Raise Awareness from your Desk!

November, Lung Cancer Awareness month. It’s that time of the year when lung cancer takes the front burner. It’s the month when we are all expected to do our bit in raising awareness on the deadly scourge.

So what exactly is lung cancer and what are the factors that increase the chances of you getting it? Like all cancer, it’s when there is abnormal growth of cells in the lungs.
Lung cancer according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report is the one of the most common cancers in developing countries with about 24.6 million people currently living with cancer worldwide. ” Scary stats, isn't it?
Perhaps lung cancer wouldn't have such a profound and tragic influence in the world today were it not for the tobacco connection. According to WHO, 43% of lung cancer deaths are caused by tobacco.  Tobacco was responsible for 4.4 million new cases in 2002 till date. To cap it all, WHO has it that tobacco consumption is the world’s most avoidable cause of cancer, responsible for more than 80% lung cancer cases in men and 45% in women.

Risk factors of lung cancer are;

1. Smoking: The number of smokers is increasing particularly in the developing world. The rate of occurrence of lung cancer has been reported to have a striking parallel to the incidence of cigarette smoking in the nation. The risk is increased by early age of commencement of smoking and the duration of smoking. You may be shocked to learn that the cigarette smoke that is inhaled contains carcinogens (cancer- causing substances).


2. Physical inactivity, dietary factors, being overweight and obesity: Research has shown that poor diet, not being active, and obese increases the risk of several cancers.  We need diets high in fruits and vegetables to help fight against many cancers. Thus, regular physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet will considerably reduce cancer risk.

3. Air Pollution: Air pollution is another risk factor. Even the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen. According to Kurt Straif, PhD, head of the IARC Monographs Section, ‘’The air we breathe is filled with cancer-causing substances, outdoor air pollution is not only a major environmental risk to health in general, it is the most important environmental cancer killer due to the large number of people exposed.”

Enough about the risks, here are some practical tips to reduce the risk of getting this disease,

1. Quit smoking; if you have never smoked, don’t start! And if you are already smoking, quit now!

2. Avoid second-hand smoke; if you live or work with a smoker, urge him or her to quit. At the very least, ask him or her to smoke outside. Avoid areas where people smoke, such as bars and restaurants, and seek out smoke-free options.

3. Eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables; choose a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Food sources of vitamins and nutrients are best.

4. Workout regularly: If you don't exercise regularly, start out slowly. Try to exercise most days of the week.
Let’s join hands in making our generation the last that smokes! Think of the people you know. How many of them have had cancer? How many more will get it?
We urge to you to tell your families, friends, loved ones, etc. to join the world in raising more awareness for this deadly diseases. Use your social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram etc., to educate your friends and family. All these are wonderful platforms that can be used to get messages across to the public.
By joining the world in raising more awareness, we can save over 2 million lives by 2020 and 6.5 million lives by 2040, according to World Health Organisation (WHO).
Safe a life and raise more awareness this month!
Start NOW!!!

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Looking to shed off that extra weight and improve your skin tone? Here’s a simple solution for you: Avocado! 
You’ve probably heard of Avocado: that tasty treat that can serve as a snack, a meal on its own or can be used in salads and dishes. 
However, Avocado is much more than a great tasting fruit. It is a very good source for nutrients like fibre, potassium and vitamins C, K, foliate but to mention a few. 
That’s not all. Avocados also contain fat. Now don’t get scared yet. Avocados fat is the healthy kind. Indeed, the fat is unsaturated and even helps reduce the body’s cholesterol. By now you are probably getting the idea that the Avocado fruit is a nutritional powerhouse. But there’s even more.
See below for 7 awesome reasons why eating an Avocado a day will keep the doctor away:
1. Avocados prevent cancer: Studies have shown that Avocados contain nutrients that prevent mouth, skin and prostate gland cancers. The compounds from Avocado target cancerous cells without harming normal healthy cells.

2. Avocado is good for pregnant women: This buttery fruit is a rich source of (healthy) fats, tons of vitamins and dietary fibre to the body. This is particularly useful for pregnant women because it keeps both mother and baby healthy.

3. Avocados helps keep the brain healthy: I bet you didn’t see this coming. Avocados have been known to contain Vitamin E which counteracts free radicals and the build-up of proteins to reverse the memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients. It actually reverses symptoms of Alzheimer’s in the early stages and retards the progression of the disease. 

Read more: http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/avocado-health-benefits/#ixzz3EArIoPBy

4. Cures bad breath; Avocado is a natural mouth wash and a remedy for bad breath. It cleanses the intestine which is the real cause of coated tongue and bad breath. 

5. Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure Regulator: Regular consumption of Avocado helps to regulate blood sugar, control blood pressure and reduce stroke risk.

6. Avocado aids weight loss: Research shows that a diet rich in healthy fats helps trim down your waistline. 


7. For Glowing Skin: For a healthy and glowing complexion, a cup of avocado juice a day will help nourish and protect your skin from inside out. It re-invigorates dull and dry skin, giving you a more radiant and flawless skin tone. 

So next time you go shopping for fruits, don’t forget to add avocados for a healthier you! 


http://www.beautyandtips.com/natural-skin-care-products-2/25-benefits-and-uses-of-avocado-for-skin-hair-health-and-beauty/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/409833-avocados-for-weight-loss-gain/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270406.php

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Healthy Lifestyle, Healthier You!

Every one of us wants to be fit and live a long active life, right? But what do you do for it? Living a healthy lifestyle might sound very boring, expensive and difficult to maintain, especially when you have to give up on all of your favourite foods and snacks just to embrace a beneficial lifestyle, but do you know that it is even easier to maintain a wholesome and fabulous lifestyle? Yes! You don't have to spend long hours training at the gym or missing your breakfast or even throwing away your chocolates to trim down your waistline. Well, good news! You can still eat your dark chocolates, enjoy breakfast and other beautiful meals and still live a beneficial lifestyle. All you need to spice up your lifestyle is to develop and sustain these healthy choices in your day-to-day living. Check out 35 more tips for a nourishing and awesome you!

1.    Walk for 30 minutes daily.

2.    Never skip breakfast.

3.    Eat a piece of fruit daily.

4.    Eat whole foods instead of processed foods whenever possible.

5.    Reject foods and drinks made of artificial colours or sweetener.

6.    Start each lunch/dinner with salad.

7.    Give your partner a hug every day before going to work.

8.    Take a deep belly breath for three to five minutes twice a day.

9.    Eat a handful of walnuts before bed.

10.  Drink at least 8 glasses of water in a day.

11.  Get 10-15 minutes of sunlight and fresh air daily.

12.  Jog for 10 minutes.

13.  Have a greater variety of food. Eat three different foods at every meal.

14.  Have snacks between meals.

15.  Watch comedy and add humour to your life.

16.  Try to have seven hours of sleep every night.

17.  Have a fixed bed time.

18.  Increase your fibre intake.

19.  Eat foods with bright rich colours.

20.  Register in a yoga class.

21.  Surround yourself with loving and supportive family and friends.

22.  Drink green tea at least twice a day.

23.  Exercise till you sweat once a week.

24.  Have as much sex as possible … At least twice a week.

25.  Do push-ups for 30 minutes twice a week.

26.  Eat a handful of nuts 30 minutes before a meal.

27.  Learn to cook and gain control of what goes into your meals … and save money!

28.  Take a Vitamin D rich supplement.

29.  Chew food thoroughly.

30.  Cut down your sodium intake and sugar.

31.  Don’t over-eat!

32.  Don’t eat 3 hours before going to bed.

33.  Sit in silence for 10 minutes each day.

34.  Play games and read more books to stimulate your brain.

35.  Pray

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The Path to A healthy Mother and Child

Are you worried about childbirth and how it will affect you? Bringing a baby into the world can be fun and exciting, but it can also come with some complications if not properly managed.
Did you know that there are numerous ways you can improve maternal health issues? Of course 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. But it is quite unfortunate that maternal mortality rates are still very high in the world, each year, more than half a million women die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. In Nigeria alone, about 2,300 under-five year old children and 145 women die every single day during childbirth complications.
Below this statistics lies the pain and agony of thousands of families who have lost their children and loved ones due to maternal death issues. It is even more devastating to know that most of these childbirth complications are preventable.

What exactly are the causative agents of maternal health issues?

• Pre-existing conditions; Most of these complications are caused by pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, malaria, HIV, obesity, etc. 
• Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure; women with pre-existing, or chronic, high blood pressure are more likely to have certain complications during pregnancy and this can lead to maternal death.
• Unsafe Abortion, infections and other labour complications are the most leading causes of maternal mortality. 
• Malnutrition and lack of regular exercises is also one of the causes of maternal health issues.

Is there a chance to reduce maternal mortality and improve maternal health? Yes! There are numerous ways to avert most of these maternal issues. According to experts, maternal health conditions can be improved in different ways, such as;

• Professional care during pregnancy and childbirth; 80% of maternal death can be avoided with proper access to basic health care services. Such as regular medical check-up, antenatal and post antenatal care, etc.
• Regular exercise during pregnancy helps to alleviate many of the common problems of childbirth.
• Eating well balanced meals; eating healthy foods now is more important than ever! You need more protein, iron, calcium and folic acid and more calories than you did before pregnancy. Consider a cleaner diet for a healthier baby!

The health of a mother is very important for the unborn child and to prevent maternal complications. Healthy women and healthy babies build healthy communities. Therefore, maternal health is a key to a healthier society.

http://leadership.ng/blogposts/health-matters/369983/1-4-maternal-deaths-caused-pre-existing-medical-conditions-unicef

http://www.healthnewsng.com/2013/12/nigeria-records-reduction-in-infant-and.html

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs348/en/

http://www.unicef.org/nigeria/children_1926.html

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Health Benefits of curry leaves

If you are an ardent cook then you probably know about the exotic leaf; Curry leaf! And if you don’t then it’s that amazing leaf that gives meals an irresistible aroma. For most Culinary enthusiasts it is, quite simply the seasoning of choice.

But beyond the mouth-watering fragrance it adds to dishes, the Curry Leaf also possesses other important health benefits for the body.
For one, it is packed with essential vitamins like Vitamins A, Vitamin B and E amongst others. In addition, it is a good source of carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, phosphorus, protein and Iron.
For more health benefits of Curry Leaf please read below:
·         Curry leaves help in weight reduction by flushing out fats and it is also used in the treatment of diabetics caused by obesity.
·         The fibre content of the leaf plays a significant role in helping to lower the blood sugar. It does this by regulating the insulin activity of the body.
·         Curry leaves improves digestion.
·         It lowers cholesterol levels.
·         It is also good for preventing grey hair. And for ladies, it adds bounce to the hair and helps treat dandruff in the hair.
·         Also curry leaves is good for treating minor burns and irritations from insect bites.
Bottom line: The curry leaf is a health booster! You can chew it or extract the juice and drink it. Or maybe you can stick to adding it to your meals. Whichever option to choose, your health is the better off for it.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Health-benefits-of-curry-leaves/articleshow/30904781.cms

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Ebola Virus: Key Facts You Need To Know About the Deadly Virus

Ever heard of Ebola virus? It’s the deadly virus that is threatening to invade West Africa.  As at last count, about 100 people in Guinea and Liberia are said to have died from the virus. The situation is so serious that even the World Health organization (WHO) has described it as one of the "most challenging incidents the world has ever seen”. If not properly handled there are concerns that the virus may well spread to other West African countries Nigeria inclusive.
Here are some facts you need to know about the virus:

• The Ebola virus causes Ebola virus disease (EVD; formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) in humans.
• EVD outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90%.
• EVD outbreaks occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests.
• The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.
• Fruit bats are considered to be the natural host of the Ebola virus. Other bush game animals may also transmit the disease
• No specific treatment or vaccine is available for use in people or animals.
The Ebola virus causes Ebola virus disease (EVD) in humans, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%.
Ebola first appeared in 1976 in 2 simultaneous outbreaks, in Nzara, Sudan, and in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter was in a village situated near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name.

Transmission

Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. In Africa, infection has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest.
Ebola then spreads in the community through human-to-human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids. Burial ceremonies in which mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person can also play a role in the transmission of Ebola. Men who have recovered from the disease can still transmit the virus through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery from illness.
Health-care workers have frequently been infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed EVD. This has occurred through close contact with patients when infection control precautions are not strictly practiced.

Signs and symptoms

EVD is a severe acute viral illness often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Laboratory findings include low white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes.
People are infectious as long as their blood and secretions contain the virus. Ebola virus was isolated from semen 61 days after onset of illness in a man who was infected in a laboratory.
The incubation period, that is, the time interval from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms, is 2 to 21 days.

Diagnosis

Other diseases that should be ruled out before a diagnosis of EVD can be made include: malaria, typhoid fever, shigellosis, cholera, leptospirosis, plague, rickettsiosis, relapsing fever, meningitis, hepatitis and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.

Ebola virus infections can be diagnosed definitively in a laboratory through several types of tests:
• enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• antigen detection tests
• serum neutralization test
• reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay
• virus isolation by cell culture.

Samples from patients are an extreme biohazard risk; testing should be conducted under maximum biological containment conditions.

Prevention and treatment

No vaccine for EVD is available. Several vaccines are being tested, but none are available for clinical use.
Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. Patients are frequently dehydrated and require oral rehydration with solutions containing electrolytes or intravenous fluids.
No specific treatment is available. New drug therapies are being evaluated.
Natural host of Ebola virus
In Africa, fruit bats, are considered possible natural hosts for Ebola virus. As a result, the geographic distribution of Ebola viruses may overlap with the range of the fruit bats.

Ebola virus in animals

Although non-human primates have been a source of infection for humans, they are not thought to be the reservoir but rather an accidental host like human beings. Since 1994, Ebola outbreaks have been observed in chimpanzees and gorillas.

Prevention

In the absence of effective treatment and a human vaccine, raising awareness of the risk factors for Ebola infection and the protective measures individuals can take is the only way to reduce human infection and death.

In Africa, during EVD outbreaks, educational public health messages for risk reduction should focus on several factors:
• Reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission from contact with infected fruit bats or monkeys/apes and the consumption of their raw meat. Animals should be handled with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing. Animal products (blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
• Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community arising from direct or close contact with infected patients, particularly with their bodily fluids. Close physical contact with Ebola patients should be avoided. Gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients at home. Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home.
• Communities affected by Ebola should inform the population about the nature of the disease and about outbreak containment measures, including burial of the dead. People who have died from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried.

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Cucumber, the World's Healthiest Food!

Do you know that cucumber contains most of the vitamins your body requires every day? I bet you didn’t know that. Imagine this:  just one cucumber contains the following nutrients:  Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc. Amazing, isn’t it? Little wonder it is regarded as a healthy choice for cooking and snacking.
Cucumbers are also a fun way to keep your skin healthy and glowing. The coolest thing about it is that it can either be eaten or applied directly to the skin. Whichever option you choose, your skin reaps the health benefits, but that’s not all. Cucumbers are high in fiber which keeps the body’s digestive system healthy. It is also low in calories and fat. It is therefore not surprising that cucumber is a hugely popular fruit. As a matter of fact, it is the fourth most cultivated fruit in the world. Scientifically known as Cucumis Sativus, it belongs to the same botanical family as melons (including watermelon and cantaloupe) and squashes (including summer squash, winter squash, zucchini and pumpkin).

Read on and discover the nutritional values of cucumber
• Cucumber rehydrates the body and replenishes daily vitamins in the body
Because cucumbers are 95 percent water, they help keep the body hydrated. It also helps the body eliminate toxins.
Skin Treatment: Cucumbers are also useful in treating skin irritations and other diseases. It’s also used in relieving puffiness and wrinkles around the eye region.


• Relieves bad breath: If you have been battling with mouth odor, a slice of cucumber may well do the trick. All you need do is take a slice and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds. The chemicals in cucumber are known to kill bacteria responsible for bad breath in the mouth.

• Hangover cure: When you’ve had too much to drink and have a terrible headache, here is a natural remedy for your hangover. Instead of taking pain relief tablets, eat a few slices of cucumber before going to bed. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish many essential nutrients, reducing the intensity of both hangover and headache.

• Helps weight loss: Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal diet for people seeking to lose weight. Its high water content and dietary fibers help in ridding the body of toxins from the digestive system, aiding digestion.

• Cure for Constipation: Daily consumption of cucumbers can also be a cure for chronic constipation.
Now you know why cucumber is regarded as one of the world’s healthiest fruits. So, next time you go grocery shopping, make sure you pick a handful of the deliciously looking dark-green fruits. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

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