Stephanie Linus Daily

Tag: Health

  • 5 Healthy Changes To Make Today

    Committing to a healthier lifestyle is one that will take a lot of work. But believe me when I tell you it’ll be worth it!

    These five simple lifestyle changes may seem small, but they can lead to big improvements to your health.

    Drink More Water

    There’s enough information out there about the importance of drinking enough water. I can’t over-emphasize this. It is worth checking to see if you are getting enough clean water to drink. A quick test — the pee test! Is your urine almost as clear as water? No? Then you’re not drinking enough water.

    Sleep Well

    When you don’t get the recommended 7–9 hours per night, it can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health, not to mention work performance and social life. Make time to sleep. If you have to, set the bedtime alarm on your phone. Unplug from your computer, tablet, cell phone, or e-reader before bedtime. Instead, unwind before bedtime with a bath or some light reading.

    Get Some Exercise

    Sitting all day isn’t good for your body or your heart. Physical activity is extremely important for your longevity. Sometimes it can feel impossible to fit in a lot of exercise when you’re not used to it, but engaging in movement such as walks throughout your day is much more doable.

    Have a diet plan

    Managing your food intake can simply take a change in how you think about food. When you decide to eat fruits instead of chocolate, internally tell yourself you’re making a choice. You are choosing your health which would eventually yield great results in the long term.

    Avoid stress

    Stress triggers a survival response that can help us in the short-term but become damaging if it persists for a prolonged period. Learning how to control stress can help you retain your mental and physical health.

    Starting small, focusing on one behavior at a time and support from others can help you achieve your exercise or other health-related goals.

  • Kickstart Your Day With This Morning Detox Drink

    The first thing you put in your body every morning has a huge impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Detox drinks are said to eliminate toxins from your body, improve health, and promote weight loss (if that is your goal). Another important benefit of detoxing and early morning hydration is that it is important for digestive health and maintaining regular bowel movements.

    Sounds good, right? Now, let’s get into some great morning detox drinks to kickstart your day!

    Lemon water makes it into my routine on a more frequent basis, but I often spice it up with the other two ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar and Turmeric.

    Lemons are rich in Vitamin C which help strengthen the immune system and increases the body’s resistance to infections. Lemon juice also helps with digestion and its scent has been shown to improve mood and energy levels.

    For a simple detox drink with lemon, squeeze 1/2 a lemon in warm water and drink it first thing in the morning.

    Now, let’s talk about the other two ingredients and their benefits:

    Apple Cider Vinegar helps lower blood sugar levels, burn fat leading to weight loss and kills bacteria. Research also shows that Apple Cider vinegar can help detoxify the liver.

    Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits and is a strong anti-oxidant.

    To help improve the absorption of turmeric, you can add some black pepper or cayenne pepper to this drink. Honey can also help improve the taste. Here’s the recipe I use often:

    • 1/2 lemon
    • 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
    • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
    • pinch of cayenne or black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon of honey
    • 1 cup of warm water

    Mix all these ingredients in a cup. It’s that easy!

    Note: You will get the benefits of this drink if you consume it at anytime of the day so don’t worry if you miss it in the morning. Just catch up whenever you can!

    Photo Credit: BetterNutrition

  • Could You Eat Just One Food For A Whole Week?

    When it comes to my diet, I like variety! I get bored easily when I eat the same food for a couple of days and like to cook different meals as often as I can. Asides from the numerous health benefits one gets from eating a balanced diet made up of all the necessary nutrients – vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and fat-food is more enjoyable when there is a variety to choose from.

    However, some people can just eat the same food over and over for a long period of time. Take kids for instance, when they love one food, they want to eat it every day! But sometimes adults do exactly the same thing. Do you fall into this category?

    Is there a single food that you can survive on for one week? Do you sometimes find yourself repeatedly eating the same food over and over again – hint: rice and chicken *wink*? Could you eat just one food for a whole week, and if yes, what would that food be?

    Let me know below in the comments section. I look forward to reading them!

  • If you are 30 years and above, YOU need to DETOX!

    Our bodies are loaded with toxins! Eww! We need to get rid of them. Detoxing is the method we employ to deal with free radicals in our bodies that cause aging and stress.

    You know you need to detox when…

    You are always fatigued  for no reason

    You suffer irritated skin

    You have allergies

    Menstrual problems

    Puffy eyes

    Bloating

    If you suffer these, detox now. Even if you don’t suffer them immediately, you should, as an adult, detox every once in a year.

    Now you know!

     

    What are the benefits of detox?

    Detox prevent chronic diseases

    Enhances the immune system

    You also get to lose weight

    No premature aging

    Increases your energy

    Improves your skin

    Promotes mental clarity

    Improves your quality of life

    *

    Here are 5 favourite Detox diets:

    Smoothie cleanse

    Fruit and veggie detox

    Juice cleanse

    Sugar detox

    Hypoallergenic detox

    Things you should note:

    Eat plenty fibre. Brown rice, cabbage, broccoli. They are available in Nigeria.

    Glasses with fresh organic vegetable and fruit juices isolated on white. Detox diet.

    Take herbs and green tea.

    Take Vitamin C

    Drink lots of water daily

    Breathe deeply. Let oxygen circulate through your system

    Stick to positive emotions to get rid of stress

    You can also exercise by skipping with a rope one hour every day.

    If you can speak to a health consultant, do so, to get more information.

    Have a stress free day!

    xoxo

  • It’s Endometriosis Awareness Week: 10 Things You Need To Know About The Condition

    Hey ladies,

    Let’s have some serious talk about our health today, shall we?

    You’ve probably heard of the term “Endometriosis“. Some women who have had severe menstrual pain have probably heard about this as it is one of the symptoms of this condition. It is a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women’s reproductive health.

    Despite the fact that millions of women are currently living with the disease it’s not a well understood condition.

    So, what is endometriosis? In brief: endometriosis is a disease in which tissue that normally grows inside the womb grows outside it – most commonly on the ovaries and fallopian tubes, inside the abdomen and on the bowl and bladder. This tissue responds to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleeds. This can cause pain, inflammation and the formation of scar tissue because there is no way for this blood to leave the body.

    Endometriosis can manifest itself in lots of different ways and partly because we all still tend to dismiss ‘menstrual issues’ as the sort of pain women should put up with. We normalise ‘women’s pain’ to the extent that women often dismiss their own symptoms and delay seeking help.

    When symptoms are present, they may include:

    • Abdominal cramps or back pain during menstruation.
    • Very painful menstrual cramps.
    • Painful bowel movements.
    • Painful urination, especially during menstruation.
    • Abnormal or heavy bleeding during periods.
    • Painful sex.
    • Difficulty becoming pregnant.

    So ladies, if you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms, please don’t keep it to yourself. Speak to your doctor about it immediately!

    As we mark the Endometriosis Awareness Week, I’d like to share 10 important facts about the condition which I found HERE:

    1. Endometriosis can affect any woman of child-bearing age (it is rare in women who have been through the menopause)
    2. Symptoms include: pelvic pain, heavy periods, bladder and bowel problems, fatigue, depression, pain during or after sexual intercouse, problems conceiving and difficulty fulfilling professional and social commitments. (NB: some women don’t experience any symptoms at all).
    3. Any pain experienced often correlates to your menstrual cycle, but not always. Equally, the severity of pain experienced does not always correlate to the amount of scar tissue present, the pain is more dependent on where the abnormal tissue is located.
    4. There is currently no cure, no proven cause or known way of preventing endometriosis.
    5. There are some ways to manage symptoms. These include: pain relief, complementary therapies, hormone treatment and surgery. The best course of action will be recommended depending on the patient’s age, severity of the disease and desire to have children.
    6. The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is by a laparoscopy – a small operation that involves inserting a camera into the pelvis via the belly button.
    7. The disease can cause infertility. But 50% of women suffering from endometriosis will not experience any problems conceiving.
    8. Endometriosis is not an infection and it is not contagious.
    9. Some women experience relief from their symptoms during pregnancy but in many cases symptoms return along with a woman’s period. Pregnancy is not a cure for the disease.
    10. Having a hysterectomy does not always cure endometriosis. It only treats the disease on the organs that were removed.

    Ladies, have you had any experience with this condition or its symptoms? What steps did you take to help yourself?

    Let’s share…

  • Tell a Woman You Love: January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

    The month of January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a chance for us to talk about this deadly disease and how we can protect ourselves.

    No woman should die of cervical cancer. The most important thing you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 21.

    Each year, an estimated 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and, of those, about one-third will die as a result of the cancer. But cervical cancer is also a highly preventable and treatable cancer, thanks to improved screening and vaccination.

    Screening Tests
    Two tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early—

    • The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for pre-cancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
    • The HPV (human papillomavirus) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.

    The Pap test is recommended for women between ages 21 and 65, and can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Women should start getting Pap tests regularly at age 21. If your Pap test results are normal, your doctor may say you can wait three years until your next Pap test. If you are 30 years old or older, you may choose to have an HPV test along with the Pap test. Both tests can be performed by your doctor at the same time. If your test results are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. Your doctor may then say you can wait as long as five years for your next screening.

    HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity. It’s also a major cause of cervical cancer. Many people with HPV don’t know they are infected.

    The good news? The HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV.

    So ladies, lets not forget that cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care. Most deaths from cervical cancer could be prevented by regular Pap tests and follow-up care.

    Pass this message on to any woman you know and stay protected.

    xoxo

    SL

  • Watch This Very Informative Video On Lassa Fever

    Knowledge Is Power, Prevention Is Better Than Cure…

    In the wave of an increment in reported cases of Lassa Fever across the country, it is important that we empower ourselves with the knowledge on how to avoid this deadly disease, and apply these prevention mechanisms to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

    Lassa Fever is real. According to the WHO, the Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in hospitals lacking adequate infection prevent and control measures.

    I found this video on Youtube which really explains more about the disease and how to protect yourselves. I find it particularly interesting that it also has a Pidgin English version so even more people can understand it.

    It’s quite short so please take time out to watch it and share with someone.

    The English Language Version

    The Pidgin Version

    Videos by Edo NMA Publicity & Publications Committee

  • 10 Bad Habits That Drain Your Energy

    Sometimes, we feel physically or emotionally drained. This stops us from achieving our dreams and might be the cause of some habits we practice often. Such habits could be physical, mental, emotional…

    Here are 10 things you need to stop doing if you want to boost your energy:

    1. Letting pain from the past devastate the present: Don’t give up on today because of the way things looked yesterday. Every day is a new day to try again.
    2. Skipping breakfast: Many people skip breakfast in an attempt to control their weight. However, doing so may undermine your entire day. After fasting all night, your body needs calories and nutrients to produce energy.
    3. Continuous complaining: Not only does complaining sap energy from you and everyone around you, it also doesn’t work.
    4. Lack of adequate sleep: I know some people believe that less sleep gives them more time in the day, but this is not actually true. Lack of sleep means you won’t function very well when sleep deprived.
    5. Skipping exercise: Regular exercise boosts strength and endurance, helps make your cardiovascular system run more efficiently, and delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. So next time you’re tempted to crash on the couch, at least go for a brisk walk—you won’t regret it.
    6. You don’t drink enough water: Dehydration causes a reduction in blood volume, which makes the blood thicker. This requires your heart to pump less efficiently, reducing the speed at which oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles and organs. This makes you very weak and tired.
    7. You’re not consuming enough iron: Boost your iron intake to reduce your risk of anemia and general body weakness. Foods rich in iron include beef, beans, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and peanut butter, and pair them with foods high in vitamin C (vitamin C improves iron absorption when eaten together).
    8. Sacrificing too much for others: Don’t sacrifice yourself too much, because if you do, there will be very little left that you can give to anyone, even those you love dearly.
    9. You have too much on your plate: One of most common reasons that people feel drained and exhausted is that they have too much to do and too little time. Many people take on more than they can handle. Learn to say no and create a little gap in your day. If you want more energy you need time for yourself too.
    10. Eating too much junk food: Processed foods are convenient if you live a busy life, but they’re actually working against you. Foods loaded with sugar and simple carbs like the ones you’ll find in a fast food center works to increase your blood sugar. Constant blood sugar spikes followed by sharp drops cause fatigue over the course of the day.

    It’s the start of a brand new week, SL Fabz. Stay active by keeping away from bad habits that drain your energy.

    Have a great week.

  • Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Using Home Remedies

    Many people see stretch marks as a sign of obesity. But I actually have to dispute that because I’ve seen stretch marks on slim people.

    Stretch marks occur as a result of the elasticity of the skin when you gain weight real quick, especially during puberty or pregnancy stage.

    When stretch marks are too much and in very visible parts of the body, they can make one really uncomfortable. But to get rid of them, you really don’t have to spend so much. Natural methods are cheap and safe.

    Here are a few:

    1. Aloe Vera.
    This is the most effective homeopathic remedy for curing, not only stretch marks, but other skin related problems. Aloe Vera is known for its healing and regenerating properties. You can apply it directly on stretch mark one time a day or make a paste by mixing  the Aloe Vera gel with olive oil. Then, use warm water to rinse the skin.

    2. White Sugar
    Natural white sugar is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar to exfoliate your skin. Take a tablespoon of sugar. Add some drops of almond oil and lemon juice in it. Stir it well and apply directly on the stretch marks. Rub it for 8-10 minutes and then, take a shower. Do this repeatedly for one month until the stretch marks fade away.

    3. Lemon Juice
    The alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and vitamin C in lemons can efficienty remove the dead skin and make your stretch marks disappear fast.  Slice up lemon and rub it over stretch marks in a circular motion for 10 minutes. Then clean it with warm water. You can also create a mixture of lemon juice and cucumber juice and apply this mixture on stretch mark.

    4. Potato Juice
    Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells. Cut thick slices of a medium-sized potato. Take one of the potato slices and rub gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. When the juice gets dried, wash the affected area with lukewarm water.

    5. Egg Whites
    Egg whites are full of proteins and amino acid. They are likewise rich in collagen and vitamin A and along these lines can treat scars or blazes excessively effected. Separate egg whites of two eggs and whip them. Clean affected stretch marks with fresh water and apply a layer of whipped egg whites. Let them dry and wash it with cold water. After, use olive oil as moisturizer. Use this method daily for at least two weeks.

    6. Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter
    Cocoa butter is best known for enhancing the blood circulation and anti-ageing properties and anti-wrinkling properties. While Shea butter melts on your skin at body temperature and so can be ingested fast. Mix these two with a little Vitamin E oil which is a compelling antioxidant that will penetrate through the layers of your skin and help its natural wound mending procedure while removing the scars on it. Store in a cool place. The cream will become strong again once it chills off. Apply this twice daily.

    Remember, whatever remedy you choose to use, you have to be consistent with it over some weeks for best results.

    SL Fabz, do you know of any other methods of getting rid of stretch marks through natural remedies?

  • 5 Healthy Reasons Why You Should Eat Cucumbers

    Whether you add cucumber slices to your salad, toss them in your smoothie or take them as a snack, cucumbers help keep you full without ruining your diet.

    But not only are they satisfying, they are also great for your body. Here are some impressive health benefits of cucumbers:

    Cucumber Rehydrates The Body
    If you are too busy to drink enough water, eat the cool cucumber, which is 90 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate your water loss.

    Freshen Your Breath
    Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath

    Fight Cancers
    Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.

    Packed with Vitamins
    Cucumbers are rich in most essential vitamins that the body needs. They contain vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and gives the body more energy and a youthful glow.

    Good For Diabetics
    Patients of diabetes can enjoy cucumber while also reaping its health benefits. Cucumber contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.

    Protect Your Brain
    Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline, fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.

    Good For Weight Watchers
    Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water, making them ideal for those who want to lose a few pounds. They are also high in fiber that aids digestion and can be a cure for constipation.

    Do you know of any other health benefits of eating cucumber? Do you eat cucumber often?