Grey & Glow in Ilupeju

RECENTLY, Grey & Glow Beauty Spa was unveiled in Ilupeju area of Lagos State. The unveiling attracted friends, family member, well-wishers and beauty enthusiasts.
   The event started with a free make-up session, which held in the morning. There was a prayer session in the afternoon; and much later, guests were treated to sumptuous meal, drink, good music and ribaldry of jokes. 
   According to the outfit’s chief executive, Mrs. Marcella Iyitor, Grey and Glow is borne out of her passion to see that people live life gracefully.
   “As public relations’ practitioner, I have learnt that perception is critical to success in life. In the course of my job, I found out that positioning comes from creating good products, generating goodwill through service, improving and sustaining all over time.”
  She continued, “we have put together products and services to help clients live life gracefully. I had series of dreams on how I could get people to feel good about themselves. Feeling good about yourself has to do with contentment and this comes from the inside.”

Grey & Glow in Ilupeju

RECENTLY, Grey & Glow Beauty Spa was unveiled in Ilupeju area of Lagos State. The unveiling attracted friends, family member, well-wishers and beauty enthusiasts.
   The event started with a free make-up session, which held in the morning. There was a prayer session in the afternoon; and much later, guests were treated to sumptuous meal, drink, good music and ribaldry of jokes. 
   According to the outfit’s chief executive, Mrs. Marcella Iyitor, Grey and Glow is borne out of her passion to see that people live life gracefully.
   “As public relations’ practitioner, I have learnt that perception is critical to success in life. In the course of my job, I found out that positioning comes from creating good products, generating goodwill through service, improving and sustaining all over time.”
  She continued, “we have put together products and services to help clients live life gracefully. I had series of dreams on how I could get people to feel good about themselves. Feeling good about yourself has to do with contentment and this comes from the inside.”

WOW! See How Guy Proposed To His Girlfriend Inside Church

They met at a wedding reception months back and the guy managed to have a discussion with her even when her then boyfriend was around. Her boyfriend left her that day because of this guy’s interference and today the story is getting sweeter for her as the new guy has finally proposed, right in church, and she said Yes!

WOW! See How Guy Proposed To His Girlfriend Inside Church

They met at a wedding reception months back and the guy managed to have a discussion with her even when her then boyfriend was around. Her boyfriend left her that day because of this guy’s interference and today the story is getting sweeter for her as the new guy has finally proposed, right in church, and she said Yes!

Stylish flats

LADIES, who like to walk in low-heel shoes and still look stylish, go for beautiful pair of flat sandals. 
  Apart from allowing air to get to the toes, sandals give the wearers comfort to move around.
Embellished with stones and embroideries flat sandals are suitable for short dresses, shorts, trousers and skirts.
  Appearing in diverse colours and designs, any lady irrespective of size, shape and height can wear them.
  For ladies that are not too comfortable wearing high heels, opting for flats would save them from the embarrassment of tripping in the street .

Stylish flats

LADIES, who like to walk in low-heel shoes and still look stylish, go for beautiful pair of flat sandals. 
  Apart from allowing air to get to the toes, sandals give the wearers comfort to move around.
Embellished with stones and embroideries flat sandals are suitable for short dresses, shorts, trousers and skirts.
  Appearing in diverse colours and designs, any lady irrespective of size, shape and height can wear them.
  For ladies that are not too comfortable wearing high heels, opting for flats would save them from the embarrassment of tripping in the street .

Get It Straight: Your Wife Should Not Have to Compete with Your Mother

How does your wife compete with the other woman when the other woman is your mother? She can’t nor should she have to. A mother has her place and a wife has her place. The two positions are distinctly different and should complement one another not compete. Fellas, you set the tone for this relationship between two very important women in your life. It’s not your sole responsibility but you play a part in ending the mother-in-law drama.

Your wife should not feel as if she comes in a close second. Allow your wife to have her position and your mother to have hers. Your mother cannot be your wife and your wife cannot be your mother. When you married you said, “I do” to leaving mama ‘nem and placing your bride first.
Single men take note.
If you are not ready to do this you are not ready for marriage. In the castle called your home there is only room for one king and one queen. If this seems like a small deal to you but a big deal to your wife, trust me on this one – it’s a big deal.
Order has to be established.
If there is a track record of placing mom before your wife, she may try for a little while to compete for her rightful position. But that will soon fade and turn into resentment and frustration. You don’t want her rightful desire to be the queen of her castle to wane into finding another castle to go play house in.
Your marriage is a beautiful thing.
There will be times when you have to tell mama no or I’ll catch you next time because my queen has other plans. There will be times when you have to tell mama no simply because your queen just wants to be with you. Competing for your time, your attention, your affection, places two of the most valuable women in your life against one another. Perhaps you have not been aware of this. Now you know. Respect both your mother and your wife and make the proper space in your life for each one.
Your wife is strong in her own right.
Don’t mistake her frustration as whining or needing attention. You know your wife. You know your actions. You know your situation. Now be honest with yourself. Do you need some improvement in this area? Turn the tables and think if she placed someone before you, what would that do to you?
My encouragement to you is to think about what it takes to keep your home happy. Your wife understands how valuable your mother is to you. Don’t pin them against one another with actions that have not been well thought through. Many times our actions can be on autopilot and it’s not until a focused look is taken that you realize some things need to be changed. If needed, sit down and have a talk with mama so that she understands you love her no less, but there is a new woman in your life and she is called your wife.
How can she compete with the other woman when the other woman is your mother? She can’t nor should she have to. Your mother raised you, that job is done. Honor mother and respect the one you come home to every night. Help to end mother-in-law issues by fixing the husband and wife issues.
Source: deborahjerome.com

Get It Straight: Your Wife Should Not Have to Compete with Your Mother

How does your wife compete with the other woman when the other woman is your mother? She can’t nor should she have to. A mother has her place and a wife has her place. The two positions are distinctly different and should complement one another not compete. Fellas, you set the tone for this relationship between two very important women in your life. It’s not your sole responsibility but you play a part in ending the mother-in-law drama.

Your wife should not feel as if she comes in a close second. Allow your wife to have her position and your mother to have hers. Your mother cannot be your wife and your wife cannot be your mother. When you married you said, “I do” to leaving mama ‘nem and placing your bride first.
Single men take note.
If you are not ready to do this you are not ready for marriage. In the castle called your home there is only room for one king and one queen. If this seems like a small deal to you but a big deal to your wife, trust me on this one – it’s a big deal.
Order has to be established.
If there is a track record of placing mom before your wife, she may try for a little while to compete for her rightful position. But that will soon fade and turn into resentment and frustration. You don’t want her rightful desire to be the queen of her castle to wane into finding another castle to go play house in.
Your marriage is a beautiful thing.
There will be times when you have to tell mama no or I’ll catch you next time because my queen has other plans. There will be times when you have to tell mama no simply because your queen just wants to be with you. Competing for your time, your attention, your affection, places two of the most valuable women in your life against one another. Perhaps you have not been aware of this. Now you know. Respect both your mother and your wife and make the proper space in your life for each one.
Your wife is strong in her own right.
Don’t mistake her frustration as whining or needing attention. You know your wife. You know your actions. You know your situation. Now be honest with yourself. Do you need some improvement in this area? Turn the tables and think if she placed someone before you, what would that do to you?
My encouragement to you is to think about what it takes to keep your home happy. Your wife understands how valuable your mother is to you. Don’t pin them against one another with actions that have not been well thought through. Many times our actions can be on autopilot and it’s not until a focused look is taken that you realize some things need to be changed. If needed, sit down and have a talk with mama so that she understands you love her no less, but there is a new woman in your life and she is called your wife.
How can she compete with the other woman when the other woman is your mother? She can’t nor should she have to. Your mother raised you, that job is done. Honor mother and respect the one you come home to every night. Help to end mother-in-law issues by fixing the husband and wife issues.
Source: deborahjerome.com

8 Relationship Secrets Men want All Women to Know

 
There is no doubt that men and women differ greatly when it comes to love and relationships. But, just because men do not breakdown and complain frequently like many women do, does not mean that they are fine with everything that happens. Most of them either suffer in silence or get aggressive or even walk away from the relationship.
Wouldn’t it be better if their point of view was comprehended better by women? Here, we have for you some real men talking about some things that they expect from their partners when it comes to relationships. These relationship “secrets” will definitely be helpful for women who want to have a healthy and more fulfilling relationship.

1. “I am not flawless. Accept it!”
“I believe that no one is perfect and my wife should accept that I am not flawless. After all, I am a human being! At times, I may be a complete “mamma’s boy”, but still if I am able to make her laugh at least once, is that not enough for her to hold on to me? Also, I am not going to write poetry for her, and think about her every tick of the clock. But I am willing to give her a part of my life, won’t that do? She has to understand that I am not picture-perfect; but perfect just for her,” says Bali, a gym owner.
2. “I am as sensitive as you are”
“I am always expected to tip-toe around her feelings even if I am not in the mood to. Just because we don’t ask for admiration doesn’t mean that we don’t enjoy it. Just because we are not wired like a woman, doesn’t mean that we don’t have emotions and feelings. Why can she vent out her frustration about my mother when we have an argument, but I can’t do the same? So, I am expected to be her vent hole and her punching bag, but I cannot expect the same from her? Men usually mask their emotions so that they don’t appear weak and vulnerable. I feel women should learn to value the feelings of men,” shares newly-married Rishabh Bansal, a journalist.,
3. “You can give some positive responses at times!”
Sameer Bhutani, a 25-year-old law graduate, complains, “If I tell my girlfriend ‘You are pretty’, she snaps, “You are just making that up’. Once I told her, ‘Honey, you are getting slim’, and her reply was, ‘See properly and you will see that I am putting on weight’. I don’t understand why can’t she just accept my compliments without such self-depreciation? Instead of revelling in it, she leaves me in a dicey situation with her mean tones or loads of scorns. I try to make her feel beautiful, but then the way she keeps talking holds me back from giving compliments. We guys want to shower our girlfriends with praises and adorations but they act funny at times, which gets on our nerves!”
4. “I would love it if you request rather than demand”
“None of us like to live with someone who is too controlling or demanding. Just because we love them, we keep giving in to their demands, even if they are unreasonable. But actually we do not appreciate this behaviour. Wives keep bossing around, thinking that their husbands are okay with this. In reality, we men keep ignoring it, but this only makes them more demanding! My wife constantly keeps demanding for things, and even blackmails me emotionally! She keeps making and breaking rules herself. I would really appreciate it if she could communicate her needs to me and ask for something nicely. Who would want to do something good for someone who is forcing them to do it?” asks circulation manager, Suhas Malhotra.
5. “It is a two-way street!”
Fashion designer, Varun Kumar, who has been married for six years, says, “Girls expect a great deal of affection and time from their men, but they forget that love is a two way street. If a wife wants to enhance her husband’s ability to express love, even she should meet his emotional needs. Things like quality time, gifts, romantic talks, or acts of love are not meant for women alone! They look for everything in their “love paradise” but when it comes to returning the favour, they take us for granted. This is really hurtful. Once they realise this and are prepared to give exactly what they expect, it will really make a lot of difference.”
6. “There is no harm in being a good listener”
“Trying to grasp what your partner is saying and keeping patience is the recipe for a successful marriage. Sometimes I notice that my wife is hardly listening to what I say and keeps nodding without paying any attention; this trait is really annoying. Plus, she is very impatient at times. She gets irritated with things as small as me coming home late or not taking my son to play. At times, there are situations that need patience and tolerance. For a healthy and happy relationship, she must be mindful in situations that demand endurance!” says Rahul Mudgal, a designer with a shopping portal.
7. “Please do not compare!”
Web developer, Prateek Singhania, shares, “Many girls keep looking for their friend’s husband’s, or their father’s qualities in guys they meet. If they are truly interested in someone, why do they compare him with every Tom, man-hood and Harry? It is wrong to compare their partner with anyone and wish them to be someone else. I feel women should not say anything to their men that in any way hints towards comparison. This is likely to cause shame, anger or frustration in men and is enough to spoil a perfectly fine relationship. Taunts, sarcasm and making jokes on their activities while comparing them with someone else can make men feel weak.”
8. “Let bygones be bygones!”
“Any man will feel disappointed if his wife carries the baggage of her past relationships. It certainly kills the chances of a “happily ever after”. The simple fact that a wife is still thinking of her past relationship is enough to wound the confidence and ego of a man. So, rather than brooding over her past, they can think about the future that is knocking on the door. Continuously bringing up past relationships can be harmful in the long run,” says Kamal Aggarwal, graphic designer.
If only women knew all that went on in their partners’ mind, relationships would be so much better and happier!
Source: Bollywoodshaadis.com

8 Relationship Secrets Men want All Women to Know

 
There is no doubt that men and women differ greatly when it comes to love and relationships. But, just because men do not breakdown and complain frequently like many women do, does not mean that they are fine with everything that happens. Most of them either suffer in silence or get aggressive or even walk away from the relationship.
Wouldn’t it be better if their point of view was comprehended better by women? Here, we have for you some real men talking about some things that they expect from their partners when it comes to relationships. These relationship “secrets” will definitely be helpful for women who want to have a healthy and more fulfilling relationship.

1. “I am not flawless. Accept it!”
“I believe that no one is perfect and my wife should accept that I am not flawless. After all, I am a human being! At times, I may be a complete “mamma’s boy”, but still if I am able to make her laugh at least once, is that not enough for her to hold on to me? Also, I am not going to write poetry for her, and think about her every tick of the clock. But I am willing to give her a part of my life, won’t that do? She has to understand that I am not picture-perfect; but perfect just for her,” says Bali, a gym owner.
2. “I am as sensitive as you are”
“I am always expected to tip-toe around her feelings even if I am not in the mood to. Just because we don’t ask for admiration doesn’t mean that we don’t enjoy it. Just because we are not wired like a woman, doesn’t mean that we don’t have emotions and feelings. Why can she vent out her frustration about my mother when we have an argument, but I can’t do the same? So, I am expected to be her vent hole and her punching bag, but I cannot expect the same from her? Men usually mask their emotions so that they don’t appear weak and vulnerable. I feel women should learn to value the feelings of men,” shares newly-married Rishabh Bansal, a journalist.,
3. “You can give some positive responses at times!”
Sameer Bhutani, a 25-year-old law graduate, complains, “If I tell my girlfriend ‘You are pretty’, she snaps, “You are just making that up’. Once I told her, ‘Honey, you are getting slim’, and her reply was, ‘See properly and you will see that I am putting on weight’. I don’t understand why can’t she just accept my compliments without such self-depreciation? Instead of revelling in it, she leaves me in a dicey situation with her mean tones or loads of scorns. I try to make her feel beautiful, but then the way she keeps talking holds me back from giving compliments. We guys want to shower our girlfriends with praises and adorations but they act funny at times, which gets on our nerves!”
4. “I would love it if you request rather than demand”
“None of us like to live with someone who is too controlling or demanding. Just because we love them, we keep giving in to their demands, even if they are unreasonable. But actually we do not appreciate this behaviour. Wives keep bossing around, thinking that their husbands are okay with this. In reality, we men keep ignoring it, but this only makes them more demanding! My wife constantly keeps demanding for things, and even blackmails me emotionally! She keeps making and breaking rules herself. I would really appreciate it if she could communicate her needs to me and ask for something nicely. Who would want to do something good for someone who is forcing them to do it?” asks circulation manager, Suhas Malhotra.
5. “It is a two-way street!”
Fashion designer, Varun Kumar, who has been married for six years, says, “Girls expect a great deal of affection and time from their men, but they forget that love is a two way street. If a wife wants to enhance her husband’s ability to express love, even she should meet his emotional needs. Things like quality time, gifts, romantic talks, or acts of love are not meant for women alone! They look for everything in their “love paradise” but when it comes to returning the favour, they take us for granted. This is really hurtful. Once they realise this and are prepared to give exactly what they expect, it will really make a lot of difference.”
6. “There is no harm in being a good listener”
“Trying to grasp what your partner is saying and keeping patience is the recipe for a successful marriage. Sometimes I notice that my wife is hardly listening to what I say and keeps nodding without paying any attention; this trait is really annoying. Plus, she is very impatient at times. She gets irritated with things as small as me coming home late or not taking my son to play. At times, there are situations that need patience and tolerance. For a healthy and happy relationship, she must be mindful in situations that demand endurance!” says Rahul Mudgal, a designer with a shopping portal.
7. “Please do not compare!”
Web developer, Prateek Singhania, shares, “Many girls keep looking for their friend’s husband’s, or their father’s qualities in guys they meet. If they are truly interested in someone, why do they compare him with every Tom, man-hood and Harry? It is wrong to compare their partner with anyone and wish them to be someone else. I feel women should not say anything to their men that in any way hints towards comparison. This is likely to cause shame, anger or frustration in men and is enough to spoil a perfectly fine relationship. Taunts, sarcasm and making jokes on their activities while comparing them with someone else can make men feel weak.”
8. “Let bygones be bygones!”
“Any man will feel disappointed if his wife carries the baggage of her past relationships. It certainly kills the chances of a “happily ever after”. The simple fact that a wife is still thinking of her past relationship is enough to wound the confidence and ego of a man. So, rather than brooding over her past, they can think about the future that is knocking on the door. Continuously bringing up past relationships can be harmful in the long run,” says Kamal Aggarwal, graphic designer.
If only women knew all that went on in their partners’ mind, relationships would be so much better and happier!
Source: Bollywoodshaadis.com

Managing sickle cell disorder (2)

Rotimi Adesanya
| credits: File copy

Treatment

Treatment for sickle cell anaemia (SS) is usually aimed at avoiding crises, relieving symptoms and preventing complications. A person with sickle cell anaemia will need to make regular visits to the hospital to check the red blood cell count and monitor his/her health.

Treatment may include antibiotics, vitamins, daily folic acid, blood transfusions, pain-relieving medicines, supplemental oxygen, fluid therapy and other medications; and possibly surgery to correct vision problems or to remove a damaged spleen.

Self/home management: It is advisable that a sickle cell patient drinks plenty of water, eat balanced diets that contain all classes of food in the right proportions, including fresh fruits and vegetables; take regular non strenuous exercises, keep warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather.

Antibiotics: Children with sickle cell anaemia may begin taking the antibiotic penicillin when they are about two months of age and continue taking it until they are five years old.

Anti-malarials: Children with sickle cell anaemia should be given anti-malarial prophylaxis from time to time in order to prevent crises.

Pain-relieving medications: To relieve pain during a sickle crisis, over-the-counter pain relievers and application of heat to the affected area should be deployed. Stronger pain medication can also be prescribed by the doctor.

Dietary supplements: Ciklavite, Trevor, Jobelyn and many more are some dietary supplements (adjuvants) that play supportive role in the management of sickle cell disease.

Hydroxyurea: When taken daily, hydroxyurea reduces the frequency of painful crises and may reduce the need for blood transfusions. It may be an option for adults with severe case of the disease. It is only administered under strict medical supervision.

Drepanostat: It is a new drug for sickle cell disease. It relieves sickle cell crises, lessens the pains and reverses the ‘sickling’ of the blood cells.

Blood transfusions: Blood transfusions increase the number of normal red blood cells in circulation, helping to relieve anaemia and stroke.

Vaccinations: Pneumococcal vaccinations are given routinely to children with sickle cell disorder because they are particularly susceptible to pneumococcal infection. The incidence of infection can be minimised through the administration of pneumococcal vaccine.

Prenatal diagnosis: Couples for whom there is a real possibility of bearing children with sickle cell anaemia are able to find out the haemoglobin genotypes of their unborn child in early pregnancy and make informed decisions.

Cure, the ultimate treatment

On September 29, 2011, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital recorded the first successful bone marrow transplant by transmuting young Matthew from HBSS genotype to HBAA genotype, using stem cells donated by his 14-year-old brother.

Matthew made history as the first Nigerian to undergo bone marrow transplant successfully in the country. His genotype is now AA. Few other families have also been able to have their children with genotype SS change to AA by the transplant team at UBTH.

A Nigerian couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ola Majekodunmi, based in England who reads my column on a weekly basis also shared their family experience and promised to render useful information to Nigerians who also want their children’s genotype SS changed to AA.

Their story: “My wife and I are more than happy to help in our own little ways. You can drop us an email for any specific questions regarding the new procedure that our daughter had, perhaps some parents may want to take that route too! It is liberating.

“My Nigerian family lives with me in England; our only child was, until June 2013, a full blown sickle cell patient! My wife and I have decided to share our experience and we think many Nigerian families may benefit from recent advances in medical technology.

“Our sickle cell journey was rough, unexpected and stressful, but we are now proud parents of a child that is free of sickle cell complications. Our daughter, after several years of sickle cell complications, was referred in June 2012 to the haematologist at the University College Hospital London.

“He agreed to perform a half-match (haplo-identical) Blood Marrow Transplant as a cure for our sickle cell child and the whole process started in December 2012. I am happy to report that the half-match BMT was successful, but as expected, not without some challenges.

“We have a whole new era ahead of our family and, especially our daughter whose childhood had almost been taken away as a result of the then sickle cell nightmare and life changing complications. We think many more affected children can benefit from this new cure for sickle cell.”

The Majekodunmis shared this experience from Dagenham, England, and they can be reached via delemajek@yahoo.com for any clarifications and information.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Dabma Sickle Cell Foundation, I hereby invite my numerous readers to one-day summit on sickle cell disease drug management on the occasion of the World Sickle Cell Day, tomorrow Thursday June 19, 2014. The venue is NTA Network Centre, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

•Concluded

Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com

Managing sickle cell disorder (2)

Rotimi Adesanya
| credits: File copy

Treatment

Treatment for sickle cell anaemia (SS) is usually aimed at avoiding crises, relieving symptoms and preventing complications. A person with sickle cell anaemia will need to make regular visits to the hospital to check the red blood cell count and monitor his/her health.

Treatment may include antibiotics, vitamins, daily folic acid, blood transfusions, pain-relieving medicines, supplemental oxygen, fluid therapy and other medications; and possibly surgery to correct vision problems or to remove a damaged spleen.

Self/home management: It is advisable that a sickle cell patient drinks plenty of water, eat balanced diets that contain all classes of food in the right proportions, including fresh fruits and vegetables; take regular non strenuous exercises, keep warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather.

Antibiotics: Children with sickle cell anaemia may begin taking the antibiotic penicillin when they are about two months of age and continue taking it until they are five years old.

Anti-malarials: Children with sickle cell anaemia should be given anti-malarial prophylaxis from time to time in order to prevent crises.

Pain-relieving medications: To relieve pain during a sickle crisis, over-the-counter pain relievers and application of heat to the affected area should be deployed. Stronger pain medication can also be prescribed by the doctor.

Dietary supplements: Ciklavite, Trevor, Jobelyn and many more are some dietary supplements (adjuvants) that play supportive role in the management of sickle cell disease.

Hydroxyurea: When taken daily, hydroxyurea reduces the frequency of painful crises and may reduce the need for blood transfusions. It may be an option for adults with severe case of the disease. It is only administered under strict medical supervision.

Drepanostat: It is a new drug for sickle cell disease. It relieves sickle cell crises, lessens the pains and reverses the ‘sickling’ of the blood cells.

Blood transfusions: Blood transfusions increase the number of normal red blood cells in circulation, helping to relieve anaemia and stroke.

Vaccinations: Pneumococcal vaccinations are given routinely to children with sickle cell disorder because they are particularly susceptible to pneumococcal infection. The incidence of infection can be minimised through the administration of pneumococcal vaccine.

Prenatal diagnosis: Couples for whom there is a real possibility of bearing children with sickle cell anaemia are able to find out the haemoglobin genotypes of their unborn child in early pregnancy and make informed decisions.

Cure, the ultimate treatment

On September 29, 2011, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital recorded the first successful bone marrow transplant by transmuting young Matthew from HBSS genotype to HBAA genotype, using stem cells donated by his 14-year-old brother.

Matthew made history as the first Nigerian to undergo bone marrow transplant successfully in the country. His genotype is now AA. Few other families have also been able to have their children with genotype SS change to AA by the transplant team at UBTH.

A Nigerian couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ola Majekodunmi, based in England who reads my column on a weekly basis also shared their family experience and promised to render useful information to Nigerians who also want their children’s genotype SS changed to AA.

Their story: “My wife and I are more than happy to help in our own little ways. You can drop us an email for any specific questions regarding the new procedure that our daughter had, perhaps some parents may want to take that route too! It is liberating.

“My Nigerian family lives with me in England; our only child was, until June 2013, a full blown sickle cell patient! My wife and I have decided to share our experience and we think many Nigerian families may benefit from recent advances in medical technology.

“Our sickle cell journey was rough, unexpected and stressful, but we are now proud parents of a child that is free of sickle cell complications. Our daughter, after several years of sickle cell complications, was referred in June 2012 to the haematologist at the University College Hospital London.

“He agreed to perform a half-match (haplo-identical) Blood Marrow Transplant as a cure for our sickle cell child and the whole process started in December 2012. I am happy to report that the half-match BMT was successful, but as expected, not without some challenges.

“We have a whole new era ahead of our family and, especially our daughter whose childhood had almost been taken away as a result of the then sickle cell nightmare and life changing complications. We think many more affected children can benefit from this new cure for sickle cell.”

The Majekodunmis shared this experience from Dagenham, England, and they can be reached via delemajek@yahoo.com for any clarifications and information.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Dabma Sickle Cell Foundation, I hereby invite my numerous readers to one-day summit on sickle cell disease drug management on the occasion of the World Sickle Cell Day, tomorrow Thursday June 19, 2014. The venue is NTA Network Centre, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

•Concluded

Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com

Not all fibroids require surgery

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can range in number and size from a single growth to multiple growths, and from very small to large. As many as 70 per cent to 80 per cent of all women will have fibroids by age 50. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or myoma.

Women must be vigilant as fibroids may cause very mild symptoms or none at all. In women who do feel symptoms, these uterine growths can cause pressure on the bladder or rectum, frequent urination, constipation or rectal pain and lower back or abdominal pain.

When fibroids become very large, they can distend the stomach, making a woman look pregnant.

Its symptoms also varies in women but the most common one is changes to a woman’s period, including mild to severe cramping and pain, heavier bleeding, sometimes with blood clots, longer or more frequent menstruation and spotting or bleeding between periods.

Many often confuse fibroids with endometriosis because both cause severe menstrual pain. However, endometriosis occurs when tissue from the inner lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body.

This tissue breaks down and bleeds during your period, causing painful scar tissue. The pain of fibroids or endometriosis also can occur between periods.

Till date, the exact cause of fibroids is unknown. Their growth has been linked to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Studies have found that women who start their periods at a younger age are more likely to develop fibroids. Although taking female hormones is linked to fibroids, the use of birth control pills is not.

There are different types of   fibroids , they include subserosal, submucosal, pedunculated fibroids but intramural fibroids, the most common, grow in the wall of the uterus and can make it feel bigger. It’s possible to have more than one type of fibroid.

Who gets fibroids? While it’s unclear why women develop fibroids, some patterns have been observed. Experts say they usually occur between the ages of 30 and 40 and are more common in black women.

Gynaecologists also note that they grow more quickly and appear at a younger age in black women and having a family member with fibroids increases a woman’s risk. Also, being overweight or obese and having high blood pressure also may increase a woman’s risk.

Don’t take any menstrual changes for granted. Doctors note that some women with fibroids who experience unusually heavy bleeding during their periods may become anemic. Many cases of anemia due to iron deficiency from periods are mild and can be treated with a change in diet and iron supplement pills. But note that untreated anemia can lead to fatigue and lethargy – and, in severe cases, heart problems, hence, a woman should know her body.

Unlike what many women believe, fibroids usually do not interfere with fertility and pregnancy. However, some women with fibroids experience more pregnancy complications and delivery risks. Fibroids may cause pelvic pain and heavy bleeding after delivery, which may require surgery.

In some instances, fibroids may block a woman’s fallopian tubes. Fibroids growing along the inner uterine wall may make it difficult for a fertilised egg to attach to the womb.

A smart woman should know when to get help. See your health care provider if you have heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods and there is persistent pain or heaviness in lower abdomen or pelvis.

Don’t be scared, not all cases of fibroids require surgery. The doctor may just prescribe analgesics, birth control pills or a change in diet to ease the fibroids, if it does not pose any immediate danger to ones health.

A simple remedy you may try on your own is exercise. Regular exercise may prevent fibroids. In one study, women who exercised seven or more hours a week had significantly fewer fibroids than women who exercised less than two hours a week. Obesity also is a risk factor for fibroids. So exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your fibroid risk.

Women with fibroids who are not getting enough iron through diet alone may develop anemia, where the body has fewer red blood cells than normal. Symptoms include fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment may include eating more iron-rich foods, such as meats, poultry, fish, leafy greens, legumes, and iron-fortified breads and cereals. Your health care provider also may suggest iron supplements.

Not all fibroids require surgery

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can range in number and size from a single growth to multiple growths, and from very small to large. As many as 70 per cent to 80 per cent of all women will have fibroids by age 50. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or myoma.

Women must be vigilant as fibroids may cause very mild symptoms or none at all. In women who do feel symptoms, these uterine growths can cause pressure on the bladder or rectum, frequent urination, constipation or rectal pain and lower back or abdominal pain.

When fibroids become very large, they can distend the stomach, making a woman look pregnant.

Its symptoms also varies in women but the most common one is changes to a woman’s period, including mild to severe cramping and pain, heavier bleeding, sometimes with blood clots, longer or more frequent menstruation and spotting or bleeding between periods.

Many often confuse fibroids with endometriosis because both cause severe menstrual pain. However, endometriosis occurs when tissue from the inner lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body.

This tissue breaks down and bleeds during your period, causing painful scar tissue. The pain of fibroids or endometriosis also can occur between periods.

Till date, the exact cause of fibroids is unknown. Their growth has been linked to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Studies have found that women who start their periods at a younger age are more likely to develop fibroids. Although taking female hormones is linked to fibroids, the use of birth control pills is not.

There are different types of   fibroids , they include subserosal, submucosal, pedunculated fibroids but intramural fibroids, the most common, grow in the wall of the uterus and can make it feel bigger. It’s possible to have more than one type of fibroid.

Who gets fibroids? While it’s unclear why women develop fibroids, some patterns have been observed. Experts say they usually occur between the ages of 30 and 40 and are more common in black women.

Gynaecologists also note that they grow more quickly and appear at a younger age in black women and having a family member with fibroids increases a woman’s risk. Also, being overweight or obese and having high blood pressure also may increase a woman’s risk.

Don’t take any menstrual changes for granted. Doctors note that some women with fibroids who experience unusually heavy bleeding during their periods may become anemic. Many cases of anemia due to iron deficiency from periods are mild and can be treated with a change in diet and iron supplement pills. But note that untreated anemia can lead to fatigue and lethargy – and, in severe cases, heart problems, hence, a woman should know her body.

Unlike what many women believe, fibroids usually do not interfere with fertility and pregnancy. However, some women with fibroids experience more pregnancy complications and delivery risks. Fibroids may cause pelvic pain and heavy bleeding after delivery, which may require surgery.

In some instances, fibroids may block a woman’s fallopian tubes. Fibroids growing along the inner uterine wall may make it difficult for a fertilised egg to attach to the womb.

A smart woman should know when to get help. See your health care provider if you have heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods and there is persistent pain or heaviness in lower abdomen or pelvis.

Don’t be scared, not all cases of fibroids require surgery. The doctor may just prescribe analgesics, birth control pills or a change in diet to ease the fibroids, if it does not pose any immediate danger to ones health.

A simple remedy you may try on your own is exercise. Regular exercise may prevent fibroids. In one study, women who exercised seven or more hours a week had significantly fewer fibroids than women who exercised less than two hours a week. Obesity also is a risk factor for fibroids. So exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your fibroid risk.

Women with fibroids who are not getting enough iron through diet alone may develop anemia, where the body has fewer red blood cells than normal. Symptoms include fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment may include eating more iron-rich foods, such as meats, poultry, fish, leafy greens, legumes, and iron-fortified breads and cereals. Your health care provider also may suggest iron supplements.

NAFDAC arrests don for hawking unauthorised herbal drugs

Director General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii

The National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control, has arrested a professor for selling unregistered herbal products.

The professor identified as Dayo Oyekole claimed he obtained his doctorate degree from the University of Ibadan.

The agency alleged that the professor paraded himself as an epidemiologist and chief consultant, Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare International.

A pamphlet advertising some of the unregistered products of the company showed that it has offices at 11,Ire-Akari Estate Road, Isolo, Lagos with its Head office at Mosebolatan Plaza, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Though the pamphlets and advertisement placed on a national newspaper (not Punch) showed that 14 of the company’s herbal products had been registered with NAFDAC, the agency said the company only has four of its products listed between 2005 and 2007.

The professor in the pamphlet claimed that NAFDAC had approved natural herbal medicines, for him to cure exam failures, marital problems, bad dreams among others.

But NAFDAC’s Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii, at a briefing on Tuesday, denied the company’s claims, lamenting that unauthorised products have dominated the market.

Orhii stated, “Recently, the agency discovered an advertisement in the a national newspaper (not Punch) edition of June 15, 2014 where Prof. Dayo Oyekole of Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre placed an unauthorised advertisement of range of herbal products with spurious claims of total cure and deliverance of various ailments. Upon investigation, a few of the products (four out of 14) were listed by NAFDAC between 2005 and 2007. Since then, the listing of the products have not been renewed as required by law. Ten out of these products have no history of listing with NAFDAC but are openly displayed for sale and being dispensed in his clinic.”

“The agency in recent times has observed the proliferation of unauthorised advertisement of herbal products in both the print and electronic media.”

Most of these adverts are misleading and carry false claims of treatment and cure of various ailments including; treatment of HIV/AIDs, hepatitis, kidney diseases drug addiction, mental sickness, marital problems, bad dreams, examination failure, asthmas, cancer, prostate enlargement among others.

“While some of these adverts carry NAFDAC number on the products advertised, investigations have shown that most of these products have not been submitted to NAFDAC for listing.”

He explained that giving registration to herbal drugs does not guarantee efficacy of such products, but showed that it was safe for consumption.

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