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Hello Ladies... Has anyone done the battery of tests that determine your biological age? I checked for mine February of this year and it revealed that my body is a year and a half younger than my actual age. Yay! Lol I'm due for another I think... so much has happened between now and then. Whenever you get the chance to, have fun with it.

Now, this is work. It is a whole lot of work to be consistent at this. During the lockdown, it was easy and it was fun. I stuck to my daily ritual and hardly ever missed a day of exercise. But these days.... *sighs* Well, the good part is that I am back on track. Started last week and I've not missed a day (yet). Lol. I think your 30s are an interesting period. It is the period your body just goes on to do its own thing e.g. adding weight at will. Hahahaha. I wonder why it is called middle age. Lol. Shouldn't middle age be 40s or 50s and perhaps 20s for Nigerians (who live in the cities). Lol.

For any one who is constantly watching their weight like myself, Lol, here is a tool I came across and thought to share. https://www.verywellfit.com/how-long-should-you-walk-to-lose-weight-3432706

Good day house, please I have been single for some time now and I'm ready for a relationship but I decided that anyone I would go into a relationship with have to run tests. Recently I treated infection and I no longer want to joke with my health cos I spent a lot of money for the tests and treatment, the pain of receiving injections for 7days is not funny also my friend is currently living in fear cos her gf donated blood and it was discovered she has Hepatitis B. Please how can I encourage my partner that we need to run tests without annoying the person.

The Commercial Executive Director, Tropical General Investment Group, Dr Onyekachi Onubogu, has called on Nigerians to reduce their salt intake, saying too much of salt could contribute to liver damage. Onubogu said this in Lagos during the inauguration of a new seasoning cube known as Terra Cube, adding that seasoning and salt must be consumed moderately to avoid kidney disease, as well as high blood pressure. “I do not think the rise in kidney diseases has anything to do with seasoning, but one of the things Nigerians told us during our research is that they want less salt in their food. We have made sure that the salt content present in the new seasoning is minimal compared to what we already have in the market. “It is not about flavouring your food; it is about bringing out the best in it, health-wise and quality wise,” he said. Source

If you regularly load up your grocery cart with a variety of veggies, you could be well on your way to a healthier and longer life. But which ones should you reach for? Recent research has shown that dozens of vegetables pack a particularly big nutritional punch. Sneaking them into your daily diet couldn’t be simpler. Watercress Often overshadowed by arugula, this peppery green can knock any dish into nutritional shape. It’s particularly rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and other antioxidants that are good for you. Cooking tip: Watercress can instantly make sandwiches and salads more lively and fresh-tasting. Or blend the greens into pureed soups. Red bell pepper You think of it as a veggie, but it’s actually a fruit. One medium pepper delivers B vitamins, beta carotene, and more than twice your daily need for vitamin C. Cooking tip: For a fanciful main dish, cut the tops off peppers, remove the inner white membranes and seeds, and then roast until tender. Finish by filling with your favourite whole-grain salad. Spinach This green has healthy amounts of vitamins C, A, and K as well as manganese. Working 1.5 cups of green, leafy vegetables into your day may lower your odds of getting type 2 diabetes. Cooking tip: Sneak spinach into your daily routine by adding it to scrambled eggs and casseroles or blending it into smoothies. Swiss chard Two main varieties of Swiss chard are found on store shelves: one with multicoloured stems and veins, often called rainbow chard, and another with white stems and veins. Both are great sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, an antioxidant duo that’s good for your eyes. At only seven calories a cup, the green giant is waistline-friendly, too. Cooking tip: To preserve its nutritional might, lightly steam chard and toss with vinaigrette. You can also use the leaves instead of tortillas when making soft tacos. Collard greens This Southern favorite contains a wealth of nutritional goodness, including notable amounts of vitamins K and C, folate, and beta-carotene. To boost your daily nutrition, aim to eat about 2 cups of dark, leafy greens like collards every day. Two cups of raw greens is equal to 1 cup of vegetables, and 2.5 cups is recommended daily for a 2000-calorie diet. Cooking tip: Quickly blanch the leaves in boiling water, then chop them and add them to whole-grain or lentil salads. Asparagus With an earthy-sweet flavour, asparagus is a good way to load up on folate. Research suggests that this B vitamin is an ally in the battle against high blood pressure. Cooking tip: Shave raw asparagus with a vegetable peeler. You’ll get ribbons that are wonderful in salads. Broccoli Broccoli is one of nature’s rock stars. It’s a top source of natural plant chemicals shown to help lower the risk of some cancers (though many other things also affect your cancer risk). Each cup of the florets also gives you plenty of vitamins C and K. Source

IVF and IUI are the two most most commonly used methods of assisted reproduction so it stands to reason that IVF vs IUI is a standard question that couples ask when pursuing fertility treatments. There are factors to weigh on both sides and there is a significant cost difference but there are some situations where only one method will work. Here are some of the considerations your doctor will likely walk you through. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a procedure where sperm is placed directly into a woman’s uterus in an attempt to achieve fertilization. You and your partner may benefit from an IUI if: The female has an ovulation disorder and has attempted to achieve pregnancy with ovulation-inducing drugs with no success (in some cases) The female has an issue impacting the cervix The female has mild endometriosis The male has a low sperm count The male has issues ejaculating You are using donor sperm You are experiencing unexplained infertility Same sex couple's. The thing people usually notice first is that a round of IUI is not anywhere near as expensive as a IVF. That naturally causes people to be drawn to this option first. Even though success rates are undeniably much higher with IVF - the cost comparison is drastic enough that you can undergo IUI multiple times and it won’t be as expensive as a single round of IVF. Prices for IUI vary by clinic and situation but typically range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 per cycle. Yes, prices are lower with this option but that does not mean IUI’s aren’t a course of action to be taken seriously. Because IUI’s do not require hormones, medications, or invasive surgical procedures, side effects are minimal. It is a non-invasive procedure and women are less likely to experience health problems as a result. With each cycle your chances of achieving pregnancy increase. Success rates are comparable to those trying to get pregnant naturally with healthily functioning reproductive systems. These rates most often depend on the age of the female, the status of her fallopian tubes, and the male’s sperm count. According to the latest research, women under the age of 35 have 10-20% chance of pregnancy, whereas women between 35-40 have 10% and women above 40 have a 2-5% chance. If you are a woman over the age of 35, you may be more inclined to try IVF. In most cases for women under 35, doctors usually recommend 5-6 cycles of IUI before recommending IVF. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) In vitro fertilization is the process where a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm are combined outside of the body to achieve fertilization. The fertilized embryo(s) are then placed directly into the uterus with the hopes of producing a successful pregnancy. Though the prices for this option are exponentially higher, so are success rates. The process of ensuring fertilization outside of the body and returning it directly to the uterus increases the chances for success. Women under the age of 35 have about a 43% chance of getting pregnant and women 35-40 years of age and up have about a 20% chance. A single IVF cycle can cost $8,500-$10,000 though many fertility clinics (including the Center of Reproductive Medicine) offer unlimited frozen transfers for the next 12 months after the first try for no additional cost. Some doctors tend to recommend women in certain situations such as those with a tubal ligation, severe cases of endometriosis, and those approaching and above their 40’s go right for the IVF route, as IUI costs will only add up. You and your partner may benefit from IVF if: The female has an ovulation disorder and has attempted to achieve pregnancy with ovulation-inducing drugs with no success The female has blocked or damaged fallopian tubes or has had them removed The female has advanced endometriosis The male has a low sperm count One or both persons has a genetic disorder The couple is experiencing unexplained infertility The couple has undergone 3-6 or more failed IUI cycles As IVF requires stimulation medications to increase egg production, there is a greater possibility that there will be side effects. They can range from mild cramping and breast tenderness, to more harmful results such as ovarian stimulation syndrome. In this case the ovaries become swollen and painful in response to an overload of hormones in the system. This is a rare response, but it is important to be aware of how your body might react, and that with invasive procedures, you are always taking a risk. What’s right for you? When it comes down to it, choosing which is right for you between IUI and IVF depends on your budget, your age, and the conditions of both partners reproductive organs. Both procedures have promising histories of being successful, and it is up to you to decide which path you are most comfortable with. Trying IUI is often recommended first, but if time is a factor for you or you fall on the more challenging end of cases, IVF may be the better route to go. Talk over your situation with your doctor and consider the outcomes carefully. So which are you going for? Why? Source: https://www.infertilitytexas.com/blog/ivf-vs-iui-choosing-the-right-procedure-for-your-body

Prof. Adegboyega Fawole of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, has warned that Human Papiloma Virus has been found in the throat of people engaging in oral sex. Fawole, who is of the Department of Gynaecology, UITH, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Ilorin on Tuesday that HPV was mostly sexually transmitted. He said that the virus caused almost all cases of cervical cancer and could cause genital warts and anal cancer. “Oral sex has been linked with an increased risk of acquiring HPV infection in the mouth and with an increased risk of developing oral cancers that are caused by HPV. “However, sex in general has also been linked with these risks,” he said. The gynaecologist warned that those engaging in oral sex were twice more likely to have oral HPV infection than those who did not engage in oral sex. Fawole, however, said there was no need for individuals in monogamous relationships to restrict their sexual activities if the pair was in good health. He called on people to always go for screening and check-up to guard against cancer of any kind. Source

The Federal Ministry of Health has advised Nigerians to desist from eating monkeys, bush meat and dead animals as doing so could make one susceptible to the Monkeypox Disease. The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said this in a statement signed by the Director, Media and Public Relations at the ministry, Mrs. Boade Akinola, on Thursday. Adewole said the disease neither had a cure nor a vaccine. He, however, said there was no cause for alarm as it was mild. The statement read in part, “He said that the virus was mild and there was no known treatment and no preventive vaccines hence the public should be at alert and avoid crowded places as much as possible “He advised the public to avoid eating dead animals, bush meat and particularly bush monkeys.” The minister also revealed that test samples had been sent to the World Health Organisation in Senegal but the result was not yet out. The statement added, “Prof. Adewole said although Monkeypox could not be confirmed until laboratory investigations by WHO referral laboratory in Dakar, Senegal, he noted that Monkeypox was milder and had no record of mortality. “The symptoms include headache, fever, back pains and in advanced cases, rashes bigger than those caused by chicken pox. He said the disease was a viral illness by a group of viruses that included chickenpox and smallpox. “Investigation is still ongoing and our partners are working with us on this reported outbreak’ while the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control team in Bayelsa State would give support,” the statement said. Source

Fibroids—smooth muscle tumors of the uterus—are common, affecting as many as 75% of women. They are rarely cancerous, and they cause symptoms in only about 20% of the women who have them. However, if you're one of those with symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, bad cramps, pelvic pressure, constipation, or frequent urination, you know how fibroids can disrupt your life. Even if they don't cause symptoms, they may grow into the uterine cavity, potentially complicating a pregnancy and raising the risk of miscarriage. "Managing uterine fibroids depends on several factors, such as a woman's symptoms, whether or not she wants to have children, her age, and her personal preferences," says Dr. Hye-Chun Hur, director of the Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and associate medical editor of Harvard Women's Health Watch. Treating fibroids These days, there's no reason to endure fibroid symptoms. There are several effective therapies that can be tailored to suit you, including the following: Medical treatment. Traditional combined oral contraceptives, which contain both estrogen and a progestin, can provide effective treatment for fibroid-related symptoms. They can help diminish extremely heavy bleeding and can help regulate menstrual periods. Progestin-only therapies can stabilize the uterine lining to reduce bleeding. Both combined oral contraceptives and progestins come in a variety of forms, including pills, patch (Ortho Evra patch), injections (Depo-Provera), implants (Implanon), vaginal ring (NuvaRing), and a progestin-releasing inatrauterine device (Mirena IUD). Although these treatments can be very effective, fibroid symptoms typically return when women stop taking the medications. Uterine artery embolization. A radiologist performs this minor procedure to deposit small particles into the uterine artery, blocking off the blood supply to the fibroids, which shrinks them and reduces bleeding. This procedure is not advised for women who want to have children in the future. Endometrial ablation. This minor, same-day procedure destroys the lining of the uterus and decreases the amount of uterine bleeding. Although pregnancy is less likely after an endometrial ablation, this procedure does not provide contraception, and those who conceive after an ablation are at increased risk of pregnancy complications. Women who choose ablation are advised to take contraceptive measures, and the procedure is usually recommended only for women who have completed childbearing. Myomectomy. This term refers to a surgical procedure to remove fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. This treatment is often used in women who still want to have children. Fibroids may be surgically removed through a variety of techniques; the best approach depends on the fibroid's location. Fibroids in the uterine cavity are best removed vaginally using a hysteroscope. This is an incisionless approach, in which a miniature camera and surgical tools are inserted through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. Fibroids within the uterine walls or protruding outward are better removed abdominally, either through a traditional open abdominal incision or with a minimally invasive approach using a laparoscope (a device that inserts a camera and tools through incisions no larger than a centimeter). Hysterectomy. The removal of the uterus along with the attached fibroids provides a permanent solution for women who aren't interested in having children. When to get treatment Women typically are not complainers. Generally, they are the caretakers of the family and are not used to putting themselves first, so they may delay getting treatment until symptoms are intolerable. "I often see women who are in the late stage of symptoms—either with severe pain or with low blood counts from anemia due to excessive bleeding," Dr. Hur says. "If women seek help when their condition is symptomatic but not so excessive, they may have more treatment options available to them, including the more conservative therapies. The sooner they can get relief, they can get on with their lives." Symptoms alone are not always the deciding factor for treatment. Whether or not you want to have children is also important. If you still plan to have children, fibroids that have grown into the uterine cavity should be removed before you conceive, since they can cause miscarriages and pregnancy complications. If you have fibroids that have increased significantly in number or size, they should also be removed because they may cause complications during pregnancy. Myomectomy is usually the best fibroid treatment for women who plan to conceive. If you don't plan to have children, your symptoms, age, and health play a greater role in determining when to seek treatment. After menopause, fibroids often shrink and symptoms may resolve in women who don't use hormone therapy. If you are in your 40s and your symptoms are tolerable, you may choose to wait and see if they regress after menopause. However, if you have excessive bleeding that has caused anemia (abnormally low numbers of red blood cells) or symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life, it may be time to think about having your fibroids treated. Speak to your doctor about which treatment is best for you. Source

A woman’s vagina is meant to smell. Well, at least not in any way offensive. Physicians say a woman’s vagina is filled with different types of (good) bacteria and that each woman’s “smell” is completely different and unique to them — just like the vaginas themselves in terms of shapes and sizes. “Some women’s vaginas may naturally smell stronger than others – and all of this is completely normal,” experts say. However, there are some things a woman’s nether regions can smell like that can be a bit off – and can be a sign of a health issue. The following are the five smells you need to look out for: • It smells like … yeast. While yeast infections don’t often smell, if you notice a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge, this could be a sign of infection. Your vagina will also be itchy and could be red. So, it’s best to see a doctor. • It smells … musky. If you have exercised recently or are wearing non-breathable underwear, this can cause a musky scent from the trapped sweat. This should go away once you have a shower; but to minimise the scent, don’t sit around in sweaty clothes. • It smells like … fish. If it smells like you brought the fish market home with you, this is the most common scent that points towards bacterial vaginosis. This is the most common vaginal infection in women between ages 15 and 44. It occurs when the vagina’s pH levels are thrown off by an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria – but it’s not a sexually transmitted disease and is mostly harmless. • It smells … metallic. This one is no cause for concern, as it will generally happen when a woman gets her period. Blood can change the pH levels of a vagina and make it smell coppery. This odour should pass once the period ends. Avoid scented soaps, as this will throw off your pH balance even more. • It smells … rotten. This would normally happen if a tampon has accidentally been left in for a few days or more. If you can’t get the tampon out yourself, head to the doctor and they can get it out for you. However, something to be wary of is toxic shock syndrome which is a fatal condition linked to the tampon being left in for too long, Daily Star says. Source

New research has revealed that mosquitoes prey on their victims due to a number of factors. They also say that the species of mosquitoes you are exposed to can determine whether or not you are going to be bitten. So, why do mosquitoes bite you? These reasons… • Beer. Some studies reveal that mosquitoes are attracted to beer drinkers, though this is only relevant to one type of mosquito. • Type O Blood. If you have Type O blood running through your veins, you’re prime candidate for mosquito bites! Research published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that mosquitoes were 83.3 percent more likely to land on type O carriers than type A carriers. Again, this appears to apply to one particular species of mosquito. • Pregnancy. In 2003, an experiment was conducted in eastern Sudan to see if mosquitoes were more attracted to pregnant women than non-pregnant women. The results, published on NCBI, found that out of the 18 women, the nine pregnant women attracted significantly more mosquitoes, especially ones that were carrying malaria. This could be because of raised temperature and how women’s body odour changes during pregnancy. Again, only one species of mosquito is attracted to pregnant women. • Gender. Interestingly, only female mosquitoes bite, as the nutritional value of blood helps develop their eggs. They also seem to prefer to bite more men, but women are more badly affected by a bite. Women reportedly get bigger and itchy bites, but men are more likely to be attacked. • Genes. There is also the belief that mosquitoes could be attracted to you because of your genetic make-up. An indicator of this could be if you have a bad reaction to a bite, such as the size of the bite or the intensity of the itchiness. • Carbon dioxide. This one is quite hard to avoid, as your body naturally produces around 2.3 pounds of carbon dioxide a day, which is breathed out through your lungs. Well, you have to breathe, so you can’t avoid mosquito bites by withholding your breath. Good news, though: Mosquitoes tend to prefer people who emit more than the standard levels of carbon dioxide—a situation that is common among pregnant women and overweight people. • Lactic acid. Mosquitoes love the lactic acid that the body produces when you work out. The acid is released as you sweat, making you a prime target, especially if you are hot and tired. • Bacteria. If you have lots of different bacteria on your skin, mosquitoes will be less attracted to you. The chemicals that build up your natural smell could repel them. A study published in PLOS showed that a group of people with a more diverse colony of bacteria were less likely to attract mosquitoes, than those with less. Source

Roughly 176 million cases of food poisoning and 15,000 related deaths occur each year. The elderly, the very young, pregnant women, and people with otherwise weakened immune systems tend to be most vulnerable. You’re not totally helpless, though. These simple rules may help you avoid food-borne illnesses. Avoid raw eggs Eggs have been linked to 352 food poisoning outbreaks since 1990, most often due to salmonella bacteria, one of the most common culprits of food poisoning. Chances are you’re not going to purposely down a raw egg, but remember all of the places that raw eggs are hiding: Taking a nibble of raw cookie dough or licking the spoon used to stir the cake batter can be hazardous. Shop wisely Food safety begins at the grocery store. Stop by the refrigerated and frozen sections last, so that perishable products stay cold for as long as possible. Bag raw meat separately from other foods and bring groceries home immediately to store them properly. “Choose foods carefully,” says Klein. “Look at expiration dates [and] whether something appears to have been kept at the right temperature.” Shopping at an upscale supermarket won’t necessarily protect you from foodborne illness, she adds. “Even a ‘nice’ deli can have trouble cleaning sufficiently. Wash, wash, wash All produce needs to be washed, even if you plan on peeling it before you eat it. Klein does not recommend, however, rewashing triple-washed bagged lettuce because the extra handling of these already clean greens could introduce new contaminants. But even the most thorough washing does not always eliminate your risk because, as Klein warns, “pathogens can get inside produce.” While contaminated produce sounds scary, consumers needn’t avoid nutritious foods such as spinach and tomatoes just because they have been linked with outbreaks, she says.Produce isn’t the only thing you need to wash. Remember to wash your hands frequently—and “thoroughly”—and give countertops and cutting boards a good scrub too. Separate raw from ready Never thaw food on a counter, as the outermost layer will warm too quickly, promoting bacteria growth. Use different utensils and cutting boards for preparing raw meats and for assembling ready-to-eat dishes. This will prevent cross-contamination, the easiest way of spreading the most common foodborne bacteria. Washing your sink after using it to clean raw meats is also a good idea, says Klein. Keep your eye on the temperature Looks can be deceiving when cooking raw meat. Don’t trust that a browned chicken breast is done; instead check the internal temperature of all meats with a food thermometer. Chicken and turkey should reach 165˚; steaks, 145˚; and hamburgers, 160˚. Bacteria multiply the fastest between 40˚ and 140˚, so make sure that cold food stays cold and that cooked food is hot enough. Refrigerate food at less than 40˚, and reheat cooked leftovers to at least 165˚. “Reheat things to steaming,” says Klein, “to ensure any bacteria that may have multiplied are killed off.” Source