men are supposed to be responsible and breadwinners in communities. Showing that part of vulnerability is not something that is accepted in our communities across the African continent in general.

“And not just to stereotype it, but also to be factual that men are also taught not to be reaching out for help growing up as boys and boys are told to be strong and responsible.

“So, this also causes an issue for men to reach out for mental health services, even when they are there.

“These are the challenges we are facing,’’ he told NAN.

Dalal proffered some solutions aimed at reducing suicide on the continent.

“However, the solutions and the implementations that Africa CDC is currently carrying out is in the non-communicable diseases, injuries and mental health strategy.

“They have flagship programmes that are looking at mental health advocacy for communities, looking also at men’s health.

“But in addition, there’s also mental health fellowships that are coming up, where they will build capacity amongst healthcare workers to also seek mental health as a profession.

“This is because the other challenge is in Africa; healthcare workers do not want to do mental health speciality.

“These are the implementations that we are carrying out.

“We are also promoting more advocacy amongst the younger generation because the third leading cause of death by suicide is from the ages of 15 to 29.’’

According to Dalal, a lot of advocacy is ongoing especially by the Africa CDC through the African Union.

“We are also advocating policy changes, where we make mental health applicable to the current realities that we are living,” he said.

He commended Nigeria for recently passing a Bill on Mental Health.

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Wema Bank Partners with ECOWAS Bank, Secures $50M

Midey — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 13:44:39 +0000

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has joined forces with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), sealing a $50 million credit facility deal. This collaboration, signed in Lome, Togo, on Monday, November 20, 2023, is set to pave the way for impactful empowerment initiatives tailored for Wema Bank’s diverse customer base.

Aligned with EBID’s strategy to bolster Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the region, this credit facility allows Wema Bank to expand its loan disbursement capacity, reaching more Nigerians and business owners. Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, highlighted the bank’s commitment to innovation-driven impact and its mission to empower lives as the driving force behind this partnership.

Oseni emphasized that the $50 million facility would focus on two key areas—women empowerment and agriculture. Recognizing the pivotal role of women in society, he stressed the importance of supporting female businesses nationwide. Additionally, the funds will be directed towards the agricultural sector to contribute to food security, a crucial aspect of economic stability.

George Agyemkum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at ECOWAS, expressed anticipation for this long-awaited partnership. He underscored the significance of empowering women and providing resources for the agricultural sector, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 2—gender equality and food security.

This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen Wema Bank’s capacity to finance loans across various segments, including SMEs, youth, students, and corporates. With a history of supporting customers in numerous ways, Wema Bank’s partnership with EBID marks a significant step towards achieving its mission of empowering lives through innovation.

About EBID: The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) stands as a prominent regional investment and development bank, financing credible projects across diverse sectors. Established by the 15 Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Nigeria, EBID plays a vital role in fostering economic development in the region.

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WHO warns against abuse of antibiotics

racheal igbokwe — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 10:31:47 +0000

The World Health Organisation has warned that the misuse of antibiotics is denting their efficacy and spawning resistant bacteria which could be responsible for 10 million deaths worldwide by 2050.

This warning came on Thursday, following a survey on the use of antibiotics conducted by the WHO.

WHO’s European chapter conducted a study that showed that antibiotics were prescribed for things like the common cold (24 percent of cases), flu-like symptoms (16 percent), a sore throat (21 percent) and cough (18 percent).

The survey was carried out in 14 countries, mostly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

“While AMR (antimicrobial resistance) is a natural phenomenon, the development and spread of superbugs are being accelerated by the misuse of antimicrobials, rendering infections more challenging to treat effectively,” a statement said.

The WHO’s European region comprises 53 countries, including several in Central Asia.

“All countries in our region have regulations in place to protect precious antibiotics from misuse… Enforcing these regulations would solve most antibiotic misuse,” Robb Butler, director of WHO Europe’s Division of Communicable Diseases, said in a statement.

WHO warned that without immediate intervention, resistance to antimicrobials which includes antibiotics could lead to up to 10 million deaths a year by 2050.

It cited incorrect prescription as a “cause for concern,” adding that in all the 14 countries, a third of the roughly 8,200 people surveyed had taken antibiotics without a medical prescription.

In some countries, over 40 percent of antibiotics were used without medical advice.

In contrast, an equivalent survey conducted in the European Union in 2022 showed that only eight percent of respondents took antibiotics without a prescription.

The WHO also noted that there were severe gaps in people’s knowledge about antibiotics, meaning they could be taking antibiotics for the wrong reason without realising it.

“This research clearly shows the need for education and awareness raising,” Butler said.

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EFCC arraigns medical supplier over N2.9m fraud

racheal igbokwe — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:03:05 +0000

The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sunday Ekele for committing fraud worth N2,930,029 (Two Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Twenty-Nine Naira only).

The Commission arraigned Ekele on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna on one-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation.

“That you, Ekele Sunday sometime in January, 2020 in Kaduna within the Kaduna Judicial Division of the High Court being entrusted with property worth N2,930,029 (Two Million Nine Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Twenty Nine Naira only), by one Ayobami Oyeleye for the supply of pharmaceutical products which you sold and dishonestly misappropriated the money to your own use in violation of legal contract which you made in regard to the said sum and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 293 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State and punishable under Section 293 of the same Law,” the lone -count reads.

The suspect, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, E.K Garba applied for a trial date and sought the defendant to be remanded in the Kaduna Correctional Centre.

Meanwhile, counsel to the defendant, Usman Abdullahi urged the court to grant bail to his client.

After listening to the two counsels, Justice Khobo granted the defendant bail in the sum of Two Million Naira only and a surety in like sum.

According to Khobo, the surety must own a property in Kaduna state with a Certificate of Occupancy which should be verified by the court registrar.

Justice Khobo also adjourned the case to January 25, 2024 for further hearing.

Ekele was arrested based on the claims of a petitioner alleging that, sometime in January 2020, the defendant entered into an agreement to market some pharmaceutical products worth N2,930,029.

He, however, failed to remit payment after the products were supplied and every effort to recover the money or products proved abortive.

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FCT Minister Urges Corps Productivity

racheal igbokwe — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 09:48:12 +0000

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud has urged graduates undergoing the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to channel their talent to productive ventures.

Mahmoud gave the charge during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course, at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja on Tuesday.

She enjoined the corps members to deploy their potential towards building a strong, united, and prosperous nation that focuses not only on consumption, but also on manufacturing.

“Nation building and socio-economic developments are twin areas of vital importance to the country.

“The FCTA trusts that you, as future leaders, will channel your talents and potential towards enthroning a more united, prosperous, and productive nation that focuses on manufacturing.

“In that spirit, I urge you to accept your postings in good faith and settle down quickly in order to contribute to the growth of the nation,” she said.

The minister admonished the graduates to be peaceful and law abiding as they step into FCT communities for their primary assignment.

According to her, peaceful conduct will draw the people to love, accept and support them throughout the service year.

“My charge to you, therefore, is that you put in your best and future generations will speak well of you,” she said.

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