Dr Odezi Otobo, a Consultant Urologist says there is no medical or urological evidence that constant sexual intercourse and ejaculation reduce a man’s risk of contracting prostate cancer.

Otobo, who works with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), said this at a medical outreach for men organised by Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre on Monday in Calabar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach which was held at the premises of the Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), Calabar, is part of programmes to commemorate “Movember.”

Movember, which involves growing of moustaches, is an annual event held in November to raise awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health.

The urologist who was reacting to claims on social media that constant sexual activities and having multiple girlfriends could prevent prostate cancer, said the disease was either hereditary, caused by lifestyle or environment.

“Instead of taking unprofessional and unscientific advice from different quarters, it is important to visit a hospital if you notice anything and for those in their forties and fifties, get screened because early detection is key to effective treatment of cancer.

“Prostate cancer is an indolent cancer and can be handled when a man is aware, visit a medical facility and change his lifestyle, not by having multiple ‘side chicks,’ he said.

On his part, Mr Yegwa Ukpo, the Executive Director, Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre, said they had to commemorate Movember because men’s health issues were hardly addressed in the society.

Represented by Mrs Mercy Njoku, Event and Outreach Manager of the centre, Ukpo said there was something about masculinity in the society that made men thought they had to keep their issues to themselves.

“I want to appeal to the men to take their health seriously because cases of men slumping and dying in their forties and fifties are on the increase, we don’t want this to continue.

“Also, a lot of men engage in excessive intake of alcohol, others work all the time just to make ends meet without checking their livers, kidneys, hearts and even mental state, this is why we are insisting on this outreach which will be annually,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Saviour Eze, Head of Medical Team in CCCI said that they decided to partner with ASI Ukpo because the outreach specifically called out men to be attended to which was quite unusual in the society.

Eze said as a church, they recognised the fact that physical illnesses should be handled by those God had placed in the Medical profession to take care, even though they pray for God’s healing.

NAN also reports that the outreach which saw men screened for the function of their hearts, kidneys, livers and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) was in partnership with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rotary Club and,Pink Africa among others.

Dr Ifeoma Abajue, a dermatologist and Chief Executive Officer of The Aesthetic Clinic (TAC), has advised Nigerians to pay more attention to skincare as a strategy to stay healthy.

She gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of launch of the Ikeja GRA Branch of TAC on Saturday night.

NAN reports that TAC  held training sessions for aestheticians, dermatologists and skincare givers at the launch.

The training was tagged: “Beyond the Surface”.

According to Abajue, TAC has trained no fewer that 300 women in the past six months on skincare and beauty therapy.

She noted that the skin covered the largest percentage of the human body and needed special treatment.

She said that because of the prominence of the skin, it required more attention for aesthetics, wellness and overall well-being.

According to Abajue, who is  a member of the Nigerian Medical Association and  Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, TAC will do its best  to bridge skincare and beauty therapy deficit in Nigeria.

Abajue, also a member of Nigerian Medical Women’s Association, said that TAC was a pioneer in skincare, aesthetics and dermatology therapy in Nigeria.

She said that the launch of the Ikeja Branch of TAC was to bring beauty products, services and training in skincare closer to Lagos Mainland.

Abajue added that the firm offered over 40 courses in beauty, cosmetic science, chemistry, manicure and pedicure, massages, facials, laser, micro-needling and nail technology, among others.

She said  that in spite of economic challenges, women especially still desired to care about their skin to look good and stay healthy.

Tomi Omowole, Head of Strategy at KTMedia Company, said the first edition of ‘Beyond The Surface’ held in August at Lekki, noting that Saturday’s edition was the second.

Omowole, whose firm organised the training, said the event was also aimed at bringing together aestheticians to consider forming an association in Nigeria.

She said  that TAC had branches at Lekki Abuja, Accra, Montreal, Toronto, London, and Manchester.

“Our clients have been asking  us to bring a branch to Lagos mainland, and  we decided to  bring something of great standards to the mainland.

“The way you take care of your heart, your liver and your kidney is the same way  you should take care of your skin,” Omowole urged. 

Losing weight can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is achievable. Here are some effective ways to help you reach your weight loss goals:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Before starting any weight loss program, it’s essential to set realistic goals. Aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week for a sustainable weight loss.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed and high-calorie foods.
3. Hydrate Adequately: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for weight loss. Aim for at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day.
4. Incorporate Physical Activity: Regular exercise not only helps with weight loss but also improves overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
5. Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, leading to weight gain. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
6. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can lead to emotional eating and weight gain. Engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
7. Monitor Progress: Regularly tracking your weight, measurements, and progress photos can help you stay motivated and on track.
8. Seek Support: Having a support system in place can make a significant difference in your weight loss journey. Share your goals with friends and family, and consider joining a weight loss support group.
9. Be Mindful of Portion Sizes: Eating large portions can lead to consuming more calories than needed. Use a food scale or measuring cups to gauge your portion sizes.
10. Get Professional Help: If you’re struggling to lose weight or need personalized guidance, consider consulting a registered dietitian or a healthcare professional.

Remember, weight loss is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s essential to find a method that works for you and your lifestyle. Be patient, stay consistent, and celebrate small victories along the way.

Additional Tips:

• Eat more protein to help with satiety and muscle mass.
• Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for efficient calorie burn.
• Get enough probiotics to support gut health and weight loss.
• Avoid fad diets and focus on sustainable lifestyle changes.

By incorporating these effective ways to achieve weight loss, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier you.

Lingerie is a fundamental part of our wardrobes, but how much do we really know about it? From the history of lingerie to the psychology behind wearing it, there’s more to lingerie than meets the eye. Here are some fascinating facts about lingerie that you might not know:

1. The word “lingerie” comes from the French word for “linen”: Lingerie was originally designed to be worn next to the skin, under clothing.
2. The first modern bra was invented in the late 19th century: Mary Phelps Jacob, an American socialite, patented the first modern bra in 1913.
3. Lingerie can boost self-confidence: Wearing lingerie can make women feel more confident, sexy, and empowered.
4. The world’s most expensive lingerie set is worth over $1 million: The “Heavenly Star Bra” is adorned with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
5. Lingerie has been around for thousands of years: The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all wore forms of lingerie.
6. The average woman owns over 20 pairs of underwear: But how many of us actually wear them all?
7. Lingerie can be a form of self-care: Wearing comfortable, beautiful lingerie can be a way to pamper oneself.
8. The world’s largest lingerie store is located in Dubai: The store covers over 10,000 square feet and offers a vast range of lingerie styles.
9. Lingerie has become a major fashion trend: Designers like Victoria’s Secret and Savage X Fenty have made lingerie a staple of high-fashion.
10. The average woman spends over $100 per year on lingerie: That’s a lot of money spent on looking and feeling good!

There you have it – 10 fascinating facts about lingerie that you might not have known. Whether you’re a lingerie enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the beauty of a well-designed bra, these facts are sure to intrigue.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has discovered and sealed an illegal wine production factory operating from a residential building in Lugbe, Abuja.

NAFDAC announced the sealing off of the office on Thursday evening through a post it shared on its official X account.

The agency said the clandestine facility was used to counterfeit various imported wine brands, complete with preprinted date markings ready for market distribution.

“NAFDAC’s enforcement team led by Pharm. Mohammed Shaba gained access to the property through legal means and found already-produced wine products and packaging materials,” the post read.

“The suspect was absent during the raid but NAFDAC has summoned them for further questioning.”

Pharm. Shaba thereafter called on consumers to stay alert and report any suspicious products or activities to their nearest NAFDAC office to help ensure public safety.

Over 24 million adults are currently living with the deadly diabetes disease in the African region alone, while 12 million others remain undiagnosed.

World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, disclosed this to mark the 2024 World Diabetes Day (WDD).

She warned that the number of people living with diabetes in the region could rise to 54 million by 2045 if urgent interventions are not implemented to address this significant health challenge, the highest projected increase globally.

Moeti described diabetes as a chronic lifelong disease that leads to uncontrolled blood sugar levels when “the body can no longer produce or efficiently use the insulin it produces.”

She said, “In the WHO African Region alone, more than 24 million adults are currently living with diabetes, half of whom remain undiagnosed. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower-limb amputation, and eye disease that can result in blindness.

“Without urgent interventions, predictions are that the number of people living with diabetes in the African Region will rise to 54 million by 2045, the highest projected increase globally.

“This poses a significant dual health and economic burden, including catastrophic spending by individuals to control their disease.”

Moeti lamented that Africa has the lowest investment rate in diabetes care worldwide, at only 1% of the region’s health expenditure.

She added that health systems are traditionally designed to deal with acute infectious diseases, with insufficient attention paid to chronic diseases like diabetes.

She stated that this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” emphasises the need for a collaborative approach to the ‘silent killer,’ a disease exacerbated by multiple drivers including urbanisation, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity.

Moeti noted that managing diabetes requires sustained efforts to balance physical activity, a healthy diet, and mental well-being. She stressed the need for comprehensive prevention strategies to address risk factors like obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity, combined with community engagement to ensure support systems and reduced stigma.

She recalled that during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in August, African Member States endorsed WHO’s Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact (GDC) in Africa.

This initiative focuses specifically on integrating diabetes care into broader health systems in a multi-sectoral approach, providing a roadmap for countries to strengthen diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and care, especially at the primary health care level.

Moeti stressed WHO’s commitment to holistic solutions, including proper nutrition, access to essential medicines, and mental health support.

She appealed to individuals, communities, governments, health workers, policymakers, and civil society organisations to work with the organisation to curb the prevalence of diabetes.

She also advised communities and governments to play their roles by creating supportive environments that promote healthy living, reduce stigma, and provide access to affordable diabetes care and education.