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Health

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Chioma Favour Uzoma is a fifth year Pharmacy student of the University of Benin. She is the first of three girls.

She is passionate about the future of Nigeria and improving its health sector which made her start a Health and Wellness website (MedBlogNigeria) where she is a content creator. She advocates for healthy living through her organization named The Medvocacy Initiative Africa (TMI Africa).

She is an entrepreneur at Dainty Cakes and Event. She is also a fashion and beauty enthusiast.

Let’s meet you. Who is Chioma?

Chioma is a fifth year pharmacy student of the University of Benin, the first of three girls. I am a Christian, content creator at MedblogNigeria, an entrepreneur at Dainty Cakes and Event, Founder TMI Africa @t.m.i_africa and Member of JCI.

Made by chioma

 

I am very passionate about the future of Nigeria, everything that goes on wrongly in this country affects me in a very strange way and I intend to contribute to scalable and sustainable impact in this nation, and in Africa at large.

Who and what inspires you?

The persons who inspire me the most are young Nigerian women who are doing exploits in their various fields. The likes of Toby Lordwilliams,founder of girlhub Africa, Dr Chioma,Cassie Akide, Pharm Onyekachi etc., and older women who have conquered their spheres such as Mrs Ibukun Awosika, Bukky George and of course my Mum, She inspires me a lot.
I love these women so much, and whenever I feel discouraged, I simply look at their pages on Instagram, see what they are up to and sincerely, I’m pumped back up.

The desire to be successful in life also drives me.

One accessory you can’t leave home without?

My small bag of course.
Because I get to put all my tiny stuffs in it.

What is your biggest fear?

This Girl is fearless.
I believe God has not given me the Spirit of fear and this has kept me going.

You own a Health and wellness website (MedBlogNigeria) with pages on Instagram and Facebook (Medblog_ng) where you help inform people’s health decisions. What prompted you to start this? And what do you plan to do differently in the health sector through your website and other platforms?

Well, I actually started them because I love writing and I love searching for information (My friends literally ask me for details to any gist circulating online and I always have the details). I have been writing since my secondary school days and it has become part of me. Also, being a Pharmacy student, people naturally assume you know the answers to all their health problems, so they bombard you with questions.
It was only natural for me to incorporate my writing skills which is also a passion for me into my profession, hence the birth of MedBlogNigeria.

I also found it as a way to bridge the communication gap between health personnels and the general public. Now you don’t have to go to a Pharmacy or a Hospital to get certain health information, just turn on your data, ask a question, drop a comment and your questions are answered. We simply inform the health decisions of the general public which I think is a great idea.

Your best quote?

Do it afraid, do it unsure, do it uncertain but do it anyway!

You are a versatile young lady with so many things on your hands. You are also an entrepreneur who bakes and sells cakes also. How do you balance the demands of all of these with your academics?*

The truth is, it is not an easy task but I am someone who is very passionate about anything I do. Passion drives any human.

I’ve also learnt to manage my time, to do the right things at the right time, maximize my holidays, have the right support system and these have helped me thus far.

Which city/ country will you love to visit soonest?

That would be Paris. I studied French all through my six years in secondary school, I would love to practice my French speaking skills.

If given the chance to be the President of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?

Inasmuch as I think a day is quite too short to make any meaningful changes in a country like Nigeria, I guess I will quickly rewrite the national budget and present a more inclusive one where the basic needs of every Nigerian is prioritized, I would allocate more funds to the health sector which I think is at a pathetic state currently.

As a pharmacy student, you advocate for healthy living for individuals through an organization you run “The Medvocacy Initiative for Africa (TMI Africa).” Can you shed more light on TMI Africa? Its activities, aims and achievements so far?

TMI Africa is an organization of young medical advocates and volunteers. We encourage youths especially those who are medically inclined to actively promote health within their immediate environment and to the general public.
We engage in online health campaigns, dissemination of health information, health outreaches in schools through collaborations and partnerships.
Although we are just starting out, we engaged fully and effectively in the cervical cancer campaign online and it was very helpful to many as a lot of people became aware of the disease and tips for prevention.
We hope to achieve more in coming months.

What was growing up in a Nigerian home like and how did it contribute to the path you have chosen?

(Laughs) I think we all know what growing in a Nigerian home is like.
My home was a special case because my parents were really strict on my sisters and i due to fact that we were girls, they didn’t want us to “spoil.”
But we thank God because it is part of what has made me the woman I am today and I’m grateful.

Where do you see yourself/your brand in the next 5 years?

I am passionate about entrepreneurship because I believe that every economy that we admire has a viable private sector to boast of. If we are going to see sustainable changes in the Nigerian economy, the private sector has a huge role to play and I want to be at the forefront of that in the health and beauty space.

If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

I would advice them to maximise their social media. I say this everyday that this social media thing we see is way under utilised.
My social media is one of my biggest influences. I follow smart, intelligent, purpose driven individuals who inform my everyday life. My Instagram account is really boring to an average youth because i follow more content than glam.

I would advice them to Cherish their relationship with God because ,he is the ultimate giver of Life, wisdom and prosperity.

Lastly, I will advise them to be focused. Most of the things we care so much about currently are so irrelevant. Focus on things that matter to your future.

Thanks alot, Rubygirls for this interview, I’m truly honored!

When it comes to beauty so many believe its all to do with what you slather on your face – like cosmetics and make up products. Well, those could help for the moment but having a flawless beautiful skin and look, goes beyond that, and that’s what the Japanese women are known for. They’ve got an age defying beautiful skin that makes it difficult to tell their age.

Here are some little secrets of theirs:

1. Green tea.

This is a soothing beverage packed with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, this are necessary for a healthy body and skin glow. Green tea protects the skin from harmful UV rays therefore minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It reactivates dying skin cells, improve skin complexion and fights cancer. This is one of their best secret.

2. Balanced Meal Plan

Their food contain low fatty meat, low sugar, less oils. They’ll rather eat more of fish which contains loads of omega-3 fatty acids, health-promoting, anti-aging molecules. They eat variety of food rich in fibres, vitamins and minerals in high quantities, variety good foods.

3. Rice Water

Rice is a food they consider special. They use the water it was boiled in, simply as a facial wash, or add it to their bath water. It contains the minerals that have left the grains during cooking and it also contains starch, a soothing substance for the skin.

4. Vitamin C.

Japanese women constantly take vitamin C through food, supplements, drinks, fruit and vegetables, and cosmetic products. It breaks down melanin, the natural pigmentation we get in our skin from tanning or aging. It’s the sunny vitamin that brightens and gives you truly natural and glowing skin

5. Healthy Cleanser

They will use mild cleaners. Oils are also part of their cleansing routine because oils dissolve other oils and the “dirt” on your face, as well as the oil secreted by the glands in the skin.

6. Makeup Healthy

When it comes to cosmetics they believe your skin should complement the makeup, and not the makeup hiding it. “We value the beautiful and healthy state of the skin, rather than piling up a lot of makeup on. Sheer and natural foundation is more common than heavy coverage foundation,” said a Japanese beauty blogger.

These are some of their easy tips for anyone to try any where in the world. They still have more.

Note, makeup can weary the skin to age quickly if its on for too long and so, should be washed off before bedtime.

By age 30, lot of women will more likely have a home and a thriving career.  This period calls for a more super busy schedule than ever.

So, getting a healthy lifestyle becomes more challenging. Here are some tips to help:

1. Start Medical Screening

Regardless of your age, you should see a doctor for your overall health. Your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and even pelvic status should be known. You do not have to wait till you hit the 60s.

2. Don’t Joke With The Greens And Fruits

Eat healthy. Vegetables should consist of about 50% of your meal plan. Include multivitamin in your nutrition plan and take folate if you’re considering getting pregnant. Getting enough fruits and eating right generally would help you fight those age causing free radical caused by stress.

3.Exercise & Strength Training

Get advice from your doctor before you begin. At age 30 women begin to loose bone mass. Engaging in activities that stretch your muscle capacity can help you build and maintain strong bones even as you get older. And consume some calcium rich foods.

4. Get Gentle With your Skin

Your skin is not the same with a teenager anymore. Avoid using harsh chemical product. Use products that wouldn’t strip healthy oils from your skin. When we get older our skin get drier, so you should consider things that are hydrating and that help your retain moisture  for a healthy looking skin.

Avoid harsh sunlight, and get a  sunscreen as much as you can.

These list comprises the MAJOR steps to getting a long time healthy life as you age further. They are often overlooked as most women often depend on procedures like anti-aging cosmetics and surgeries, which of course do little to help the body internal metabolism age slower unlike the listed options above.

A healthy skin is  always looking soft and it glows even visibly for all to see. Some of the simple skin routine to do are often been overlooked. As we already know, the harmattan strips moisture from the air. Therefore below are some simple easy tips that can help you manage this season comfortably:

Use Mild Wash Products

Harsh soaps containing lots of processed chemicals strip oils from our skin, you should do well to always look out for what your product  contains, for example the sodium lauryl sulfate SLS is the main forming ingredients for soap and shampoo. This takes out healthy oils your skin actually need for its protection.

Oil Bath

One of the ways to help your skin is to is to keep it hydrated as much as possible and oil and water is one of the key ways. If you cannot find a soap that contains oil as part part of its ingredients you can drip some olive oil or any oil of your choice into your bath water. Oils helps break down dirt from our skin without much pressure.

Dont Deep Cleanse

After a shower pat your skin lightly, do not pat dry, leave some water visibly on your skin, this would help your skin seal in moisture as you quickly apply your moisturising lotion.

Massage

Apply your oil or lotion and massage all over your body for about 2 minutes, this ensures the oil gets deeply absorbed into your skin and not at surface level. It would also encourage blood flows to the right places for a better complexion and not dull looking skin. However, this also combats dryness on through out the day.

These simple tips should not be overlooked because, they are the base of our skincare morning routine which would guarantee that hydrating glow. However drinking alot of water, staying out of the sun and applying a sunscreen are also not to be ignored.

Women Of Rubies

DON’T GET IT TWISTED — THE KEYS TO BEING HEALTHY AND HAPPIER AREN’T JUST ABOUT STEPPING INSIDE A GYM. IT STARTS FROM WITHIN.
DON’T GET IT TWISTED — THE KEYS TO BEING HEALTHY AND HAPPIER AREN’T JUST ABOUT STEPPING INSIDE A GYM. IT STARTS FROM WITHIN.
Here’s How You Can Become A Healthier, Happier You In 2020

We’re only two days into the new year, and already thinking about all of the things we want to accomplish by next December. But as we create our vision boards, and start goal-setting for the year, it’s important to remember one thing — you.

While career, relationship and educational goals often come priority on our lists, it’s important to prioritize the essential things we need to focus on in our life: being happy and healthy. Not only will this help you in all aspects of life, but you’ll feel better overall.

But don’t get it twisted, most of the keys to being healthy and happier have nothing to do with stepping inside a gym. “In order to look good and feel good you’ve gotta start from within,” says Rumble Trainer and Degree Deodorant Fitness Expert Aliyah Sims.

And because she’s right about that, and more, we’ve enlisted Sims to share a few tips on becoming a healthier and happier version of yourself this year.

Set realistic goals.

“You don’t know where you are going, unless you know where you’ve been. And the best thing to do after you’ve taken inventory of that, is to create benchmarks for the future. “I think one of the best things to do for yourself and your self-esteem, is to set goals that you can actually achieve in a timely manner,” says Sims. “Think of a few things that you’ve always wanted to accomplish, write them down and most importantly remain accountable! Maybe start small for ex: finish that book you bought a while ago that’s collecting dust, or visit the gym x amount of times etc. You’ve got to make sure that you have a game plan because merely speaking things into existence, talking about it and taking no action will lead to disappointment.”

Move your body.

Moving your body gets your heart beating and your blood flowing. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. Because of that reason, Sims said this is one of the first things you should be doing. “I recently partnered with Degree and Blue Zones on their Made to Move grant program, which aims to encourage more natural, physical movement,” she says. “We have been moving our bodies since we were in the womb kickin’. The benefits of becoming more active are endless. Exercising regularly Decreases the risk of diseases, increased blood flow, and not to mention the reduction of anxiety/depression (something we can all use living in a stressful bustling city).”

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! 

The only time it’s good to be thirsty is when you’re getting the appropriate water intake. And though it can be harder to remember in the winter than during the summer months, you must ensure you’re doing it to keep your melanin glowing, and your insides happy.  “We all need a little reminder to drink more water,” says Sims. “I think if people drank as much water as they do coffee/matcha we’d be thriving. Water helps muscles and joints work better and Water helps cleanse your body — inside and out. Hold yourself accountable and drink more water.”

Incorporate more ME time. 

2020 should be all about you sis. And don’t let anyone tell you anything different! According to Sims, “This a goal I’ve started to exercise more in my personal life.”

She continues, “I am notorious for never saying “No” regardless of how tired I am or what I’m going through because I love making people happy, but what about me? What about you and your happiness? It is so important to take time away from work, friends and sometimes even significant others to make sure that YOU are good. When you’re good to yourself and have that time to TREAT YO SELF it will certainly trickle down into everything else in your life. Me time is not selfish, it is essential. So take a stroll by your lonesome, get a facial or mani/pedi and recharge.”

Eat clean.

“Everything is all about balance,” says Sims. “I think we all know subconsciously what is good for us and what we use less of. I think it’s best to eat to fuel your body but also what makes your soul happy (80/20 rule). One way you can incorporate this, is by packing more lunches so you’re not tempted to eat out at work and meal prepping! This not only saves you money but also encourages you to make better choices and will let you enjoy that well deserved treat guilt free.”

Culled from ESSENCE

Menstrual cramps are common pains experienced by women before and during the period which cause major discomfort. While making use of prescribed drugs, like aspirins, may be advised, it is also good to note that natural remedies are available and efficient like the few explained below;

Stay Hydrated

One common remedy for menstrual cramps is to stay hydrated; in other words, drink more water; this helps to ease bloating which makes symptoms worse.

Get in the habit of drinking six to eight glasses of water each day, especially during your period. Add some mint or a lemon wedge to make it more palatable, if you dislike its plain taste. While you’re at it, back off of the salt, which encourages fluid retention and bloating.

Diet Is Key

Your dietary and lifestyle habits can either relieve or worsen period cramps. If you experience monthly menstrual discomfort, it is advisable to avoid certain foods like refined foods including sugar, glazed doughnuts, bread, and pasta. Avoid trans-fatty acids that are found most often in, for example, French fries, cookies, onion rings, crackers, and margarine. Ditch alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. All of these things increase inflammation and may encourage period pain. In replacing tea or anything caffeine-related, you can indulge in sipping chamomile tea which may help reduce cramps when you menstruate.

Try The Heat Therapy

Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad against the abdomen can relax the muscles and relieve cramps. Study shows heat helps the uterine muscle and those around it relax, which may ease cramping and discomfort.

One can also place a heating pad on the lower back to get rid of back pain. Another option is to soak in a warm bath, which can help relax the muscles in the abdomen, back, and legs.

In the absence of any of the above, massages, mild exercises and reducing hectic routines should be implored.

Source: Violet Johnson