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We have Started Making Contacts With COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturers – Gov. Sanwo Olu

Lagos with a population of more than 20 million has recorded around 45 ,000 Covid cases which is more than 37 percent of the more 121,000 Covid cases recorded in the country since February 2020.

The States Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu, says his government has begun making contacts with Covid-19 vaccine makers including Pfizer, Oxford–AstraZeneca , Moderna, among others. He said the Government  intendeds to immunize up to 50 percent of the inhabitants in Lagos to create ‘ group invulnerability’ to the infection.

The lead representative talked on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program. Sanwo-Olu said the private sector has communicated interest to help the subsidizing of the acquisition of the immunizations asides from the ones arranged by the Federal Government.

Also Read: Beware of Unapproved COVID-19 Vaccines In Nigeria – NAFDAC

He said:

“We really need the Federal Government to start to lead the pack and legitimate so. As a sovereign, they have the entirety of the contacts and conventions to get that going. Furthermore, we are giving them that space.

” But other than that, we have additionally brought our predeterminations into our hands, we have begun discussions with a portion of the immunization makers. I have made contacts with Pfizer , Oxford – AstraZeneca , Johnson and Johnson , Moderna.

 

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  1. Pingback: Nigeria's Health Minister Says The Nation Will Soon Receive COVID-19 Vaccines from COVAX - Spotlightafricamedia

  2. Anthony Winder

    June 24, 2021 at 9:21 pm

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Health

Tips for Staying Fit, Heathy and Active in Your Later Years

Aging is a natural part of life, but maintaining health and vitality well into the later years is not only possible, it’s something to actively work toward. Staying fit and active as you age can improve your quality of life, boost your independence, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Here’s a guide on how to stay vibrant and energetic as you get older.

1. Stay Physically Active

Engaging in regular exercise is one of the best ways to age healthily. Physical activity helps maintain muscle strength, bone density, balance, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Here are some recommended types of exercise:

Aerobic Exercise: Walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing can improve cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.

Strength Training: Lifting weights, using resistance bands, or body-weight exercises (like push-ups and squats) help preserve muscle mass and strength.

Flexibility and Balance Exercises: Yoga, tai chi, and stretching exercises enhance balance and flexibility, reducing fall risk and promoting mobility.

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

Good nutrition plays a critical role in aging healthily. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help combat age-related health issues.

Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid highly processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive salt.

Calcium and Vitamin D: Strong bones are essential as you age. Ensure you get enough calcium (from dairy products, leafy greens, or fortified foods) and vitamin D (from sunlight exposure, fish, or supplements).

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can become more common as you age, so make it a habit to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

3. Keep Your Mind Active

A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can keep your brain sharp and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Challenge Your Brain: Play puzzles, crosswords, chess, or Sudoku. Learning a new skill or taking up a hobby can also stimulate the mind.

Social Interaction: Socializing helps maintain cognitive function. Join clubs, volunteer, or stay connected with friends and family.

Reading and Lifelong Learning: Reading books, taking online courses, or attending workshops keeps your mind engaged and resilient.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for physical and mental well-being. As you age, sleep patterns can change, but maintaining good sleep hygiene is key.

Establish a Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Limit screen time before bed to promote better sleep quality.

Address Sleep Issues: If you experience problems such as insomnia or sleep apnea, consult a healthcare provider.

5. Regular Health Check-ups

Preventive care is essential for catching health issues early and maintaining your well-being.

Annual Physical Exams: Visit your doctor for regular check-ups and screenings for conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers.

Hearing and Vision Tests: Addressing hearing or vision issues promptly can improve your quality of life and safety.

Vaccinations: Ensure you stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations, such as flu shots and pneumonia vaccines.

6. Stay Connected and Purposeful

Maintaining strong social ties and a sense of purpose can boost emotional well-being and longevity.

Volunteer Work: Giving back to your community can provide a sense of fulfillment and foster social connections.

Pursue Hobbies: Whether gardening, crafting, cooking, or any other interest, hobbies keep you engaged and fulfilled.

Family Time: Strengthening bonds with family and loved ones contributes to a more satisfying life.

7. Avoid Risky Behaviours

Healthy aging also involves steering clear of habits that can undermine your health.

Don’t Smoke: Quitting smoking at any age can significantly improve your health and increase life expectancy.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Practice Safety: Use seat belts, wear helmets when cycling, and take steps to prevent falls at home.

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Health

The Art of Solitude: Finding Joy and Creativity in Being Alone

In modern society, being alone often carries a negative stigma. Humans generally place a high premium on social interactions, connectivity, and the pursuit of constant engagement. Yet solitude—the intentional act of spending time alone—has been cherished by thinkers, artists, and spiritual leaders throughout history as a vital pathway to self-discovery, creativity, and mental well-being.

This art of solitude isn’t about isolation or loneliness; it’s about creating space for introspection, growth, and inspiration. In this post, we’ll explore why solitude is essential, how it benefits mental health, creativity, and self-awareness, and ways to embrace alone time in a fulfilling, enriching way.

Why Solitude Matters

Solitude allows you to connect with yourself, unhindered by outside opinions, social expectations, or distractions. Unlike loneliness, which often arises from a lack of connection, solitude is a deliberate choice to be alone. This choice allows us to explore our inner worlds, understand our values, and cultivate resilience.

Consider the experiences of iconic creators and thinkers like Virginia Woolf, Albert Einstein, and Nikola Tesla, who often spoke of solitude as a fundamental part of their work. Woolf referred to her “room of one’s own” as essential for creative women; Einstein credited solitude for helping him ponder deeply on his scientific questions; and Tesla’s quiet time often sparked his innovative ideas. Today, modern psychology recognizes solitude as a powerful tool for personal development and mental health.

Benefits of Embracing Solitude

  1. Enhanced Creativity

Solitude is a blank canvas for the mind to wander, unfettered by external stimuli. When we’re alone, our brains are free to explore thoughts, form connections, and imagine without interruption. Creativity often thrives in these quiet moments because solitude allows us to move beyond surface-level thinking into deeper realms of insight. Studies have shown that solitude improves creative problem-solving, as it fosters a sense of independence and curiosity.

  1. Self-Reflection and Growth

Alone time offers a rare chance to reflect on life experiences, achievements, and challenges without judgment or distraction. This self-reflection cultivates a deeper understanding of who we are, what we value, and where we want to go. Regular periods of introspection can also help us recognize negative patterns or toxic habits that may go unnoticed in the hustle of everyday life.

  1. Mental Health Benefits

Solitude can be incredibly healing for the mind. Time alone offers relief from social stressors, over-stimulation, and information overload. It allows us to process emotions without external pressures and helps build coping skills that can reduce anxiety and improve emotional stability. Spending time alone is also a form of self-care, allowing us to recharge and gain perspective. 

  1. Improved Focus and Productivity

In solitude, distractions are minimized, making it easier to focus on meaningful work or projects that require deep concentration. This uninterrupted time allows for a “flow state,” where we’re fully immersed in what we’re doing. Whether it’s writing, painting, coding, or solving a complex problem, solitude provides the focus setting and sustained productivity.

How to Embrace Solitude

For those unaccustomed to spending time alone, embracing solitude may feel uncomfortable initially. But it’s a practice that grows easier—and more rewarding—with time. Here are a few ways to cultivate the art of solitude in your life:

1. Set Aside Dedicated “Alone Time”

Start by setting aside a specific time each day or week for yourself. This could be as simple as 10 minutes in the morning to sit quietly with a cup of coffee, or a couple of hours on a Sunday to read, write, or walk alone. Gradually increase this time as you grow more comfortable with it.

2. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for turning solitude into an enriching experience. Both practices train you to stay present, focus on your thoughts, and observe your inner self without judgment. A few minutes of meditation each day can make solitude feel more intentional and purposeful.

3. Engage in Creative Activities

Use solitude to engage in creative pursuits that bring you joy and satisfaction. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing an instrument, or even cooking, let your alone time be a space for experimentation and self-expression. 

4. Limit Digital Distractions

For solitude to be truly effective, it’s essential to minimize digital distractions. Turn off notifications, avoid social media, and keep your devices on silent during your alone time. This undisturbed quiet enhances focus, promotes relaxation, and fosters genuine engagement with your thoughts.

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Health

Psychodermatology: Understanding the Connection Between The Mind and the Skin

Psychodermatology

Until very recently, beauty and skin therapy routines rarely considered there might be a hidden connection between the state of the mind and skin health.  Psychodermatology is an emerging field that explores the intricate relationship between mental health and skin conditions. It considers how psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being can have a profound impact on skin health, influencing the onset or exacerbation of conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and even hives. 

The skin, being the body’s largest organ, is closely linked to the nervous system, creating a two-way communication pathway between the mind and the skin.

How Stress Affects the Skin

Stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to various skin issues by:

  • Increasing oil production: This can clog pores, leading to acne outbreaks.
  • Weakening the skin barrier: Chronic stress can impair the skin’s ability to retain moisture, resulting in dryness, irritation, and conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
  • Inflammation: Stress-induced inflammation can flare up conditions like psoriasis or rosacea.

Common Skin Conditions Linked to Psychological Stress

Eczema: With the study of Psychodermatology, it is clear that emotional stress can trigger eczema flare-ups, with anxiety and tension worsening itching and inflammation. This creates a vicious cycle, as the discomfort from eczema increases stress levels.

Acne: Stress can cause hormonal imbalances that increase sebum (oil) production, clogging pores and leading to more frequent acne breakouts.

Psoriasis: Stress is a major factor in triggering psoriasis flare-ups, causing skin cells to multiply at an accelerated rate, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin.

Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune condition, where the immune system attacks hair follicles leading to hair loss, is often exacerbated by stress and emotional trauma.

Also Read: Understanding the Impact of Stress on Physical Health

The Psychological Impact of Skin Disorders

Living with chronic skin conditions can have a significant emotional toll. Many people experience low self-esteem, social anxiety, and depression as a result of visible skin issues. This further perpetuates a cycle where psychological distress worsens skin problems, and the skin condition, in turn, deepens emotional struggles.

Treatment Approaches in Psychodermatology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps patients manage stress and anxiety, which can alleviate skin symptoms. For example, teaching coping strategies for managing the itch-scratch cycle in eczema can prevent flare-ups.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) help reduce cortisol levels, promoting a calmer mind and healthier skin. Meditation can also lower inflammation and reduce the severity of skin flare-ups.

Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, yoga, and other relaxation methods have been shown to improve the condition of the skin by lowering stress hormones.

Medications: Sometimes, dermatologists work alongside psychiatrists to prescribe anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or mood stabilizers for patients whose skin conditions are closely linked to psychological distress.

The Role of a Psychodermatologist

A psychodermatologist is a medical professional trained in both dermatology and psychology, understanding the complex interplay between skin conditions and emotional well-being. They take a holistic approach to treatment, addressing both the physical symptoms of skin disorders and the underlying psychological triggers.

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