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Best and Worst Foods to Eat During Pregnancy In the context of pregnancy, “nutrition” refers to the many meals, fruits, and nutrients that are required for women who are carrying a child. The mother’s appetite changes throughout pregnancy, becoming more receptive to nearly everything that is edible; as a result, one of the primary reasons why a pregnant woman’s diet needs to be monitored is because of this change. In this article, we will discuss the various classes of essential nutrients and foods that pregnant women should consume to ensure that their children have a good growth and that they are able to conceive without difficulty. What are the best foods to eat during pregnancy? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best foods to eat during pregnancy will vary depending on the individual’s unique nutritional needs. However, some general guidelines that can help pregnant women choose the best foods to eat include: Let’s now discuss deeply the essential nutrients required in pregnancy —the kinds of food that should be welcomed with open arms in order to ensure optimal well-being of mother and baby: Iron The formation of haemoglobin depends on iron, which is why the body needs this crucial vitamin in sufficient amounts. Iron  supports the growth and development of the body. The lungs are responsible for transferring oxygen to the rest of the body, and haemoglobin is the chemical that does this.  Iron is highly important for pregnant women because it helps maintain a steady level of hemoglobin which carries oxygen from the mother to the developing fetus (child).  Your child’s health could be in jeopardy if they don’t get enough iron in their bodies. This can cause an oxygen deficiency throughout the body. The various sources of Iron Red meat, eggs, red kidney beans, baked beans, soy beans, chickpeas, raspberries, tomato juice, green peas, and dried fruits are all excellent sources of the iron nutrients that are required during pregnancy.  Other great sources of iron include red kidney beans, baked beans, and dried fruits (like apricots). Folic Acid Folic acid is a nutrient that the body needs in order to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease as well as certain types of cancer. It has been recommended that all women of childbearing age, whether or not they are pregnant or not, increase the amount of folic acid in their diet.  Infants who consume this acid have a lower risk of developing serious brain and spine disorders. About 400 micrograms is the amount of follicles acid that should be taken daily by women and girls of childbearing age, according to recommendations. Folic acid’s primary food sources The following foods, vegetable crops, and fruits naturally have high levels of this nutrient: broccoli, beetroot, peas, citrus fruit, beans, pawpaw (papaya), legumes, okra, kidney beans, sunflower seed, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, asparagus, and so on. Iodine Iodine is a mineral that is necessary for the body to have in order to produce thyroid hormones. Iodine consumption during pregnancy is associated with improved fetal brain and bone development.  Iodine deficiency has been linked to premature births, stillbirths, and miscarriages.  This behavior on the side of the infant will almost certainly result in a low IQ (intelligence quotient).  Iodine deficiency can cause permanent brain damage in an unborn child, even if the mother has adequate levels during pregnancy. The various sourcesources of Iodine Iodine can be found in the following dietary supplements: iodized salt (also known as table salt), eggs, seaweed, dairy products, prunes, yogurt, and low-fat milk are some of the foods that are rich in iodine. Table salt is considered to be one of the best sources of iodine. Calcium Calcium, as we are all aware, is necessary for the development of healthy bones and teeth. It has also been demonstrated that calcium plays a role in blood clotting, which refers to the process of repairing damaged blood vessels and other bodily tissues following an injury.  Calcium is important because, as is to be expected, a developing baby requires strong bones and teeth, and this is where calcium comes into play.  In addition, calcium contributes to the formation of a healthy heart and nervous system in children, which is essential for normal growth and development. Various food sources of Calcium Broccoli, tofu, and spinach are just a few of the foods that are good sources of calcium during pregnancy. However, dairy products, which include milk, cheese, yogurt, pudding, and a variety of other options, are the finest providers of calcium. Vitamin A Vitamins are one of the few nutrients that are recommended to take before, during, and after pregnancy. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy eye growth and function, making it one of the most vital nutrients for maintaining good vision.  During pregnancy, vitamin A is important for the development of the fetus’ immune system as well as the mother’s eyesight (the unborn child).  In addition, research demonstrates that vitamin A is crucial for the growth and development of a child’s skeleton. Night blindness is the most common symptom of a deficiency in vitamin A, which can also lead to damage to the retina of the eye. Night blindness is a medical disease in which a person’s vision is impaired, making it difficult for them to see clearly at night or in low light. Second, a deficiency in vitamin A during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of certain birth abnormalities. The various sources of  vitamin A Carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mango, apricots, broccoli, liver, spinach, ricotta cheese, and leafy greens are examples of foods and supplements that are rich in vitamin A. Other sources of vitamin A include: Riboflavin Vitamin B2 can also be referred to as riboflavin. Riboflavin, like other vitamin B compounds, helps supply the body with energy by participating in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose. This process takes place in the liver.  There is evidence that riboflavin plays a role in the development of new skin cells, according to

One of the most important things in our life is the maintenance of healthier conditions. Good health is important and increases one’s life expectancy since it makes someone free from disease, stress and other harmful environments.Most older people think that only young people are the ones who need care and support to maintain their health, and they pay less attention to their own health.  They believed that  their lifetime will soon decline  or fizzle away. Therefore, there is no need for them to be attractive and look good. These negative thoughts should be removed in our minds. So,let’s look into the ways or how to stay healthier and younger at old age: 1. Stay OptimisticLife tests us in various ways. Beloved ones die, layoffs happen, and health problems can mount. But positive thinking can be a powerful ally. When you commit to be optimistic and grateful, your mind and body respond in kind. It is proven that  people with a rosier outlook live longer and have fewer heart attacks and depression than more negative people. Positive emotions may even reduce virus counts in people with HIV. You can learn to be optimistic. It just takes time and practice. Things you can do are: 2. Body exercise countThe biology of our body constitutes  things which need to be activated by doing body exercises. Example: muscles which need  relaxation and contractions. Simple exercise should be performed to make the body more energetic and remove some toxins which  accumulate especially during old age.  Walking is a better way to start exercising. a 30 minutes walk every day is beneficial. If that’s too much for you, break it up into shorter strolls. Exercise doesn’t call for strenuous activity or time at the gym. In fact, walking is one of the best ways to stay fit or healthier. Best of all, it doesn’t require any equipment or experience and you can do it anywhere, be it in your room. Exercising with a friend or family member is good. You can help to keep each other inspired and you’ll not only benefit from the physical activity, but also from the social contacts as well. Exercise keeps brain cells healthy by delivering more blood and oxygen. Scientifically, it’s proven that aerobic exercise may delay or improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps: Exercise tips for older adultsConsult your doctor before starting any exercise program. Find out  from your doctor if any health conditions or medications you take affect the type of exercise you should choose.Find an activity you like most and that motivates you to continue. You may want to exercise in a group, like in a sport or class, or prefer a more individual exercise like swimming.Begin slow. If you are new to exercise, a few minutes a day puts you well on the way towards building a healthy habit. Slowly increase the time and intensity to avoid injury.    But being lazy or inactive creates a chance for  some diseases of old age such as heart attack, diabetes and others which reduces the survival chance of an individual.  Begin exercise today and let your health glow! 3.Select eating routine.  Care should be taken on the type of food to be eaten. Make sure you know the type of food which will be good for your health. And these may be done by asking your doctors to get advice on what kind of food based on your body demands. The most advisable foods are fruits and vegetables, these improve someone’s immunity.  Avoiding too much salt, too much sugar, food with lots of fat and alcohol which are the source of many diseases in elders. Example, eating too much salt may cause hypertension resulting in heart attack. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet — dump the junk food in favor of fiber-rich, low-fat, and low-cholesterol eating. It’s much better to get your nutrients from food, not a pill. And you usually don’t require special supplements aimed at seniors. After age 50, your body requires more vitamins and minerals from foods or supplements than before. They include: Calcium —helps to keep bones strong Vitamin D —Most people get it from sunlight, but some seniors may not get out enough. Vitamin B12 — Older people have trouble absorbing it from foods, so you may need fortified cereals or a supplement.) Vitamin B6 —(It keeps your red blood cells strong to carry oxygen throughout your body.) Talk to your doctor about any supplements you take so you can avoid bad interactions with any medications or treatments. 4. Build a happy lifestyle.  One of the greatest problems of aging is maintaining your support network. Staying connected isn’t always easy as you get older—even for those who have always had an active social life. Career changes, retirement, illness, and moves out of the local area can take away intimate friends and family members. And the older you get, the more people you inevitably lose. In later life, getting around may become difficult for either you or members of your social network. Loneliness is dangerous to your health. If you feel lonely —whether you live alone or with someone, have lots of friends or none —you  are more prone to get dementia or depression. Older people who report feeling left out and isolated have more trouble with everyday tasks like bathing and climbing stairs. They also die earlier than less-lonely folks do. Modern researchers found that lonely people have higher levels of stress hormones that cause inflammation, or swelling, linked to arthritis and diabetes. Similarly, another study found more antibodies to certain herpes viruses in lonely people, a sign of stress in their immune system.  Create a good friendship with the surrounding members including family, neighbors and community at large. Good communication will help to build a happy life and remove unnecessary stresses and depression.  Staying socially active with friends and family helps to maintain your physical and mental health. People who are engaged in more social interaction are typically very healthier individuals.

Aging: Getting older doesn’t actually mean you’ll have a slew of medical conditions or poor quality of life. Getting older before one dies is the prayer of every mankind. Old age is a special moment of happiness if we have maximized our youthful period. Many have constantly asked, ‘‘what happens to your muscles when you get older?’’ There are many anatomical/physiological and psychological changes in old age, both negative and positive, but you can enjoy aging if you understand what’s going on with your body and take steps to maintain your health. Various things happen to your body as you get older. Your skin, bones, including your brain may start to behave differently. Don’t let these changes that come with old age catch you by surprise. Here are some of them: Your bones — While you were younger your bones are dense and stronger.  But in old age, bones can become thinner and more brittle, especially in women, sometimes resulting in the fragile bone condition called osteoporosis. Thinning bones and declining bone mass can put you at risk for falls that can easily result in fractures or broken bones. Be sure to talk with your doctor about what you can do to prevent osteoporosis and falls. Your heart  — As a healthy diet and regular exercise can keep your heart healthy, it may become slightly enlarged, your heart rate may lower, and the walls of the heart may thicken. Your  nervous system(and brain) — Becoming older can cause changes in your reflexes and even your senses. As1 dementia is not a normal consequence of old age, it is common for people to experience some slight forgetfulness as they get older. Brain cells and nerves can be damaged by the formation of plaques and tangles, abnormalities that could eventually lead to dementia. Your GIT (digestive) system — As you get older, your digestive tract becomes more firm and rigid, and doesn’t contract as often. This change in your digestive system can result in problems such as constipation, stomach pain, and feelings of nausea; a better diet can help. Your senses — You may notice that your vision and hearing are not quite as sharp as they once were before. You may start to lose your sense of taste — flavors may no longer seem as distinct to you. Also,your senses of smell and touch may  weaken. As a result of aging, your body is taking longer to react and needs more to stimulate it. By age 50, most people detect changes in their vision, including a gradual decrease in the ability to see small prints or concentrate on close objects clearly. Cataracts and glaucoma are common problems with the eye that can greatly affect  your vision.  Usually hearing losses are caused by aging, often due to loud noise exposure. Your teeth — The tough enamel that usually protects your teeth from decay can start to wear away over the years, leaving you susceptible to cavities. Also,gum disease is  a concern for older adults. Proper dental hygiene can protect your teeth and gums. Dry mouth called Xerostomia, which is a common side effect of many medications that seniors take, may also be a problem.  If you take good care of your teeth and gums, they can last for a lifetime. Your skin — Due to old age, your skin loses its elasticity and may start to sag and wrinkle. But the more you protect your skin from sun’s ultraviolet damage and smoking when you are younger, the better your skin will look as you get older. Now,begin to protect your skin  to prevent further damage, as well as skin cancer. Your sex life — After menopause, when menstruation stops, many women experience physical changes like a loss of vaginal lubrication that might lead to painful sexual intercourse. The vagina begins to atrophy —losing its shape and size due to loss of adipose tissues that had been supported by hormones during younger age. There is also a decreased sexual urge called low libido.Similarly, men have andropause(the stopping production of spermatozoa and testosterone) and  may experience erectile dysfunction. Thankfully, both problems can be easily treated. Many changes in the body are a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to slow you down.  There’s a lot you can do to protect your body and keep it as healthy as possible. Finally, you have known the changes that occur  in the body at old age, i.e, the characteristics of aging. Then it is vital to begin taking care of yourself in your sunny hours(youthful age) before you approach dark hours (old hours) where you might have less opportunity to do as you want.

What is Male Circumcision? Male Circumcision is a simple surgical procedure involving the removal of the foreskin or loose sleeve of skin covering the end of the penis so as to permanently expose the glans or glans knob.  Ideally, this usually result in full exposure of the whole glans and what is named the “coronal groove” behind it. In such instances, there’s no bunching of shaft in the groove, leaving it smooth and unable to accumulate or trap “smegma”. Smegma is smellycheesy-white substance formed in damp folds of skin on the human body. It accumulates when such areas are not properly cleaned in normal hygiene routine and has been reported to be a possible cause of cancer of the penis in uncircumcised men and of the cervix of their sexual partner. Globally, about 25% of all adult men are circumcised. This also varies from country to another. Over 85% of Americans are circumcised (because of the great economic emphasis placed on preventive health issues in that country).  About 20% of British men have been circumcised and higher proportions in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. It is the norm among African settings and a strict religious requirement for Jewish males, who are ritually done eight days after birth, and a custom among Muslims who have it performed at varying ages before puberty. In fact, the only groups globally that have not embrace the practice of male circumcision regularly are the Mediterranean Europeans, South Americans, and Scandinavians, and non-Muslim Asians. Why male circumcise? As I have explained above, some people see circumcision as religious requirements while for others a social indicator making a boy’s progression into manhood.  In developed countries like USA, it has become an approved medical and social custom for the majority. Moreover, there are strong medical reasons for male circumcision –many of which actually united religious and social performance of the rite. Here are the benefits of male circumcision: Circumcision totally prevents phimosis This is a condition in which the opening at the end of the foreskin is too small and tight to allow it to be freely retracted over the whole glans when both flaccid and erect. To some men, this opening is so tight that the whole foreskin balloons out painfully when voiding. This is unnatural and if not properly treated, can cause severe bladder and kidney failure. Circumcision prevents paraphimosis totally This is a situation in which the foreskin or prepuce can be retracted over the glans, often with some difficulty when flaccid but then becomes trapped in the coronal groove as the glans swells with erection. The constriction of the foreskin causes the glans to swell up even more and a vicious circle sets in. A prompt medical attention from experts can return the foreskin to its original state of covering the glans, but if left untreated, a paraphimosis can cause gangrene and loss of the glans. It is of great important to note that any man who has suffered an incidence of paraphimosis should be circumcised after immediate relief of the symptoms to prevent it from occurring again—as it surely whilst he is enjoying sex! Male Circumcision prevents balanitis This is the infection of the foreskin and glans caused by bacteria and fungi which thrive on stale urine, unremoved smegma and the warm, moist environment beneath the foreskin. Irritation can also result from some individual’s reaction to body soaps which comes in contact with this sensitive area. Sometimes, it can equally set off by certain detergents used to wash underwear which are not properly rinsed in clean water before drying. When this happens, the inflamed area then becomes colonized or invaded by harmful bacteria. When a foreskin is removed during circumcision, it cannot become infected. The bare glans of a circumcised penis changed slightly and is not susceptible. Male Circumcision corrects frenulum Breve This is a condition in which the frenulum (a cord of skin joining the foreskin to back of the glans in the cleft on the underside) is short and tight, thus pulling the lip of the glans over to a point of pain. It forms a tight web preventing the retracted foreskin form lying along the shaft. If not properly attended to, the short frenulum can rip during sexual intercourse with painful and bloody consequences. Also, it can inhibit a man’s enjoyment of sex as he strives never to put any strain on the frenulum and hence, limits retraction and suppresses his erections. Most times, some women report that this tight band can rub and cause them pain during coitus.  During all circumcisions, the frenulum is severed in part and in many it s removed totally. Circumcision increases “staying power” Most common complaint form women regarding sex is that their partners “come” too quickly and they themselves are not brought to orgasm. Men naturally reach their orgasm quicker or earlier than women do unless one takes some time and trouble to learn how to delay orgasm until a partner has had hers, sex becomes a one-sided affair and the other feels cheated. That is, by slightly reducing sensitivity of the glans, male circumcision assists delay orgasm and thus improves sexual relations. Moreover, it has been reported by both partners sometimes ago that, because there is no foreskin to get in the way the rim of the glans can be felt by the woman –giving her better friction and stimulation and the man a more sexual teasing during such movements. It is important to know that almost all the artificial penises on sale are modeled on the circumcised shape, that’s, a larger, fuller and rounded elliptical one of the uncircumcised. Circumcision improves genital health Studies have shown that the circumcised men suffer fewer urinary tract infections than uncircumcised men by a factor of 10. Also, there is clear evidence that male circumcision makes a man slightly less susceptible to getting HIV virus. It is a well-known fact that cervical and penile cancers are reduced by circumcision. Urologists have confirmed that a

healthy teeth: Our teeth are important part of our body that should not be neglected as many do today. It often pains me when I some clients suffering from various tooth problems during the dispensation of my clinical duties whereas these could have been prevented by some simple tips. Well, here are proper things to treat and prevent tooth problems:   (A). Proper brushing and flossing – the best tooth care: These are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums shinny and healthy. Tooth paste contain abrasives, detergents an foaming agents, fluorine –the most common active ingredient in toothpaste, is what prevents cavities. Therefore, you should always be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. You need to remove plague – the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth –in turn preventing dental  cavities by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease called gingivitis. If you have teeth that are sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure, you may want to try special toothpaste for sensitive. But you will still need to talk to your dentist about your sensitivity because it may be a sign for more serious problem like a cavity or nerve inflammation (irritation). Tips for proper tooth brushing As recommended by a dentist friend of mine, Dr. Udefi Joseph and other dentists, the minimum time you should spend brushing your teeth is 2 minutes twice a day and not 45 seconds as most people quickly do. Here are the tips on how to brush properly: 1. Hold your brush at 45o angle against your gum-line. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Brushing too hard can result to receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over the time, loose teeth. Avoid hard brushes too. 2. Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your teeth. 3. To brush the chewing parts/surfaces of your teeth, just use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices. 4. To clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth and gums, hold the brush properly, almost vertical. With back and forth motions bring the front part of the brush over the teeth and gums. 5. Use a forward –sweeping motion, gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove the decay-causing bacteria that inhabits these spaces. 6. Use a timer, or play a favorite song while brushing your teeth to get well ex with brushing for a full 2 to 3 minutes. Thanks to God, some electronic toothbrushes have timers that let you know when 2 minutes are exhausted. (B) Exercise your teeth: Exercise my teeth? How is that possible? You might be wondering. That is, very simple to do than you imagined. Exercise is good for your entire body system. You can easily exercise your teeth by chewing nuts like palm kernels, tiger nuts and others. This helps to increase blood flow within the living part of the teeth, even the muscles of the mouth like the buccinators and this generally improves the condition of your teeth and gums. (C) Mind your diet: Eating sugary foods as you probably already known, is a major cause of tooth decay. However, it’s not just how much sugar you consume –when and how you eat it can be as important to keeping your teeth healthy. When you consume sugary foods or drink sodas frequently throughout the day, the enamel that protects your teeth is constantly exposed to acids.  Cough syrups, hard candies and breath mints that contain sugar are especially harmful because they dissolve slowly in your mouth. Many experts or dentists recommend that you take a 3-hours break between eating foods containing sugar. Note that sugary or starchy food eaten with a meal are less harmful to your teeth than when they are eaten alone, possibly because  the production of saliva, which washes away the sugar and bacteria, is increased. Therefore, eating sugary items before you go to bed can be the most damaging especially if you don’t brush your teeth afterward because you don’t produce sufficient saliva when you sleep unless you are the drooling type. Well, I understand that most people find it hard to cut out sweets completely. It is therefore, good to try these more realistic guidelines: 1. Eat carbohydrates (sugars and starches) with a meal. 2. If you brush your teeth after eating, rinse your mouth very well with water or mouthwash or chew sugarless gum. 3. Quit eating sugary foods between meals. 4. If you snack, eat non-sugary foods such as cheese, popcorn, raw veggies, or yogurt. (D) Avoid too cold or too hot foods: Neither of too cold nor too hot foods is good for maintaining the optimum health of your teeth. It is very vital to avoid them and embrace warm foods; even nature teaches us the right thing to do by always maintain the optimum temperature of the body by homeostasis. Avoid smoking and too alcoholic intake: These have detrimental effects not only to your teeth but also your entire body.  Find out more below: 1. What alcohol does to your body? 2. Effects of smoking on your effects and benefits of smoking. (E) Regular dental checkup: Dentists are specialists in the care of teeth and treatment of several tooth problems. Having regular checkup is the best antidote for mouth odour and other mouth-related problems. It can help you treat and prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other disorders that put the health of your teeth and mouth at risk. Going to dentist regularly –at least every 6 month –is very preventive and you know that prevention they say is better than cure. Therefore, get the service of good dentist now and follow his or her instructions given to you like taking your prescribed medications and

What is Erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction(ED) is one of the “bedroom cases” that cut across both young and old. But before we dig deep into erectile dysfunction, let us explain what erection is for proper understanding. It can occur as a recurring condition in which a man is unable to get or keep an erection.  As men get older, the likelihood that they will deal with ED increases, but by no means is ED limited to men over 50, or 60, or even 20. No matter your age, there are several factors that could contribute to ED. Table of content Physiology of penile erection (How erection works) Many guys already know that the penis gets erect because of blood and urge for sex but not many know where that blood goes. It doesn’t just fill up the penis like a water balloon! When blood flows into the penis to create an erection, it goes into and fills up two spongy bodies of tissue that run the length or shaft of the penis. The corpus cavernosum runs along the top of the penis and another similar body known as the corpus spongiosum runs along the urethra. Both the corpus spongiosum extend a little into the body, which is what gives the leverage so that, when these spongy structures are filled with blood, they get stiff and the penis becomes both hard and erect. Similar thing also happens to the clitoris, female counterpart of penis during an excitement. Moreover, most guys associate getting an erection –also called a “hard on”, boner, woody or by other sorts of name –with being ready for sex or ready to feel sexual excitement. The truth is: most men get erections quite a few times daily for no particular reason and certainly not because anything sexual is going on. It just happens. Ignore it, and it will surely fizzle away. Also, your manhood doesn’t have to be hard in order for you to feel sexual pleasure. There are many types of sensation that can feel sexual good. An erection is not prerequisite. The urethra is the tube that runs the length of your penis and links several organs inside your body. Everything that comes out of your penis passes through the urethra –urine, pre-ejaculatory fluid (precum), and semen. The urethra is highly sensitive and delicate duct, and can easily get scarred or infected if you treat it roughly. Male urethra is longer than female urethra measuring about 19-20cm while that of the female is 3-4cm –predisposing the female counterparts to urinary tract infections, UTIs easily than men. Sometimes, little boys are curious about how it would feel to put objects up their urethras. This is very bad idea: it can even end requiring surgery in the penis. And if you treat the urethra as a one-way street, you’d be fine. Urethra problem  –if your urethra ever burns or itches, particularly when you are urinating, or if you see  greenish, yellowish, foamy, bloody, or foul-smelling discharge from your urethra, visit a doctor or urologist immediately. All these are indications or signs of infections or injuries that need to be attended to by a doctor. Why Erectile dysfunction is bad? I have digressed a bit; let’s move on. The term impotence and erectile dysfunction(ED) can strike fear into the hearts of even the most reasonable men. Although both differ from each other, find out more about male impotence. Men who are unable to satisfy their wives on bed are not regarded as “true men”. Hence, it is wise to consult your doctor anytime you notice malformation in your genitalia. Causes of erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction begins in the brain, and end up, well, you might know where they end up. Arousal occurs in your brain, and a chemical reaction allows the muscle that keeps blood from flowing to the penis to relax. Between the brain and the penis, many things can happen to prevent, or hinder erections. That means that there are a number of possible factors that lead to poor erection. They are all grouped into two broad categories. If you own condition occurred without any build up –any warning –it is more likely to be psychological –perhaps tied to stress in one way or the other. You and your partner will have to diligently work together to get past this sort of problem, but it’s one that will likely get better with time. You may eventually find the need to talk with a therapist about it, but not everyone does! However, if you’ve noticed the over a longer period of time, erections have been fewer and farther between, it could be a medical problem that’s causing the difficulty. Medical problems like this usually get worse gradually until the person experiencing them is completely unable to get an erection any more. If you fit into this description, a visit to the doctor is unavoidable. It could be blocked arteries or damaged nerves that are causing the ED, and that’s a serious stuff. Outside these two broad categories, ED has many potential causes and contributing factors, some of which you can control easily, and some of which you can’t. Stress and other psychological factors: This is the most common cause of ED, and it often sets off a vicious cycle of “performance anxiety” that can be hard to break out of. The key is to relax yourself. It can be tedious to avoid, but worrying will only constitute more problem. If this is the problem for you, then the best first step is to inform your partner about it and seek help from them. And once she knows about it, it will only get easier. Moreover, you can visit a psychotherapist for expertise care. Cardiovascular diseases: These can make it more difficult for blood to flow to the penis. And if this is a cause of your ED, there is little you can do to alleviate the ED in particular. Rather, you need to simply follow the medical

healthy relationship: It pains me that many are suffering unnecessarily in the name of relationship. Isn’t it better to be alone than such unwarranted molestations? Hopefully, you and your partner are treating each other fabulously. Not sure that’s the case? Then take a step back from the dizzying sensation of being swept off your feet and think whether your relationship has these qualities: Mutual respect:  Does he or her get how cool you are and why? (Watch out if the answer to the first part is yes but only because you are acting like someone you are not!). The basic is that your boyfriend or girlfriend is into you for who you are –for your sense of humor, your love, etc. Does your partner listen when you say you are not comfortable doing something and then back off right away? Respect in a relationship means that each person values who the other is and understands –and would never challenge the person’s boundaries. Trust: Absolutely trust is a sign of healthy relationship. When you are talking with a guy from Chemistry class, and your boyfriend, walks by, does he completely lose his cool or keep walking because he knows you’d never cheat on him? It is okay to get a bit jealous sometimes –jealousy is natural emotion. But how a person reacts when he or she feels jealous is what matters most. There’s no way you have a healthy relationship if you don’t trust each other very well. Honesty: Honesty is the honey of healthy relationship. It goes hand-in-hand with trust because it’s hard to trust someone when one of you isn’t being honest. Have you ever caught your girlfriend in a major lie? Like she told you that she had to work on Friday night but it turned out she was at the movies with her friends? The next times she says she has to work, you’ll have a lot more trouble believing her and the trust will be on a shaking ground. Support:  it’s not just in bad times that your partner should support you. Some people are great when your whole world is falling apart but can’t take being there when things are going right (vice and versa). In a healthy relationship, your partner is there with a shoulder to bear you up when he or she finds out your parents are getting divorced and to celebrate with you when you get the lead in a play. Briefly, supportive relationship involves: Revealing feelings –a supportive, caring relationship allows people to reveal detail about themselves –their likes and dislikes, dreams and worries, proud moments, disappointments, fears and weaknesses. Listening and supporting – when two persons care, they offer support when the other person is feeling vulnerable or afraid. They don’t put down or insult their partner, even they disagree. Fairness/equality: You need to have give-and-take in your relationship too. Do you take turns choosing which new movies to see? As a couple, do you hang out with yours? It’s not like you have to keep a running count and make sure things are exactly even, of course. But you’ll know if you it isn’t a pretty fair balance. Things get bad really fast when a relationship turns into a power struggle, with one person fighting to get his or her way all the time. Learning to give and receive – a healthy relationship is about both persons, not how much one person can get from (or give to) the other. Separate identities:  In a healthy relationship, everyone needs to make compromises. But that doesn’t mean you should feel like you are losing out on being yourself. When you started going out, you both had your own lives –your own families, friends, interests, hobbies, etc. –and that shouldn’t change unless there is an important need. Neither of you should have to pretend to like something you don’t , or give up seeing your friends or drop out of activities you love that are not detrimental to your health and that of others. Also, you should feel free to keep developing new talents or interests, making new friends and moving forward. Good communication: You’ve probably heard lots of stuff about how men and women don’t seem to speak the same language. We all know how many different meanings the little phrase “no, nothing is wrong” can have, depending on who’s saying it! But what’s important is to ask if you’re not sure what he or she means, and speak honestly and openly so that the miscommunication is avoided in the first place. Never keep a feeling bottled up because you are afraid it’s not what your partner wants to hear or because you worry about sounding silly. And if you need some time to think something through before you are ready to talk about it; the right person will give you some space to do that if you ask for it. Remember the saying of Rev. Fr. Mbaka, “any relationship that lacks communication dies. If you want quit any relationship, begin cutting the communication and soonest it will fizzle away”.

Sex selection: Human beings have a set of 46 chromosomes in the nucleus of each cell. (That’s 23 pairs of chromosomes). In female, the sex chromosomes are identical XX while in males, they are different, XY. During the formation of an egg in the ovary, each egg has one sex chromosome, X while during the sperm formation in the testis, each sperm has either X or Y chromosome.  Fertilization occurs when one of the sperm cells, either X or Y chromosome released during sexual intercourse unite with the ovum. That is: X+Y = XY (male baby) X+X = XX (female baby) Sex selection: It then means that it is the man who actually determines the sex of the baby. So, those that lay blames on women for producing many girls without any boy especially in African settings where having male child is the order of the day should better stop it.  You can now see that men are truly responsible. Y-chromosomes: The Y-chromosome sperm is round handed, smaller, lighter and faster in movement than X-chromosome. But it has shorter life span, about 24 hours after deposited in the posterior fornix of the vagina to swim to the fallopian tube for fertilization during copulation. X-chromosomes: The X-chromosome sperm has an oval shaped head, larger in size and lives longer, about 48-72 hours. It is heavier, slow in movement and smaller in quantity than the Y-chromosomes in a single ejaculation. Spermatozoa carry the sex chromosomes that determine the sex of the offspring. Every normal baby is conceived with either XX chromosomes (female) or XY chromosomes (male).  XX chromosome inherited makes the baby to develop ovaries while that of XY makes a baby develop testes. How to choose the sex of your baby Sex selection: There are few methods of choosing the sex of your baby but no technique gives 100% result. These methods are: 1. Prayer:   God is the maker of all things and if you will get what you want, it’s through prayer and faith. Prayer can help you select the sex of your child. It has worked for many; I believe, it will work for you. Say Psalm25; 28; and 127:3-5 every morning and night by both couple. If not possible, the woman can pray alone. 2. Ovulation timing:  This is a very important method. It involves knowing your time of ovulation. Get these tips: a. From the 10th day of your menstrual cycle, start looking out for thin watering slimy-drawing mucus discharge. b. There is increase in body temperature. If you keep a daily body temperature chart from the 10th day of your cycle, on the ovulation day the temperature will shoot higher than in other days. c. Some feel pain and tenderness in the breasts. Breasts discomfort, feeling of breast being heavy, tingling and pricking sensation in the breasts are signs that ovulation is about to take place. d. Some women have lower abdominal pain (ovulation pain). e. Ovulation bleeding –some women experience slight blood –just stains on their pants. The most important thing in selecting your baby’s sex is the knowledge of your ovulation period. The plan is let the Y-chromosome bearing sperm to be the first to reach the egg for fertilization in order to get baby boy. If the X-chromosome bearing sperm reaches the egg first, a baby girl is produced.  The Y-sperms are faster but they die quicker while the X-sperms survive longer time. How to Get a Baby Boy Two days to the 10th day of your circle, avoid any sexual intercourse. From the 10th day start watching out for signs of ovulation. Once you notice that your vulva is now slippery and lubricated, giving you a feeling of wetness at the vulva and find that the mucus appears thin, white and transparent, stretching or drawing up to 6-8 centimeters or 2 to 3 inches. You know that you are to ovulate. Note the exact time. Delay sexual intercourse for 24 to 36 hours after ovulation to give time for the egg to be released from the ovary and for the released egg to be in the fallopian tube waiting for the arrival of the spermatozoa.  Then you can meet with your partner and under favorable condition , the lighter fast moving Y-chromosome sperm is likely to fertilize the egg and hence  a baby boy. 3. There is another advanced expensive method which is by filtration technique developed by Dr. Ronald Erisson. 4. Lifestyle modification: Abstain from smoking and alcohol as they lower your fertility. Embrace healthy lifestyles such as eating balance diet, regular exercise and controlling overweight. How to Get a Baby Girl Sex selection: Beginning from the 10th day, watch out for signs of ovulation. Once you see that, have sexual intercourse. By the time the ovulation takes place, all the Y-chromosomes would have expired and what will be left to fertilize the ovum will be on the X-chromosome, hence, a baby girl. Conclusion Thanks for reading.  I wish you the best luck as you take the bold step of choosing the sex of your baby. If you have question or suggestion, feel free to let me know in the comment form.

A study carried out in 2017 by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated that at least 792 million people have a mental health disorder. This constitutes of less than 11% of the total world population. The WHO defines health as: “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not the absence of a disease or infirmity” (WHO 2001,p.1) . In fact, wellbeing is a key aspect if mental health but what makes this phenomenon is that some persons who may be regarded as healthy can also be suffering from a poor mental health. What is mental health?   A mental health is not the absence if mental illness rather a generally accepted definition describes it as a state of internal equilibrium which enables individuals to use their abilities in harmony with universal values of the society. Universal values in this case includes respect for the environment; respect and care for self and for one another; respect for one’s own and others’ freedom.  Mental Health involving a dynamic state of internal equilibrium explains the fact the different life situations like Marriage crisis, adolescent crisis, failures can affect a person’s dynamic state. Hence it takes a person of good mental health to be able to experience all these difficult life situations and still be able to restore his dynamic state of internal equilibrium using his basic cognitive and social skills. A basic cognitive and social skill work hand in hand and are regarded as an essential foundation of mental health in everyday life. Cognitive skills are the ability to pay attention, recall and organize information, make decisions and solve problems. Social skills involve the ability to communicate and interact with in another, both verbally and non-verbally, through body language, gestures and personal appearance. Another definition of Mental Health according to WHO is: “a state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his/her community” (WHO 2001a, p.1). Causes of mental disorders A mental disorder also called mental illness is health conditions inviting changes in emotion, thinking or behaviour (or a combination of these two).  Although the exact cause of Mental Illness is not known, research has shown they are caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. Biological factors: These include abnormal functioning of nerve cell circuits or pathway that connects brain regions. Psychological Factors Environmental Factors Symptoms of mental disorders Each type of mental health has its own unique symptoms but they share some common characteristics such as: Treatment of mental disorders Currently, Mental Health treatment does not offer a cure but aims to reduce the symptoms, address underlying causes and make the condition manageable. Common treatments include: Building a Better Mental Health Anyone can suffer from mental problems but there is no sure way of preventing mental illness. Activities that can keep people mentally well include: Putting all these routines in place with help you feel better. Remember, you don’t have to wait till you are in a crisis before you make your mental health a priority.