Hard drugs, also known as illicit or street drugs, are substances that are illegal to possess, use, or distribute. These substances can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences, and it’s essential to understand the risks and dangers associated with them.

What are Hard Drugs?

Hard drugs include a range of substances, such as:

1. Heroin: A highly addictive opioid that can lead to overdose and death.
2. Cocaine: A powerful stimulant that can cause heart problems, strokes, and seizures.
3. Methamphetamine: A highly addictive stimulant that can cause paranoia, anxiety, and aggression.
4. LSD: A hallucinogenic substance that can cause altered perceptions, anxiety, and psychosis.
5. Ecstasy: A synthetic substance that can cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Risks and Consequences of Hard Drugs

Using hard drugs can lead to a range of serious health problems, including:

1. Addiction: Hard drugs can be highly addictive, leading to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
2. Overdose: Taking too much of a hard drug can lead to overdose, which can be fatal.
3. Infectious diseases: Sharing needles or other equipment can lead to the transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis.
4. Mental health problems: Hard drugs can cause anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
5. Criminal activity: Using hard drugs can lead to involvement in criminal activity, such as theft and violence.

Signs and Symptoms of Hard Drug Use

If you suspect that someone is using hard drugs, look out for the following signs and symptoms:

1. Changes in behavior: Sudden changes in behavior, such as mood swings, irritability, and paranoia.
2. Physical symptoms: Signs of physical dependence, such as withdrawal symptoms, weight loss, and poor hygiene.
3. Financial problems: Unexplained financial problems, such as missing money or valuables.
4. Social problems: Social problems, such as relationship breakdowns and loss of friends.

Getting Help for Hard Drug Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with hard drug addiction, it’s essential to seek help. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Seek professional help: Consult a doctor, therapist, or counselor who specializes in addiction.
2. Join a support group: Join a support group, such as Narcotics Anonymous, to connect with others who are struggling with addiction.
3. Consider rehab: Consider entering a rehabilitation program to receive treatment and support.

Hard drugs can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. It’s essential to understand the risks and dangers associated with these substances and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, which can make everyday activities challenging. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for arthritis, as well as provide tips for managing the condition.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term that refers to a group of conditions that affect the joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common forms are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Causes of Arthritis

The exact cause of arthritis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of the known risk factors for developing arthritis include:

1. Age: Arthritis is more common among older adults, with the risk increasing after the age of 40.
2. Genetics: Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, have a strong genetic component.
3. Obesity: Excess weight can put additional stress on the joints, increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
4. Injury or trauma: A sudden injury or trauma to the joint can increase the risk of developing arthritis.
5. Infections: Certain infections, such as Lyme disease, can trigger the development of arthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

1. Joint pain and stiffness: Pain and stiffness in the joints, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
2. Swollen and tender joints: Joints may become swollen and tender to the touch.
3. Limited mobility: Arthritis can make it difficult to move the affected joints, reducing mobility and flexibility.
4. Fatigue: Arthritis can cause fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Types of Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis, including:

1. Osteoarthritis: A degenerative form of arthritis that affects the cartilage and joints.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune form of arthritis that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.
3. Psoriatic arthritis: A form of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition.
4. Gout: A type of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain in the joints, often accompanied by swelling and redness.

Treatment Options for Arthritis

While there is no cure for arthritis, there are several treatment options available to manage the condition. These include:

1. Medications: Pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help to improve mobility and flexibility, as well as reduce pain and stiffness.
3. Exercise: Regular exercise, such as swimming or cycling, can help to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints.

Managing Arthritis

While arthritis can be a challenging condition to manage, there are several tips that can help to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. These include:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional stress on the joints, so maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce symptoms.
2. Staying active: Regular exercise can help to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
3. Getting enough rest: Getting enough rest and avoiding fatigue can help to reduce symptoms.
4. Managing stress: Stress can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or yoga, can be helpful.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are several treatment options available to manage the condition. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for arthritis, as well as taking steps to manage the condition, it is possible to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Nigeria’s fertility rate has declined in recent years, with the 2023–24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) showing women now bear an average of 4.8 children, down from 6.3 in 2008.

The NDHS report, released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, reflects progress in family planning awareness, though disparities remain between urban and rural areas.

The survey was conducted among women aged 15-49.

It indicates that fertility rates are notably higher in rural areas than in urban regions, with rural women bearing an average of 5.6 children, while urban women have 3.9 children on average.

These figures underscore the need for expanded reproductive health services in rural communities.

The report also shows variations in fertility rates across the country.

The survey shows that the Northeast records the highest rate at 6.1 children per woman, with the Northwest closely following at 5.9.

“In contrast, the South-South region has the lowest fertility rate at 3.3, highlighting distinct demographic trends within the country,” it said.

Adolescent fertility remains an area of concern, as Nigerian youths continue to face early pregnancy risks.

The NDHS revealed that 15 per cent of women aged 15–19 have been pregnant, with 11 per cent having already given birth.

It reveals that the fertility rate for adolescents is relatively low at 77 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 but rises significantly with age, peaking at 233 births per 1,000 women aged 25–29.

The report further highlighted significant state-level differences, with FCT-Abuja showing a fertility rate of 3.2 and Rivers at 2.9, while Yobe recorded the highest rate at 7.5 children per woman.

According to the NDHS, these figures may be influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, and educational factors.

The survey underscored the critical need for tailored reproductive health programmes that address regional and community-specific needs.

Health experts are urging the government and NGOs to intensify efforts to provide accessible reproductive health services, particularly in rural areas and high-fertility states.

As Nigeria’s population continues to grow, experts suggest that improving access to reproductive health services and family planning is essential to ensure sustainable development, economic stability, and enhanced quality of life.

Meanwhile, Dr Jane Dasat, a maternal health expert, said that investing in family planning services was one of the most effective strategies to reduce maternal mortality.

“When women have access to contraception and can plan their pregnancies, they are less likely to experience the complications that lead to maternal deaths,” Dasat said.

Understanding Sugar’s Impact on Your Health

Sugar, a simple yet complex carbohydrate, plays a vital role in energizing our bodies. However, excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects. Here are 10 intriguing facts about sugar in your body:

1. Energy Source: Sugar (glucose) is the primary fuel for brain function, muscle contraction, and cellular activity.
2. Daily Intake: The average adult consumes 19.5 teaspoons of sugar daily, exceeding recommended limits.
3. Sugar Cravings: Sugar activates dopamine release, creating addiction-like responses in the brain.
4. Blood Sugar Regulation: Insulin and glucagon hormones maintain optimal blood sugar levels.
5. Glycemic Index: Consuming high-GI foods spikes blood sugar; low-GI foods promote gradual increases.
6. Sugar Storage: Excess glucose converts to glycogen, stored in liver and muscles.
7. Hidden Sources: Sugar lurks in unexpected foods like bread, pasta sauce, and processed meats.
8. Metabolism Impact: Excessive sugar consumption slows metabolism, contributing to weight gain.
9. Immune System Suppression: High sugar intake weakens immune function.
10. Detoxification: Liver and kidneys work together to eliminate excess sugar.

Health Risks Associated with Excessive Sugar Consumption:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Cognitive Decline
• Cancer

Recommendations:

• Limit daily sugar intake to 25 grams (6 teaspoons)
• Choose natural sources (fruits, vegetables)
• Read labels; avoid added sugars
• Balance diet with protein, healthy fats

Egypt was certified malaria-free on Sunday, with the World Health Organisation calling the achievement “truly historic” and the culmination of nearly a century of work to stamp out the disease.

“Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilisation itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

“This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge.”

Globally, 44 countries and one territory have now been certified as malaria-free.

Certification is granted by the WHO when a country has proven that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years.

A country must also demonstrate the ability to prevent the re-establishment of transmission.

Malaria kills more than 600,000 people every year, 95 percent of them in Africa, according to the WHO.

There were 249 million recorded malaria cases worldwide in 2022.

Spread by mosquitoes, malaria is mostly found in tropical countries. The infection is caused by a parasite.

“Receiving the malaria elimination certificate today is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new phase,” said Egypt’s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar.

“We must now work tirelessly and vigilantly to sustain our achievement through maintaining the highest standards for surveillance, diagnosis and treatment.”

The WHO said early efforts to reduce human-mosquito contact in Egypt began in the 1920s when it banned cultivation of rice and agricultural crops near homes.

By 1942, cases in Egypt had spiked to more than three million as a result of population displacement during World War II.

The Aswan Dam, built in the 1960s, created new malaria risks as standing water produced breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

But by 2001, Egypt had malaria “firmly under control”, the WHO said.

Nigeria accounts for more than a quarter of all malaria deaths annually, ahead of the DR Congo, Uganda and Mozambique.

The Federal Government has expressed concern about the proliferation of unregulated skin-bleaching products in the country, saying most contain harmful substances that pose significant health risks to Nigerians.

This came as the government disclosed ongoing plans to develop and implement a comprehensive national policy for tropical skincare to protect the health and well-being of Nigerians.

Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, raised the concern on Friday at the signing of the implementation agreement between the agency and the Tropical Derma Research and Training Institute in Abuja.

Ike-Muonso said that Nigeria’s tropical climate presents unique challenges for skincare, maintaining that these challenges have been met with inadequate and sometimes dangerous products.

He lamented the proliferation of unregulated skin-bleaching products, which he said often contain harmful carcinogenic substances that are unhealthy for the population.

“Many of these products contain dangerous ingredients such as hydroquinone and steroids, leading to irreversible skin damage, hormonal imbalances, and other serious health issues,” he said. “The rise in the use of such harmful products, particularly among women, calls for immediate action, and our partnership aims to provide safer, scientifically backed alternatives. This is an issue that the Nigerian government is deeply committed to resolving, and our collaboration with the Tropical Derma Research Institute brings us closer to achieving this goal.”

He stressed that the agency’s commitment to innovation and consumer safety would ensure the creation of products that not only cater to the nation’s tropical needs but also set a high standard of quality and safety across the industry.

The RMRDC boss, however, observed that the challenge is not just about product development but also about transforming the entire skincare landscape in Nigeria.

He said the partnership with the Tropical Derma Research and Training Institute is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point agenda to promote innovation, protect public health, and support economic growth.

According to him, the government recognizes the tremendous opportunity that lies in combining expertise to develop innovative, safe, and effective skincare products tailored specifically to the needs of the Nigerian people.

“That is why we are working closely with the Ministry of Innovation and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive national policy for tropical skincare. Such a policy will ensure the highest standards are maintained, promote and valorize the use of our local raw materials, and ultimately protect the health and well-being of all Nigerians,” he stated.

“What we are embarking on today is truly transformative. It is about setting new benchmarks for quality, safety, and sustainability. It is about ensuring that the people of Nigeria have access to skincare products that are both effective and safe. And it is about fostering economic growth by creating opportunities for local industries and empowering our communities.

“Additionally, this collaboration will include training local professionals—such as beauticians, estheticians, medical professionals, and pharmacists—in tropical dermatology and cosmeceutical sciences, thereby raising the skill level across the industry and ensuring the safe treatment of consumers.

“Through this partnership, we aim to leverage the incredible potential of Nigeria’s raw materials to develop sustainable and scientifically backed skincare solutions.”

Founder of the Tropical Derma Research and Training Institute, Dr. Edith Gibson, lamented the absence of products crafted specifically for the needs of people in the tropics.

According to her, many women in the community struggle with products that simply do not meet their needs and usually feel that their skin is the problem, adding that this was not just a matter of personal frustration but an issue that required scientific inquiry and thoughtful solutions.

She said the institute has the mandate to conduct research and develop products that truly cater to the needs of tropical skin.

Gibson noted that the agreement with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology marked a significant milestone in the quest to reshape the skincare landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

She said, “This collaboration is not merely about product development; it is a commitment to public health and safety. Our first target? The dangerous practice of skin bleaching, which has long posed threats to the health and self-esteem of many in our communities. But our ultimate goal is broader: to promote holistic skin health for all.

“As part of this agreement, TORTI will equip beauty entrepreneurs and health workers with the skills they need to deliver effective, science-based treatments. This initiative will not only empower professionals in our industry but also stimulate our economy, creating jobs and fostering innovation.”