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4 times Mercy Johnson melted our hearts with her baby bump photo

2020-03-18T22:31:00.000-08:00

Fees Hike:- Tired Of Exploitation’ – Kogi Poly Students Warn Managemen

2020-01-13T07:22:00.001-09:00

Some students of the Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja have accused the management of the institution of being exploitative following the increment of their tuition fees.

This development has caused panic among the students who confided in our correspondent that they are set for a showdown with the institution, if management fails to revert to the old tuition.

We reliably gathered that there is a clear disparity in the fee payment depending on the course of studies and level of the student.

A breakdown of the draconian fee as obtained by our correspondent on Monday showed that, for the School of Management Studies which comprises of Accounting, Business Administration, and Public Administration, National Diploma I and II students indigenes and non indigenes are now expected to pay N38,250, N45,750, N38,250, 45,750 respectively instead of what was paid last year which was put at N32,200, N39,200, N24,200 and N31,600 respectively.

For Higher National Diploma, HNDI, under school of Management Studies, Dthe students were previously paying N38,000 and N49,000 for indigene and non indigenes, but in the new tuition formula, they are to pay N43,550 and 54,550 representing N5,550 increment.

Also, for HND II under Management Studies, instead of N30,000 and N41,000 respectively, students are now expected to pay N39,050, and 50,050 respectively indicating N9050 increment.

Similarly, for School of Applied Science consisting of Art, Design and Printing, Engineering, Environmental Technology Science, Office Technology Management and Library and Information, instead of paying N40,200, and N47,600 (NDI Indigenes and Non Indigenes), N32,200 N39,600, (NDII Indigenes and Non Indigenes), students are now expected to pay N46,250, N53,650, N40,250, and 47,650 for NDI and NDII Indigenes and Non Indigenes respectively.

In the same vein, HND I and II students of School of Applied Science indigenes and non indigenes are now expected to pay N51,550, N62,550, N47,050, and N58,050 respectively instead of their previous payment of N46,000, 57,000, N30,000 and N40,000 respectively.

Worried by the unfavourable environment and harsh economic condition ravaging the state and the country in general, some of the students who spoke to Daily Post described the hike as wickedness and an act of evil disposition from the side of the management.

The students, who craved anonymity over fear of being hunted, also accused the student union leadership of compromising with the school management for their selfish interests.

“We have lost confidence in the leadership of our student union. This set of student representatives is the worst in the Polytechnic’s history. Instead of fighting for the course of our students, they are fighting for their own pockets. Later, they start blaming leaders at the top that they are corrupt, meanwhile at the bottom, they are more corrupt than those at the top.

“Can you imagine, some of our students like me who is a lady knows what we pass through to get money to buy our text book, feed ourselves as well as paying our school fees. With this increase now, where do they want us to go and get this money bearing in mind that the economy is not funny?,” she stated.

It was however gathered that the Student Union Government (SUG) is yet to officially come out to state their position on the matter.

In a chat with the institution Public Relations Officer, Mr Luke Yakubu, he said the management of the polytechnic did not increase school fee as widely speculated by the students.

According to him, the institution only added some fees which includes result verification, convocation fee, entrepreneurship center and insurance fee.

“Kogi State Polytechnic school fee still remains the same. There is no increment as widely speculated in some quarters. The management, after interfacing with the students, added result verification, convocation fee, entrepreneurship center and insurance fee which is for the interest of the students.

“I am shocked to hear this news that we have increased tuition fee. It is not true. Kogi State Polytechnic fee as I speak to you is the lowest in the north central zone,” he said.

Aside the fee hike, another course of worries for the students is the lack of hostel accommodation in the polytechnic.

It was reliable gathered that, Kogi State Polytechnic has been without hostel accommodation since 2017 thereby exposing students to all manner of insecurity.

With the latest trend of fee increment, students say things may get worse as in the last three years when there was no space to accommodate students within the school premises, some student living outside the school campus were subjected to rape, battering, theft, and cult related activities.

They are however calling on the management to do the needful as further move on this without considering the plight of the students will be openly rejected which might lead to some form of unrest in the polytechnic.

Police Investigates Kogi-Born NYSC Member’s Suicide Case

2020-01-13T06:43:00.001-09:00

State Police Command said it has commenced investigations on the alleged suicide of a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in the state.

Mr Ebere Amaraizu, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Office (PPRO) told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Saturday.

“Yes, police have gotten a report of one Princess Motunrayo Bolufemi, a Batch C youth corps member serving in Girls Secondary School, Ibagwa-Aka who committed suicide. It’s unfortunate.

“Police have already commenced investigations on circumstances surrounding her death which happened on Friday Jan. 10, ” he said.

The deceased hailed from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi and was a graduate of Banking and Finance from Prince Abubakar Audu University.

She was said to have taken sniper and left a suicide note in which she wrote, “I did this because I see nothing worth living for in this world”.

Top 20 Performance Marketing Strategies For Year 2020

2020-01-13T06:01:00.000-09:00

The new year is a time to start fresh—it’s a time to reflect on the previous year and take note of things to improve upon and plan for over the next 12 months. As the year comes to a close, marketers are thinking about where they may have fallen short, and putting together new marketing strategies to help prepare for a successful new year.

If you haven’t had a chance to put a plan into motion, or are looking for new strategies to test, well, don’t worry! AUDIENCEX has compiled a list of 20 digital marketing strategies to help you boost performance, find new customers and grow your business in 2020.

No matter what your goals are, AUDIENCEX has set out innovative strategies to help you reach them. From utilizing specific targeting methods to trying out new digital media channels, these beneficial strategies can help boost performance and find new customers. Here's a sneak peak at a few of them:

Cast a Wide Net: Rather than starting your campaign with a narrowly focused target audience, start wider and narrow down as you go in order to help continuously improve performance and find new potential customers.
Boost Brand Awareness Before the Campaign: Increase spending on brand awareness campaigns before any large campaign goes live so you can increase the available pool of visitors for retargeting later on.
Try High-Impact Mobile Ads: These interactive ads are designed to boost engagement by offering an attention-grabbing experience.

Sen. Shehu Sani Forced to Declare Asset, As EFCC freezed his Account

2020-01-12T05:35:00.001-09:00

Sani’s aide in the statement accused the EFCC of bias in its investigation.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has allegedly frozen the bank account of former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani and also ‘forced him to declare his assets.’the Senior Special Adviser to the embattled senator, Suleiman Ahmed made this known in a statement on Sunday, January 12, 2020.

Two weeks ago, the anti-graft agency arrested Sani for allegedly demanding money from a businessman, Sani Dauda to bribe the acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu in order to influence an investigation.

Reacting to the continuous detention of his principal, Sani’s aide in the statement accused the EFCC of bias in its investigation.

Ahmed wondered why Sani was arrested and his accuser “who admitted to giving bribe,” has not been invited for interrogation.

He also questioned the EFCC on the connection between extortion of $25,000 allegation against the ex-lawmaker and searching his residence, blocking his bank account and forcing him to declare his assets.

The ex-senator's aide further pose the following questions to the commission to answer over the arrest of his principal.

What can you say on the allegation that the accuser of Shehu Sani can neither read nor write; that it was the EFCC that guided him on what to say?

We have in (it) on record that Shehu Sani’s accuser has no pending case with the Supreme Court, how comes did he give (gave) Shehu Sani bribe to give the CJN?
We have it on record that Shehu Sani’s accuser has no pending or ongoing case with the EFCC, how comes did he give (gave) Shehu Sani bribe to give the EFCC or its chairman?
The CJN denied the bribe allegations and Shehu Sani denied the bribe allegations, where did Tony Orilade get his fact?
It is not enough posting statement about Shehu Sani. If you have any evidence or fact, why not post it now?
You said people defending Shehu Sani are doing it for pecuniary gain, are you defending EFCC for free?
Shehu Sani petitioner said $24,000 and you said $25,000, are you the one that added $1,000
Mr. Toni Orilade should stop lying and threatening people. If you have any cheque or draft or anything to show please do so.

8 Most Crucial Tips For Small Business and Startups From Experts

2020-01-12T05:23:00.000-09:00

These days, it seems like everyone is hoping to become an entrepreneur and come up with “the next big thing”. Who can blame them? When successful, the benefits to owning a startup are obvious: being your own boss, creating something from scratch, bringing value to the people around you and, of course, making a bit of coin along the way. But the key phrase in that equation is, “when successful.” Too often, startups fail – 75 percent of them, to be exact, says The Harvard Business Review. So what goes wrong?

Failure doesn’t preclude you from ultimately succeeding

Unfortunately, not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. Or at least, not by nature. To run a good business you have to be able to assume the proper role. If that means doing things and acting in ways that don’t come naturally, then so be it. Otherwise, you will risk failing like that 75 percent. Here are eight crucial points the pros agree are prerequisites to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

1. Take risks and be willing to fail
Failure doesn’t preclude you from ultimately succeeding – in fact, it’s often a necessary step. The best entrepreneurs don’t let the fear of failure prevent them from going for what they believe to be a great idea. Some of those risks won’t pan out, but the ones that do will be the ones that define you.

2. Never stop networking
When you haven’t gotten your business off the ground, connections will help to keep it afloat. When you do, those initial helpers will turn into powerful allies. Soon, you will be in the position to bring another struggling startup into the black.

“Make connections and keep a record on each person you meet,” Clare Dreyer, career expert, told Forbes. “Ask for their advice and help. Keep in touch with them along the way and build your network before you need it! Quality relationships are the keys to the kingdom.”

3. Learn your niche
Many startups succeed because they’ve identified a niche and have cornered that market. By discovering a service, product or feature no one else has thought of – or at least effectively pulled off – you give your company a shot at success. George Shepherd, Professor of Law at Emory University, recommends entrepreneurs “become the guru in that niche.”

4. Be a consummate student
Long after you leave your last class, you still learn new things every day. As an entrepreneur, you must always be a student – willing to take advice, listen to other ideas and learn from those who’ve been there themselves.

“Entrepreneurship is about solving problems and learning on the go,” Andrew Medal wrote for Entrepreneur. “It’s exciting to learn new things and as entrepreneurs we should be learning something new every day.”

“You can’t make money without spending money.”

5. Don’t worry about your wallet…
If you’re starting a business, you’re going to take a few financial hits. As they say, you can’t make money without spending money. But there’s more to it than avoiding miserliness. The best entrepreneurs don’t think in terms of how much they make, they consider how much value they can add. That value might be financial, but it might well be social, psychological, or other ways.

6. …but try not to go broke
With that said, you can’t add value if you can’t pay rent or buy groceries. That’s when you’ll need to determine exactly what you need to do to support yourself while you pursue your entrepreneurial dream. Entrepreneur pointed out that a part-time job could be your saving grace – not only would it provide financial relief, it could provide an excellent networking outlet.

7. Be flexible and listen to the market
Even if you nail down the perfect niche, it won’t necessarily remain the same forever. Markets can be fickle and consumers want to be on the cutting edge. If you can’t pivot and react when the winds of change come, you’ll be blown away.

“Resist falling in love with your initial idea so you can discover what the market actually wants and is willing to pay for – and then give it to them,” Cherylanne Skolnicki, career coach, told Forbes.

8. Take care of yourself
What good is a successful startup if you destroy yourself in the process? Nothing is as precious as health, which is why you shouldn’t sacrifice your well-being for the sake of your entrepreneurship. In fact, what might seem like hard work could ultimately derail your career. Losing sleep, eating unhealthily and allowing yourself to become stressed are surefire ways to shorten your life expectancy. By tending to your health, you’ll have the strength to carry out your goals.

There are always exceptions to the rules – anyone who has successfully maintained a startup is one of those exceptions. But you can take the element of chance out of the equation by following these expert tips and letting them guide your entrepreneurial spirit.

Gov. Bello Celebrate Senate President @ 61 Birthday

2020-01-12T05:11:00.000-09:00

Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has sent his hearty felicitations to the country’s Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan on the occasion of his 61st birthday anniversary.

In a press statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, the Governor described Senator Lawan as a “beacon of legislative democratisation and symbol of improved legislative – executive relationship”.

The Governor used the opportunity to applaud the Senate President for bringing his experience to bear on the legislative arm of government, which he described as one of the pillars of democracy anywhere in the world.

Bello thanked Lawan for ensuring stability in the Red Chamber since his assumption of office.

He maintained that the Senate President has so far demonstrated his unflinching commitments to good governance with the way he has piloted the affairs of his office, noting that his commitment to the development of the country was unparalleled.

Governor Bello who further described the senate President as one of the “A – List legislators” alive for having been a member of the National Assembly since 1999, enjoined the celebrant’s colleagues to rally round him in his efforts to create an exemplary Senate for future legislators.

The Governor therefore prayed God to grant him long life, good health, wisdom and all the wherewithal necessary to continue to pilot the affairs of the senate and express the readiness of his office to work with him to achieve his vision.

Bello said he was proud as one of the progressive Governors in the country to be associated with the Senate President, and enjoined Nigerians to also join in his good wishes for Senator Lawan.

Group Lauds Gov. Yahaya Bello's Giant Strides in First Term

2020-01-12T04:58:00.002-09:00

A support group, GYB CONNECT, has lauded the giant strides of Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi in all sectors of the economy within four years of his first term in office.

Mrs Ireti Ojekhoa, the spokesperson of the Group, gave the commendation on Saturday, when they paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Lokoja.

Ojekhoa said that their commitment for GYB’s re-election was in line with the giant strides his administration recorded in the first term, stressing that there was no need substituting a performing governor.

He thanked the governor for recognising their efforts while assuring him that the group would stand with the government in the second term

In his response, the governor thanked members of the group for their selfless service during the electioneering campaign, describing them as patriotic Nigerians.

Bello noted that the members of the group who were drawn from all states of the Federation, worked tirelessly with the APC Campaign Council in Kogi State during the 2019 gubernatorial election to ensure the party triumph at the polls.

“Even without any government direct support to you, your members campaigned across the 239 wards in Kogi State, and also distributed campaign materials procured by yourselves.

“GYB Connect group went as far as carrying out free medical outreach, sinking boreholes and also showcasing government achievements in the last four years to the people.

“We appreciate all your efforts and for putting up different groups across Nigeria to give our great party maximum support in the last election.

“We promise that your members would not be forgotten in our second term,” he said.

Bello added his government would surely recognise the group, and directed his Chief of Staff to liaise with the group for effective communication.

Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pharm. Jamiu Abdulkareem Asuku, thanked the group and assured them of Government’s collaboration in the second term of GYB’s administration.

How to manage expectations in your relationship

2018-06-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Expecting too much from a partner and your relationship with them opens you to the possibility of bitter disappointments.

When people go into relationships, they do so with expectations; things they hope, thing they presume their partners would do and not do.

For example, it is a no-brainer that anyone who enters a relationship expects not to be cheated on; hopes for loyalty from his or her partner and expects that everything the partner has his or her best interests.

Now that’s to give a quick overview of the logical things people expect of relationships. It goes without saying that if there are logical expectations, there’ll be illogical expectations, too.

If your partner is already insecure about something, don't make it worse for them.

(Big Stock)

Expectations which may be too much, too impossible to be met by your partner – or anyone for that matter.

For example, thinking that your partner is responsible for all the happiness you’ll ever experience in your life, or that your boyfriend needs to meet all your financial needs and demands, among others, may be a little too much.

There is such thing as expecting too much in a relationship. And that only leaves you open to the possibility of disappointment.

The question now is this: how does one manage expectations in a relationship?

Talk about it

No matter how clear, obvious or basic you think that expectation you have is, you really can’t blame your partner for not meeting it if you do ot tell them about it, if you do not communicate it in clear terms.

It may be a no-brainer but communicate it nonetheless. They may know about the general rule for example, but not to the extent you desire.

Take for example sex. Everyone knows that sexual satisfaction is expected by their partner, but how frequently do you like it to be?

Having an explanation that’s not clearly stated will likely always cause unwanted friction in the relationship. (Omaha)

Having an explanation that’s not clearly stated will likely always cause unwanted friction in the relationship.

Focus on yourself

One other way to manage expectations is to do stuff for one’s self, and not to get too deep into the relationship to the point where one’s individuality is lost.

Expect much of yourself and meet those expectations. Put yourself in charge of your happiness, satisfaction and all things that make you human.

All other stuff your partner brings to the table should be extras. And hey guess who says no to more of good stuff.

No one!

10 truths your boyfriend never wants to admit to you

2018-06-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

10 instructive things you should know your boyfriend thinks, because he may never tell you himself!

If you are wondering what the things are that your babe will always try to hide from you [they're all cute stuff by the way!] you should check out our previous article here.

And if you are interested in knowing the things your boyfriend may never tell you, here are 10 of them below:

1. You look a little overweight

Women are fond of asking boyfriends for opinions about their looks. So it won’t be surprising that you would want his opinion on whether you whether you look a little plump around the waistline.

But If you are actually expecting him to say yes to that question, you may want to think again.

playIf his friends don't like you, he won't be so elated to come tell you (Essence)

2. His friends don’t like you

He won’t want to tell you this because, he loves you and that’s what really matters, yeah?

3. He’s not impressed by that 500k weave

But he won’t tell you this so as not to hurt your feelings and effort to ‘look good for him’

4. He doesn’t think much of your best dress

You know that cute dress you are always so hyped and amped-up to wear? Yeah that one you keep in a special place and only bring out when you want to be a total knockout and gorgeous slay queen.

Guess what, your boyfriend may not like it. But he won’t tell you because, why kill your vibe?

playThat nice dress, top that you like so much, he doesn't think it's that cool. (New Haven)

5. Your cooking is terrible

Especially if he isn’t a good cook himself or if he’s a lazy one who continually depends on you doing the cooking regularly. He’s not want to admit that the meal is really bad and he’s just chowing on the meals because he has no option.

6. The sex is boring

He won’t want to hurt your feelings by telling you that you suck at oral sex [no pun intended] or that you could do better with that reverse cowgirl.

But he actually should talk to you about the sex. Because if he doesn’t, your sex life will only get worse and you both don’t need that.

So, maybe it’s time to ask him for an honest assessment so as to see what he really thinks about your sex game.

playAlso if you talk too much, he may not want to hurt your feeling by pointing it out to you. (Madamenoire)

7. You talk too much

He’d want to keep this away from you more because he doesn’t want you to think he’s insulting you.

8 He doesn’t like your mum

If he doesn’t like your mum or dad, you really can’t expect him to give you this bit of information, do you?

Who does that, right?

playHe'll never say it, but he thinks your bestie is way finer than you. (Classic105)

9. He thinks your friend is finer than you

Just like the scenario above, who does that?

10. He’s not sure of marriage

But he won’t tell you because he does not even know how to go about giving you this information.

So he’ll stay and keep complicating things because in your own mind, you already see you married to him and carrying his two daughters and two sons.

5 reasons to reduce salt intake

2018-06-01T03:50:00.000-08:00

Taking too much salt is bad for the overall health and apart from targeting organs to destroy in the body, it comes with a load of other risks.

Salt is notoriously known to make the body retain/store water which raises the blood pressure and eventually wears out the heart (after making it overwork!)

Too much salt is found in processed food so apart from consciously reducing salt added to food, look out for the sodium components in canned foods.

High salt intake is notoriously known to make the body retain water which raises the blood pressure

(Medscape)

There are so many reasons to reduce salt intake, these ones are major reasons to:

1. Increases blood pressure

High salt intake is a common cause of high blood pressure due to high sodium level in the body which makes blood flow restricted as blood vessels are constricted in the process. This makes the organs involved in the blood circulation process work more than normal.

2. Damages the heart

High salt intake which in turn increases blood pressure eventually tells on the heart. Eating too much salt over the time damages the arteries that lead to the heart and in severe cases become clogged or burst! When this happens the heart is denied of oxygen and eventually the risk of getting a heart attack sets in.

3. It damages kidneys

High salt intake means excess production of sodium which is known to damage the kidneys.

Excess salt makes the body retain water which makes the the kidney overwork and reduce the ability to efficiently remove the water, this eventually affect renal function and in the end possible renal failure.

High salt intake means excess production of sodium which is known to damage the kidneys.

(IOL)

4. Erodes the arteries

High salt intake strain the insides of the arteries in which cases they become clogged/blocked and in some cases they burst leading to deadly diseases.

5. It weakens bones

Excessive salt intake damages the bones! Taking too much salt reduces calcium needed for strong and healthy bones and when this happens, the bones become weak and can break easily.

High salt intake is also known to affect the brain, the neuro system, cause stomach cancer amongst other deadly health issues. It's best to reduce salt intake and especially via processed foods where they are normally in abundance!

5 natural face saving remedies

2018-06-01T03:48:00.001-08:00

However, it is important to realize that the gifts of nature can do for our face what no cosmetic can dare.

Here are five natural face-saving remedies

1. Water

Research has it that a person needs to drink at least two liters of water a day to ensure their healthiness.

Surprisingly, enough water consumption is the best way to get a healthy and smooth skin, including facial skin.

Remember to drink a cup of warm water each morning.

Because water helps flush harmful toxins from the body and keep it hydrated as well.

Beautiful face

(Pinterest)

Try as much as you can to do away with beverages containing alcohol. Sugar should be restricted as much as possible.

Consume more vegetables. And always eat fruits that have a large amount of water. Cucumber is a good example.

And after a long day of makeup, fresh water should be used to bring the face back to natural

2. Steam

The importance of steaming cannot be overemphasized when it comes to facial treatment. As a matter of fact, steaming is arguably one of the best face-saving remedies.

It is capable of making the face glow with ease because it helps open up skin pores to remove impurities that are deep in the skin.

And by this way, the pores will be softened so that you can pop blackheads out of your skin easily.

In addition, steaming is also good for blood circulation that boosts the process reproducing healthy skin cells.

In order to get it right, you have to boil a pot of water and add some ingredient such as rose lemon slices or mint leaves for scented aroma

Cover your face from your back head with a towel to prevent your steam from escaping as you lower yours to the hot pot.

Be careful not to hurt yourself in the process.

play
Beautiful face
(123rf)

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is very effective when it comes to clearing the skin. It also helps with removal of scars.

Lemon contains cleansing enzymes, which make dead skin cells remove and leave your skin smoother and fresher.

It is also considered to be a great natural remedy for eliminating excess oil.

How to make use of lemon for facial treatment

Squeeze a fresh small lemon and apply its juice on your face.

Keep your face for 10 minutes and let your face relax

Wash your face off with cold water.

This should be done for at least once a day, for effective result.

4. Honey

Honey is another remedy in the list of top natural face-saving remedies. It is not only sweetness when consume, but here it is revered for making the skin more beautiful.

play

Here is how to beautify your face with honey

Spread honey over your face and stay relax for about ten minutes and wash it off with cold water. Do this daily to get the desired result.

Also, you can make a mixture of honey and one egg white and apply it on your face. Stay relax for about twenty minutes and wash face with mild soap to eliminate smell that could come from the egg.

5. Papaya

Papaya has a large amount of vitamin A, making it an ideal ingredient to make a natural mask for your facial skin.

All you need do is take some pieces of papaya then mash it. Apply it on your face and wait for about ten minutes. Wash your face with warm water after the stated time.

The health benefits of Tomatoes will surprise you

2018-06-01T03:39:00.000-08:00

Tomatoes do not only improve the flavour of food, they are also a great health booster.

Known to mankind since ancient times as a great source of good health, recent studies have shown that tomatoes are very rich in antioxidants that are effective against many diseases, especially cancer.

They also contain an impressive amount of nutrients and vitamins, which include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, as well as, significant amounts of vitamin B6, folate, and thiamine.

In addition, tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. They also have dietary fiber and protein.

However, with the health benefits of this red plant ranging from skin maintenance to the prevention of cancer, it is, therefore, important to emphasise here that the more the proportion of plant foods in the diet increases, the more the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer decreases and other life-threatening illness decreases.

5 surprising health benefits of tomatoes

(Food network)

Here are some surprising health benefits of tomatoes

1. Tomatoes help in lowering hypertension

With an impressive level of potassium found in tomatoes, medical practitioners have advised that eating at least one tomato a day helps reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension.

This is because potassium as a vasodilator reduces the tension in blood vessels and arteries. And as a result, blood circulation is not only increased, hypertension is also eliminated by lowering the stress on the heart.

2. Tomatoes are great for the skin

Studies have shown that tomatoes contain a high-level lycopene. And lycopene is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons, gac, and papayas.

The substance has been found to be used in some of the most expensive face cleaner sold around the world.

However, according to skin experts, you’ll need about eight to twelve tomatoes if you intend to try tomatoes for skin care.

All you need do is peel the tomatoes and then place the skin on your face with the inside of the tomato touching your skin and leave them on your face for at least ten minutes before washing off.

5 surprising health benefits of tomatoes

(Medical news today)

3. Tomatoes repair damages caused by smoking

Every Dick and Harry knows how harmful cigarette smoking is to the human body. Such is the danger it initiates that it cannot be overemphasized.

So, my advice is if you smoke cigarette, you should find a way to make tomatoes your favourite vegetable. In other words, it should be added to food on a daily basis.

Of course, eating tomatoes won’t help you quit smoking, instead, they help repair the damage caused by smoking, because they contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid that work to protect the body from carcinogens that are produced from cigarette smoke.

4. Tomatoes help to prevent urinary tract infection

Studies have shown that continuous intake of tomatoes helps to prevent urinary tract infection, as well as bladder cancer.

Tomatoes are diuretic in nature; they stimulate urination because they are high in water content. And owing to this, they help in facilitating the elimination of toxins from the body, as well as excess water, uric acid, salt, etc.

These are the best food for your skin

(Diaco)

5. Tomatoes help to prevent cancer

The high levels of lycopene that is present on tomatoes do not only help in beautifying in the skin, numerous studies have shown that they also work to prevent prostate, colorectal and stomach cancer.

Naturally, lycopene is an antioxidant that works effectively to slow the growth of cancerous cells. And it is important to note that cooked tomatoes produce even more lycopene, but not overcooked.

Causes and natural remedies for anus infection

2018-06-01T03:33:00.001-08:00

This itching which is usually accompanied by the desire to scratch, often suggests the possibility of inflammation in the anal area.

Medically known as pruritis ani, anal itching is an irritation of the skin at the opening of the anal canal through which stool exits the body.

In other words, anal itching can as well be described as itching around the anus

This itching which is usually accompanied by the desire to scratch, often suggests the possibility of inflammation in the anal area.

Causes of anal itching

Some of the causes of anal itching include:

Anal itching can be caused by irritating chemicals in the foods we eat, such as are found in spices, hot sauces, and peppers.
Anal itching also can be caused by the irritation of continuous moisture in the anus from frequent liquid stools, diarrhea, or escape of small amounts of stool (incontinence). Moisture increases the possibility of infections of the anus, especially yeast, particularly in patients with diabetes or HIV.
Treatment with antibiotics can lead to a yeast infection and irritation of the anus.
Psoriasis can irritate the anus.
Abnormal passageways (fistulas) from the small intestine or colon to the skin surrounding the anus can form as a result of disease (such as Crohn's disease), and these fistulas bring irritating fluids to the anal area.

Natural remedies for herbal infection

1. Garlic

play

Garlic
(Wikipedia)

Garlic is one of the best kept medicinal treasures of the past era. It has been used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections for the last 7,000 years.

How to use garlic for anal itching

Eat at least 3 cloves of raw garlic everyday on an empty stomach for a duration of one week.

However, if you cannot stand the pungent smell, you can boil a small quantity of blended garlic and add enough quantity of milk to the blended garlic.

2. Coconut oil

Classified as one of the few super-foods on our planet, with over one thousand five hundred studies to back the claim, coconut oil benefits and uses go beyond what most people realize.

It is packed with antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties

How to use coconut oil for anal itching

Causes and natural remedies for anus infection

(Authorityremedies)

Take a minimum of three tablespoons full of coconut oil daily, and you can use it for cooking, to attain maximum reaction.

You can also apply the coconut oil to the anus area so as to effectively relieve the itching and the burning sensation.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is not only effective for anal infection, it has also been a good herb for treating any skin related infections.

In addition, it has been researched to have a powerful effect on relieving inflammation, itching, and soreness. If your infection is hemorrhoid, this herb can be used in treating it effectively. The irritation can be treated effectively.

How to use aloe vera for anal itching

The gel from the aloe vera would be extracted. You can use a knife to help remove the gel effectively.

Take the extracted gel and rub the anal area with it for five minutes. After five minutes of application. Wash off the surface with clean water.

4. Lemongrass

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Lemongrass
(University of illinois)

Popularly known as fever grass, lemongrass is not only effective for malaria and other feverish treatment, it is also very useful when it comes to getting rid of infection like anal itching

As a matter of fact, lemongrass has allergens and antioxidant that can effectively treat an underlying cause of skin infections.

How to use lemongrass for anal itching

Cut few leaves of the lemongrass in large quantity.

Boil them in a pot filled with water and bath with the hot water everyday to treat infection.

What you probably didn't know about sleeping positions

2018-06-01T03:26:00.001-08:00

Although there are many factors that result in sleep difficulty, studies have shown that sleeping position is one of the major causes.

Apart from having difficulty with sleep, it has been estimated that eighty percent of the world's population will have back problems at some point in [their] lives because of the way they sleep.

However, studies have shown that sleeping on your back is the best sleeping position. And this is because it makes it easier for our head, neck, and spine to align and keep it in a neutral position.

Also, no extra pressure or curves are being added to the back: You are in the best position as your spine stays in natural alignment all night long.

Be that as it may, it is important to note that it is possible to get some exclusive insight into someones personality through their sleeping position.

Here are the most common sleeping positions and what they about your personality

1. Yearner

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Yearner
(Ker wei kwee)

This is one of the most common sleeping positions among many people. And it entails a person sleeping on their side with their arms stretched out in front of them.

However, studies have shown that people who are comfortable in this sleeping position are complicated in nature.

They are usually open-minded and inviting, but can also be a little suspicious of people and are often very cynical.

And when it comes to making a decision, this group of people can be said to be very slow; but once their mind is made up about something, they are as fixed as being fixed can be.

2. The fatal position

play
Fatal sleeping position
(Daily mail)

Observed as the sleeping position for most women, the fatal position is the position the sleeper takes by curling the knees towards the chest like s/he is tucked inside a safe haven.

And according to research, the number of women that sleeps in this position is over twice the number of men.

However, sleep scientists say that those who find comfort in this natural position can be described as having a hard shell: They are tough on the outside, but a huge softy on the inside.

They tend to be shy when you meet them for the first time, but will eventually open up as time goes on.

3. The log

play
The log
(Naukrinama)

There are people who prefer the log position when it comes to zooming off to dreamland. This position entails lying on their side with their arms by their side.

Of course, this position can be very boring as it is stiff. But it doesn't mean the sleeper is boring too. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that the reverse is usually the case.

Sleep scientists suggest that people who sleep like a log are social butterflies. Although they are friendly, carefree, and popular, these social, trusting people are known for being gullible.

4. Soldier

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Soldier sleeping position
(Health)

Just as the name implies, soldier sleepers are known to lie flat on their backs with their arms near their bodies and down to the side.

Although studies have shown that this sleeping position may lead to problems with snoring which can decrease the overall quality of sleep, it is also considered the best sleeping position for pain prevention.

However, the personality traits of people who find comfort in this position while sleeping include, quietness, reserved, and hold both themselves and other people to high standards and strict moral codes.

5. Stomach

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Stomach sleeping position
(Mother Nature network)

Also refer to as “free-fallers,” stomach sleepers tend to hold their pillow while sleeping, with arms to the side.

And according to sleep scientists, personality traits of people who sleep with their stomach include, outgoing personalities, brash, anxious and a feeling of not being caught up on a daily basis.

However, this position can increase back and neck pain. It is, therefore, advisable for people who sleep in this position to have full body support to minimize back pain.

6. Starfish

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Starfish sleeping position
(Long beds)

It is easier to picture this sleeping position with just the mention of the name. Starfish sleepers are known to sprawl out over the entire bed in a very comfortable and a carefree manner.

Sleep scientists claim that the personality traits of Starfish sleepers are friendly in nature. They are ever willing to lend an ear or give a helping hand to their friends in need.

Top 5 best foods for constipation relief

2018-03-20T09:38:00.001-08:00

Though some remedies include certain laxatives, fibre supplements, and stool softeners, the best could be some foods that boost regularity.

5 best foods for constipation relief (Jessica Tyler/Business Insider)

A low-fibre diet, physical inactivity, or even old age can make it difficult to poop.

Though some remedies include certain laxatives, fibre supplement and stool softeners, the best could be some foods that boost regularity.

5 best foods for constipation relief (Qimg)

1. Apple

Apples are rich in fibre, which passes through your intestines undigested and promotes regular bowel movements. Apples also contain another soluble fibre called pectin, which has laxative effects. It reduces the colon transit time, treats constipation, and improves digestive health as well.

2. Hot Beverages

This can include hot coffee or tea or even hot water. Hot liquids are known to stimulate the bowels and ease constipation. They also widen the blood vessels this aids digestion and makes pooping easy.

3. Bananas

Bananas are rich in fibre, and that’s one reason they relieve constipation and help you poop.

Green bananas also contain resistant starch, which works like soluble fibre and eases the intestines.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are also rich in dietary fibre that can ease symptoms of constipation and make you poop.

5. Epsom Salt

Though Epsom salt looks the same as table salt, its composition is different – it contains magnesium and sulfate. Taking Epsom salt increases the water content in your intestines.

HOW TO COOK YAM PORRIDGE THE NIGERIAN WAY

2018-03-20T08:44:00.001-08:00

Recipe

Cook yam porridge the Nigerian way

Made with yam, vegetables and seafood, this Nigerian dish will make for a great dinner idea.

Cook yam porridge the Nigerian way (YouTube)

Yam porridge is a very popular Nigerian dish of mashed yam and tomato stew.

Made with yam, vegetables and seafood, this Nigerian dish will make for a great dinner idea.

moreMade with yam, vegetables and seafood, this Nigerian dish will make for a great dinner idea. (YouTube)

Ingredients

Yam

Palm Oil

Smoked fish (Titus/Mackerel)

Ground crayfish

Onion

Fresh green vegetable

Chilli Pepper

Salt

Seasoning

Preparation

Step 1: Peel and cut the yam tuber into medium sizes.

Wash the yam cubes and place in a sizeable pot.

Step 2: Wash and cut the onions into tiny pieces. Grind and blend the chilli pepper.

Set these aside. If using dry fish, soak and pick the bones at this time.

Step 3: Pour enough water to cover the yam cubes and start cooking at medium to high heat. If you are using dry fish, add it now.

Step 4: When the yams have got a good boil, add the onions, ground crayfish, pepper, seasoning, palm oil and the smoked fish.

Step 5: Cover the pot and continue cooking till the yam is done. Add salt to taste and stir very well. Cook at high heat for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Add the green vegetable, stir and leave to stand for about 3 minutes then serve!

Enjoy

5 NATURAL WAYS TO TREAT PREMATURE EJACULATION

2018-03-08T11:22:00.001-09:00

Premature Ejaculation

Although it has no damaging effect on the body system, it can actually lead to a lot of problems in a relationship

» more5 natural ways to treat premature ejaculation (Forhariet)

Premature ejaculation is arguably one of the most embarrassing experiences any man can possibly experience.

And this dysfunction is not particular to just a selected few, as surveys have shown that 20-30% of men ejaculate within the first 2 minutes of intercourse.

As a matter of fact, there are severe cases where some can ejaculate as soon as they enter the vagina or even before.

Although it has no damaging effect on the body system, it can actually lead to a lot of problems in a relationship as well destroying a man’s confidence.

However, medical practitioners have advised that premature ejaculation is certainly nothing to feel depressed about; because there are good numbers of available options of natural remedies that will help you last longer during intercourse.

Here are 5 natural remedies to help you tackle premature ejaculation

1. Watermelon

When it comes to matters concerning premature ejaculation, watermelon is one those fruits that should be considered. And this is because it has what it takes to overcome the problem of premature ejaculation.

Known to many people as the Viagra of the food variety, one of the major advantages of watermelon is that is can help relax the blood vessel without any side effect.

How to use watermelon to tackle premature ejaculation?

Cut watermelon into small pieces.

Sprinkle some powdered ginger and salt onto it.

It is important to state here that the central component of making the change is the phytonutrient known as citrulline, and this component can increase the libido.

2. Carrot

The health benefits of carrots have been known for long to be miraculous. It is actually a wonder for both men and women.

With a lot of health benefits, carrots are not only used for preventing cancer or maintaining skin tone, they can also be used for curing premature ejaculation.

How to use carrot to tackle premature ejaculation?

Chop your carrot finely and mixed with half boiled egg

Add a spoon of honey and enjoy the recipe

It is believed that you will experience a significant result in few weeks if you continue with this recipe twice daily.

3. Ginger, honey and hibiscus flower essence

Alternative medicine has revealed that ginger, honey, and hibiscus flower essence, when combined, is an old folk remedy that's been handed down from generation to generations.

Because all three are helpful for increasing circulation, especially blood flow to the penis. Ginger and honey also contain the amino acid L-tryptophan (which 5-HTP comes from); thus increasing your serotonin levels, naturally.

How to use ginger, honey, and hibiscus flower essence to treat premature ejaculation?

Slice up some fresh ginger and add to a cup of hot water.

Leave it to steep for 20 minutes then remove the slices.

Add a teaspoon of honey and two drops of organic hibiscus flower essence and stir.

Sip slowly

4. Oyster

Unknown to many people, oyster, which is a delicious creature from the ocean, has been used as an aphrodisiac from ancient times.

As a matter of fact, studies have shown that the zinc in oyster helps maintain a healthy sperm count and the male hormone testosterone. It also helps increases the libido,

How to use oyster to treat premature ejaculation?

Buy oysters from the market. The additional ingredients are one quart of milk, butter (two tablespoons), salt (one teaspoon), white pepper (a quarter of a teaspoon).

Mix the oysters with water in a bowl and allow it to boil until they become plump.

Allow it to cool down and then strain the mixture.

Meanwhile, have the milk ready (You have to boil the milk).

Once the milk boils, add butter, pepper, and salt.

Now, add the strained liquid to it. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Add the oyster mixture, which you have prepared in step 2.

5. Ginger

Known as an aphrodisiac for its ability to cure sexual problems such as premature ejaculation, the combination of ginger and honey can be a very effective combination as research has shown that they increase libido and performance.

How to use ginger to treat premature ejaculation

Grate a tablespoon of ginger and mix with honey

Continue this treatment for one month.

However, this treatment should be discouraged if the user has a history of kidney stones or if he's diabetic.

5 UNBELIEVABLE FOODS THAT KILL YOUR SEX DRIVE

2018-03-08T10:58:00.001-09:00

Unknown to most people, there are some foods that can be said to be poisonous when it comes to matters of health.

more5 unbelievable foods that secretly kill your sex drive (CNN)

When it comes to food, everything we consume can either be of benefit or detriment to our health.

There are foods, especially fruits, which help boost our immune system to enable the body fights off any possible illness. There are also others that serve as a natural medicine to the body.

But unknown to most people, there are some foods that can be said to be poisonous when it comes to matters of health; especially in our sex life. And this is because they tend to kill our sex drive over time, secretly.

However, in other to help you make sure your romantic evening isn’t cut short, we decided to put together five hormone-altering, sense-changing foods and drinks.

You will be doing yourself some good these foods off your date-night menu.

Here are 5 unbelievable foods that secretly kill your sex drive

1. Shrimp

According to the Pesticide Data Program of the United States Department of Agriculture, the average person is exposed to an average of thirteen different pesticides daily.

And nine of the ten most commonly used pesticides are "endocrine disruptors," meaning they play with our male/female hormones. You may want to ask what has shrimp got to do with pesticide, right?

Well, it is important to note that one of the most estrogenic is 4-hexylresorcinol, and it is applied to shrimp to prevent them from discoloration. Other seafood with high pesticide loads: tilapia, eel, and farmed salmon.

2. Soy protein

Inasmuch as the importance of soy cannot be overemphasized when it comes to reliving cyclical breast pain, it is a well-known fact to Soy-based protein powders are associated with increased estrogen levels.

Medical practitioners do advise men and women seeking a healthy sex life to avoid soy in favor of other types of protein powder; because a continuous consumption of it can result in a significant drop in libido.

3. Microwave popcorn

There's no arguing the fact that dinner and a movie can be a precursor to sex; but hey, try as much as you can to refrain from pairing your movies with microwaved popcorn because your main feature could be a flop.

The reason for this is that chemicals like perfluorooctanoic acid are found in the bag’s lining can kill your sex drive.

And apart from killing sex drive, new studies have shown that perfluorooctanoic are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans, liver cancer, testicular cancer and pancreatic cancer.

4. Canned soup

Studies have shown that canned soups and meals are notoriously high in dietary sodium. As a matter of fact, a can of Spaghetti-O’s has 1780 mg—-as much as 10 bags of Doritos.

And the health implication of consuming dietary sodium is that it does not only lead to elevated blood pressure, it also diminished blood flow to certain parts of the body, which includes the genitals.

On the other hand, the damage can be reversed with non-alkalized cocoa because it is rich in flavanols: Flavanols are sexy compounds that promote the production of nitric oxide in the body, causing blood vessels to open wider.

5. Bottled water

Bottled water (What doctors don't tell you)

As surprising as this may seem to most people, but not surprising to health-conscious people, there are many reasons to avoid conventionally bottled water.

And among the many reasons to avoid conventional bottled water, virility and fertility can be said to be topmost because of the BPAs found in plastic bottles.

Commonly referred to as BPA, Bisphenol A is a chemical component found in many plastic food containers that harm the body in many ways: Notable among them is erectile dysfunction in men.

And according to a Harvard School of Public Health study, it was found that women who had the higher BPA levels in their bodies produced twenty-seven percent less viable eggs.

WHY YOUR RELATIONSHIP NEEDS IMPROVED, BETTER SEX

2018-03-08T10:12:00.001-09:00

Dear Men

Why your relationship needs improved, better sex

You really can't afford to be lacklustre here, no matter how great you are at all other things.

One of the major keys to a happy relationship is balance.

Knowing how to strike a balance between great communication, sharing, friendship and sex.

Yes, sex!

It’ll be an overkill to begin to state here once again just how important sex – good sex – is between partners.

You could get it right in all other areas - and this is especially true for men - but failure to be on your A game during sex will leave a hole in your relationship, a huge blot on your credentials as a great partner.

If you fall into this category, your partner needs you to surely do better, whether she talks to you about it or not. She deserves it, and your relationship needs it to thrive too.

Amazing gifts and other show of affection can't cover for bad sex (Madamenoire)

So why do you have to get better at sex for the sake of your relationship?

1. Weak, bad sex creates tension between you and your boo especially when it is left undiscussed between both of you.

And by sex, I don't just mean the act of thrusting away. The whole package - foreplay, adventurous sex, new ideas, multiple new positions - all that good stuff.

She might not say it, but your poor sex is a concern for her (Westcobb Church)

If you are varying it, you are not doing it right, even if she says nothing about it.

2. Guy, if you are terrible at sex, your partner won't be particularly happy because frankly, sexual satisfaction plays an important role in the making of her complete happiness.

Forget it, gifts and other nice things can't meet this particular need. Nope!

There is a tension that seeps into every other part of your relationship when the sex is terrible (Black Love Advice)

3. And one more thing, sexual dissatisfaction is a legit cause of cheating among both men and women.

So don't give your partner a reason to consider seeking this satisfaction from someone else.

Get better. You relationship is hinged so dangerously on this.

5 REASONS TO KISS MORE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

2018-03-08T09:42:00.001-09:00

More kisses in your relationship equal more bliss!

Here are all the great reasons why you need to get into the romantic spirit today and every other day... and night.

1. Stress relief

“When we kiss, it stimulates our brain to release a cocktail of feel good chemicals that both calm and excite us at the same time,” according to American family therapist Dr. Sheri Meyers.

» moreKissing is romantic, sweet and absolutely fun if you do it right (Huff Post)

2. Strengthens the bond

You’re going out, you kiss your boo. On your return, you share another kiss. At several points of the day when you are together, you also share a kiss.

These non-sexual kisses show just how into each other you and your partner are. And the more you do this, the stronger you and your partner get in bonding.

3. Foreplay

Imagine sex without foreplay. Not cool, right?

Now imagine foreplay without kissing. Almost unimaginable, right?

That’s how important kissing is to your sex life and that’s why you need to get it right and become really good at it.

Kissing will almost always be your starting point for the amazing sex that your relationship/marriage surely needs.

4.Wordless communication

Sometimes when words can’t express your thoughts or when words are actually unnecessary, kisses could pass across a message between lovers.

For example, your partner just experienced a disappointment and he/she is sad and does not wish to talk about it.

All you need do is sit with them, cuddle and kiss their forehead as a reassurance that you are there for them.

» moreKissing could also be a great way of relieving stress for you (Photoposts Blog)

5. Helps with arguments

So you and your babe are arguing or in the middle of a yelling contest, sometimes a kiss could be all you need to settle it all.

So in the middle of an argument you say: “Oh, Cyndy, you know that’s not true. Just shut up, already”

And she replies in that tone, “make me…”

Well, you know that with a kiss, you and your partner can make up already.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE KISSING A BAD KISSER

2018-03-08T09:30:00.001-09:00

Intimacy Games

What to do when you're kissing a bad kisser

Here are things you can do to save the situation if you meet someone who kisses terribly.

» moreWhat to do when you're kissing a bad kisser. (BET)

So you’ve just met this fantastic new guy or girl and everything seems just so great until you few dates later and you discover they are terrible at kissing. What do you do in that instance?

Chemistry is such a tricky thing. You could gel with someone in so many beautiful ways – conversation is spot on offline and just as spark-creating online, your friends like them, they look like the ideal thing you have been hoping for.

You know know, you’ve seen enough to put a foot in, hoping that things blossom into something at the end of the day. So you decide that you’ve been on enough dates with this charming man and that smashing babe so you lean in one night for a good night kiss aaaand… [insert scratching sound here] they kiss like a learner!

» moreImagine being kissed by someone whose kissing is as dreadful as this. (Imgur)

Like, a very very poor learner! too much saliva, too much much tongue, unnecessary sounds, bending of their faces to one side as they see Americans do in movies and worst of all, not being rhythmic about the whole kissing thing.

WHAT THE HELL?!

Yeah, I get it. Some people, no matter how gorgeous or sophisticated they look, are just not great at this beautiful, intimate activity and when you find such person, it does not necessarily have to dampen the chemistry between you and them. Here are things you could do to salvage the ‘relationship.’

1. Communicate

There’s no substitute for this. It might be awkward to pull back and tell them to take a breather, or to slow down or any other thing you’d have them do right.

2. Show them

Another thing you could do would be to break the initial ungainly kiss [you may need to wipe off your lips if they’ve slobbered all over you at this point. Yikes!].

After breaking off that kiss, tell them to hold still while you kiss him or her how you love to be kissed. You can then bring them slowly into the kiss afterwards… slowly gently and gradually till they get a hang of your pattern.

» moreWith time, you'll find a balance to the way you kiss your new boo. (Imgur)

3. Give it time

A very little time. Because, frankly, kissing is not rocket science and after few times - maximum of two or three - kissing the same person you should get into a familiar pattern with them.

Come on, anyone who still struggles to get it after three, four make out sessions is quite slow, to be honest.

Regardless, give it reasonable time and things will work out just good… hopefully.

Why our women deserve to be celebrated everyday

2018-03-08T08:58:00.001-09:00

The roles that women play in family, relationships and society deserve more appreciation.

moreNigerian mothers hardly get a chance to live for themselves or get the appreciation they deserve for that sacrifice. (CNN)

In this tradition of days and celebrating icons and events, today, we celebrate our mothers, sisters and vessels into being, women on what is now known as International Women’s Day.

Every year on March 8, the world gathers to celebrate the global movement for women’s rights that has spurred important conversations like women’s suffrage, gender roles, the pay gap and feminism.

Today, women in most parts of the world enjoy more rights than they did, say 100 years ago, and that alone is worth celebrating.

But considering how their never-ending roles as partners, mothers, listeners and leaders in our relationships, families and the society, we should really celebrate our women every single day.

Our relationship with women begins even before we attain consciousness. The woman is the vessel for life and this is not a duty that she discharges with levity.

moreInternational Women's Day marchers in 1977. (Fairfax Media)

From the first days of her pregnancy, a woman begins to notice changes in her body and psyche that she has to accommodate and endure.

For 9 months, she carries life inside of her. It’s a life form that is absolutely dependent on her and will feel the effect of her every action during this period.

A duty to nurture and care

This biological tie perhaps explains why women have a natural tendency to nurture.

In relationships, while men are often opaque attempts at being superheroes, the woman takes charge of caring for and in ways, protecting their partner and their shared status as both grow.

Nothing defines nurture quite like a mother.

A mother’s capacity to nurture her child is often defined with photos of young children sucking at breasts while the mother looks lovingly.

In most cases, however, sacrifice is at the core of everything that a mother does to care for the child. In our society, it is an unspoken rule that when a child is made outside the plans or desires of both parties, he/she becomes the woman’s responsibility.

It is not uncommon to hear stories of mothers defying the odds to raise their children in the harshest conditions.

Even in marriages, women carry the responsibility of raising the child; something that men assume is fulfilled with some quality time and the right amount of money.

This nurturing tendency often sets women in leadership positions apart from men.

While it is important to be practical and objective in professional situations, women leaders tend to be more altruistic and empathetic than their male counterparts.

moreNothing defines nurture quite like a mother. (Zaron)

Despite this, in Nigeria, a woman is 19 times less likely to rise to a position in government than a man.

Issues like this unfair lack of representation for women in business and leadership, the wage gap and unfair gender roles are gravely important in today’s world.

There's a real gender gap we need to fix

Despite being equal to men for all intents and purposes, women have become the oppressed gender.

It is why we must celebrate them every day because as each day of her life passes, a woman learns to be berated, subdued and told she is not good enough, and even when she is, it is only for fulfilling a few duties.

Instances of gender-based oppression abound in Nigeria and across the world.

Qatar, one of the most progressive countries in the middle east, has never elected a woman to its parliament.

Looking at 144 countries, the World Economic Forum concludes that there is an average gender wage gap of 32%, meaning women are likely to earn 32% less than men in the same roles.

It’s worse in Saudi Arabia. Until 2015, women could not vote and enrol in municipal elections starting.

In June 2018, they will be permitted to drive for the first time.

A lot of these changes are only possible because women and men around the world have seen the need to put both genders on an equal footing.

moreWomen could only vote and enroll in municipal elections starting in 2015. In June 2018, they will be permitted to drive for the first time. (Reuters)

Still, we must not be deceived by these small wins or the chance at celebrations like #IWD2018 to believe the job is done.
Gender equality is still a long way off, admittedly it will take the work of governments and institutions at the highest level.

While these conversations continue, women the world over are facing immense odds to go to school, inherit property and enjoy the rights that we claim all humans enjoy in 2018.

Today, we honour their strength and the progress that has been made with beautiful pieces of art, with speeches and a demand for more.

On a personal level, your form of celebration may be as simple as a text message or something as definitive as paying someone’s tuition and giving a young woman a chance at a future.

Regardless of the magnitude, an opportunity always show itself to appreciate the woman and her work and we would do well to take them when they come; it should never begin or end on March 8.

How to Become a Fitness Instructor

2018-03-02T16:05:00.001-09:00

The first step in learning how to become a fitness instructor is to prepare for the certification exam. This can take anywhere between 3 to 12 months depending on your base knowledge and amount of time you have to study. Most gyms will not hire you as a fitness instructor unless you have a nationally recognized personal training certification.

NASM, ACE, ACSM, CSCS, ISSA and other national personal training organizations all have their own study materials available for purchase directly from their websites. This is a quick and convenient way to get started towards success. These sites also offer further preparation and exclusive study guides. If you are on a budget it can be tempting to purchase the study materials at lower prices from online bookstores. Keep in mind that only the newest editions of all the study books are sold on the official sites. If you purchase cheaper study materials on Amazon or elsewhere, you might miss important new industry information recently added to the books.

When you are ready to take the exam, follow the specific directions given on the certifying organization’s website for testing locations. Make sure you are prepared! The average exam price is $250. If you fail, there is a waiting period (varies, approximately 15 days) before you can take the test again. Be sure to keep your books and study materials as you will need them every three years for recertification.

You’re Certified! What Now?
Congratulations! The minute you pass the exam, you can call yourself a certified fitness instructor. Within a few weeks, you will receive a package in the mail with a certification card and the first newsletter from the organization. Sometime between passing the fitness instructor exam and starting with your first client, it’s a good idea to get CPR certified as well. Most gyms require all staff members to have this safety certification so being certified already helps your resume. If you start your own business, a CPR certification is required for insurance purposes.

With the excitement of having your new certification you might feel tempted to jump immediately into training on your own. However one of the best ways to gain experience, get clients and have a regular paycheck is to start off working at a gym.

Getting Hired And Building Your Book
Whether you are a career changer or have recently graduated with a degree in exercise science, put all relevant work experience on your resume. This includes everything from playing sports, helping your wife lose 20 pounds, to skills in sales and customer service. In your cover letter, mention that you are recently certified but add a summary of why you are interested in the fitness industry. Management loves it when you have a weight loss story of your own or a deep passion for fitness that you want to share with others.

When you are hired, you will spend time getting to know the gym and members by “shadowing” another trainer. This on-the-job training is priceless because it gives you the ability to learn through other professional trainers. You will meet clients of all different ages, ability levels and fitness conditions. Meeting clients with a variety of health conditions, injuries, respiratory conditions, and other limitations will prepare you for your own clients. Take notes of exercises and questions they ask the trainer for your reference. Common ailments such as back pain and knee issues will be easier to address if you have a plethora of exercises and stretches in your notes. Eventually, with enough practice, you will know them from memory. When you start training, you will develop your own style, but it’s always beneficial to learn from others and take advantage of every learning experience.

Gyms get new members every day. Introduce yourself to these people and welcome them to their new gym. These newbies are your best source of potential clients as many of them haven’t worked out in months or at all. Talk to all members (new and regulars) and ask them how their workouts are going. Listen for key words like “bored” “rut” and “plateau.” These are indicators that their workouts are not giving them the results they are looking for and could use a trainer. Offer ways you can help them reach their goals more efficiently than they can by themselves. Understand the emotion behind their goals. Most people want to get in shape for a very specific reason – to get a date, to look good for a wedding, to feel better about themselves, to live long enough to meet their grandchildren – all of these are heartfelt reasons that you can appeal to when selling your services.

Be honest with your new clients about how long it will take them to reach their fitness goals. As a fitness instructor you will make a program for them to follow on the days you aren’t training them. Some people have a misconception that once a week with a trainer is enough to make an impact. Try to sell your client the largest package first. Not only will going high make the other package prices seem lower, but if they purchase it, you will have financial security knowing your client will be training for several weeks.

You will make a completely different program for every client. Some of your clients may have similar goals and you can certainly have your clients do some of the same exercises, but make sure each program is unique for them. Be available to your clients when you aren’t training them. Keep it reasonable but offer your phone number and email address in case they have a question. Knowing you are there to answer questions about their food choices and exercise questions will maintain a solid relationship. Recognize their achievements. The more interest you take in their goals, the longer they will train with you. Client retention is 80% of your business. You can also count on your clients for new clients through referrals.

Eventually when you have more experience and more of a following you may want to pursue a training business outside of a gym. By starting your own company you will have more freedom in where and when you train. You can make house calls, train in the park, or rent space in a studio and bring your own equipment. Having your own business gives you the ability to charge your own rates without giving a percentage to the gym. As long as you have a full book of clients you can make more money with your own company. Keep in mind the advertising costs, equipment, and personal training insurance once covered by your gym employer, are all expenses you will now have to pay for on your own.

Rise And Grind: A Fitness Instructor’s Daily Schedule
The schedule of a successful fitness instructor can vary from day to day. Some days you may have eight clients and some days you may have only four with a boot camp to teach. You will cater your hours around the average person’s 9-5 work day. Most of your clients will be early morning and in the late afternoon and evenings. The few free hours in the middle of the day are yours to workout, make programs for your clients, and contact prospects. Because you make your own schedule it can be tempting to work every day, but don’t let yourself get burned out. Try to stack your days with more sessions on most days so you don’t have to come in for just one or two sessions on your “day off.” Ultimately, your income is based on the number of sessions you have each week.

Becoming successful in the fitness industry takes time and a lot of hard work. Try not to get discouraged if your book is not building up as fast as you’d hoped. Achieving a full book can take up to a year! By keeping a positive attitude and presenting yourself as an example of health to your clients and prospects, you will gain clients and develop a lucrative business.

How to get rid of weevils form beans

2018-03-02T15:10:00.001-09:00

Although you may not detect a bean weevil infestation until hundreds of young adult weevils emerge from beans through exit holes and begin crawling on your walls and congregating on your windowsills, the most likely place to locate the source of your infestation may be inside your pantry or another whole bean or seed source.
Bean weevils enter your home in compromised packages from the super market Bean weevils entered your home inside dried bean packages. Infested in warehouses or on grocery store shelves, small holes or tears in packaging can cause homeowners to unknowingly bring bean beetles into their homes.
Locating and removing contaminated bean supplies: essential to elimination The important first step in eliminating bean beetles is to locate the source of bean weevil activity. While vacuuming the bean weevils on your walls and windowsills works to rid your home of these pests, locating and removing the contaminated and infested stored dried bean sources will help to eliminate bean weevil infestations.
Sanitation and awareness key to prevention Cleaning and sanitizing the area where your dried bean products are stored helps to deter bean weevils and other pantry pests. Additionally, to prevent future infestations:
Seal or caulk any cracks and holes in your pantry and in your home, in general
Store dried food products in air-tight metal, glass or hard plastic containers
Check bean packaging for compromised surfaces, such as tears and holes
Truly Nolen recommends contacting a professional pest control company to take the guesswork out of identifying and eliminating household pests. Contact your local Truly Nolen location to schedule a free pest inspection.
Additional Information

#1. Remove all food from the cabinet or pantry. Throw away all food that is or might be contaminated. In addition to flour, be sure to check your sugar, grains, dried beans and legumes, and breakfast cereals for signs of weevils. Clean shelves and containers thoroughly after an infestation.
#2. Pour the grains into jerry can(s), add dry cayenne pepper into the container, close tight and place the container in your pantry. The hot and spicy pepper will suffocate the weevils, leaving your grains safe. The ratio for grains to peppers is 10:1.

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How to manage expectations in your relationship

Expecting too much from a partner and your relationship with them opens you to the possibility of bitter disappointments.

When people go into relationships, they do so with expectations; things they hope, thing they presume their partners would do and not do.

Talk about it

Focus on yourself

10 truths your boyfriend never wants to admit to you

1. You look a little overweight

playIf his friends don't like you, he won't be so elated to come tell you (Essence) 2. His friends don’t like you

3. He’s not impressed by that 500k weave

4. He doesn’t think much of your best dress

playThat nice dress, top that you like so much, he doesn't think it's that cool. (New Haven) 5. Your cooking is terrible

6. The sex is boring

playAlso if you talk too much, he may not want to hurt your feeling by pointing it out to you. (Madamenoire) 7. You talk too much

8 He doesn’t like your mum

playHe'll never say it, but he thinks your bestie is way finer than you. (Classic105) 9. He thinks your friend is finer than you

10. He’s not sure of marriage

5 reasons to reduce salt intake

Taking too much salt is bad for the overall health and apart from targeting organs to destroy in the body, it comes with a load of other risks.

5 natural face saving remedies

Here are five natural face-saving remedies

1. Water

2. Steam

play Beautiful face (123rf)

3. Lemon Juice

How to make use of lemon for facial treatment

4. Honey

play

Here is how to beautify your face with honey

5. Papaya

The health benefits of Tomatoes will surprise you

Tomatoes do not only improve the flavour of food, they are also a great health booster.

Here are some surprising health benefits of tomatoes

1. Tomatoes help in lowering hypertension

2. Tomatoes are great for the skin

3. Tomatoes repair damages caused by smoking

4. Tomatoes help to prevent urinary tract infection

5. Tomatoes help to prevent cancer

Causes and natural remedies for anus infection

Medically known as pruritis ani, anal itching is an irritation of the skin at the opening of the anal canal through which stool exits the body.

Causes of anal itching

Natural remedies for herbal infection

1. Garlic

play Garlic (Wikipedia)

How to use garlic for anal itching

2. Coconut oil

How to use coconut oil for anal itching

3. Aloe vera

How to use aloe vera for anal itching

4. Lemongrass

play Lemongrass (University of illinois)

How to use lemongrass for anal itching

What you probably didn't know about sleeping positions

Although there are many factors that result in sleep difficulty, studies have shown that sleeping position is one of the major causes.

Here are the most common sleeping positions and what they about your personality

1. Yearner

play Yearner (Ker wei kwee)

2. The fatal position

play Fatal sleeping position (Daily mail)

3. The log

play The log (Naukrinama)

4. Soldier

play Soldier sleeping position (Health)

5. Stomach

play Stomach sleeping position (Mother Nature network)

6. Starfish

play Starfish sleeping position (Long beds)

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5 UNBELIEVABLE FOODS THAT KILL YOUR SEX DRIVE

WHY YOUR RELATIONSHIP NEEDS IMPROVED, BETTER SEX

playIf his friends don't like you, he won't be so elated to come tell you (Essence)

2. His friends don’t like you

playThat nice dress, top that you like so much, he doesn't think it's that cool. (New Haven)

5. Your cooking is terrible

playAlso if you talk too much, he may not want to hurt your feeling by pointing it out to you. (Madamenoire)

7. You talk too much

playHe'll never say it, but he thinks your bestie is way finer than you. (Classic105)

9. He thinks your friend is finer than you

play
Beautiful face
(123rf)

play

Garlic
(Wikipedia)

play

Lemongrass
(University of illinois)

play
Yearner
(Ker wei kwee)

play
Fatal sleeping position
(Daily mail)

play
The log
(Naukrinama)

play
Soldier sleeping position
(Health)

play
Stomach sleeping position
(Mother Nature network)

play
Starfish sleeping position
(Long beds)