HEALTH: Why You Have Headaches On Your Period; Dear Ladies…

By Orobiyi Elizabeth

How many of you experience headache while on your period? If so, do you want to know why and how to curb it? Then follow me as I take you through the journey of something new.

Headaches during menstruation can be referred to as menstrual migraines or menstrual headaches. You know the regular headache one feels on a normal day, yes? So this coupled with your period is what brings about the name menstrual headaches.

Menstrual headaches are primarily responsible by several factors such as;

1. HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
Before menstruation, estrogen level drops drastically which triggers headache in individuals. You know what estrogen is, right? Oh well, let me help with that. Estrogen are natural steroids (such as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system. Estrogen plays a role in the regulation of brain chemicals that influence pain sensation.
Not only does the estrogen level decrease but also the progesterone. Just like the estrogen, the progesterone level drop before menstruation. This hormonal change can contribute to menstrual migraine. Progesterone helps to prepare the endometrium for implantation and later by the placenta during pregnancy to prevent rejection of the developing embryo or fetus. However, when the progesterone level drops before menstruation, it results to headaches in susceptible individuals.

2. DEHYDRATION
When the body releases blood during menstruation, it results to dehydration which is a common trigger for headaches. It’s as simple as that! The more liquid is been taken out of your body, the more dehydrated you’ll be thus resulting to headaches.

3. ANEMIA
Heavy menstrual flow can cause a drop in iron levels which potentially results to anemia. Anemia results to fatigue and headache. Anemia is a medical condition where the body has a lower than normal number of red blood cells or the red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to different parts of the body. As a result, the body’s tissues and organs do not receive the
The headaches associated with anemia are often described as:
• Dull and diffuse
• Mild to moderate in severity
• Worsening with physical activity or exertion

4. STRESS AND FATIGUE
Menstruation can be a physically and emotionally taxing process, leading to increased stress and fatigue, which can trigger headaches.

How To Curb Menstrual Headaches;
1. Hydration: Drink lots of water on your period. I mean, lots of water. Hydration can help prevent dehydration -related headaches.
2. Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in iron and magnesium can help alleviate headache. Iron related foods and fruits which can be accessible within UI and it’s environs are; Fruits( Oranges, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Watermelon, Date) Foods ( Beef, kidney beans, while wheat bread, bell peppers, tomatoes).
3. Medication: For a severe menstrual migraines, consult a healthcare provider for appropriate options.

And so, dear ladies, when next you get that pounding on your head or that dull ache, ensure that you have dotted your ‘I’s and crossed your ‘T’s. If symptoms persists severely, do well to reach out to a medical personnel.
Cheers to headache-free periods.

HEALTH: THE DREADFUL OUTBREAK!

By Adedeji Eniola.

On June 9, 2024, the Lagos State Government declared the outbreak of a disease. As reported by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on June 12, 2024, 324 suspected cases have been reported in the state, including 15 people who died and 40 who were discharged.

WHAT IS THIS DISEASE?
Cholera is an infectious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated water or food, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration. It is mainly caused by consuming water or food contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. The bacterium is typically found in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water. Outbreaks commonly occur in regions affected by natural disasters, overcrowded areas, or inadequate sanitation facilities. Cholera can quickly spread through communities if proper hygiene practices are not followed.
With another school session in progress and with students resuming back to their various hostels and place of abode, one must must take note of the following to prevent the spread of Cholera. But, to start with, what are the symptoms of cholera?

The SYMPTOMS of cholera can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:
• Diarrhea: The hallmark symptom of cholera is profuse watery diarrhea, also known as “rice-water” stools. The diarrhea is painless, odorless, and contains high levels of electrolytes.
• Vomiting: Individuals may experience persistent vomiting, which can lead to rapid fluid loss and dehydration.
• Dehydration: Cholera-induced diarrhea and vomiting can result in severe dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, excessive thirst, low urine output, and reduced skin elasticity.
• Muscle cramps: Intense muscle cramps, particularly in the legs and abdomen, may occur due to electrolyte imbalances caused by fluid loss.
• Rapid heart rate: Dehydration can lead to an increased heart rate, causing palpitations and a weak pulse.

PREVENTION
Prevention plays a vital role in controlling cholera outbreaks. Here are some preventive measures that can be taken:
• Access to clean water: Ensuring access to safe drinking water through improved water sources, filtration, and disinfection methods.
• Sanitation practices: Promoting proper sanitation facilities, including the use of latrines, hygienic waste disposal, and handwashing with soap.
• Awareness: Creating awareness platforms here in school about the importance of hygiene, safe food handling practices, and early recognition of cholera symptoms.
• Vaccination: In areas with a high risk of cholera, vaccination campaigns can be conducted to provide population-wide immunity and reduce the incidence of the disease. This can be done in partnership with the school’s medical hospital “Jaja”.

TREATMENT OF CHOLERA
Prompt treatment is essential to manage cholera effectively and minimize complications. The main treatment measures for cholera include the following:
• Rehydration: The primary goal of treatment is to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) or intravenous fluids are administered to restore hydration levels in mild to moderate cases.
• Hospitalization: Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid replacement.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotic therapy can help reduce the duration and severity of cholera symptoms. Commonly used antibiotics include doxycycline, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin.
• Prevention of further spread: Isolation of infected individuals, strict adherence to proper hygiene practices, and provision of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are crucial to preventing the spread of cholera within communities.

In conclusion, prevention they say is better than cure, and that is why severe adherence to preventive measures such as access to clean water, improved sanitation, and health education can significantly reduce the burden of cholera amongst us students here in school. And so, as you are settling in, and adjusting to resume school activities, remember to keep your health in mind. Stay safe!

HEALTH – Basic Things to Know About HIV

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) destroys and impairs the function of the immune cells and gradually makes the infected individual become immunodeficient. When the virus is not properly treated it affects and kills CD4 cells and at the end leads to AIDS. Many people get scared when they are asked to conduct an HIV test maybe because of the fear of not being positive. Here are some facts about HIV ;

• Anybody can have HIV, it is not limited to any race nor is it limited to only adult. A baby can get HIV.

• More than 84 million people in the world have contracted HIV, over 40 million have died of AIDS. Over 30 percent of people living with HIV are from the Sub-Saharan Africa.

• You can have HIV and not know. Some people experience some symptoms such as fatigue, headache, sore throat, body pain while some people won’t experience any symptoms at all. This is the more reason you should carry out the HIV test as often as possible.

• You can’t get HIV from a closed mouth kiss or contact with an infected person’s body fluid nor can you get it from insect bites, hugging, sharing of toilet, sharing of cutleries.

• HIV can be contracted through sharing of contaminated sharp objects, unprotected sex with an infected person, transfusion of infected blood, etc.

HIV treatment can prevent the virus from replicating and by that reduces the viral load in the body. This gives the immune system a chance to recover so that it is strong enough to fight against infections and certain HIV related diseases.

• HIV does not have a cure for now but it can only be maintained through proper dissemination of treatment.

• Every HIV patient is equal to every other person on earth and not meant to be secluded from the society.

Tips on keeping your skin healthy and popping

Maintaining good skin health is necessary all year round but as the seasons changes so also is it necessary that we cater for the skin too in the various seasons. Keeping your skin hydrated during the changing season can be a challenge but with some simple steps you can help you skin looking it’s best.

Drinking Water, A Necessity

It is note worthy to know that our body is made up 70% of water. And in most of our daily activities we loose water from our body through so many channels like sweating, urinating etc. The importance of water to the human body can not be over emphasized. It was created first in order
to sustain human that would inhabit the earth. Drinking enough water does so many good thing to the body but to mention a few are;

BE INVOLVED: WORLD DIABETES MONTH -NOVEMBER 2022

Doctor use glucosmeter checking blood sugar level from patient hand 876767526 test, meter, medical, diabetic, closeup, measurement, glucometer, white, person, human, instrument, healthcare, sample, clinic, health

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas can no longer produce insulin, or when the body does not make use of the insulin it produces. Diabetes affects how your body uses food (glucose) to make energy. Diabetes, if not taken care of can result to serious health problems
such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputations, and even death.
This disease affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, one out of every ten adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes. That means that 1 in 10 adults will develop type 2 diabetes during their lifetime. Diabetes can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle changes such as eating right, being physically active, maintaining a normal weight, quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure.

5 foods that are bad for your skin

You probably should have come across the famous saying that says “Invest in your skin. It’s going to represent you for a very long time”

The skin is our largest organ and covers almost two-thirds of our body surface area. It protects us from the elements and helps regulate our internal temperature. In addition, it also plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health.

Are you aware of the harmful effects of some food items on your skin? If yes, then you should definitely read this article. There are certain foods that can cause damage to your skin. Some of these include coffee, alcohol, sugar, dairy, and red meat. Read on to find out why they are bad for your skin.

STAYING HEALTHY DURING EXAMS.

Being healthy looks different for different people. When you’re healthy you are well physically, mentally, and socially. With exams coming up it is necessary for us as students to sleep and eat well so we can give our best during the upcoming exams.

Exercise and the Brain: How Fitness Impacts Learning.

Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in both children and adults. The effects of exercise on learning and memory have been studied extensively in young people, and there is evidence to suggest that these benefits extend into adulthood.

PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Funke is a woman in her late 20s and of childbearing age, she is obese and experiences irregular menstruation although she wouldn’t know that since she’s not one to track her period. There are a lot of Funke’s amongst us which seems pretty normal, but there is something else, Funke is a potential polycystic ovarian syndrome patient, an incurable syndrome that can only be managed by adopting good lifestyle behaviors. This is why it is important to take note of any changes in your body as a woman.

BE INVOLVED: WORLD SICKLE CELL MONTH -September.

Imagine a screw being used on your bone or a hammer being banged on your bone as though it wants to crush you. Or maybe a needle is used to constantly prick your joints or sometimes you feel as though something or someone is tightening your chest?

Tips to stay healthy throughout the new semester.

Getting back to academic activities can be very demanding and hectic. Especially, after a stressful two weeks of fieldwork. There are new routines as an anthropology or archaeology student to adapt to which include: The writing of field reports, and lectures to attend.

You’re not Less smart, maybe you just have ADHD.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re reading, writing, listening to someone/something and you find your mind wandering off thinking about other things and then you’re back, a few minutes later you’re gone again thinking about some TV show or something someone said to you and you’re back to your task again?

5 Ways You Can Improve Your Mental Health.

Just as physical fitness help us stay strong, mental fitness also helps achieve a state of good mental health. Evidence suggests there are ways you can improve your mental health and well-being. Trying these things can help boost your mood and feel more positive.

MAKE IT A HABIT TO STAY HYDRATED THIS SEASON

It’s that time of the year when the atmosphere is all dry and hot, and adequate intake of water in highly necessary. The weather is mostly on 30°Celsius on a spike, increases to 33/34°Celsius. During seasons like this, the body tends to lose more liquid than normal due to the dry atmosphere.

COVID-19 GUIDELINES STILL RELEVANT EVEN AFTER RESUMPTION.

As school resumes, it is essential that precautions are adhered to to prevent the spread of the corona virus. As student, knowing these guidelines will not only protect you but, also other students. Understanding COVID-19, how it spreads and how we can protect ourselves and others is an important step in fighting the deadly virus.
Do well to use information about COVID-19 from reliable sources, as well as health authorities in the country.

HEALTH FACTS WE NEED TO KNOW

To be your happiest and healthiest self, I bring to you a wide selection of health facts from fitness to food to hydration. These top tips and random health facts provide you with information to keep you fighting fit. These health facts cover a range of topics to provide you with knowledge and insights into how you can better take care of yourself and information about health around the world.
Below are 20 of these facts:

YOUR HEALTH, YOUR WEALTH

What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a form of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer is a malignant disease that affects both breasts in male and Female. After skin cancer and cervical cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women. Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally.