How to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is currently the leading cause of male specific cancer deaths in men. It’s the 3rd highest cancer cause death of men after Lung and Colorectal cancers. It’s the commonest cancer in black men accounting for 40% of cancer deaths according to 2011-2012 Cancer facts and figures for African Americans. And guess what? It is also one of the CURABLE cancers (yes, eradication totally, like you would malaria or appendicitis), if caught early (the all-so-popular caveat with cancers). So the key is to know when it’s lurking in the shadows and turn up the lights suddenly on it!

What is a Prostate?
The prostate is a small almond shaped gland located just beneath the urinary bladder in males. It’s an organ of fertility as its sole purpose is to produce fluids that add bulk to semen and supply sperm cells with adequate nutrition to remain healthy. It has two equal halves split in the ‘midline’ by the urethra as it journeys from the urinary bladder to exterior via the penis. Being a very glandular organ, it undergoes a lot of changes in its life time in response to testosterone, age and environmental stimuli just like the female breast. And as we’ve seen with the female breast, sometimes in the course of this constant state of flux, some cells escape regulation and become autonomous with resultant aberrant growth. Just like rebellious kids. Also the prostate is known to increase in size with increasing age and this enlargement is more prominent in black men than any other ethnicity and starts about the age of 40. The reason for this is probably the 15% increase in testosterone observed in black men over other ethnicities or the preponderance for a high fat diet by this ethnic group in addition to an interplay of these and environmental factors such as Smoking, low Selenium and Chromium diet and an established family history.
What are the Symptoms?
It is not uncommon for a man over the age of 40 to have some symptoms such as; difficulty in commencing urination, dribbling at the end of urination, feeling of incomplete emptying of bladder, poor stream, as these could be features of a harmless enlargement of the Prostate ( Benign Prostatic hyperplasia). Unfortunately these are also the features of an enlargement due to a malignancy (cancer), especially in its early stages. Thus it is the Urologist who decides which it is. These symptoms are brought about by the enlargement of the gland in the part of it that straddles the urethra and thus compresses this urethra as it enlarges. This is the commonest site of prostatic enlargement, however, 47% of Prostate cancers are diagnosed following an elevated PSA blood test in men who are completely asymptomatic, as the enlargement could be occurring at one corner of the gland or the other. Most enlargements (regardless of site) are usually accompanied by an increase in the blood levels of a prostate specific antigen, the widely acclaimed PSA.
It is reasonable thus, to suggest that every man over the age of 40 should have a PSA measurement and get the subsequent result interpreted by a Urologist (a Surgeon who specialises in the treatment of surgical problems of the urinary system and male reproductive tract).
Prevention is better than cure
Other important life style changes would include, cutting down smoking steadily towards zero, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables, Vitamins A, C and E as sources of anti-oxidants, assiduously working towards an active lifestyle and a low fat diet (bearing in mind that 1gm of fat provides us with 9kcal and 1gm of alcohol provides us with 8 and all excess calories are converted to fat in the body).
Factors like family genetics and being a quintessential black brother cannot be amended and we have to work around it and glean of its immense advantages thereof.
Treatment
In terms of treatment of Prostatic cancer, there are many treatment options available from near total passivity to radical surgery, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. Treatment offered depends a great deal on the stage of the disease. Prognosis varies as widely. Early detection of prostate cancer which is still confined to the gland with no evidence of microscopic spread ( metastases or lymphovascular invasion) gives the best chance at cure with one treatment modality which could be Surgical removal of the gland or Focussed radiotherapy (destruction of tumour cells via a directed beam of radiation) .
This article seeks to sensitize black men on the absolute necessity on keeping an eye on the prostate as one would a young fledgling child and resolve not to ‘spare the rod’ to avoid untoward consequences.

How to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is currently the leading cause of male specific cancer deaths in men. It’s the 3rd highest cancer cause death of men after Lung and Colorectal cancers. It’s the commonest cancer in black men accounting for 40% of cancer deaths according to 2011-2012 Cancer facts and figures for African Americans. And guess what? It is also one of the CURABLE cancers (yes, eradication totally, like you would malaria or appendicitis), if caught early (the all-so-popular caveat with cancers). So the key is to know when it’s lurking in the shadows and turn up the lights suddenly on it!

What is a Prostate?
The prostate is a small almond shaped gland located just beneath the urinary bladder in males. It’s an organ of fertility as its sole purpose is to produce fluids that add bulk to semen and supply sperm cells with adequate nutrition to remain healthy. It has two equal halves split in the ‘midline’ by the urethra as it journeys from the urinary bladder to exterior via the penis. Being a very glandular organ, it undergoes a lot of changes in its life time in response to testosterone, age and environmental stimuli just like the female breast. And as we’ve seen with the female breast, sometimes in the course of this constant state of flux, some cells escape regulation and become autonomous with resultant aberrant growth. Just like rebellious kids. Also the prostate is known to increase in size with increasing age and this enlargement is more prominent in black men than any other ethnicity and starts about the age of 40. The reason for this is probably the 15% increase in testosterone observed in black men over other ethnicities or the preponderance for a high fat diet by this ethnic group in addition to an interplay of these and environmental factors such as Smoking, low Selenium and Chromium diet and an established family history.
What are the Symptoms?
It is not uncommon for a man over the age of 40 to have some symptoms such as; difficulty in commencing urination, dribbling at the end of urination, feeling of incomplete emptying of bladder, poor stream, as these could be features of a harmless enlargement of the Prostate ( Benign Prostatic hyperplasia). Unfortunately these are also the features of an enlargement due to a malignancy (cancer), especially in its early stages. Thus it is the Urologist who decides which it is. These symptoms are brought about by the enlargement of the gland in the part of it that straddles the urethra and thus compresses this urethra as it enlarges. This is the commonest site of prostatic enlargement, however, 47% of Prostate cancers are diagnosed following an elevated PSA blood test in men who are completely asymptomatic, as the enlargement could be occurring at one corner of the gland or the other. Most enlargements (regardless of site) are usually accompanied by an increase in the blood levels of a prostate specific antigen, the widely acclaimed PSA.
It is reasonable thus, to suggest that every man over the age of 40 should have a PSA measurement and get the subsequent result interpreted by a Urologist (a Surgeon who specialises in the treatment of surgical problems of the urinary system and male reproductive tract).
Prevention is better than cure
Other important life style changes would include, cutting down smoking steadily towards zero, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables, Vitamins A, C and E as sources of anti-oxidants, assiduously working towards an active lifestyle and a low fat diet (bearing in mind that 1gm of fat provides us with 9kcal and 1gm of alcohol provides us with 8 and all excess calories are converted to fat in the body).
Factors like family genetics and being a quintessential black brother cannot be amended and we have to work around it and glean of its immense advantages thereof.
Treatment
In terms of treatment of Prostatic cancer, there are many treatment options available from near total passivity to radical surgery, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. Treatment offered depends a great deal on the stage of the disease. Prognosis varies as widely. Early detection of prostate cancer which is still confined to the gland with no evidence of microscopic spread ( metastases or lymphovascular invasion) gives the best chance at cure with one treatment modality which could be Surgical removal of the gland or Focussed radiotherapy (destruction of tumour cells via a directed beam of radiation) .
This article seeks to sensitize black men on the absolute necessity on keeping an eye on the prostate as one would a young fledgling child and resolve not to ‘spare the rod’ to avoid untoward consequences.

Inhaler could replace diabetic injections

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person’s body either stops producing adequate amounts of insulin, or the body does not consume insulin properly. Stress, poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle are common causes of this incurable, but easily preventable condition -  yet the number of people with type 2 diabetes is growing and it is now officially recognised as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization.

In more than 90% of cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by making simple changes to lifestyle and eating habits. These changes can also help in controlling the symptoms in people who have already developed diabetes.

Let’s have a look at top 10 proven ways that can help you prevent and control type 2 diabetes.

#1 - Exercise For 30 Minutes Every Day

Exercise is the golden mantra to prevent or manage a variety of health issues, including type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program or DPP says that people who exercise regularly reduce their chances of developing diabetes by almost 58%.

How much exercise must you get to keep diabetes at bay? Not much, just 30 minutes 5 times a week. This will not only help you get rid of unwanted body fat, but also lower your blood sugar and boost your body’s sensitivity to insulin.

You don’t have to follow any high-intensity workout regime to get the benefits. A 30-minute post lunch walk or a 30-minute mild workout session at a local gym or walking your dog around the block 3 times a day will sufficiently reduce your risk.

#2– Change Your Eating Habits

Sugar-rich and high cholesterol foods considerably increase the risk of developing Type 2-diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition. If you have high sugar levels or if you have developed a pre-diabetic condition, you can make some simple changes to reverse the condition and restore good health and well-being.

Some foods that you need to include in your diet are: fresh (not canned) fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals as well as low fat and high fiber foods.

You must also avoid indulging on fried foods, sugar-rich packed juices and sodas, cakes and other sugar-rich baked products.

#3 – Drink Enough Water

The best drink to binge on is water. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Water helps in clearing out toxins from the body and is also filling. In fact a glass of it 20 minutes or so before meals will reduce your hunger, allowing you to feel full with less food.

#4 – Manage & Maintain A Healthy Weight

Chances of diabetes in overweight people are high. So, if your weight is on the higher side, you should make efforts to reduce it. Studies reveal that losing even 7% of body weight can reduce the chances of diabetes by 55 to 60%.

Exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and avoid junk food to maintain or reduce your weight. Also try to eat slowly. When you eat slowly, you are likely to be satisfied with less amount of food. This is because it takes our brain almost 20 minutes to give the satiation signal. If you eat fast, you might already have overeaten by the time brain tells you that you are full.

#5 – Avoid Fad Diets

Losing weight is important, however, following stringent weight loss diet plans can cause more harm than good. Most diet plans usually exclude specific food groups to help you lose weight. When you follow them, you limit the consumption of certain essential nutrients. So, even if you manage to lose weight quickly by following such diet plans, you will miss out on many essential nutrients and this can have an adverse affect on your health in the long term.

#6 – Avoid Smoking and Drinking

Regular alcohol consumption and smoking are known to lead to diabetes and several other harmful health conditions like heart issues and even cancer. If you want to stay healthy, quit smoking and limit your consumption of alcohol.

#7 – Get Tested Regularly For Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with high blood sugar, you may already be pre-diabetic. Pre diabetes is a condition that, if ignored, can lead to type 2 diabetes. However, if you keep your blood sugar in check by making lifestyle changes and regular blood sugar testing, you can easily manage the pre-diabetes or even reverse it. Screening tests for diabetes include simple blood and urine tests, which should be done at regular intervals. You can even buy a glucometer, which allows you to check your sugar levels at home.

#8 – Get Enough Sleep

Sound sleep of 6 to 8 hours a day helps in reducing blood sugar levels and even controlling hypertension. A good-night’s sleep usually proves elusive when the stomach is completely full or completely empty. If your stomach is too full at the time you go to bed, you are likely to suffer from heartburn as you lie. On the other hand, an empty belly may rumble continuously throughout the night and prevent deep sleep.

So it is best to go to sleep with an almost empty (or half full) stomach that will make you feel light at night without feeling hungry. If this does not help, you should consult your doctor, who may prescribe a mild sedative to help you get a deep, restorative sleep on a daily basis.

#9 – Consult With Your Doctor About Snacks You Can Have Before Sleeping

As mentioned in the previous post, it best to go to bed with some food in your stomach so that hunger will not prevent you from sleeping deeply. It’s important that you don’t go to bed with a full stomach so a light, healthy snack is best such as cottage cheese, natural yoghurt or fish.

#10 – Take Baby Steps

It is important to make changes to your diet and start exercising. However, these changes should be slow and steady. Chances of failure are high when you make many changes at once. Gradually eliminate unhealthy foods and introduce healthy choices in your diet.

In the same way don’t abruptly jump from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one. Start exercising few minutes a day few days a week. As you get comfortable then slowly increase the duration of exercise as well as its frequency.

Inhaler could replace diabetic injections

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person’s body either stops producing adequate amounts of insulin, or the body does not consume insulin properly. Stress, poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle are common causes of this incurable, but easily preventable condition -  yet the number of people with type 2 diabetes is growing and it is now officially recognised as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization.

In more than 90% of cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by making simple changes to lifestyle and eating habits. These changes can also help in controlling the symptoms in people who have already developed diabetes.

Let’s have a look at top 10 proven ways that can help you prevent and control type 2 diabetes.

#1 - Exercise For 30 Minutes Every Day

Exercise is the golden mantra to prevent or manage a variety of health issues, including type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program or DPP says that people who exercise regularly reduce their chances of developing diabetes by almost 58%.

How much exercise must you get to keep diabetes at bay? Not much, just 30 minutes 5 times a week. This will not only help you get rid of unwanted body fat, but also lower your blood sugar and boost your body’s sensitivity to insulin.

You don’t have to follow any high-intensity workout regime to get the benefits. A 30-minute post lunch walk or a 30-minute mild workout session at a local gym or walking your dog around the block 3 times a day will sufficiently reduce your risk.

#2– Change Your Eating Habits

Sugar-rich and high cholesterol foods considerably increase the risk of developing Type 2-diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition. If you have high sugar levels or if you have developed a pre-diabetic condition, you can make some simple changes to reverse the condition and restore good health and well-being.

Some foods that you need to include in your diet are: fresh (not canned) fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals as well as low fat and high fiber foods.

You must also avoid indulging on fried foods, sugar-rich packed juices and sodas, cakes and other sugar-rich baked products.

#3 – Drink Enough Water

The best drink to binge on is water. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Water helps in clearing out toxins from the body and is also filling. In fact a glass of it 20 minutes or so before meals will reduce your hunger, allowing you to feel full with less food.

#4 – Manage & Maintain A Healthy Weight

Chances of diabetes in overweight people are high. So, if your weight is on the higher side, you should make efforts to reduce it. Studies reveal that losing even 7% of body weight can reduce the chances of diabetes by 55 to 60%.

Exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and avoid junk food to maintain or reduce your weight. Also try to eat slowly. When you eat slowly, you are likely to be satisfied with less amount of food. This is because it takes our brain almost 20 minutes to give the satiation signal. If you eat fast, you might already have overeaten by the time brain tells you that you are full.

#5 – Avoid Fad Diets

Losing weight is important, however, following stringent weight loss diet plans can cause more harm than good. Most diet plans usually exclude specific food groups to help you lose weight. When you follow them, you limit the consumption of certain essential nutrients. So, even if you manage to lose weight quickly by following such diet plans, you will miss out on many essential nutrients and this can have an adverse affect on your health in the long term.

#6 – Avoid Smoking and Drinking

Regular alcohol consumption and smoking are known to lead to diabetes and several other harmful health conditions like heart issues and even cancer. If you want to stay healthy, quit smoking and limit your consumption of alcohol.

#7 – Get Tested Regularly For Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with high blood sugar, you may already be pre-diabetic. Pre diabetes is a condition that, if ignored, can lead to type 2 diabetes. However, if you keep your blood sugar in check by making lifestyle changes and regular blood sugar testing, you can easily manage the pre-diabetes or even reverse it. Screening tests for diabetes include simple blood and urine tests, which should be done at regular intervals. You can even buy a glucometer, which allows you to check your sugar levels at home.

#8 – Get Enough Sleep

Sound sleep of 6 to 8 hours a day helps in reducing blood sugar levels and even controlling hypertension. A good-night’s sleep usually proves elusive when the stomach is completely full or completely empty. If your stomach is too full at the time you go to bed, you are likely to suffer from heartburn as you lie. On the other hand, an empty belly may rumble continuously throughout the night and prevent deep sleep.

So it is best to go to sleep with an almost empty (or half full) stomach that will make you feel light at night without feeling hungry. If this does not help, you should consult your doctor, who may prescribe a mild sedative to help you get a deep, restorative sleep on a daily basis.

#9 – Consult With Your Doctor About Snacks You Can Have Before Sleeping

As mentioned in the previous post, it best to go to bed with some food in your stomach so that hunger will not prevent you from sleeping deeply. It’s important that you don’t go to bed with a full stomach so a light, healthy snack is best such as cottage cheese, natural yoghurt or fish.

#10 – Take Baby Steps

It is important to make changes to your diet and start exercising. However, these changes should be slow and steady. Chances of failure are high when you make many changes at once. Gradually eliminate unhealthy foods and introduce healthy choices in your diet.

In the same way don’t abruptly jump from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one. Start exercising few minutes a day few days a week. As you get comfortable then slowly increase the duration of exercise as well as its frequency.

Inhaler could replace diabetic injections

Diabetes sufferers may soon be able to inhale life-saving drugs rather than having to give themselves several daily injections, according to published research.

An American study of a new inhaler device for insulin found that it worked as well as the traditional method of injections.

The findings could offer hope to diabetes sufferers who have to go through the discomfort and inconvenience of two or three daily jabs to maintain their blood glucose levels.

The number of diabetes sufferers in Africa remains uncertain, although and IDF estimate from 2000 put the figure at 7.5 million diabetic adults between 20 and 79 years of age. It is thought that this figure is now much larger.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) and the IDF (International Diabetes Federation) estimate that the diabetes population will double over the next twenty five years.

Half a million diabetics have to give themselves daily injections of insulin to maintain their glucose levels every day.

Diabetes sufferers cannot convert the glucose in their blood into energy because the hormone insulin is either not produced or does not work properly.

Sufferers say the gruelling regime affects their everyday life, social relations and even their own self-image.

Insulin inhalers have been tried from as early as 1925, but the devices have not been effective enough in getting the insulin into the body’s system.

Now a US company has developed an inhaler which uses a new dry-powder form of insulin.

Researchers from the University of Miami studied 73 patients with insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetes, the most severe form of the illness.

Half were given the new inhaler to use before meals – when injections are normally administered – while the others stuck with their normal round of daily jabs.

The findings, published in the medical journal The Lancet, found that the inhaler worked as well as the needle in maintaining blood glucose levels and preventing sufferers from falling into potentially-fatal diabetic comas.

This is great news for diabetics, but people should remember there are still further trials to be done. It will still be several years before an inhaler of this kind could become available.

Inhaler could replace diabetic injections

Diabetes sufferers may soon be able to inhale life-saving drugs rather than having to give themselves several daily injections, according to published research.

An American study of a new inhaler device for insulin found that it worked as well as the traditional method of injections.

The findings could offer hope to diabetes sufferers who have to go through the discomfort and inconvenience of two or three daily jabs to maintain their blood glucose levels.

The number of diabetes sufferers in Africa remains uncertain, although and IDF estimate from 2000 put the figure at 7.5 million diabetic adults between 20 and 79 years of age. It is thought that this figure is now much larger.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) and the IDF (International Diabetes Federation) estimate that the diabetes population will double over the next twenty five years.

Half a million diabetics have to give themselves daily injections of insulin to maintain their glucose levels every day.

Diabetes sufferers cannot convert the glucose in their blood into energy because the hormone insulin is either not produced or does not work properly.

Sufferers say the gruelling regime affects their everyday life, social relations and even their own self-image.

Insulin inhalers have been tried from as early as 1925, but the devices have not been effective enough in getting the insulin into the body’s system.

Now a US company has developed an inhaler which uses a new dry-powder form of insulin.

Researchers from the University of Miami studied 73 patients with insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetes, the most severe form of the illness.

Half were given the new inhaler to use before meals – when injections are normally administered – while the others stuck with their normal round of daily jabs.

The findings, published in the medical journal The Lancet, found that the inhaler worked as well as the needle in maintaining blood glucose levels and preventing sufferers from falling into potentially-fatal diabetic comas.

This is great news for diabetics, but people should remember there are still further trials to be done. It will still be several years before an inhaler of this kind could become available.

10 Steps To Feeling More Beautiful

How to be more beautiful…it’s something we all wonder about at some point or other. But most of us eventually learn that expensive clothes and designer shoes are not the key to inner beauty.
The fact is, they’re not even essential for looking beautiful.
You’ve heard it all of your life, right? Well now is the time to put it into practice. The more beautiful you feel inside the more you exude beauty on the outside. Ready?
Here are a few simple steps to finding a more beautiful you.
Step 1. Turn off the ringer on your phone. Turn off the TV or radio.
Step 2. Start by selecting a relaxing room or area of your home. If possible, add a vase or basket of fresh cut flowers to help set the mood. Choose a comfortable seat on a chair, sofa or chaise lounge.
Step 3. Just sit for a moment or two and take in the serenity of the silence. Now, lie back and relax into a comfortable position and close your eyes. Inhale deeply. Exhale slowly. Repeat.
Step 4. Empty your mind of all negative thoughts about yourself. An easy method to do this is, for each negative thought that occurs to you, imagine it being captured inside of a pretty pink bubble before gracefully floating away. Inhale deeply. Exhale slowly. Repeat.
Step 5. As you continue to allow your negative thoughts to float away, accentuate your positive thoughts. Imagine a tiny bud slowly beginning to blossom into a beautiful flower inside of you. A powerful red, a sensuous blue, or maybe a mixture of exciting neon colors…the specific details are all up to you.
Step 6. Imagine your flower beginning to exude the most beguiling scent! Relax as the scent slowly begins to fill your entire body from head to toe.
Step 7. Now inhale the fragrance of your inner flower. Exhale and visualize yourself perfuming the world with your winsome scent.
Step 8. Next, visualize yourself sitting quietly inside of your freshly blossomed flower. Imagine your inner diva bathed in the beautiful color and scent of your flower. Take notice and admire the positive and beautiful qualities of your tiny inner-twin.
Step 9. Create your own mantra or, use this one. “I am radiantly beautiful, vibrantly healthy and filled with divine light.” Repeat as you inhale and exhale several times.
Step 10. Relax for a few moments in the contentment and happiness you’ve just created within yourself. Open your eyes and continue lie or sit still for a few moments.
Throughout the day, repeat your mantra and recall the scent and color of your personal flower. Carry the feeling with you throughout the day. As you go about your day, you’ll be amazed at how many people will comment or compliment you on how beautiful you are.
Repeat this process several times a week.

10 Steps To Feeling More Beautiful

How to be more beautiful…it’s something we all wonder about at some point or other. But most of us eventually learn that expensive clothes and designer shoes are not the key to inner beauty.
The fact is, they’re not even essential for looking beautiful.
You’ve heard it all of your life, right? Well now is the time to put it into practice. The more beautiful you feel inside the more you exude beauty on the outside. Ready?
Here are a few simple steps to finding a more beautiful you.
Step 1. Turn off the ringer on your phone. Turn off the TV or radio.
Step 2. Start by selecting a relaxing room or area of your home. If possible, add a vase or basket of fresh cut flowers to help set the mood. Choose a comfortable seat on a chair, sofa or chaise lounge.
Step 3. Just sit for a moment or two and take in the serenity of the silence. Now, lie back and relax into a comfortable position and close your eyes. Inhale deeply. Exhale slowly. Repeat.
Step 4. Empty your mind of all negative thoughts about yourself. An easy method to do this is, for each negative thought that occurs to you, imagine it being captured inside of a pretty pink bubble before gracefully floating away. Inhale deeply. Exhale slowly. Repeat.
Step 5. As you continue to allow your negative thoughts to float away, accentuate your positive thoughts. Imagine a tiny bud slowly beginning to blossom into a beautiful flower inside of you. A powerful red, a sensuous blue, or maybe a mixture of exciting neon colors…the specific details are all up to you.
Step 6. Imagine your flower beginning to exude the most beguiling scent! Relax as the scent slowly begins to fill your entire body from head to toe.
Step 7. Now inhale the fragrance of your inner flower. Exhale and visualize yourself perfuming the world with your winsome scent.
Step 8. Next, visualize yourself sitting quietly inside of your freshly blossomed flower. Imagine your inner diva bathed in the beautiful color and scent of your flower. Take notice and admire the positive and beautiful qualities of your tiny inner-twin.
Step 9. Create your own mantra or, use this one. “I am radiantly beautiful, vibrantly healthy and filled with divine light.” Repeat as you inhale and exhale several times.
Step 10. Relax for a few moments in the contentment and happiness you’ve just created within yourself. Open your eyes and continue lie or sit still for a few moments.
Throughout the day, repeat your mantra and recall the scent and color of your personal flower. Carry the feeling with you throughout the day. As you go about your day, you’ll be amazed at how many people will comment or compliment you on how beautiful you are.
Repeat this process several times a week.

Drake raps about missing Rihanna in new single

Drake is obviously obsessed with Rihanna. Not only did he whine publicly -many times- when she dumped him many years ago after sleeping with him, he's talked about her a few times in his songs.

The on again/off again couple, who are currently back on, spent sometime together earlier this year in Europe when Drake was on tour, but immediately they returned to LA, things were much different.

Their time together obviously meant something to Drake because he rapped about it in his leaked new song 'Views From The 6', the title track for his next album. 

Drake talked about their time in Europe, how they stopped talking when they returned to LA, and even mentioned Rihanna's BFF Melissa Forde's name in the track. When Drake mentions Melissa in the track, a snippet of Rih talking is played! A man who is truly in love. Find the lyrics after the cut..

"Must remember waking up in Paris with the blunt/you must remember fucking me like anytime you want. What made us wanna act like we were married for two weeks. Now we're back in California we don't even speak. That's a no-no. Everyone say we look good on paper. You deserve that action. Plus you get more paper than I do. That shit is attractive. Things that make me miss you."

With Jen & Melissa. (Rihann's voice plays here) Tell the squad I said what’s up girl. Look at me, Look at me.

Drake raps about missing Rihanna in new single

Drake is obviously obsessed with Rihanna. Not only did he whine publicly -many times- when she dumped him many years ago after sleeping with him, he's talked about her a few times in his songs.

The on again/off again couple, who are currently back on, spent sometime together earlier this year in Europe when Drake was on tour, but immediately they returned to LA, things were much different.

Their time together obviously meant something to Drake because he rapped about it in his leaked new song 'Views From The 6', the title track for his next album. 

Drake talked about their time in Europe, how they stopped talking when they returned to LA, and even mentioned Rihanna's BFF Melissa Forde's name in the track. When Drake mentions Melissa in the track, a snippet of Rih talking is played! A man who is truly in love. Find the lyrics after the cut..

"Must remember waking up in Paris with the blunt/you must remember fucking me like anytime you want. What made us wanna act like we were married for two weeks. Now we're back in California we don't even speak. That's a no-no. Everyone say we look good on paper. You deserve that action. Plus you get more paper than I do. That shit is attractive. Things that make me miss you."

With Jen & Melissa. (Rihann's voice plays here) Tell the squad I said what’s up girl. Look at me, Look at me.

The Idibia family release statement on the passing of Michael Idibia

2face Idibia lost his dad yesterday Aug. 23rd to cancer. The family has released the statement below

With sadness in our hearts, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing on of our father, brother, uncle and in-law, Michael Agbo Idibia, a native of Okpokwu Idumoga in Benue State. Born on July 25, 1946, Mr. Idibia is an alumnus of Kansas State University, USA, and retired from the Ministry of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.‎ Survived by wife, Mrs. Rose Owoyi Idibia, children: Steven Idibia, Innocent '2face' Idibia‎, Hyacinth Idibia and Oche Idibia, grand-children, and siblings. ‎ Burial arrangements will be announced by the family. We plead with the media and the general public to respect the privacy of the family in this difficult time. Thank you.

The Idibia family release statement on the passing of Michael Idibia

2face Idibia lost his dad yesterday Aug. 23rd to cancer. The family has released the statement below

With sadness in our hearts, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing on of our father, brother, uncle and in-law, Michael Agbo Idibia, a native of Okpokwu Idumoga in Benue State. Born on July 25, 1946, Mr. Idibia is an alumnus of Kansas State University, USA, and retired from the Ministry of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.‎ Survived by wife, Mrs. Rose Owoyi Idibia, children: Steven Idibia, Innocent '2face' Idibia‎, Hyacinth Idibia and Oche Idibia, grand-children, and siblings. ‎ Burial arrangements will be announced by the family. We plead with the media and the general public to respect the privacy of the family in this difficult time. Thank you.

Chris Brown 'shot at', Suge Knight 'injured' during LA nightclub party

According to a breaking news report on Daily Mail and TMZ, singer Chris Brown was 'shot at' in the early hours of this morning at a pre-VMAs party at 10AK night club in LA. Chris, who was hosting the party, was not injured but music label boss Suge Knight was shot twice. Two others were injured, one of them said to be in critical condition.

According to Daily Mail, witnesses at the scene claimed that Chris Brown was the target of the shooting, but TMZ said they weren't so sure who the target was.

Model Tyson Beckford, and Black Eyed Peas member Apple de Ap, who were inside the party said they heard four gun shots.

After the shooting, Death Row Records founder Suge Knight, was taken to Cedars Sinai hospital where he's being treated. Continue...

From Daily Mail

The suspected gunmen were apprehended by police, as officers searched the nightspot for clues and quizzed revellers over the events of the night. 

Roads around the nightclub were immediately sealed off by police, as the nightclub was evacuated, with several partygoers detained for questioning.

Guests at the event had also included singer Justin Bieber and rapper The Game.

Katie Clendon, thought to have been inside the club, said via her Twitter account that she thought Brown had been the intended target.

'Literally can't believe what I just witnessed. Someone tried to fire shots at Chris Brown at 1oak. Speechless. Prayers to all those harmed by this. Honestly still in disbelief this happened.' she wrote

From TMZ

Shots rang out at 1OAK nightclub in West Hollywood at around 1:30 AM Sunday ... and Suge Knight was shot twice and taken to the hospital by ambulance where he's currently in surgery ... eyewitnesses and Suge's family tell TMZ.

Tyson Beckford, Robert Richard and Apple de Ap all tell TMZ ... there were inside the pre-VMA party hosted by Chris Brown when they heard 4 shots ring out inside the club.

Suge walked out on his own power ... a cop spotted him and walked the rap mogul to the police car where Suge sat.  Suge was then put in an ambulance and taken to a local hospital.

We do not know the nature of Suge's injuries.  Multiple sources now tell us Suge was one of 3 people were were shot.  At least 1 is in critical condition.

The night started with tension.  An hour-and-a-half before the shots, Game came to the club and he and his buddies got into an altercation with security guards ... there was a full-on fight.  Game tried to get in was denied and left, but his buddies stayed behind.  We do not know if they were involved in the altercation.

Chris Brown 'shot at', Suge Knight 'injured' during LA nightclub party

According to a breaking news report on Daily Mail and TMZ, singer Chris Brown was 'shot at' in the early hours of this morning at a pre-VMAs party at 10AK night club in LA. Chris, who was hosting the party, was not injured but music label boss Suge Knight was shot twice. Two others were injured, one of them said to be in critical condition.

According to Daily Mail, witnesses at the scene claimed that Chris Brown was the target of the shooting, but TMZ said they weren't so sure who the target was.

Model Tyson Beckford, and Black Eyed Peas member Apple de Ap, who were inside the party said they heard four gun shots.

After the shooting, Death Row Records founder Suge Knight, was taken to Cedars Sinai hospital where he's being treated. Continue...

From Daily Mail

The suspected gunmen were apprehended by police, as officers searched the nightspot for clues and quizzed revellers over the events of the night. 

Roads around the nightclub were immediately sealed off by police, as the nightclub was evacuated, with several partygoers detained for questioning.

Guests at the event had also included singer Justin Bieber and rapper The Game.

Katie Clendon, thought to have been inside the club, said via her Twitter account that she thought Brown had been the intended target.

'Literally can't believe what I just witnessed. Someone tried to fire shots at Chris Brown at 1oak. Speechless. Prayers to all those harmed by this. Honestly still in disbelief this happened.' she wrote

From TMZ

Shots rang out at 1OAK nightclub in West Hollywood at around 1:30 AM Sunday ... and Suge Knight was shot twice and taken to the hospital by ambulance where he's currently in surgery ... eyewitnesses and Suge's family tell TMZ.

Tyson Beckford, Robert Richard and Apple de Ap all tell TMZ ... there were inside the pre-VMA party hosted by Chris Brown when they heard 4 shots ring out inside the club.

Suge walked out on his own power ... a cop spotted him and walked the rap mogul to the police car where Suge sat.  Suge was then put in an ambulance and taken to a local hospital.

We do not know the nature of Suge's injuries.  Multiple sources now tell us Suge was one of 3 people were were shot.  At least 1 is in critical condition.

The night started with tension.  An hour-and-a-half before the shots, Game came to the club and he and his buddies got into an altercation with security guards ... there was a full-on fight.  Game tried to get in was denied and left, but his buddies stayed behind.  We do not know if they were involved in the altercation.

How to spot a fake Abuja big girl

Found this interesting article on Premium Times, written by Chinenye Ugonna. Read below and tell us if you agree...

If you have lived in Abuja for more than a year, you should understand the term “fake Abuja big girl” or FABB.

These are the girls who are usually very attractive, own all the Apple products in this world, live in N1million flats in Maitama, but if you check their background, their parents are struggling in their various villages.

Enough said, let me educate you. Continue...

1. Bleached skin and tattoos:
These days, most girls think they have to be “white-skinned” to be beautiful. They go as far as taking injections to perfect their skin. They then get tattoos to complete the look. These girls have to sell their market. When you check their background, their families are as dark-skinned as they come but these girls look more like Black or White era Michael Jackson.

2. Fake accent:
This is another common trait. FABBs roll their tongues like their lives depend on it. Every vowel, irrespective of the word, is followed by an ‘R’: Jos become Jors; Taxi, Tarxi; Abuja, Abujarrr.

3. Long ‘human’ hair:
If they do not have the Brazilian hair that reaches their butt, they haven’t arrived. Picture the combo: bleached skin, fake accent and long Brazilian hair. Most of these girls don’t even have up to N10, 000 in their bank accounts but they have to impress. All na packaging!

4. Own the latest android phones:
This draws me back to a Nigerian movie I watched weeks ago. Funke Akindele’s character sold her bed just so she could buy an Android phone. She preferred to sleep on a bare mattress on the floor than use her regular Nokia phone just so she could impress the guys and catch “proper fish.” This is exactly what FABBS do. They would own the iPhone 5s, S4, iPad. Before the iPhone6 is out, they already have it yet they don’t have regular jobs. So where do they get all that money from? 

5. Don’t invite you to their houses:
FABBs never want you to know where they live; it would ruin the illusion of their prosperous lives. Picture this, as a guy, you meet this pretty light skinned lady, who owns all the nicest phone and tablets, maybe drives a car if the hustle is tight; long Brazilian hair and a little cash in their bank account. As a guy, you believe you are toasting or dating a girl who has money. So, why would she invite you to her “face me I face you” to spoil her packaging?

Everybody’s hustle is different but that of the Fake Abuja Big Girl is the realest; take note