Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time you brush. This recommendation is from the American Dental Association. When you brush, you help take food and plaque off your teeth. Plaque is a sticky white film that forms on teeth. Plaque has bacteria in it. After you eat a meal or snack that has sugar, the bacteria in plaque make acids that attack tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard outer coating that covers your teeth. Over time, the acid breaks down tooth enamel. That can lead to cavities. And plaque that stays…
Author: Bolaji Ajayi
There they are again, fighting and screaming over that same stuffed animal and the last slice of pizza. How many times have you had to play referee between them? It’s exhausting. You’re frustrated, overwhelmed and frankly, just plain tired of your kids’ constant squabbles. But will it last forever? And could sibling rivalry have long-term consequences on your children’s relationship with each other? Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, offers some helpful tips to create a peaceful, cooperative home environment when you can’t help but wonder, why can’t we all just get along? What is sibling rivalry? Sibling rivalry describes the inevitable competition and animosity that occurs between…
Bleeding during pregnancy is relatively common and does not always mean there’s a problem – but it can be a dangerous sign. Causes of bleeding in early pregnancy Implantation bleeding In early pregnancy, you might get some harmless light bleeding, called “spotting”. This is when the developing embryo plants itself in the wall of your womb. This type of bleeding often happens around the time your period would have been due. Cervical changes Pregnancy can cause changes to the cervix, and this may sometimes cause bleeding – after sex, for example. Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy During the first 12 weeks of…
I think it’s fair to say that my sister, Kate – eight years my senior – hated me from the moment I was born “sighed 39-year-old Adesuwa, a mother of three and an educationist.” She bullied me relentlessly throughout our childhood, and she won’t dispute either of these facts. Cruel, frequently violent and resentful of my very existence, her bullying left me damaged to the point that it will forever impinge on my happiness. “She has her own scars too and, like me, she still struggles with feelings of inadequacy caused by the chasm that opened up when I was…
You know that fresh fruits and vegetables are good for you. But you may wonder if you really need to wash them and, if so, how? Here’s the lowdown on the best ways to wash fresh produce from your local farmer’s market, grocery store, or even your backyard. Why Should You Wash Your Produce? The reason to wash fresh fruits and veggies is to rinse away soil, microbes, and pesticides. Sometimes you’ll see visible soil on leafy greens and other veggies, which can be unappetizing and add a gritty texture to your meal. But microbial pathogens, including E.Coli, salmonella, and the…
The Diverse Health Help Society has called on the National Assembly to review the provisions guiding the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and grant it powers to convict doctors found guilty of criminal medical negligence and other such criminal acts in the course of their duties. The organisation, led by a medical health activist, Adanma Wachukwu, made the call on Tuesday, while citing the case of Dr Ejike Ferdinand Orji, the first Nigerian doctor to be convicted for criminal negligence, in a landmark judgement in January 2023, and was subsequently suspended…
A consultant paediatrician with the Eko Hospital, Lagos, Dr Patricia Aligwekwe, says parents should stop sending their babies to crowded daycare centres, warning that they could expose them to the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Aligwekwe said overcrowding is a prerequisite for community-acquired pneumonia. According to her, pneumonia leads to under-five deaths, emphasizing that the incidence is high in Nigeria even when it could be prevented with vaccines. Johns Hopkins University in February 2020, said two million Nigerian children might die of pneumonia in the next decade. Pneumonia, according to the World Health Organisation is a form of…
President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu Afolabi has said pregnant women should ensure adequate intake of foods containing iodine, noting that the chemical element is crucial for the optimal development of babies. According to him, foods that contain iodine include dairy, seaweed, as well as certain fish, beans, and fruit. The nutritionist expressed concern over lack of awareness among expectant mothers on the importance of iodine , warning that iodine deficiency in pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortion. Afolabi disclosed to PUNCH Healthwise during an interview that iodine deficiency in pregnancy could have a devastating impact on babies…
What is personal hygiene? Personal hygiene is how you care for your body. This practice includes bathing, washing your hands, brushing your teeth, and more. Every day, you come into contact with millions of outside germs and viruses. They can linger on your body, and in some cases, they may make you sick. Personal hygiene practices can help you and the people around you prevent illnesses. They can also help you feel good about your appearance. Learn more about why hygiene is so important, the best ways to practice it, and how you can change your habits to make yourself…
Overview Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts to work properly. Most people should be able to get all the nutrients they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you choose to take vitamin and mineral supplements, seek advice where appropriate. Fat-soluble vitamins Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E and K) are mainly found in: While your body needs these vitamins to work properly, you don’t need to eat foods containing them every day. Water-soluble vitamins Water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C, the B vitamins and folic acid) are mainly found in: These vitamins…