6th January, 2012 The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemns the invasion of its Secretariat, Labour House, Abuja by thugs right under the noses of the police. The thugs numbering about seventy who were hired by government agents, later apologized for their action claiming that they were not told they were being brought to the NLC. They revealed that they were promised One Thousand Naira ( The aim of the invasion was to cause a fracas and claim that workers are divided over the issue of fuel price increase. It is instructive that while the invasion was on, the FCT Police Command ignored calls by NLC officers to come and escort the thugs out of the Labour premises. Also, the heavily armed security men who had condoned off parst of the NTA Link Road where Labour Hosue is situated,, did nothing to stop the invaders. The NLC views this incident as another desperate attempt by the increasingly isolated and unpopular Jonathan administration to stop the mass movement against its insensitive and ridiculous fuel price increases of between 120-220 per cent. The Militarization of Abuja As part of its desperate moves to abort the peoples mass protests and intimidate Nigerians, the Presidency this morning turned out heavily armed units of the Presidential guards. The troops blocked roads, condoned off parts of the city, harrassed and frisked passersby. We condemn this “show of force” designed to intimidate peace loving Nigerians. The NLC also condemns this misuse of the army and warn that the police and armed forces are citizens like the rest of us who are equally affected by the negative impacts of the fuel price hike, and should therefore not be taken for granted. The Labour Movement specifically ask Abuja residents to hold demonstrations in various parts of the city and its surburbs, and march to the city centre by 8am from Monday 9th January, 2012 Ignore Propaganda on Fuel Price Reversal Fraudulent text messages were sent around this morning claiming that Government had reverted PMS (Petrol) price back to N65 and that on the strength of this, Labour had called off the general strike, rallies and mass protests which commence on Monday 9th January, 2012. Another text message claims thatt he strike and commencement dates have been shifted. There is no truth in these claims. The NLC informs Nigerians that on this issue of strikes and protests, only statements or messages from the Labour Movement should be taken as authentic. We reiterate that the right of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and protest is a fundamental one which no government can abridge. The NLC will work with the patriotic Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to bring those who brutalize Nigerians, and their bosses who issue the orders, to justice. Owei Lakemfa Acting General Secretary |
Creativity at its Best
Friday, 6 January 2012
NLC CONDEMNS INVASION BY GOVERNMENT THUGS AND DEPLOYMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL GUARDS IN ABUJA
Thursday, 5 January 2012
OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NLC ON THE RUMOURED DIALOGUE
PRESS STATEMENT
PETROL PRICE HIKE: NO DIALOGUE WITH GOVERNMENT
The attention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been drawn to stories planted on the internet today that the leadership of the Labour Movement was meeting with some government officials on issue of increase in fuel prices.
This is an absolute falsehood. Labour leaders are busy mobilising for the indefinite strike action and mass protests which commence from Monday 9th January 2012, and have no time for frivolous, unsustainable and unproductive ‘dialogue’ with the Presidency or any of its Dialogue Committees.
We see these stories of “meetings” with the Federal Government as mischievous and part of government’s strategy to break the fuel hike protest.
We restate categorically that the Labour Movement has no intention to hold any discussion with the Federal Government or any of its officials on the issue of increases in petrol prices until the price is reverted to N65 per litre to allow for a level playing field.
We call on workers and the Nigerian people to ignore all such stories and remain focused and committed to participate actively in the general strikes, mass rallies and street protests starting from Monday 9th January, 2012.
Alleged Marketers Funding of Protests
Our attention has also been drawn to reports in the media that same oil marketers were funding the general strike and mass
protests against the excessive increase in petrol prices. These reports which are planted in the media by the Presidency are a desperate ploy to divert attention from the mass protests.
We wish to state categorically that no oil marketer or any individual can fund a protest of the working people. The negative impact of the increase in petrol prices is there to see; astronomical rise in the cost of transportation, school fees, medical bills, food and services. The Nigerian people, unlike those in government are independent minded and cannot be bought by any group be they marketers, the IMF or World Bank.
The NLC advises the Jonathan administration to wake up to the reality that Nigerians are resolved to resist its punitive policies and are determined to reclaim their country from those who are intent on bringing it down.
The Presidency’s Buses
The Presidency yesterday announced that it is importing 1,600 buses to cushion the effects of its inhuman hike in the price of petrol. First, we think it is a false claim as the buses in question refer to those being imported by Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Secondly, the announcement is laughable because if divided by the 774 Local Governments in the country, it amounts to 2 buses per Local Government. Thirdly, one would have thought that the Presidency would put these “cushioning effects” in place before the unreasonable hike in petrol price.
Owei Lakemfa,
Acting General Secretary.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EMEGERGENCY MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCILS OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS AND THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA
In Defence of the Nigerian People on Fuel Price Increases!
Joint Communiqué of the Emergency Meeting of the National Executive Councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Held on Wednesday 4th January, 2012.
The National Executive Councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) took place today, Wednesday 4th January, 2012.
The NLC and TUC noted that:
The Presidency announced the removal of petroleum subsidy and adjusted upward, the pump price of petrol on 1st January, 2012 even when it claimed it was consulting Nigerians.
Due to this upward review of prices, the pump price for petrol is now selling for between N141 and N200 per litre nation-wide rather than N65. This prohibitive increase in price of PMS once again confirms the position of Labour that deregulation to this government means incessant price increase of a strategic product (petrol) that impact on cost of living, cost of production and the general well-being of increasingly impoverish Nigerians.
The immediate generalized negative impact of this price increase on transport cost, food, drugs, schools fees, rents, indicate that government is totally wrong to underestimate the impact assessment of the so-called deregulation policy.
Due to the untoward hardship workers and other Nigerians are experiencing based on excessive increase in petrol prices, there have been sporadic protests by Nigerians in at least 10 cities;
These protests, which are peaceful have witnessed the use of unprecedented force by the Police leading to harassment, intimidation, arrests and the murder of a protester.
There is a subsisting understanding between Congress and the Federal government in 2009 that removal of subsidy will not commence until certain conditions have been met. These include the fixing of all the refineries and building new ones, regular power supply, and provision of other social infrastructure such as railways and repairs of roads as well as eliminating the corruption associated with supply and distribution of petroleum products in the downstream sector of the oil industry;
After exhaustive deliberations and consultations with all sections of the populace, the NLC, TUC and their pro-people allies demand that the Presidency immediately reverses fuel prices to N65. If the Government fails to do so, they direct that indefinite general strikes, mass rallies and street protests be held across the country with effect from Monday 9th January, 2012.
From that Monday, 9th January 2012 date, all offices, oil production centres, air and sea ports, fuel stations, markets, banks, amongst others will be shut down.
We advise Nigerians to stockpile basic needs especially food and water.
We call on all Nigerians to participate actively in this movement to rescue our country. The emphasis is on peaceful protests, rallies and strikes while refusing to be intimidated. Labour calls on the police, armed forces and other security agencies to reject orders that they turn their weapons on fellow Nigerians. We warn that anybody who does so, will be individually brought to justice.
The primary objective of this patriotic call and movement is to revert PMS price to N65, restore normalcy and reclaim Nigeria for Nigerians.
No Retreat!
No Surrender!!
Forward Ever!!!
Abdulwahed I. Omar Peter Esele
President, NLC President, TUC
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
What you need to know: uterine fibroid
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are tumours which grow from cells forming the muscle of the uterus (womb). Uterine fibroids, which are also called leiomyoma or myoma of the uterus, can grow on the uterine wall and push out into the bladder, bowel or intestine. They can also grow within the uterine wall, or even project from the wall of the uterus on a narrow stalk into the uterine cavity.
Fibroids can be as small as a pea or as large as a football and are almost always benign, no matter how large they get. Having uterine fibroids does not increase your risk of cancer.
If a fibroid or cluster of fibroids is particularly large or is growing on the outside of the uterine wall, it can sometimes push the uterus aside or force it to grow abnormally. A uterine growth may also put pressure on the bladder or intestines.
On rare occasions, a large fibroid may block the opening of the uterus. In that case, a pregnant woman may need to have a caesarean delivery.
Fibroids can be as small as a pea or as large as a football and are almost always benign, no matter how large they get. Having uterine fibroids does not increase your risk of cancer.
If a fibroid or cluster of fibroids is particularly large or is growing on the outside of the uterine wall, it can sometimes push the uterus aside or force it to grow abnormally. A uterine growth may also put pressure on the bladder or intestines.
On rare occasions, a large fibroid may block the opening of the uterus. In that case, a pregnant woman may need to have a caesarean delivery.
Why do women get them?
No one is certain what causes uterine fibroids, but changing oestrogen levels seem to play a part in their growth. When oestrogen levels are high, as a result of pregnancy or contraceptive pills, for example, the rate of fibroid growth increases.
About 20 per cent of women of childbearing age have uterine fibroids but they are not usually found in women under 30 years old . They rarely appear in young women before they begin menstruating.
As a woman approaches the menopause and her oestrogen levels decrease, uterine fibroids are likely to shrink or almost disappear. Apart from being a woman of reproductive age, no other risk factors for fibroids have been found.
About 20 per cent of women of childbearing age have uterine fibroids but they are not usually found in women under 30 years old . They rarely appear in young women before they begin menstruating.
As a woman approaches the menopause and her oestrogen levels decrease, uterine fibroids are likely to shrink or almost disappear. Apart from being a woman of reproductive age, no other risk factors for fibroids have been found.
What are the symptoms?
Many women never even know they have uterine fibroids. If symptoms do exist, they may include:
• painful periods
• prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding (which may lead to iron deficiency or anaemia)
• more frequent or uncomfortable urination caused by pressure on the bladder
• feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen
• pelvic pain
• backache
• constipation
• infertility
• miscarriage.
• painful periods
• prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding (which may lead to iron deficiency or anaemia)
• more frequent or uncomfortable urination caused by pressure on the bladder
• feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen
• pelvic pain
• backache
• constipation
• infertility
• miscarriage.
How are they diagnosed?
Most uterine fibroids are found during a routine internal examination when your doctor notices a lumpy or irregular uterus. If you have painful or recurring symptoms, your GP may arrange for an ultrasound to distinguish fibroids from cysts, tumours and other pelvic masses. If the fibroids have grown on the inner lining of the womb or inside the uterine cavity, they can also be seen using a hysteroscope, which is a viewing tube inserted up through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.
How are they treated?
Most fibroids don't need to be treated unless the symptoms are causing you problems. Your doctor will make a recommendation based on:
• the amount of pain or blood loss during menstrual periods
• how quickly the fibroid is growing
• your age, since fibroids shrink with the onset of the menopause
• your desire to have children.
In rare cases fibroids can contribute to infertility and some surgery options cause sterility.
If you do need treatment, there are a number of options to consider (some are more widely available than others). They include:
• Endometrial ablation can be used for fibroids that have grown in the inner layer of the uterus. Endometrial tissue is removed from the inner lining of the womb, where the fibroid is growing, using laser energy, a heated wire loop, microwave heating or hot fluid in a balloon .
• Myolysis can be carried out during a minor surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. A surgeon inserts needle probes or electric current directly into the fibroid and cauterises both the fibroid and the blood vessels around it.
• Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the fibroids that leaves the uterus intact. This operation is used for women who still plan to have children. It is technically challenging, and can lead to greater blood loss than a hysterectomy.
• Laparascopic myomectomy can be used in some cases, particularly where the fibroid or fibroids have grown outside the uterine cavity. If the fibroids have grown inside the uterine cavity, a hysteroscopic myomectomy is performed.
• Hysterectomy, which is an operation to remove the entire uterus. As a result, a woman can no longer have children. Although hysterectomy used to be the standard treatment for uterine fibroids, the procedure is now primarily recommended for women who are nearly at the menopause, are not concerned with infertility or have severe symptoms.
• Uterine artery embolisation is a procedure carried out by a radiologist using advanced X-rays to pinpoint the exact location of a fibroid and the blood vessels around it. A plastic plug is injected into the vessel to cut off the blood supply to the fibroid, which eventually "starves", shrinks and disappears. This is a relatively new treatment. Its safety for use in women wishing to get pregnant is not yet fully established and it remains an experimental technique in this situation .
• Drugs which lower oestrogen levels may be used to shrink or temporarily halt fibroid growth, particularly before surgery. However, since the drugs often cause menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and decreased bone density, a course of treatment usually lasts only three to six months. Fibroids often continue growing once hormone therapy stops.
Some treatments are more successful than others. For example, after a myomectomy there is a 25 per cent chance that new fibroids will grow within 10 years of surgery.
It is thought that arterial embolisation stops fibroids from growing again , but more research is needed on this relatively new technique before any firm conclusions can be drawn. The only procedure that guarantees fibroids will not recur is a hysterectomy.
• the amount of pain or blood loss during menstrual periods
• how quickly the fibroid is growing
• your age, since fibroids shrink with the onset of the menopause
• your desire to have children.
In rare cases fibroids can contribute to infertility and some surgery options cause sterility.
If you do need treatment, there are a number of options to consider (some are more widely available than others). They include:
• Endometrial ablation can be used for fibroids that have grown in the inner layer of the uterus. Endometrial tissue is removed from the inner lining of the womb, where the fibroid is growing, using laser energy, a heated wire loop, microwave heating or hot fluid in a balloon .
• Myolysis can be carried out during a minor surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. A surgeon inserts needle probes or electric current directly into the fibroid and cauterises both the fibroid and the blood vessels around it.
• Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the fibroids that leaves the uterus intact. This operation is used for women who still plan to have children. It is technically challenging, and can lead to greater blood loss than a hysterectomy.
• Laparascopic myomectomy can be used in some cases, particularly where the fibroid or fibroids have grown outside the uterine cavity. If the fibroids have grown inside the uterine cavity, a hysteroscopic myomectomy is performed.
• Hysterectomy, which is an operation to remove the entire uterus. As a result, a woman can no longer have children. Although hysterectomy used to be the standard treatment for uterine fibroids, the procedure is now primarily recommended for women who are nearly at the menopause, are not concerned with infertility or have severe symptoms.
• Uterine artery embolisation is a procedure carried out by a radiologist using advanced X-rays to pinpoint the exact location of a fibroid and the blood vessels around it. A plastic plug is injected into the vessel to cut off the blood supply to the fibroid, which eventually "starves", shrinks and disappears. This is a relatively new treatment. Its safety for use in women wishing to get pregnant is not yet fully established and it remains an experimental technique in this situation .
• Drugs which lower oestrogen levels may be used to shrink or temporarily halt fibroid growth, particularly before surgery. However, since the drugs often cause menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and decreased bone density, a course of treatment usually lasts only three to six months. Fibroids often continue growing once hormone therapy stops.
Some treatments are more successful than others. For example, after a myomectomy there is a 25 per cent chance that new fibroids will grow within 10 years of surgery.
It is thought that arterial embolisation stops fibroids from growing again , but more research is needed on this relatively new technique before any firm conclusions can be drawn. The only procedure that guarantees fibroids will not recur is a hysterectomy.
Can fibroids cause fertility problems?
There is evidence that fibroids are associated with subfertility (reduced fertility). They have been linked with an increased risk of miscarriage in the first and second trimester and an increased risk of premature delivery . Fibroids have also been linked with a reduction in the success rate of fertility treatments.
However, there is lack of agreement on exactly how and why this is so, because some women go on to conceive and have successful pregnancies despite having relatively large fibroids. One theory is that the fibroids distort the uterus in a way that affects conception, while another theory is that the ability to carry a pregnancy is impaired because the fibroid affects the blood flow.
If you know you have a fibroid and you're having problems conceiving then see your doctor for referral to a fertility specialist. The first course of action will be to find out whether there are any other possible causes of the fertility problem and treat them, if necessary .
Fibroids alone probably only cause fertility problems in less than 3 per cent of women . If this applies to you then your doctor may advise you to continue to try to conceive naturally for up to two years, unless you are over 34 years of age. In this case you are better off seeking treatment sooner rather than later, because fertility tends to rapidly decline with age.
It is unlikely that you will be offered IVF straight away, as there is little evidence that this improves your chances of a successful pregnancy .
There is also a lack of evidence on whether surgery helps women with fibroids to conceive and go on to have a successful pregnancy . Your specialist will work with you to decide on the best treatment option for your case.
However, there is lack of agreement on exactly how and why this is so, because some women go on to conceive and have successful pregnancies despite having relatively large fibroids. One theory is that the fibroids distort the uterus in a way that affects conception, while another theory is that the ability to carry a pregnancy is impaired because the fibroid affects the blood flow.
If you know you have a fibroid and you're having problems conceiving then see your doctor for referral to a fertility specialist. The first course of action will be to find out whether there are any other possible causes of the fertility problem and treat them, if necessary .
Fibroids alone probably only cause fertility problems in less than 3 per cent of women . If this applies to you then your doctor may advise you to continue to try to conceive naturally for up to two years, unless you are over 34 years of age. In this case you are better off seeking treatment sooner rather than later, because fertility tends to rapidly decline with age.
It is unlikely that you will be offered IVF straight away, as there is little evidence that this improves your chances of a successful pregnancy .
There is also a lack of evidence on whether surgery helps women with fibroids to conceive and go on to have a successful pregnancy . Your specialist will work with you to decide on the best treatment option for your case.
How can one ease the symptoms?
If pain or bleeding during menstruation caused by fibroids is an ongoing or worsening problem, see your GP. In the meanwhile, to ease discomfort:
• take over-the-counter pain relief for cramps and body aches
• rest in bed when symptoms are worst
• eat foods high in iron (such as lean red meat and spinach) and take iron supplements (if your GP recommends it) to avoid anaemia caused by heavy menstrual bleeding
• hold a hot water bottle against your tummy or have a warm bath to help relieve pain.
• take over-the-counter pain relief for cramps and body aches
• rest in bed when symptoms are worst
• eat foods high in iron (such as lean red meat and spinach) and take iron supplements (if your GP recommends it) to avoid anaemia caused by heavy menstrual bleeding
• hold a hot water bottle against your tummy or have a warm bath to help relieve pain.
What can be done to prevent uterine fibroids?
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent fibroids either from growing or recurring.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Why you should eat watermelons....
Watermelon is a thirst-quencher on a hot day. Experts say it reduces inflammation which contributes to conditions like asthma, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.It is reported that this fruit also prevents some other life-threatening diseases.
Historians say that watermelon originated from Africa and was first cultivated in Egypt. From there, the fruit found its way to China around the 10th century and then to the Western Hemisphere shortly and then Russia, where there is a popular wine made from it.
It went on from there to Turkey, Iran and the United States. Watermelon is one fruit that has been recommended by medical, nutritional and beauty experts as health promoting.
“The more we study watermelons, the more we realise just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body,” Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Centre in College Station, said. He added that “we’ve always known that watermelon is good for you, but the list of its very important healthful benefits grows longer with each study.”
Watermelon is a good source of thiamin, potassium and magnesium which protects the body from numerous diseases, a research published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Nutrition has said.
The journal added that eating lycopene-rich fruits like watermelon could reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer and could lower inflammation that may cause hypertension and heart disease.
And if the information given by a study done by Indian Association of Urologists is to be followed, it will be helpful to eat watermelon because of its lycopene content. Lycopene, the study said, is helpful in increasing male fertility by improving both sperm concentration and motility.
Aparup Mukherjee, in his “Health Benefit of Watermelon”, answered a question on if water melon isn’t nothing more than a ball full of water” by stating that “the health benefits of water melon include kidney disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart care, heat stroke, macular degeneration, impotence, etc.”
He wrote that the fruit contains a lot of potassium, which helps in cleaning off toxic deposits in the kidney. Invariably, eating watermelon may help ward off kidney disorders,
experts believe. Mukherjee believes that watermelon is “helpful in reducing concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damages and formation of renal calculi in it. Added to these, being high in water content, it induces frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning the kidneys. Also, the anti-oxidants present in it ensure healthy kidneys.”
Terri Hall-Jackson, in her own “Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon”, stated that “Watermelons are an excellent source of several vitamins: vitamin A, which helps to maintain eye health and an antioxidant; vitamin C, which helps to strengthen immunity, heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy teeth and gums; and vitamin B6, which helps the brain function and helps to convert protein to energy. It is a great source of potassium, which helps to maintain the body’s proper electrolyte and acid-base balance, and helps to lower the risk of high blood pressure. Watermelon also contains the amino acids, citrulline and arginine, which can help to maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function.”
Dr Femi Fasina, a human nutritionist in Ibadan, Oyo State, recommends that people eat watermelon to prevent high blood pressure. He explained that the amount of magnesium and potassium found in watermelon is very good in bringing down high blood pressure. He also said that studies have found that “carotenoids in watermelon serves in the capacity of preventing the veins and the arteries walls from hardening, thereby working as an agent of reducing high blood pressure.”
According to a published article on WHFoods, watermelon serves as protection against macular degeneration, which is a primary cause of loss of vision in older adults. It cited a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, which stated that eating three or more servings of fruit per day may lower an individual’s risk of age-related macular degeneration by 36 per cent, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.”
Watermelon has been linked with prevention of heat stroke, experts have concluded. They said because watermelon is effective in reducing an individual’s body temperature and blood pressure, it is recommended that people in the tropical region eat this fruit daily during the hot season.
Since this fruit serves as energy booster, according to experts, people living with diabetes will particularly find it useful. “Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production. Our food ranking system also qualifies watermelon as a very good source of vitamin B6, vitamin B1, magnesium, and potassium. Part of its high-ranking is due to the high nutrient richness of watermelon. Because this fruit has higher water content and lower calorie content than many other fruits (a whole cup of watermelon contains only 48 calories), it delivers more nutrients per calorie—an outstanding health benefit!,” WHFoods said.
And as Mukherjee wrote, diabetes patients, who are supposed to have low energy and low sugar diet, often complain of starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diet to their full, giving them a feeling of being half fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, its thick wedge will give you very few calories, since 99 perbcent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage.
“Moreover, the various vitamins and minerals in watermelons help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in water melons, is very effective in enhancing the impact of insulin on sugar. Diabetes patients can also have curries, steaks, salads made from water melon rinds which are even lower in sugar,” he added.
Dr Fasina recommends that children should be introduced to daily consumption of watermelon as early as possible so it can help their muscle and nerve function.
The watermelon falls in the family of fruits like cantaloupe, pumpkin and similar plants that grow on vines on the ground. Watermelons can be round, oblong or spherical in shape; light to dark green in colour, with white mottling stripes. Its flesh are commonly bright red in colour but there are also other varieties where its flesh are dark brown, orange, yellow, pink or even white.Watermelon is another of my all-time favourite. Not only is it cooling for the body in our tropical climate, it is excellent for flushing out the kidney and bladder, taking out waste materials. As the red watermelon juice can be very sweet on its own, better to juice them together with the rind as well. Rind is the whitish green part of the watermelon, between the skin and the red flesh. This part of the fruit contains the highest level of quality minerals and chlorophyll, and should not be discarded.
Nutritional BenefitsThe water content in watermelon is extremely high at 92%. It is rich in beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B5 and smaller amounts of B1, B2, B3 and B6. This big fruit is a rich source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and smaller amounts of copper, iron and zinc. As in tomatoes, watermelon is loaded with lycopene, the red carotenoid pigment that gives it the red colour. This important anti-oxidant is powerful in neutralising harmful free radicals in our body.
Health BenefitsWatermelon is basically very cleansing, alkalinising, diuretic and mineralising. It is very effective in promoting intestinal elimination, keeping the body free from toxic wastes. Its juice is easily digestible and is completely absorbed for all its minerals, providing much needed nutrients to the body.The alkalinising effect maintains the acid-alkaline balance in the body, neutralising the toxic condition of the body resulting from excessive intake of acid-forming foods. Drawing from the rich anti-oxidant and beta-carotene, the health effects of watermelon juice are immense.
Asthma: The powerful anti-oxidant in watermelon reduces toxic matters in the body that in turn reduces asthma attacks.
Arthritis: The rich beta-carotene and vitamin C content in this big fruit do wonders in quenching inflammation that contributes to conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Bladder problems: Its cleansing and natural diuretic effect is totally healing for kidney and bladder problems
Cholesterol: Watermelon juice is healthful in preventing cholesterol from clogging arteries and can increase the good cholesterol, reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Constipation: Drink a big glass of watermelon juice. It is very effective in aiding the elimination of wastes. Consuming plenty of this red juice will do a lot of good.
Fluid retention: Its diuretic action helps to eliminate excess fluids from the body, reducing water retention, especially for women during their monthly menstruation cycle and in pregnant women.
Heart attack: The combination of folic acid and the other essential vitamins in this fruit plays an important role in reducing the risks of heart attacks, strokes and colon cancer.
Itchiness: As watermelon juice cleanses the body of toxic wastes, it also greatly reduces itchiness that result from toxicity of acidosis.
Prostate Cancer: Lycopene (from red watermelons) has been extensively researched for its anti-oxidant and cancer-preventing properties. It is reported to be especially protective against prostate cancer.
Skin Blemish: Use watermelon externally by applying a small piece liberally on your face. Leave for ten minutes, then wash off with warm water, followed by a splash of cold water.
Consumption TipsIf you cannot finish a whole watermelon and wish to keep it for later, cover the uneaten portion (cut in as few pieces as possible) with plastic cling wrap to prevent them from drying out. This also prevents it from absorbing the odors of other foods. Keep refrigerated to best preserve its freshness, taste and juiciness.Watermelon is best eaten on its own, in fruit salads, or juiced. You may also freeze pureed watermelon in ice cube trays. Kids love this, especially on a hot day!
Using watermelon as a detox:The cooling qualities of watermelon make it ideal for a quick and easy 3-Day Summer Detox. Cleansing with watermelon is easy to do, delicious and extremely effective. The watermelon is a whole body cleanser. It has positive effects on the kidney, bladder, heart, stomach, colon, liver and more. Protein, alcohol and caffeine all put strain on the kidney. One thing that watermelon does is it helps the liver to process the waste from protein digestion into the safer form of urea. This increased effectiveness in production of urea takes some strain off of the kidneys. There are several ways to do a watermelon cleanse. You can use the juice alone, separated from the pulp. You can toss the melon in the blender, then consume it as a smoothie. You can add lemon, ginger or herbs. There are some specific watermelon cleansing recipes that you can use during your cleanse.Every part from flesh, rind and seed can be consumed with some benefit. A watermelon cleanse can be used to shed a few pounds in a short time. Menopausal women can use the cleanse to relieve hot flashes. The extreme heat of August can be released through the cleansing power of watermelon. The colon is cleansed by watermelon. Watermelon can act as a blood tonic and therefore be very regenerative.
Watermelon
It went on from there to Turkey, Iran and the United States. Watermelon is one fruit that has been recommended by medical, nutritional and beauty experts as health promoting.
“The more we study watermelons, the more we realise just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body,” Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Centre in College Station, said. He added that “we’ve always known that watermelon is good for you, but the list of its very important healthful benefits grows longer with each study.”
Watermelon is a good source of thiamin, potassium and magnesium which protects the body from numerous diseases, a research published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Nutrition has said.
The journal added that eating lycopene-rich fruits like watermelon could reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer and could lower inflammation that may cause hypertension and heart disease.
And if the information given by a study done by Indian Association of Urologists is to be followed, it will be helpful to eat watermelon because of its lycopene content. Lycopene, the study said, is helpful in increasing male fertility by improving both sperm concentration and motility.
Aparup Mukherjee, in his “Health Benefit of Watermelon”, answered a question on if water melon isn’t nothing more than a ball full of water” by stating that “the health benefits of water melon include kidney disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart care, heat stroke, macular degeneration, impotence, etc.”
He wrote that the fruit contains a lot of potassium, which helps in cleaning off toxic deposits in the kidney. Invariably, eating watermelon may help ward off kidney disorders,
experts believe. Mukherjee believes that watermelon is “helpful in reducing concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damages and formation of renal calculi in it. Added to these, being high in water content, it induces frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning the kidneys. Also, the anti-oxidants present in it ensure healthy kidneys.”
Terri Hall-Jackson, in her own “Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon”, stated that “Watermelons are an excellent source of several vitamins: vitamin A, which helps to maintain eye health and an antioxidant; vitamin C, which helps to strengthen immunity, heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy teeth and gums; and vitamin B6, which helps the brain function and helps to convert protein to energy. It is a great source of potassium, which helps to maintain the body’s proper electrolyte and acid-base balance, and helps to lower the risk of high blood pressure. Watermelon also contains the amino acids, citrulline and arginine, which can help to maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function.”
Dr Femi Fasina, a human nutritionist in Ibadan, Oyo State, recommends that people eat watermelon to prevent high blood pressure. He explained that the amount of magnesium and potassium found in watermelon is very good in bringing down high blood pressure. He also said that studies have found that “carotenoids in watermelon serves in the capacity of preventing the veins and the arteries walls from hardening, thereby working as an agent of reducing high blood pressure.”
According to a published article on WHFoods, watermelon serves as protection against macular degeneration, which is a primary cause of loss of vision in older adults. It cited a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, which stated that eating three or more servings of fruit per day may lower an individual’s risk of age-related macular degeneration by 36 per cent, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.”
Watermelon has been linked with prevention of heat stroke, experts have concluded. They said because watermelon is effective in reducing an individual’s body temperature and blood pressure, it is recommended that people in the tropical region eat this fruit daily during the hot season.
Since this fruit serves as energy booster, according to experts, people living with diabetes will particularly find it useful. “Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production. Our food ranking system also qualifies watermelon as a very good source of vitamin B6, vitamin B1, magnesium, and potassium. Part of its high-ranking is due to the high nutrient richness of watermelon. Because this fruit has higher water content and lower calorie content than many other fruits (a whole cup of watermelon contains only 48 calories), it delivers more nutrients per calorie—an outstanding health benefit!,” WHFoods said.
And as Mukherjee wrote, diabetes patients, who are supposed to have low energy and low sugar diet, often complain of starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diet to their full, giving them a feeling of being half fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, its thick wedge will give you very few calories, since 99 perbcent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage.
“Moreover, the various vitamins and minerals in watermelons help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in water melons, is very effective in enhancing the impact of insulin on sugar. Diabetes patients can also have curries, steaks, salads made from water melon rinds which are even lower in sugar,” he added.
Dr Fasina recommends that children should be introduced to daily consumption of watermelon as early as possible so it can help their muscle and nerve function.
The watermelon falls in the family of fruits like cantaloupe, pumpkin and similar plants that grow on vines on the ground. Watermelons can be round, oblong or spherical in shape; light to dark green in colour, with white mottling stripes. Its flesh are commonly bright red in colour but there are also other varieties where its flesh are dark brown, orange, yellow, pink or even white.Watermelon is another of my all-time favourite. Not only is it cooling for the body in our tropical climate, it is excellent for flushing out the kidney and bladder, taking out waste materials. As the red watermelon juice can be very sweet on its own, better to juice them together with the rind as well. Rind is the whitish green part of the watermelon, between the skin and the red flesh. This part of the fruit contains the highest level of quality minerals and chlorophyll, and should not be discarded.
Nutritional BenefitsThe water content in watermelon is extremely high at 92%. It is rich in beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B5 and smaller amounts of B1, B2, B3 and B6. This big fruit is a rich source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and smaller amounts of copper, iron and zinc. As in tomatoes, watermelon is loaded with lycopene, the red carotenoid pigment that gives it the red colour. This important anti-oxidant is powerful in neutralising harmful free radicals in our body.
Health BenefitsWatermelon is basically very cleansing, alkalinising, diuretic and mineralising. It is very effective in promoting intestinal elimination, keeping the body free from toxic wastes. Its juice is easily digestible and is completely absorbed for all its minerals, providing much needed nutrients to the body.The alkalinising effect maintains the acid-alkaline balance in the body, neutralising the toxic condition of the body resulting from excessive intake of acid-forming foods. Drawing from the rich anti-oxidant and beta-carotene, the health effects of watermelon juice are immense.
Asthma: The powerful anti-oxidant in watermelon reduces toxic matters in the body that in turn reduces asthma attacks.
Arthritis: The rich beta-carotene and vitamin C content in this big fruit do wonders in quenching inflammation that contributes to conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Bladder problems: Its cleansing and natural diuretic effect is totally healing for kidney and bladder problems
Cholesterol: Watermelon juice is healthful in preventing cholesterol from clogging arteries and can increase the good cholesterol, reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Constipation: Drink a big glass of watermelon juice. It is very effective in aiding the elimination of wastes. Consuming plenty of this red juice will do a lot of good.
Fluid retention: Its diuretic action helps to eliminate excess fluids from the body, reducing water retention, especially for women during their monthly menstruation cycle and in pregnant women.
Heart attack: The combination of folic acid and the other essential vitamins in this fruit plays an important role in reducing the risks of heart attacks, strokes and colon cancer.
Itchiness: As watermelon juice cleanses the body of toxic wastes, it also greatly reduces itchiness that result from toxicity of acidosis.
Prostate Cancer: Lycopene (from red watermelons) has been extensively researched for its anti-oxidant and cancer-preventing properties. It is reported to be especially protective against prostate cancer.
Skin Blemish: Use watermelon externally by applying a small piece liberally on your face. Leave for ten minutes, then wash off with warm water, followed by a splash of cold water.
Consumption TipsIf you cannot finish a whole watermelon and wish to keep it for later, cover the uneaten portion (cut in as few pieces as possible) with plastic cling wrap to prevent them from drying out. This also prevents it from absorbing the odors of other foods. Keep refrigerated to best preserve its freshness, taste and juiciness.Watermelon is best eaten on its own, in fruit salads, or juiced. You may also freeze pureed watermelon in ice cube trays. Kids love this, especially on a hot day!
Using watermelon as a detox:The cooling qualities of watermelon make it ideal for a quick and easy 3-Day Summer Detox. Cleansing with watermelon is easy to do, delicious and extremely effective. The watermelon is a whole body cleanser. It has positive effects on the kidney, bladder, heart, stomach, colon, liver and more. Protein, alcohol and caffeine all put strain on the kidney. One thing that watermelon does is it helps the liver to process the waste from protein digestion into the safer form of urea. This increased effectiveness in production of urea takes some strain off of the kidneys. There are several ways to do a watermelon cleanse. You can use the juice alone, separated from the pulp. You can toss the melon in the blender, then consume it as a smoothie. You can add lemon, ginger or herbs. There are some specific watermelon cleansing recipes that you can use during your cleanse.Every part from flesh, rind and seed can be consumed with some benefit. A watermelon cleanse can be used to shed a few pounds in a short time. Menopausal women can use the cleanse to relieve hot flashes. The extreme heat of August can be released through the cleansing power of watermelon. The colon is cleansed by watermelon. Watermelon can act as a blood tonic and therefore be very regenerative.
When missing your period may signals ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is cancer that starts in the ovaries. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs.
The cause is unknown.
The risk for developing ovarian cancer appears to be affected by several factors. The more children a woman has and the earlier in life she gives birth, the lower her risk for ovarian cancer. Certain genes defects (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are responsible for a small number of ovarian cancer cases. Women with a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer have an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
Women who take estrogen replacement only (not with progesterone) for 5 years or more seem to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Birth control pills, however, decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.
Studies suggest that fertility drugs do not increase the risk for ovarian cancer.
Older women are at highest risk for developing ovarian cancer. Most deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women age 55 and older.
You should see your doctor if you have the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than a few weeks:
A physical examination may reveal a swollen abdomen and fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites). A pelvic examination may reveal an ovarian or abdominal mass.
A CA-125 blood test is not considered a good screening test for ovarian cancer. However, it may be done if a woman:
No lab or imaging test has ever been shown to be able to diagnose ovarian cancer in its early stages.
Chemotherapy is used after surgery to treat any remaining disease. Chemotherapy can also be used if the cancer comes back. Chemotherapy may be given into the veins, or sometimes directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal).
Radiation therapy is rarely used in ovarian cancer in the United States.
After surgery and chemotherapy, patients should have:
Call for an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of ovarian cancer.
BRCA testing may be done in women at high risk for ovarian cancer.
Removal of the ovaries and tubes in women who have a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer, although ovarian cancer may still develop in other areas of the pelvis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women, and it causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer.The cause is unknown.
The risk for developing ovarian cancer appears to be affected by several factors. The more children a woman has and the earlier in life she gives birth, the lower her risk for ovarian cancer. Certain genes defects (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are responsible for a small number of ovarian cancer cases. Women with a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer have an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
Women who take estrogen replacement only (not with progesterone) for 5 years or more seem to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Birth control pills, however, decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.
Studies suggest that fertility drugs do not increase the risk for ovarian cancer.
Older women are at highest risk for developing ovarian cancer. Most deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women age 55 and older.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague. Women and their doctors often blame the symptoms on other, more common conditions. By the time the cancer is diagnosed, the tumor has often spread beyond the ovaries.You should see your doctor if you have the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than a few weeks:
- Bloating
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Digestive symptoms:
- Constipation
- Increased gas
- Indigestion
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sense of pelvic heaviness
- Swollen abdomen or belly
- Unexplained back pain that worsens over time
- Vaginal bleeding
- Vague lower abdominal discomfort
- Weight gain or loss
Signs and tests
A CA-125 blood test is not considered a good screening test for ovarian cancer. However, it may be done if a woman:
- Has symptoms of ovarian cancer
- Has already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer to determine how well treatment is working
- Complete blood count and blood chemistry
- Pregnancy test (serum HCG)
- CT or MRI of the pelvis or abdomen
- Ultrasound of the pelvis
No lab or imaging test has ever been shown to be able to diagnose ovarian cancer in its early stages.
Treatment
Surgery is used to treat all stages of ovarian cancer. For earlier stage ovarian cancer, it may be the only treatment. Surgery involves:- Removal of the uterus (total hysterectomy)
- Removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy)
- Partial or complete removal of the omentum, the fatty layer that covers and pads organs in the abdomen
- Examination, biopsy, or removal of the lymph nodes and other tissues in the pelvis and abdomen
Chemotherapy is used after surgery to treat any remaining disease. Chemotherapy can also be used if the cancer comes back. Chemotherapy may be given into the veins, or sometimes directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal).
Radiation therapy is rarely used in ovarian cancer in the United States.
After surgery and chemotherapy, patients should have:
- A physical exam (including pelvic exam) every 2 - 4 months for the first 2 years, followed by every 6 months for 3 years, and then annually
- A CA-125 blood test at each visit if the level was initially high
- Your doctor may also order a computed tomography (CT) scan of your chest, abdomen, and pelvic area and a chest x-ray.
Support Groups
For additional information and resources, see cancer support group.Expectations (prognosis)
Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed in its early stages. It is usually quite advanced by the time diagnosis is made- About 3 out of 4 women with ovarian cancer survive 1 year after diagnosis.
- Nearly half of women live longer than 5 years after diagnosis.
- If diagnosis is made early in the disease and treatment is received before the cancer spreads outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is very high
Complications
- Spread of the cancer to other organs
- Loss of organ function
- Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
- Blockage of the intestines
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are a woman over 40 years old who has not recently had a pelvic examination. Routine pelvic examinations are recommended for all women over 20 years old.Call for an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Prevention
There are no standard recommendations for screening for ovarian cancer. Screening women with pelvic ultrasound or blood tests, such as the Ca-125 has not been found to be effective and is not recommended.BRCA testing may be done in women at high risk for ovarian cancer.
Removal of the ovaries and tubes in women who have a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer, although ovarian cancer may still develop in other areas of the pelvis
Monday, 7 November 2011
Mr. Nigeria, the Snake Charmer (A Political Satire)
Mr. Nigeria the snake charmer knelt down in a dimly lit room in clouds of incenses, at a secret shrine, deep inside the evil forest. Facing the high priest (popularly known as Baba) sitting on a throne by the alter; to the immediate right of Baba, is a chief from southern extraction by the name (‘Mr. fix it’) and to his left, a retired army general from the north (Known for giving away oil block profit) Mr. Nigeria the snake charmer; scantily dressed with a loin cloth wrapped around his waist; A multi color turban on his head; with signs and markings of all the tribes he represents.
His bronze complexion glitters from sweats and body lotion
Playing his flute, concentrating hard on a calabash looking bowl in his front, the Audience watching him from a safe distance is quite and mesmerized; they are all in there, the seven deadly evils of the land. (Niger delta militants, Boko Haram, Kidnappers, Armed Robbers, Oil Bunkers, paid media moguls and the slimy snake; the corrupt politicians). One by one, some in unison, they began to pop their head out of the bowl. Appearing as snakes, of different species; various length, width and sizes
Two or three cobras, one boa- constrictors, one python and two rattle snakes
Standing tall as if they are rising on their feet gravitating towards the sound of the flute; their heads flattened; coiled back like the leather strap of a bow pulled back with a poisonous arrow inserted ready to be released at the slightest hint of aggression; Mr. Nigeria, the snake charmer shows no fear
Standing tall as if they are rising on their feet gravitating towards the sound of the flute; their heads flattened; coiled back like the leather strap of a bow pulled back with a poisonous arrow inserted ready to be released at the slightest hint of aggression; Mr. Nigeria, the snake charmer shows no fear
As if on cue the snakes slide zigzag towards Mr. Nigeria the snake charmer, surrounding him in a semi circle, led by the python; fangs opened tails rattling, as the bigger non venomous reptiles coiled themselves around him in a suffocating manner, while the smaller venomous snakes stood guard ready to strike. He kept playing his flute as if oblivious of the reptiles crawling on him. His audience gasped from shock and fear, expecting him to be suffocated and bitten by those sleek, scaly tubular body tapering towards the tail, that are sliding towards him.
As sudden as they appeared, they retreated. Sliding down off him, (as if they have been settled, like delegates in a party convention) Zigzagged their way back into the calabash in an orderly formation (I swear I heard Baba whispered to Mr. ‘Fix it’,” I dey laugh oh”)
Still playing the flute, Mr. Nigeria, the snake charmer systematically covered the lid
With one long whistling note of the flute, he stopped playing the flute
took his bow and gingerly carried the calabash full of snakes and exited
amidst cheers and applauds from a relieved and entertained audience.
The bright lights came on as the crowd made their exit. Unknowing to them, With the exception of Mr. Nigeria the snake charmer; Boko Haram a.k.a, the black Mamba had escaped the exhibition during the show (Maybe he wasn’t settled like the rest, or can’t be fixed); slithered under the cover of the incense smoke at the dim lit room. Hidden on the window sill, behind the thick curtains of the dressing room; a striking distance to an unsuspected prey that walks into the room. Full of deadly venom!
took his bow and gingerly carried the calabash full of snakes and exited
amidst cheers and applauds from a relieved and entertained audience.
The bright lights came on as the crowd made their exit. Unknowing to them, With the exception of Mr. Nigeria the snake charmer; Boko Haram a.k.a, the black Mamba had escaped the exhibition during the show (Maybe he wasn’t settled like the rest, or can’t be fixed); slithered under the cover of the incense smoke at the dim lit room. Hidden on the window sill, behind the thick curtains of the dressing room; a striking distance to an unsuspected prey that walks into the room. Full of deadly venom!
What next for Mr. Nigeria, the snake charmer; how can he bring back the errand black mamba (Boko Haram) in to the calabash? (Only Mr. President and the high priest know...).
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