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Oyedepo Defends Fees charged at Private Universities

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Private schools in the country, including Covenant and Landmark universities, owned by the church are often criticized for being too expensive for average Nigerians to afford. Oyedepo suggests that the complaints on fees are as a result of misplaced priorities. 

oyedepoHe explains that in his view many Nigerians complain about the cost of education in private universities because they have got their priorities misplaced. He said the average Nigerian can spend N1m on burial but to spend N200,000 on education (is a problem), because of wrong priorities.

He reportedly also said that on a yearly basis, we have N1.5trn that Nigerians spend to overseas universities.

Nigerians spend N463bn a month on recharge cards, how much are they paying for schools fees? So it’s all a matter of priority. This is the largest market for telephone in the world. Now, to pay N500,000, some people have only one son, they have huge business and houses all over the places, they will never pay it.”

The founder of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has defended the tuition fees charged, describing the provision of quality education as an expensive venture while addressing journalists in commemoration of his 60th birthday coming up on September 27, 2014.

To all the criticisms he said, “Life essentially is full of challenges, it is those challenges that make champions. You can’t emerge a heavy weight boxing champion except you receive punches. You can’t change classes in school except you write exams.

Source Osun Defender

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Lagos State Shifts School Resumption to October 8th

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Another change in the School resumption date as Lagos State shifts school resumption to October 8th.

studentsThe Lagos State Government on Sunday announced that primary and secondary schools in the state would no longer resume on Monday, September 22nd  as earlier announced.

The Government has said schools would now resume on Wednesday, October 8.

We want our children to be safe and protected however this announcement is coming on the day when children across the state are expecting to resume school tomorrow, Monday morning.

 

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Dr Ada Igonoh Survives Ebola and Shares Her Story

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Dr Ada and PT

Dr Ada Igonoh and Pastor Tony Rapu, This Present House

Today I had the privilege of seeing and hearing from Dr Ada Igonoh who gave her account of surviving ebola. Her faith in God and her sheer determination to survive will wake you up and steer up your faith.

She made us laugh when she said she told God she was young and she needed to grow old till her teeth fall out. Even while sick she became a source of encouragement and hope for her other ward mates, through her pain and fear she was still able to administer and share Holy Communion with other patients. She is a true fighter! Hers is a real story of “Though I walk through the valley…”

Read her full account as reported on bellanaija

Lives have been lost, and families have had to undergo the trauma of isolation. The fear of the unknown even very crippling. We read about the numbers in the news, but when we put a face to the news reports, it brings it home. Dr. Ada Igonoh of First Consultants Hospital is one of the doctors who attended to Patrick Sawyer. She was infected by the virus and miraculously, she survives to share her story with BellaNaija.

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On the night of Sunday July 20, 2014, Patrick Sawyer was wheeled into the Emergency Room at First Consultants Medical Centre, Obalende, Lagos, with complaints of fever and body weakness. The male doctor on call admitted him as a case of malaria and took a full history. Knowing that Mr Sawyer had recently arrived from Liberia, the doctor asked if he had been in contact with an Ebola patient in the last couple of weeks, and Mr. Sawyer denied any such contact. He also denied attending any funeral ceremony recently. Blood samples were taken for full blood count, malaria parasites, liver function test and other baseline investigations. He was admitted into a private room and started on antimalarial drugs and analgesics. That night, the full blood count result came back as normal and not indicative of infection.

The following day however, his condition worsened. He barely ate any of his meals. His liver function test result showed his liver enzymes were markedly elevated. We then took samples for HIV and hepatitis screening.

At about 5.00pm, he requested to see a doctor. I was the doctor on call that night so I went in to see him. He was lying in bed with his intravenous (I.V.) fluid bag removed from its metal stand and placed beside him. He complained that he had stooled about five times that evening and that he wanted to use the bathroom again. I picked up the I.V. bag from his bed and hung it back on the stand. I told him I would inform a nurse to come and disconnect the I.V. so he could conveniently go to the bathroom. I walked out of his room and went straight to the nurses’ station where I told the nurse on duty to disconnect his I.V. I then informed my Consultant, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh about the patient’s condition and she asked that he be placed on some medications.

The following day, the results for HIV and hepatitis screening came out negative. As we were preparing for the early morning ward rounds, I was approached by an ECOWAS official who informed me that Patrick Sawyer had to catch an 11 o’clock flight to Calabar for a retreat that morning. He wanted to know if it would be possible. I told him it wasn’t, as he was acutely ill. Dr. Adadevoh also told him the patient could certainly not leave the hospital in his condition. She then instructed me to write very boldly on his chart that on no account should Patrick Sawyer be allowed out of the hospital premises without the permission of Dr. Ohiaeri, our Chief Medical Consultant. All nurses and doctors were duly informed.

During our early morning ward round with Dr. Adadevoh, we concluded that this was not malaria and that the patient needed to be screened for Ebola Viral Disease. She immediately started calling laboratories to find out where the test could be carried out. She was eventually referred to Professor Omilabu of the LUTH Virology Reference Lab in Idi-Araba whom she called immediately. Prof. Omilabu told her to send blood and urine samples to LUTH straight away. She tried to reach the Lagos State Commissioner for Health but was unable to contact him at the time. She also put calls across to officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and National Centre for Disease Control.

Dr. Adadevoh at this time was in a pensive mood. Patrick Sawyer was now a suspected case of Ebola, perhaps the first in the country. He was quarantined, and strict barrier nursing was applied with all the precautionary measures we could muster. Dr. Adadevoh went online, downloaded information on Ebola and printed copies which were distributed to the nurses, doctors and ward maids. Blood and urine samples were sent to LUTH that morning. Protective gear, gloves, shoe covers and facemasks were provided for the staff. A wooden barricade was placed at the entrance of the door to keep visitors and unauthorized personnel away from the patient.
Despite the medications prescribed earlier, the vomiting and diarrhea persisted. The fever escalated from 38c to 40c.

On the morning of Wednesday 23rd July, the tests carried out in LUTH showed a signal for Ebola. Samples were then sent to Dakar, Senegal for a confirmatory test. Dr. Adadevoh went for several meetings with the Lagos State Ministry of Health. Thereafter, officials from Lagos State came to inspect the hospital and the protective measures we had put in place.

The following day, Thursday 24th July, I was again on call. At about 10.00pm Mr. Sawyer requested to see me. I went into the newly created dressing room, donned my protective gear and went in to see him. He had not been cooperating with the nurses and had refused any additional treatment. He sounded confused and said he received a call from Liberia asking for a detailed medical report to be sent to them. He also said he had to travel back to Liberia on a 5.00am flight the following morning and that he didn’t want to miss his flight. I told him that I would inform Dr. Adadevoh. As I was leaving the room, I met Dr. Adadevoh dressed in her protective gear along with a nurse and another doctor. They went into his room to have a discussion with him and as I heard later to reset his I.V. line which he had deliberately removed after my visit to his room.

At 6:30am, Friday 25th July, I got a call from the nurse that Patrick Sawyer was completely unresponsive. Again I put on the protective gear and headed to his room. I found him slumped in the bathroom. I examined him and observed that there was no respiratory movement. I felt for his pulse; it was absent. We had lost him. It was I who certified Patrick Sawyer dead. I informed Dr. Adadevoh immediately and she instructed that no one was to be allowed to go into his room for any reason at all. Later that day, officials from W.H.O came and took his body away. The test in Dakar later came out positive for Zaire strain of the Ebola virus. We now had the first official case of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria.

It was a sobering day. We all began to go over all that happened in the last few days, wondering just how much physical contact we had individually made with Patrick Sawyer. Every patient on admission was discharged that day and decontamination began in the hospital. We were now managing a crisis situation. The next day, Saturday 26th July, all staff of First Consultants attended a meeting with Prof. Nasidi of the National Centre for Disease Control, Prof Omilabu of LUTH Virology Reference Lab, and some officials of W.H.O. They congratulated us on the actions we had taken and enlightened us further about the Ebola Virus Disease. They said we were going to be grouped into high risk and low risk categories based on our individual level of exposure to Patrick Sawyer, the “index” case. Each person would receive a temperature chart and a thermometer to record temperatures in the morning and night for the next 21 days. We were all officially under surveillance. We were asked to report to them at the first sign of a fever for further blood tests to be done. We were reassured that we would all be given adequate care. The anxiety in the air was palpable.

The frenetic pace of life in Lagos, coupled with the demanding nature of my job as a doctor, means that I occasionally need a change of environment. As such, one week before Patrick Sawyer died, I had gone to my parents’ home for a retreat. I was still staying with them when I received my temperature chart and thermometer on Tuesday 29th of July. I could not contain my anxiety. People were talking Ebola everywhere – on television, online, everywhere. I soon started experiencing joint and muscle aches and a sore throat, which I quickly attributed to stress and anxiety. I decided to take malaria tablets. I also started taking antibiotics for the sore throat. The first couple of temperature readings were normal. Every day I would attempt to recall the period Patrick Sawyer was on admission – just how much direct and indirect contact did I have with him? I reassured myself that my contact with him was quite minimal. I completed the anti-malarials but the aches and pains persisted. I had loss of appetite and felt very tired.

On Friday 1st of August, my temperature read a high 38.7c. As I type this, I recall the anxiety I felt that morning. I could not believe what I saw on the thermometer. I ran to my mother’s room and told her. I did not go to work that day. I cautiously started using a separate set of utensils and cups from the ones my family members were using.

On Saturday 2nd of August, the fever worsened. It was now at 39c and would not be reduced by taking paracetamol. This was now my second day of fever. I couldn’t eat. The sore throat was getting worse. That was when I called the helpline and an ambulance was sent with W.H.O doctors who came and took a sample of my blood. Later that day, I started stooling and vomiting. I stayed away from my family. I started washing my plates and spoons myself. My parents meanwhile, were convinced that I could not have Ebola.

The following day, Sunday 3rd of August, I got a call from one of the doctors who came to take my sample the day before. He told me that the sample which was they had taken was not confirmatory, and that they needed another sample. He did not sound very coherent and I became worried. They came with the ambulance that afternoon and told me that I had to go with them to Yaba. I was confused. Couldn’t the second sample be taken in the ambulance like the previous one? He said a better-qualified person at the Yaba centre would take the sample. I asked if they would bring me back. He said “yes.” Even with the symptoms I did not believe I had Ebola. After all, my contact with Sawyer was minimal. I only touched his I.V. fluid bag just that once without gloves. The only time I actually touched him was when I checked his pulse and confirmed him dead, and I wore double gloves and felt adequately protected.

I told my parents I had to go with the officials to Yaba and that I would be back that evening. I wore a white top and a pair of jeans, and I put my iPad and phones in my bag.
A man opened the ambulance door for me and moved away from me rather swiftly. Strange behavior, I thought. They were friendly with me the day before, but that day, not so. No pleasantries, no smiles. I looked up and saw my mother watching through her bedroom window.
We soon got to Yaba. I really had no clue where I was. I knew it was a hospital. I was left alone in the back of the ambulance for over four hours. My mind was in a whirl. I didn’t know what to think. I was offered food to eat but I could barely eat the rice.

The ambulance door opened and a Caucasian gentleman approached me but kept a little distance. He said to me, “I have to inform you that your blood tested positive for Ebola. I am sorry.” I had no reaction. I think I must have been in shock. He then told me to open my mouth and he looked at my tongue. He said it was the typical Ebola tongue. I took out my mirror from my bag and took a look and I was shocked at what I saw. My whole tongue had a white coating, looked furry and had a long, deep ridge right in the middle. I then started to look at my whole body, searching for Ebola rashes and other signs as we had been recently instructed. I called my mother immediately and said, “Mummy, they said I have Ebola, but don’t worry, I will survive it. Please, go and lock my room now; don’t let anyone inside and don’t touch anything.” She was silent. I cut the line.

I was taken to the female ward. I was shocked at the environment. It looked like an abandoned building. I suspected it had not been in use for quite a while. As I walked in, I immediately recognized one of the ward maids from our hospital. She always had a smile for me but not this time. She was ill and she looked it. She had been stooling a lot too. I soon settled into my corner and looked around the room. It smelled of faeces and vomit. It also had a characteristic Ebola smell to which I became accustomed. Dinner was served – rice and stew. The pepper stung my mouth and tongue. I dropped the spoon. No dinner that night.

Dr. David, the Caucasian man who had met me at the ambulance on my arrival, came in wearing his full protective ‘hazmat’ suit and goggles. It was fascinating seeing one live. I had only seen them online. He brought bottles of water and ORS, the oral fluid therapy which he dropped by my bedside. He told me that 90 percent of the treatment depended on me. He said I had to drink at least 4.5 litres of ORS daily to replace fluids lost in stooling and vomiting. I told him I had stooled three times earlier and taken Imodium tablets to stop the stooling. He said it was not advisable, as the virus would replicate the more inside of me. It was better he said to let it out. He said good night and left.

My parents called. My uncle called. My husband called crying. He could not believe the news. My parents had informed him, as I didn’t even know how to break the news to him.
As I lay on my bed in that isolation ward, strangely, I did not fear for my life. I was confident that I would leave that ward some day. There was an inner sense of calm. I did not for a second think I would be consumed by the disease. That evening, the symptoms fully kicked in. I was stooling almost every two hours. The toilets did not flush so I had to fetch water in a bucket from the bathroom each time I used the toilet. I then placed another bucket beneath my bed for the vomiting.
On occasion I would run to the toilet with a bottle of ORS, so that as I was stooling, I was drinking.

The next day Monday 4th of August, I began to notice red rashes on my skin particularly on my arms. I had developed sores all over my mouth. My head was pounding so badly. The sore throat was so severe I could not eat. I could only drink the ORS. I took paracetamol for the pain. The ward maid across from me wasn’t doing so well. She had stopped speaking. I couldn’t even brush my teeth; the sores in my mouth were so bad. This was a battle for my life but I was determined I would not die.

Every morning, I began the day with reading and meditating on Psalm 91. The sanitary condition in the ward left much to be desired. The whole Ebola thing had caught everyone by surprise. Lagos State Ministry of Health was doing its best to contain the situation but competent hands were few. The sheets were not changed for days. The floor was stained with greenish vomitus and excrement. Dr. David would come in once or twice a day and help clean up the ward after chatting with us. He was the only doctor who attended to us. There was no one else at that time. The matrons would leave our food outside the door; we had to go get the food ourselves. They hardly entered in the initial days. Everyone was being careful. This was all so new. I could understand, was this not how we ourselves had contracted the disease? Mosquitoes were our roommates until they brought us mosquito nets.

Later that evening, Dr. David brought another lady into the ward. I recognized her immediately as Justina Ejelonu, a nurse who had started working at First Consultants on the 21st of July, a day after Patrick Saywer was admitted. She was on duty on the day Patrick reported that he was stooling. While she was attending to him that night, he had yanked off his drip, letting his blood flow almost like a tap onto her hands. Justina was pregnant and was brought into our ward bleeding from a suspected miscarriage. She had been told she was there only on observation. The news that she had contracted Ebola was broken to her the following day after results of her blood test came out positive. Justina was devastated and wept profusely – she had contracted Ebola on her first day at work.

My husband started visiting but was not allowed to come close to me. He could only see me from a window at a distance. He visited so many times. It was he who brought me a change of clothes and toiletries and other things I needed because I had not even packed a bag. I was grateful I was not with him at home when I fell ill or he would most certainly have contracted the disease. My retreat at my parents’ home turned out to be the instrumentality God used to shield and save him.

I drank the ORS fluid like my life depended on it. Then I got a call from my pastor. He had been informed about my predicament. He called me every single day morning and night and would pray with me over the phone. He later sent me a CD player, CDs of messages on faith and healing, and Holy Communion packs through my husband. My pastor, who also happens to be a medical doctor, encouraged me to monitor how many times I had stooled and vomited each day and how many bottles of ORS I had consumed. We would then discuss the disease and pray together. He asked me to do my research on Ebola since I had my iPad with me and told me that he was also doing his study. He wanted us to use all relevant information on Ebola to our advantage. So I researched and found out all I could about the strange disease that has been in existence for 38 years. My research, my faith, my positive view of life, the extended times of prayer, study and listening to encouraging messages boosted my belief that I would survive the Ebola scourge.

There are five strains of the virus and the deadliest of them is the Zaire strain, which was what I had. But that did not matter. I believed I would overcome even the deadliest of strains. Infected patients who succumb to the disease usually die between 6 to 16 days after the onset of the disease from multiple organ failure and shock caused by dehydration. I was counting the days and keeping myself well hydrated. I didn’t intend to die in that ward.

My research gave me ammunition. I read that as soon as the virus gets into the body, it begins to replicate really fast. It enters the blood cells, destroys them and uses those same blood cells to aggressively invade other organs where they further multiply. Ideally, the body’s immune system should immediately mount up a response by producing antibodies to fight the virus. If the person is strong enough, and that strength is sustained long enough for the immune system to kill off the viruses, the patient is likely to survive. If the virus replicates faster than the antibodies can handle however, further damage is done to the organs. Ebola can be likened to a multi-level, multi-organ attack but I had no intention of letting the deadly virus destroy my system. I drank more ORS. I remember saying to myself repeatedly, “I am a survivor, I am a survivor.”

I also found out that a patient with Ebola cannot be re-infected and they cannot relapse back into the disease as there is some immunity conferred on survivors. My pastor and I would discuss these findings, interpret them as it related to my situation and pray together. I looked forward to his calls. They were times of encouragement and strengthening. I continued to meditate on the Word of God. It was my daily bread.

Shortly after Justina came into the ward, the ward maid, Mrs Ukoh passed on. The disease had gotten into her central nervous system. We stared at her lifeless body in shock. It was a whole 12 hours before officials of W.H.O came and took her body away. The ward had become the house of death. The whole area surrounding her bed was disinfected with bleach. Her mattress was taken and burned.

To contain the frequent diarrhea, I had started wearing adult diapers, as running to the toilet was no longer convenient for me. The indignity was quite overwhelming, but I did not have a choice. My faith was being severely tested. The situation was desperate enough to break anyone psychologically. Dr. Ohiaeri also called us day and night, enquiring about our health and the progress we were making. He sent provisions, extra drugs, vitamins, Lucozade, towels, tissue paper; everything we needed to be more comfortable in that dark hole we found ourselves. Some of my male colleagues had also been admitted to the male ward two rooms away, but there was no interaction with them.
We were saddened by the news that Jato, the ECOWAS protocol officer to Patrick Sawyer who had also tested positive, had passed on days after he was admitted.

Two more females joined us in the ward; a nurse from our hospital and a patient from another hospital. The mood in the ward was solemn. There were times we would be awakened by the sudden, loud cry from one of the women. It was either from fear, pain mixed with the distress or just the sheer oppression of our isolation.

I kept encouraging myself. This could not be the end for me. Five days after I was admitted, the vomiting stopped. A day after that, the diarrhea ceased. I was overwhelmed with joy. It happened at a time I thought I could no longer stand the ORS. Drinking that fluid had stretched my endurance greatly.

I knew countless numbers of people were praying for me. Prayer meetings were being held on my behalf. My family was praying day and night. Text messages of prayers flooded my phones from family members and friends. I was encouraged to press on. With the encouragement I was receiving I began to encourage the others in the ward. We decided to speak life and focus on the positive. I then graduated from drinking only the ORS fluid to eating only bananas, to drinking pap and then bland foods. Just when I thought I had the victory, I suddenly developed a severe fever. The initial fever had subsided four days after I was admitted, and then suddenly it showed up again. I thought it was the Ebola. I enquired from Dr. David who said fever was sometimes the last thing to go, but he expressed surprise that it had stopped only to come back on again. I was perplexed.

I discussed it with my pastor who said it could be a separate pathology and possibly a symptom of malaria. He promised he would research if indeed this was Ebola or something else. That night as I stared at the dirty ceiling, I felt a strong impression that the new fever I had developed was not as a result of Ebola but malaria. I was relieved. The following morning, Dr. Ohiaeri sent me antimalarial medication which I took for three days. Before the end of the treatment, the fever had disappeared.

I began to think about my mother. She was under surveillance along with my other family members. I was worried. She had touched my sweat. I couldn’t get the thought off my mind. I prayed for her. Hours later on Twitter I came across a tweet by W.H.O saying that the sweat of an Ebola patient cannot transmit the virus at the early stage of the infection. The sweat could only transmit it at the late stage.
That settled it for me. It calmed the storms that were raging within me concerning my parents. I knew right away it was divine guidance that caused me to see that tweet. I could cope with having Ebola, but I was not prepared to deal with a member of my family contracting it from me.

Soon, volunteer doctors started coming to help Dr. David take care of us. They had learned how to protect themselves. Among the volunteer doctors was Dr. Badmus, my consultant in LUTH during my housemanship days. It was good to see a familiar face among the care-givers. I soon understood the important role these brave volunteers were playing. As they increased in number, so did the number of shifts increase and subsequently the number of times the patients could access a doctor in one day. This allowed for more frequent patient monitoring and treatment. It also reduced care-giver fatigue. It was clear that Lagos State was working hard to contain the crisis

Sadly, Justina succumbed to the disease on the 12th of August. It was a great blow and my faith was greatly shaken as a result. I commenced daily Bible study with the other two female patients and we would encourage one another to stay positive in our outlook though in the natural it was grim and very depressing. My communion sessions with the other women were very special moments for us all.

On my 10th day in the ward, the doctors having noted that I had stopped vomiting and stooling and was no longer running a fever, decided it was time to take my blood sample to test if the virus had cleared from my system. They took the sample and told me that I shouldn’t be worried if it comes out positive as the virus takes a while before it is cleared completely. I prayed that I didn’t want any more samples collected from me. I wanted that to be the first and last sample to be tested for the absence of the virus in my system. I called my pastor. He encouraged me and we prayed again about the test.

On the evening of the day Justina passed on, we were moved to the new isolation centre. We felt like we were leaving hell and going to heaven.
We were conveyed to the new place in an ambulance. It was just behind the old building. Time would not permit me to recount the drama involved with the dynamics of our relocation. It was like a script from a science fiction movie. The new building was cleaner and much better than the old building. Towels and nightwear were provided on each bed. The environment was serene.

The following night, Dr. Adadevoh was moved to our isolation ward from her private room where she had previously been receiving treatment. She had also tested positive for Ebola and was now in a coma. She was receiving I.V. fluids and oxygen support and was being monitored closely by the W.H.O doctors. We all hoped and prayed that she would come out of it. It was so difficult seeing her in that state. I could not bear it. She was my consultant, my boss, my teacher and my mentor. She was the imperial lady of First Consultants, full of passion, energy and competence. I imagined she would wake up soon and see that she was surrounded by her First Consultants family but sadly it was not to be.

I continued listening to my healing messages. They gave me life. I literarily played them hours on end. Two days later, on Saturday the 16th of August, the W.H.O doctors came with some papers. I was informed that the result of my blood test was negative for Ebola virus. If I could somersault, I would have but my joints were still slightly painful. I was free to go home after being in isolation for exactly 14 days. I was so full of thanks and praise to God. I called my mother to get fresh clothes and slippers and come pick me. My husband couldn’t stop shouting when I called him. He was completely overwhelmed with joy.
I was told however that I could not leave the ward with anything I came in with. I glanced one last time at my cd player, my valuable messages, my research assistant a.k.a my iPad, my phones and other items. I remember saying to myself, “I have life; I can always replace these items.”

I went for a chlorine bath, which was necessary to disinfect my skin from my head to my toes. It felt like I was being baptized into a new life as Dr. Carolina, a W.H.O doctor from Argentina poured the bucket of chlorinated water all over me. I wore a new set of clothes, following the strict instructions that no part of the clothes must touch the floor and the walls. Dr. Carolina looked on, making sure I did as instructed.

I was led out of the bathroom and straight to the lawn to be united with my family, but first I had to cut the red ribbon that served as a barrier. It was a symbolic expression of my freedom. Everyone cheered and clapped. It was a little but very important ceremony for me. I was free from Ebola! I hugged my family as one who had been liberated after many years of incarceration. I was like someone who had fought death face to face and come back to the land of the living.

We had to pass through several stations of disinfection before we reached the car. Bleach and chlorinated water were sprayed on everyone’s legs at each station. As we made our way to the car, we walked past the old isolation building. I could hardly recognize it. I could not believe I slept in that building for 10 days. I was free! Free of Ebola. Free to live again. Free to interact with humanity again. Free from the sentence of death.

My parents and two brothers were under surveillance for 21 days and they completed the surveillance successfully. None of them came down with a fever. The house had been disinfected by Lagos State Ministry of Health soon after I was taken to the isolation centre. I thank God for shielding them from the plague.

My recovery after discharge has been gradual but progressive. I thank God for the support of family and friends. I remember my colleagues who we lost in this battle. Dr. Adadevoh my boss, Nurse Justina Ejelonu, and the ward maid, Mrs. Ukoh were heroines who lost their lives in the cause to protect Nigeria. They will never be forgotten.

I commend the dedication of the W.H.O doctors, Dr. David from Virginia, USA, who tried several times to convince me to specialize in infectious diseases, Dr. Carolina from Argentina who spoke so calmly and encouragingly, Mr. Mauricio from Italy who always offered me apples and gave us novels to read. I especially thank the volunteer Nigerian doctors, matrons and cleaners who risked their lives to take care of us. I must also commend the Lagos State government, and the state and federal ministries of health for their swift efforts to contain the virus. To all those prayed for me, I cannot thank you enough. And to my First Consultants family, I say a heartfelt thank you for your dedication and for your support throughout this very difficult period.

I still believe in miracles. None of us in the isolation ward was given any experimental drugs or so-called immune boosters. I was full of faith yet pragmatic enough to consume as much ORS as I could even when I wanted to give up and throw the bottles away. I researched on the disease extensively and read accounts of the survivors. I believed that even if the mortality rate was 99%, I would be part of the 1% who survive.

Early detection and reporting to hospital is key to patient survival. Please do not hide yourself if you have been in contact with an Ebola patient and have developed the symptoms. Regardless of any grim stories one may have heard about the treatment of patients in the isolation centre, it is still better to be in the isolation ward with specialist care, than at home where you and others will be at risk.

I read that Dr. Kent Brantly, the American doctor who contracted Ebola in Liberia and was flown out to the United States for treatment was being criticized for attributing his healing to God when he was given the experimental drug, Zmapp. I don’t claim to have all the answers to the nagging questions of life. Why do some die and some survive? Why do bad things happen to good people? Where is God in the midst of pain and suffering? Where does science end and God begin? These are issues we may never fully comprehend on this side of eternity. All I know is that I walked through the valley of the shadow of death and came out unscathed.

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The post Dr Ada Igonoh Survives Ebola and Shares Her Story appeared first on .

Things That Get Easier As Your Children Get Older

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When you have younger children there are several changes to your privacy, your sleep, and  your life in general. While it’s all totally worth it, you may start to wonder if it’s going to be like this for the next 18 years as you raise your kids.

Parenting gets easier in some ways as your children get older such as. Below are things that get easier as your children get older.

rp_familydinner1.jpgFinding Time For Your Partner

It is hard to find time to hang out with your spouse especially when you have young children. Even just wanting to watch a movie together at home is often interrupted. As they grow older you have more time to spend alone with your spouse.

Toys Everywhere

As children get older the house gets cleaner as they are able to clean up after themselves and there are less toys thrown all over the house.

Sneaking a Nap

When the children are younger it is harder to take a nap if you need one, especially if you do not have domestic help. You cannot afford to take your eye off them and leave them to get into trobule.

Alone Time

As the children grow older and become more independent there comes some more opportunity for alone time! It gets easier to spend time alone by yourself.

Keeping the House Clean

With older age comes older responsibilities and that includes the kids cleaning up after themselves.

Getting Out the Door On Time

There is less rushing in the mornings to get out of the house on time, as they get older they can get themselves ready from taking a bath to getting dressed. Gone are the days of having to wake them up, pick their clothes and shower them before you get yourself ready.

Going to The Bathroom alone

Funnily children seem to enjoy barging in when you need to use the bathroom, as they grow older they understand that using the toilet needs some privacy.

culled from 

Are there some other things that have become easier as the children have grown older?

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Getting Ready for Back to School

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The Children have been out of school for a long time and there are some steps that help with the back to school transition.

  • Ease Back In – Help your children get used to the school schedule ideally from a couple of weeks before school starts. Start with moving bedtimes back in ½ hour increments at least one week before school starts. Since kids have probably been waking up later in the morning on sumer holidays, start waking them up earlier as well. Start getting them to eat on a regular schedule similar to school.
  • Visit School Premises Prior to School Start – Even if your child knows the school well, it still feels good to get reacquainted with school and visit their new class. If your child will be  starting a new school, find out if you and your child can take a tour before classes begin. Consider scheduling a play date with a child from the new school so your child might see a familiar face in class on the first day.
  • Be Encouraging –  If your children have any fears be sure to listen to their worries and anxieties and don’t minimize or dismiss them, talk to them about it and reassure them.
  • Shopping for school supplies – Note the items he or she needs, how much they cost, and where you can buy them. Shopping for supplies and clothes should be fun, if you have your list of needed school supplies, start shopping now. Many kids find picking out their new pencils, crayons and backpacks to be a lot of fun and something that gets them excited about going back to school.
  • Security – Dig out all the ID cards for the designated adult for school runs. Remember to take stock and update names and passport photos of staff that might have changed over the summer months (new drivers, nannies). Rehearse school run plans and ruled if you have to (especially if it is not a parent who can do school pickups). Think Safety! Make sure kids know their street address or phone number. Be sure to review these with younger children. Update your information with the schools (new jobs, addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts, emails etc.).
  • Meet the Teacher – Meet the teacher and also mention any changes to your child’s life such as family moves and births to help a teacher understand any changes. Most good schools would rather know sooner than later if you are worried about your child’s school experience.
  • School Calendar – Usually when the school starts there will be a school calendar sent with the welcome packet. It is helpful for both parents and other caregivers to update phones with upcoming events and set reminders. This should help with planning as well for half terms, public holidays and vacations coming up.
  • Plan for the term – Talk with your children about after school schedules and select based on interest. Create a homework station and stock it with age-appropriate school and craft supplies like pens, pencils, erasers and other basics. Create school time tables you follow including days for physical education, library days and all the other extra curricular school activities.
  • Create Anticipation and Excitement Together – Let your child lay out his clothes for the first day. Allow the child to pack his or her backpack a few nights before school starts.
  • Label items – Label school supplies and other materials if necessary. By the end of each term there is always a host of items in lost and found. Label things like uniform, sweaters, sun hats clearly with your child’s name.

Have fun and Enjoy the New School Year!

 

 

 

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Things That Get Easier as Children Get Older

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When you have younger children there are several changes to your privacy, your sleep, and  your life in general. While it’s all totally worth it, you may start to wonder if it’s going to be like this for the next 18 years as you raise your kids.

Parenting gets easier in some ways as your children get older such as. Below are things that get easier as your children get older.

rp_familydinner1.jpgFinding Time For Your Partner

It is hard to find time to hang out with your spouse especially when you have young children. Even just wanting to watch a movie together at home is often interrupted. As they grow older you have more time to spend alone with your spouse.

Toys Everywhere

As children get older the house gets cleaner as they are able to clean up after themselves and there are less toys thrown all over the house.

Sneaking a Nap

When the children are younger it is harder to take a nap if you need one, especially if you do not have domestic help. You cannot afford to take your eye off them and leave them to get into trobule.

Alone Time

As the children grow older and become more independent there comes some more opportunity for alone time! It gets easier to spend time alone by yourself.

Keeping the House Clean

With older age comes older responsibilities and that includes the kids cleaning up after themselves.

Getting Out the Door On Time

There is less rushing in the mornings to get out of the house on time, as they get older they can get themselves ready from taking a bath to getting dressed. Gone are the days of having to wake them up, pick their clothes and shower them before you get yourself ready.

Going to The Bathroom alone

Funnily children seem to enjoy barging in when you need to use the bathroom, as they grow older they understand that using the toilet needs some privacy.

Are there some other things that have become easier as the children have grown older?

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Are You Smart Enough Financially?

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Are you financially literate enough to raise a daughter who is financially empowered? Your daughter learns from you and how you see and handle finances.

Start with asking yourself about your own finance? How well do you manage it? what about your family’s finances, are you responsible enough to handle it with care?Are you an emotional spender?

financial literacyFinancial literacy is “the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial well-being.”

As women, we were raised to believe in the “happy ever after” Cinderella story, believing that once you’re married you let go and let your husband take charge of everything! Including your finances!

What if your husband is not capable of running the finances of the family? Or you if you wake up from your sleeping beauty bed to find its overgrown with thorns or your knight in shining armor suddenly became crushed…How many women go through death of a spouse/divorce or separation and have nothing financially to hold on to and sustain their life and those of their children.

Some women remain in a money fog before and during marriage, afraid of disrupting status quo or refusing to see the truth about themselves or their partner. What is your money mindset? Are you financially compatible with your fiance/husband? What beliefs do you hold about money?

Money is very important! You need to work for it and make it work even harder for you. This is a simple truth about money and you need to be financially literate and aware to understand this – it is not only the job of a man or husband.

It is important to have a goal for every dime you receive – whether you earn it from a job or its allowance from your husband, create the goal around your life’s purpose and family needs and stick to it. Self-discipline and self-control are key to financial freedom.

Avoid the impulse to buy things just because you feel like, don’t buy things you can’t afford!

It is your responsibility to become financially empowered. We have to help each other prepare so that you, your mother, your sister, your daughter, your best friend, won’t end up like so many elderly women today who are living in poverty and despair and disrespect. We shouldn’t let this happen in our lives.

Women we must take charge and have faith that in knowledge there is power, and when we take action there is a future. 

Be smart with your money and financially and teach your daughters too…Be wise!

Contributed by Tolu Opanuga
Lifestyle Coach for Women, teens/kids
Founder: Girls Connect Africa (mentoring/enrichment club for girls), Virtuous Woman Network (Fb group)
www.raisingworldchampions.org
 
photo source: smartinvestingph

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What Can Be Stopping You From What God Has Planned For You

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What can be stopping you from what God has planned for you?

promised landMoses was chosen by God and seemed like the perfect role model to receive all God had planned including getting to the promised land. He had labored and worked hard to get the Israelites out of Egypt. God chose him, equipped him and gave him the power to do miracles that astounded all to the point that the Egyptians literally paid the Israelites to leave their land with gifts.

At the end of all this Moses did not make it to the promised land. Most of us ponder on what went wrong, upon all his handwork he did not get to the promised land, Moses was not able to sway God or persuade him. All God did was to permit him to climb to the mountain top and take a look and see what the promised land looked like. How painful that must have felt? Just a peep.

Have you ever thought about what stopped Moses from getting into the promised land?

We could guess that maybe Moses was angry? or took matters into his own hands to do what he thought God wanted. The action that made God bar Moses from the promised land was that he struck the rock a second time when God asked him to speak to the rock. (Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20: 7-11)

You must ask yourself what could stop you from your promised land? or what is stopping you from what God has planned for you. Everyone has a promised land that God wants to lead you to and there could be several things that could threaten to  stop you from getting there.

  • Character – could your character be stopping you from entering the promised land? Perhaps you need to work on your morals? or are there other character flaws, anger issues that you need to work on before God can fully take you where you are to go. God is not the one limiting you rather your internal issues could limit you from getting where you should go.
  • What people think – Could you be limiting yourself because you are so concerned by what people think about you? Some people can be so hindered by what people think about them that they do not act. Not everyone will be happy with your progress so why do you think that everyone will celebrate you or your success. It is important to obey God and to follow his will for your life so you can fulfill your purpose. Keep your eyes on your promised land and work and walk to get there.
  • Low self esteem – some people have been battered by what people think of them or what people have said or done to them that they just don’t think they can achieve their promise from God. God has promised that “eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, nor the heart of man imagined all that God has planned for you”. If you don’t have the confidence and self- esteem to step into what God has planned for you, you are stopping yourself. God word needs to ring louder than your fears or what man says.
  • Staying stuck in an old place – God is the same yesterday, today and forever more, however he can change the way he wants you to do things. The second time around God only asked Moses to speak to the rock, but he struck the rock instead. Yes he had struck the rock in the past and water flowed but this time God said speak to the rock. It is important not to box God into a pattern and think that you know how he wants you to do something. When God through his love gives you direct instructions you must obey it and not act out what you feel.
  • Giving up in crisis – Crisis builds character, just as fire determines what things are made of. Things made of wood burn up but that made of gold gets refined in the fire. This is also how it is with people – crisis reveals your character. Do you crumble under crisis? Do you give up and have a pity party? God cannot use this, God did not say we  would not face challenges what he promised is that he will never leave nor forsake us and will be your help in times of trouble, he is your present help, healer and protector. So if you face a bump in the road, look up and keep moving.
  • Not using things to your advantage – Though it is not mentioned much we can probably imagine that the time Moses had spent growing up in Egypt played to his advantage when he was sent back there to do the impossible and save his people. He knew their customs, language and way of life, imagine what an advantage this must have been for him to harness. What advantages through your life and experience do you have that rather than harness you waste.

We all need to do our part, God will not leave us without direction, he has given us his word and his promises to give us a future, hope and an expected end. We are meant to press into Gods word and will for our lives, we are meant to work on our character, be people with integrity and walk in power. Don’t stop yourself from getting to your promised land, what God has planned for you and the dream that God has placed on her heart and in your mind.

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Breastfeeding As Contraception

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Breastfeeding, if done right, can serve as contraception.

In the first six months after birth, breastfeeding provides many benefits to the new mum and her baby and serving as an effective contraception is one of these benefits. 

How does it work? Breastfeeding as contraception 

  • As a baby nurses, a hormone called prolactin is triggered to increase in the mum. This hormone ensures an ongoing milk supply for baby, and suppresses the other hormones that lead to ovulation in mum.
  • Breastfeeding as an effective contraception in only about 98% effective if these are in place -
    • It has been less than six months since the baby was born;
    • the baby is only nursing (that means no formula, bottles, or food);
    • and your period has not started again.
  • If breastfeeding is not exclusive, then ovulation can start up to 3 weeks after the birth of the baby and you can get pregnant again. 
  • The period of breastfeeding as a form of contraception is not as effective after the first six months.
Source: care2.com
photo source: inhabitots

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Benefits of Roughhousing

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art of roughhousingBenefits of roughhousing – Roughhousing also known as roughplay is being reported as having benefits for both parents and children. So listen up, if you have been conservative and don’t engage in roughhousing aka roughplay with your children it is time to put the ipads and smartphones away and get rough with your children.

Apparently Anthony T. DeBenedet and Lawrence J. Cohen have studied the benefits of parents roughhousing with their children and published their findings

They report that “Roughhousing is interactive, so it builds close connections between children and parents. It releases the creative life force within each person, pushing us out of our inhibitions and inflexibilities”.

Further their findings say “Roughhousing activates many different parts of the body and the brain, from the amygdalae, which process emotions, and the cerebellum, which handles complex motor skills, to the prefrontal cortex, which makes high-level judgments”.

These are big explanations to encourage you to get on the floor, tickle and play fight with your children (at least when they are younger and will let you do it).

So get on with it and this is not limited to sons only, daughters should be allowed to test their strength and ability to get rough within reason.

What do you think about roughhousing being encouraged…basic instinct for physical play should not be forgotten.

Source: farnamstreetblog

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Nigeria Independence Day

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Nigeria Independence Day – celebrating 54 years of Independence.
naijaAt a celebration of the Nigerian Independence Day we rose to sing the anthem. Listening and pondering the words of the anthem I wondered what went wrong.

I imagined what the people who wrote the words of the anthem must have imagined for Nigeria. What promise and hope must have been bubbling at the time of independence. You can’t help but assess the situation now 54 years later and wonder what has gone wrong?

Can we say we are living the promise of what independence was to have offered when you look at the words of the anthem?

Arise, O compatriots,
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.

O God of creation
Direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign.

Do we have this Nation today? Does peace, truth, love, honesty and justice exist talk less of reign? It is worth considering and wondering how we seem to have come so far away from the initial ideals of an independent Nigeria.

Towards the end of the celebration we were then asked to rise up and sing what i consider a new anthem for Nigeria that gives hope, that gives promise, it inspires and encourages Nigerians to look forward to a better nation. If words could be used to make a change then this song for Nigeria could do it.

It is “Great Nation” by Timi Dakolo

Here we stand as a people
With one song: with one voice
We’re a nation: undivided and poised
We will take our stand: and build our land
With faith: to defend what we love

Here we are as a people
With one heart: for one cause
We’re determined: to rebuild and restore
Where freedom reigns: and truth prevails
A land where there’s hope for us all.

We’re all we have, we’ll defend our land
We believe in this nation, and we know we’ll get there
We’re all we have, we’ll defend our land
We believe in Nigeria and the promise she holds
And that one day we’ll shine like the sun
We’re a great nation

Though we are many people
Different tribes: different tongues
We’re united in our strength and resolve
To uphold the honour of our land
And for generations to come

We’re all we have, we’ll defend our land
We believe in this nation, and we know we’ll get there
We’re all we have, we’ll defend our land
We believe in Nigeria and the promise she holds
And that one day we’ll shine like the sun
We’re a great nation

Yes Timi’s song evokes emotion if you are a Nigerian and one who desires a better nation. It makes it clear we all have to be committed to rebuild, to restore and to defend our land. We all have to believe that Nigeria can become what it should be, that it can indeed shine and truth can prevail.

As we celebrate Nigeria’s Independence today, while there are a lot of disappointments we must not give up, we cannot just point fingers as to how we got to where we are today. We must focus and commit to rebuild, restore and thereby build a great nation.

Happy Independence Day!

photo source: Naij.com

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Home Training In The Family

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Home training in the family cannot be over emphasized when bringing up a child. Every adult is the end product of the success or failure of their parent as regards to home training.

etiquetteWhat really is home training and how important is it? Home training can mean many things to many people, but in the context of parenting as concerned here, it can be simply defined as manners and social etiquette taught at home. These are patterns of manners and behavior, that if imbibed by a child would affect his or her life, irrespective of where the child (and adult) finds himself or herself.

It’s quite unfortunate that most of us expect that our children will get the training they require from school. While teachers have a role, not every teacher is detailed enough to notice that a child is picking his nose, biting his nails, not covering his mouth when coughing e.t.c

Let’s look at Home training and simple ways of teaching some of the things that children need to know.

Hygiene

Personal hygiene is a big element to successful home training. Some of the things that you could teach your child not to do or do when it comes to hygiene include:

• Do not rub your face when sweating, use a handkerchief to wipe your face.

• Do not pick your nose, always use a tissue and always sneeze into a tissue.

• Do not bite your fingers, they should use a nail cutter if they are old enough to do that themselves or you do it for them.

• Always wash hands after using the toilet, before and after eating.

There are more to add to the list depending on the other values you have built over the years.

Respect

You will agree with me, this is a very serious issue in the 21st Century, many parents might talk about it but then do not require it from their children. It is in your childs’ best interest to get the principle of respect from a tender age. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying we should make them scared of us, but teach them about respect.

An effective way to teach respect comes from the little things you do, how you treat people. I mean we (parents), should take the lead, you would be surprised to see how your child would follow suit. It’s easier to teach children by example, they will more easily do what they see than do what they are told. How can a child relate with a mum who consistently says, you should treat people with respect even  when they offend you and yet that mum keeps yelling at everyone around the house, or in the office.

Integrity

Teaching integrity includes teaching children to always do the right things, say the right things and stand by what they say. My little niece was ill some time ago, and she said to me, I believe God will heal me because when daddy promises to give me something, he gives me. I was ‘whaooed’ by the statement from an eight year old, seeing how far our integrity can affect and teach our children.

Social Etiquette

There is soo much on etiquette you can teach a child, it has a lot to do with your values, etiquette such as table manners, talking manners, how to seat, standing without leaning on anything, not interrupting elders when they are talking e.t.c

There is a lot of home training you can give your child, digest this and watch out for the subsequent discussions.

Contributed by Olamide Tawose

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Weight Loss Secrets

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http://lagosmums.com/in-pursuit-of-a-healthy-diet/I have been on weight loss journey over the last few months and so far have successfully lost about 7kg (16lbs) It might not sound like a lot but it is a lot for someone who has been struggling for a long time to shed the weight.

Some people have been asking me to share my weight loss secrets. So I want to share the secret to my weight loss with you and the big secret is...there is no secret! As cliche as this sounds there are no secrets to weight loss it takes time, sacrifice, consistency and applying the things most of us know.

There is not short cut or quick fix however there are certain things that do help with weight loss.

1. Attitude – Your attitude and mindset matters, determination to loose weight for the right reasons is a big part of successful weight loss. It is not permanent when you try to loose weight just to fit into a dress for an event – use spanx for this. Rather be determined to loose weight for reasons that are long term such as to be healthy, feel better, look better etc.

2. No Crash Diet – Sudden crash diets or cutting out a food class does not give permanent results. All foods have their benefits in the right quantities. Overall eating habits need to be reviewed and changes to eating habits are more effective. Rather tips like loading your meal with vegetables and protein and less carbohydrates are the changes that work long term.

3. Good Eating Habits - Weight loss and keeping it off is a combination of factors, such as eating only when you are hungry and not consuming more calories than you need in a day. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Do not eat late at night. Cut out sodas, processed foods and fast foods (or at least consume in smaller quantities). The truth is a lot of different factors and changes make weight loss successful. Practice makes permanent!

4. Water is important – Drink lots of water, many times you feel hungry you are actually dehydrated. Your body needs water to function properly, to get rid of toxins and to flush out your system effectively. Majority of your body is made up of water so keep yourself hydrated.

5. Food Lifestyle changes – Similar to the point above you need to analyze your lifestyle and think about how you consume. At the most basic,  food is meant to nourish your body, it should not be used to provide comfort or consumed just because it is available. Even at a party with the plate of small chops, eat one puff puff if you must, don’t finish all the pieces on your plate.

6. Detox - Detox can work wonders because between the poor food choices and pollution our bodies are filled with toxins. However it is important to be careful not to detox and retox. While a detox flushes your system and resets your body it must be followed up with healthy eating habits and good balanced diet. Going back to eating pastries, fast food and drinking soda makes a detox useless.

7. Plan your meals – Don’t wait till you are starving before you eat because then  it is more likely to consume more than you need and just what is available. Plan your meals at regular intervals and keep healthy food options around you to encourage healthy eating choices.

8. Distract yourself – Sometimes when you think you are hungry, it might just be boredom. Start with drinking some water and then get involved in an activity like reading or getting involved in an activity.

9. Exercise – Some level of exercise and physical activity is necessary. A 10 minute walk daily is better than not doing anything. Just start with the simplest activity and build up as you go along.

Now the “secrets” to keep the weight off 

  • Eat vegetables or fruits at the beginning of your meal to reduce your consumption of the main course. Eat slowly as it takes time for your brain to know you have had enough.
  • Replace white bread and rice with whole wheat bread and brown rice.
  • Drink warm water and lemon in the morning on an empty stomach – this is a natural diuretic and flushes toxins out.
  • Use of weight loss supplements such as a Detox program, Aloe Vera gel and use of body wrap, the Clean 9 has also been recommended. (if you are interested in this information email contactus@lagosmums.com)
  • Reduce your intake of fried foods and rather grill or roast your food. Instead of fried plantain try grilling it for yummy homemade boli.
  • Pick one day during the week to eat only fruits and vegetables.
  • Make smoothies at home to reach your five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
  • Keep snacks handy such as a piece of fruit or handful of nuts as a snack between meals.

These are some of the things i have done to loose the weight and to keep it off, what else has worked for you?

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Teaching Children Anger Management

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Anger Management

Children screaming? Throwing tantrums? Giving attitude? Children get angry and teaching children appropriate anger management will depend largely on how you help them to manage their emotions. Anger is an emotion.

People are bound to get angry, however this does not give anyone the allowance to react or lash out how they feel because they are angry. As part of teaching children values managing anger is a necessity in growing up into a balanced adult.

Remember you can get angry – but you do not react in anger!

Here are some helpful tips to deal with anger and to teach children anger management.

  • Do not argue with your child when they are angry, as long as it is not a life threatening situation it is better to just continue the conversation later when the child has calmed down.
  • You can identify the things that usually signify that your child is either getting angry or about to loose control. Children have preferences and specific triggers so it is best to understand your child, for example a young child who is hungry could be more prone to getting angry. Help the child to identify when he is getting angry so that he can learn to breathe and calm down.
  • Point out that anger is not only in the form of yelling there are many other formats of anger such as a bad attitude, harsh tones, mean looks and even keeping malice. Anger well managed in the home will lead to an adult who has control over his or her emotions.
  • It is a good idea to revisit the issue after the child has calmed down later, discuss what happened and point out better ways that the issue can be handled next time.
  • Teach children to know they can walk away, either when they are angry and need a moment or when they are in a situation with an angry person. It is better to agree to carry on after tempers have cooled.
  • Teach children that a harsh words cannot easily be reversed. They should learn to think about what they say and to always be quick to apologize and ask for forgiveness when they hurt someone.
Original source: biblicalparenting
photo course: affinitycentre.co.uk

 

 

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The Desire to Glow

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The Desire to GlowThere is hardly any woman who does not have a desire to have that skin which glows. One thing is for sure, self-confidence is boosted, the admiration of others is added to the list, flaunting the skin (in a modest way) is one of the blessings; in fact becoming a beauty ambassador becomes a reality.

Apart from all that has been listed, there is even a greater reason to desire glowing skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and serves important functions – It protects our bodies from the environment, maintains body temperature, excretes waste matter, gives sensory information to the brain and regulates body moisture.

The skin is a living organ which heals and renews itself constantly – every 28-30 days. It’s the face you present to the world. When healthy, it’s a source of beauty. The choices you make every day — what you eat, where you go, how you feel — affect how your skin looks. Ok, now this is deep!

My first law of beauty says ‘beauty is first within, then without’. Your true beauty is from within you. Your beauty comes from self-awareness, self-confidence and your own magnetic personality. It should reflect who you are and what comes from within.

Robert Jones a renowned makeup artist said ‘Self confidence is the most important element of true beauty’. In summary, your skin will have that added glow, when your spirit and soul glows from within. So invest time to renew your spirit and revive your soul (mind, emotion).

Truth be told, a skin that glows is not happen stance. There is conscious continuous effort that yields great rewards. Beauty begins with the proper caring of the skin and a healthy, beautiful skin is possible to achieve. Therefore, there must be the deliberate attempt to bring your best face forward because it has a direct impact on how you are perceived and received wherever you go.

The formula for a great skin (with attention to the face) is CTM – Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize. This should be done every day – morning and night. Your skin type, skin condition, age and a few other factors determine what kind of products to use (we’ll talk extensively about this in a subsequent post). If there is anything you must not do without is your ‘sunsreen’ or ‘SPF’ – Sun Protective Factor (more of that in another post).

In reality your skin glows as you glow from within. Therefore, a glowing is a product of a nourished spirit, renewed mind and a committed beauty routine.

Be sound in Spirit, Mind & Body!

Contributed by Iwo Akinyoyenu, US Certified Wellness Consultant
@erumucreations

photo source: capitalfm.co.ke

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Practical Parenting to instil Values

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valuesThere are lots of influences today that affect parenting, children and family life in general. While the family continues to ensure that there is adequate family time, there is also the concern on ensuring that your children learn the right values. There are some helpful tips for practical parenting to instil values in your children’s lives.

Instead of telling your kids how to live, show them.

How you treat people affects what your children pick up and learn. Simply stated, actions speak louder than words. The next time someone upsets you, like someone jumping in front of you in line at the shop, treat the situation as an important learning opportunity to show your children how you would behave. How to act in situations can not only be taught as principles they should be taught by the actions you take as well. The earlier children see you acting these out the more they grow up understanding what good values are.

Talk about your values in regular conversation

What we say in front of our kids is more important than what we say to them. When you do something great, talk about it within earshot of your kids. For example, when your child is sitting nearby, you might say to your spouse, “Honey, the clerk at the store gave me ten dollars too much in change. I could have kept it, but I gave it back. I always feel better when I do the right thing!” Once again children learn a lot from actions and values that are reality than a lecture of what to do in certain situations, so hearing you acted in an honest way for example will stick more than just a lecture of the importance of honesty.

Teach character and responsibility with empathy and consequences.

Allow children to make mistakes in safe situations. Kids develop character and positive values when they learn that poor decisions result in uncomfortable consequences. For example a parent when her teenager daughter got caught shoplifting. They held her responsible for hiring her own lawyer and paying the court costs. That was fifteen years ago, and she’s grown to be a wonderful, responsible young woman. On her thirtieth birthday, she even thanked us for being so strict!” Sometimes just as adults, children need to sometime feel the “pain” of their decisions do not just shield them and fix every problem…As a friend would say “he who does not hear shall feel”

Original source:

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FUN Activities To do with Children

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FUN Activities to do with Children – Amazing Science: Magic Milk Experiment

This is a FUN and quick hands on experiment kids of all ages (parents included) will enjoy, and best of all while the colourful display will amaze, the children are also introduced to a new scientific theory!

What you Need

Instructions

  • Pour enough milk onto a plate to cover the bottom.
  • Drop food coloring onto the milk. 
  • Dip a cotton swab in dish washing detergent liquid (or add a drop of washing up liquid if easier)
  • Touch the coated swab to the milk in the center of the plate.

Watch what happens: 

FUN Activities To do with Children

Let us know how your day with magic milk went: Please comment here, or, even better, send us pictures to wedidit@funville-ng.com Have fun experimenting!

For more FUN things to do at home with kids visit FUNdamentals K!DS Club

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Managing your Domestic Staff

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Most homes engage the service of domestic staff and it is important for you as the employer to keep certain things in mind as you manage your domestic staff.

  1. Background checks are important before they start work. Insist on speaking to an ex-employer.
  2. Very importantly get an identity card for them and keep a copy with you. (Verifyme is one such service that gives domestic staff ID)
  3. Get a general domestic staff screening blood test done at a reputable clinic or hospital. No use saving money going to a cheap clinic where you cannot rely on the results.domestic staff
  4. Make sure you know at least two persons that are her relatives or guarantors.
  5. You need to know where she lives (family house or her base)
  6. Try and be responsible for her toiletries. This might sound harsh and old fashioned but you might be shocked at what you might find.
  7. If you have girls avoid hiring a house boy, also with your son be careful with what a house girl does for him like giving him a bath the older he gets etc.
  8. If she has no reason to enter your matrimonial bedroom then let her stay out of it
  9. Short dresses, tight jeans, eyeliners, lipsticks and weave-on, these are things that you might allow unconsciously but think about this – who are they trying to impress? their priority is the housework or caring for the children.
  10. Carry out medical tests at least 6 months after they start in your home.
  11. Take time to discuss job description and expectations and also carry out reviews now and then. Important to let them know how they are doing and how you feel about their performance.

photo source: bespokebureau

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Control Your Day

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control your dayDo you know that you can control your day depending on how you start your day and what you mindset and expectations are? Do you tend to let your outer circumstances set the tone for each day or do you allow other people and events to trigger feelings of anger, frustration, impatience and attitude. There is a big difference between being proactive (ordering and creating your day) and being reactive (reacting to the things that happen to you).

If you are constantly reacting to things that happen to you, then you are not using the power you have available to you. By using the Law of Attraction to consciously control your day you can turn every day into a great day.

When you first wake up in the morning, resist the urge to just jump out of bed and get busy with the day ahead. Rather spend at least ten minutes or so thinking about how you would like your day to go. How would you like your workday to go? What kind of people would you like to meet? Would you like some great opportunities to advance your career or financial situation? How would you like to feel for the day? Are there some key things you want to get accomplished?

Then the most important of it all is to pray and commit your day into existence and the guidance to accomplish.

How to Control Your Day

Grab a blank journal or notebook and jot all the details for your day ahead down. Once you’ve gotten all the details written down, spend a few moments vividly imagining each scenario in your mind and what your ideal outcomes could be. As you do this visualisation allow yourself to feel as if they were actually happening to you. Immerse yourself in feelings of excitement, joy, happiness and gratitude as you imagine the scenarios playing out. Use this same process for every experience you would like to have that day.

By the time you’re finished you should be feeling fantastic; buzzing with good spirits and high expectations! Then you can get out of bed.

Then continue with your normal routine, take care not to become particularly attached to details of specific outcomes, it is not about being a control freak! Rather be open to whatever comes. The key is to keep affirming that great things are going to happen to you that day, and feeling great about all of the blessings and abundance in your life.

Avoid getting entangled in feelings of worry, anxiety, frustration, and anger as much as possible throughout the day because those feelings will interfere with the positive energy you have already worked on generating as you order your day. Affirm that wonderful things are happening or going to happen, even if you don’t see them quite yet.

By using this process on a daily basis, you’ll eventually start to notice that good things are starting to happen. You’ll find yourself being in the “right place at the right time” and generally enjoying greater opportunities and abundance. In this state of mind along with the positivity that you create you will find that all things are working together for your good. You will be in control and will be using your power to create the day you want, working from the inside out.

You will stop being “reactive” to things that happen to you from the outside.

Enjoy creating your day daily!

photo source: cexecmom

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Malala Yousafzai Becomes Youngest Nobel Prize Winner

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She is a sign of strength anMalala wins Noble Prized courage, a girl who came to be known after she was shot in an assassination attempt in October 2012 because her calls for equal rights angered militants in her homeland, Pakistan. The attack did not stop her, she has continued to lend her voice and to fight for the rights of equal rights.

She was awarded the Noble peace prize for her “heroic struggle” in favour of girls’ rights to education. At 17 years old she is the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Prize award.

The Nobel Prize committee said: “Despite her youth, Malala Yousafzai has already fought for several years for the right of girls to education, and has shown by example that children and young people, too, can contribute to improving their own situations.

Since her recovery she has spoken before the UN, met the Queen and US president Barack Obama, been named by Time magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential people and published her memoir, I am Malala.

She also has a day dedicated to her cause - Last year the UN made July 12 – the activist’s birthday – “Malala Day“, celebrating the campaign for a child’s right to receive an education.

The Nobel Prize is a set of annual international awards established in 1895 by Alfred Nobel, for a number of categories by Swedish and Norwegian committees in recognition of cultural and/or scientific advances.

Wishing you the best Malala and indeed hoping that equal rights becomes a reality.

Source: Heraldscotland
photo: conerstone-team

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