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The Evolution Of Remote Work And Its Impact On Productivity

The Evolution of Remote Work: Boosting Productivity in the Digital Age

Remote work has come a long way from being a rare perk to becoming a mainstream mode of working. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, forcing businesses worldwide to adapt to remote work overnight. But even as the world begins to recover, remote work is here to stay. In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of remote work, its impact on productivity, and how businesses can thrive in this new era.

Introduction

Remote work is no longer just a trend—it’s a significant shift in how businesses operate. From increased flexibility to enhanced productivity, the benefits of remote work are numerous. But how did we get here, and what does this mean for the future of work? Let’s dive into the journey of remote work and its profound impact on productivity.

The Evolution of Remote Work

The concept of remote work isn’t entirely new. In fact, it dates back to the 1970s when the term “telecommuting” was coined. However, it wasn’t until the advent of the internet and advanced communication technologies in the late 20th century that remote work became a feasible option for many businesses.

  • Early Days: Initially, remote work was limited to specific industries like IT and freelancing. Early adopters used dial-up connections and basic communication tools to stay connected with their teams.
  • Technological Advancements: The rise of high-speed internet, cloud computing, and collaboration tools like Slack and Zoom revolutionized remote work, making it accessible to a broader range of industries.
  • Pandemic Acceleration: The COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses worldwide to adopt remote work on a large scale. This sudden shift demonstrated that many jobs could be performed remotely, challenging traditional workplace norms.

The Impact of Remote Work on Productivity

One of the most debated topics about remote work is its impact on productivity. Let’s explore how remote work affects productivity and what businesses can do to maximize it.

  1. Increased Flexibility:
    • Remote work allows employees to create their own schedules, leading to a better work-life balance. This flexibility can result in higher job satisfaction and increased productivity.
    • Example: A study by Stanford University found that remote workers are 13% more productive than their in-office counterparts, thanks in part to flexible working hours and a quieter working environment.
  2. Reduced Commute Time:
    • Eliminating daily commutes saves employees time and reduces stress, allowing them to start their workday refreshed and focused.
    • Example: Global Workplace Analytics estimates that remote workers save an average of 60 minutes per day by not commuting, which can be reinvested into productive work.
  3. Enhanced Focus and Efficiency:
    • ithout the distractions of a traditional office, many remote workers find they can focus better and complete tasks more efficiently.
    • Example: A report by FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics found that 65% of respondents are more productive in their home office than in a traditional workplace due to fewer distractions.
  4. Access to a Global Talent Pool:
    • Remote work enables businesses to hire talent from anywhere in the world, bringing diverse skills and perspectives to the team.
    • Example: Companies like GitLab operate fully remotely, allowing them to tap into a global talent pool and build a highly skilled and diverse workforce.

Challenges and Solutions for Remote Work Productivity

While remote work offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges. Here’s how businesses can address these challenges to maintain high productivity levels:

  1. Communication and Collaboration:
    • Challenge: Remote work can lead to communication gaps and collaboration difficulties.
    • Solution: Utilize robust communication and collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, and Trello to ensure seamless interaction and project management.
  2. Managing Work-Life Balance:
    • Challenge: Remote workers may struggle to separate work from personal life, leading to burnout.
    • Solution: Encourage employees to set clear boundaries, take regular breaks, and establish a designated workspace to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  3. Maintaining Team Morale:
    • Challenge: Remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnectedness.
    • Solution: Organize virtual team-building activities, regular check-ins, and social events to foster a sense of community and keep morale high.
  4. Performance Tracking and Accountability:
    • Challenge: Monitoring productivity and ensuring accountability can be more challenging in a remote setting.
    • Solution: Implement clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and use productivity tracking tools to maintain accountability.

The Future of Remote Work

As we look to the future, it’s clear that remote work is here to stay. Many companies are adopting hybrid work models, combining the benefits of remote and in-office work. This flexibility allows businesses to cater to diverse employee preferences and needs while maintaining productivity and collaboration.

  • Hybrid Work Model: A mix of remote and in-office work that offers the best of both worlds. Employees can choose where they work based on their tasks and personal preferences.
  • Increased Adoption of AI and Automation: Advanced technologies will continue to play a crucial role in enhancing remote work efficiency and productivity.
  • Focus on Employee Well-being: Companies will place greater emphasis on mental health and well-being to support their remote workforce.

The evolution of remote work has fundamentally changed how we approach productivity and work-life balance. By embracing remote work and addressing its challenges, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency and employee satisfaction. Whether through flexible schedules, advanced technology, or a hybrid work model, the future of remote work promises a more dynamic and productive working environment.

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Entertainment

Why men should have sex at least 21 times a month – Doctor

Dr. Rasheed Adedapo Abassi, a well-known Nigerian doctor, has spoken out against the supposed reasons why males should participate in sexual intercourse 21 times every month.

During an interview with Classic FM, Dr. Rasheed Adedapo disclosed that such practice has a variety of health advantages.

Dr. Rasheed opened the conversation by citing a well-known physiological concept: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

According to the doctor, erections, which are only obtained via sexual activity, are essential for exercising the prostate gland, resulting in a healthier and more strong prostate.

The doctor backed up his assertions with study data, recommending that men aim for 21 sexual sessions every month to potentially avoid cardiovascular diseases and minimise the chance of prostate

While the specifics of the study were not disclosed during the interview, Dr. Rasheed emphasised the necessity of maintaining frequent personal interactions in boosting general well-being.

In his advise to males, Dr. Rasheed suggested doing whatever it takes to persuade their partners to engage in frequent intimate activities.

He also proposed, rather controversially, that if possible, men should consider having a “side chic” to help them attain the needed frequency of sexual interactions.

Netizens Reactions…
@RadicalYouthMan said; “Omo, I watched this today and understood why women deny men sex after marriage …. They want prostrate cancer to be the culprit ..but the doctor recommended a side chick … “

@aproko_doctor said; “ come and see better doctor here …”

@Capolutiti said; “So if you faithful to one wife or gf, she will use four to five days do menstruation, remaining 25 or 26 days. So one round a day meaning everyday straffing. “

@whitemanofficia said; “How many days dey one month?.”

“@TobaAce said; “Nigeria Housewives left the group chat.”

@Jobiz042 said; “21 times a month. Hmm. Doctors prescription 3 times a day. Do the maths.”

@AteOghenetega said; “God bless my Doctor…”

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Entertainment

Is Your Partner Cheating? Signs to Watch Out For

Even if you’re in the most secure partnership of all time, it’s human to wonder about textbook signs of cheating. Or, on the other hand, if you have some sneaking suspicions, it’s important to be aware of relationship red flags so you can protect yourself. Cheating “isn’t always black and white,” says Samantha Burns, L.M.H.C., couples therapist and author of Breaking Up and Bouncing Back, but there are some tell-tale signs that something’s up.

Cheating can be both physical and emotional, and involves breaking the covert or overt boundaries of your relationship, Burns says. “Since cheating is cloaked in secrecy, the person is doing their best not to arouse suspicion in their partner,” adds licensed marriage and family therapist Lesli Doares, author of Blueprint for a Lasting Marriage. “The cheater’s goal is to not get caught and then have to deal with the consequences. They strive to make everything appear normal.”

With that being said, it’s easy to draw conclusions about a partner based on pre-existing beliefs, says psychologist Paul Coleman, Psy.D., author of Finding Peace When Your Heart Is In Piecesso self-awareness of personal biases (Do you tend to be overly trusting? Overly skeptical?) is key to your relationship analysis.

Below, experts outline the most common warning signs of infidelity. Noticing just one may not be a surefire sign of an unfaithful partner, but if you check multiple boxes in this list, it may be time to have a vulnerable chat.

They’re suddenly unreachable.

asia woman feeling sad in the bedroomTOONDELAMOUR//GETTY IMAGES

Here, change is the important factor. If your partner has a job that makes it tough to reach them during certain hours of the day, it doesn’t mean they’re cheating. But if you’re suddenly struggling to reach them when you could in the past, and it’s a consistent issue, that should raise a red flag.

“Cheaters need privacy and blocks of uninterrupted time,” Coleman points out. “Someone engaged in an ongoing affair must be periodically unreachable.” After all, they don’t want to risk you hearing suspicious voices or background noises.

Their schedule changes with no good explanation.

woman sitting alone, having coffee and texting on her mobile phoneMIXMIKE//GETTY IMAGES

Most people have predictable schedules, and even if their schedule changes, there’s usually a reason that makes sense. “Someone who must ‘work late’ all of a sudden at times that go beyond a reasonable explanation may be cheating,” Coleman says.

That’s especially true if this keeps happening when your partner has no new job, promotion, or project they’re working on.

Their friends don’t seem as friendly as they used to be.

woman sitting apart from friendsJGI/JAMIE GRILL//GETTY IMAGES

Cheaters tend to be less careful about covering their tracks in front of friends versus you. And, of course, people tend to confide in their friends. As a result, “there is a good chance your partner’s friends may know what’s really going on before you do,” Coleman says. Those friends may end up feeling uneasy and anxious around you because they know something you don’t

They have a decrease—or increase—in libido.

couple arguing in bedJGI/TOM GRILL//GETTY IMAGES

It’s more common for cheaters to decrease the frequency of sex at home, given that they’re getting it elsewhere, Coleman says. But sometimes they try to have sex more at home. “Guilt-ridden people may increase lovemaking,” Coleman says. “Some will do so to cover their tracks. But some may do so to satisfy a partner so that the partner will not be seeking sex at a later time when the cheater knows he or she won’t be available.”

They’re suddenly paying more attention to their appearance.

adult coupleSURKOVDIMITRI//GETTY IMAGES

Sometimes people decide to focus on their appearance as part of a New Year’s resolution or choose to start a new fitness routine for health reasons—but they’re usually pretty open about it.

“The reasons and timing must make sense,” Coleman says. If your partner is suddenly wearing cologne or spending a lot of money on new clothes, and it was never their thing in the past, it’s “not unreasonable to inquire why,” Coleman says. If their answer doesn’t make sense, it should raise a red flag.

Their phone habits change.

jealous womanMLADEN ZIVKOVIC//GETTY IMAGES

This can include a range of things, like changing their password or keeping their phone on them all the time when they used to leave it sitting out. “In committed partnerships, it’s not uncommon to know your partner’s password or be able to pick up their phone to look something up on the internet or snap a cute picture if your phone isn’t nearby,” says Burns. “If your partner seems possessive over their phone, or gets mad when you ask to use it, they may be hiding something.”

It can also include suspicious social media behaviors like following provocative accounts or people they don’t know, or engaging with suggestive posts. While these behaviors may be a warning sign of cheating, it is also a behavior that falls into a “gray area of infidelity” in itself, and one that sometimes becomes a “slippery slope” that leads to an affair, Burns explains. If you mention your concern to your partner and they “belittle you, or tell you that you’re being too sensitive, this is a red flag that they don’t respect you and will likely keep doing these behaviors,” says Burns

They don’t speak about your future together anymore.

caucasian couple arguing on sofaJOSE LUIS PELAEZ INC//GETTY IMAGES

In a relationship, it’s normal to speak about the future in terms of “we” and “us,” which denotes that the two of you see each other staying together long-term.

It can definitely be concerning “if you feel like your partner is checking out of the relationship, no longer making future plans, or talking about long-term intentions,” Burns explains. “This sign doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s infidelity going on, but it does mean it’s time for a relationship talk so that you can see if you’re still on the same page, working towards the same shared goals.”

They become emotionally unavailable.

couple having a disagreement at homeBYMURATDENIZ//GETTY IMAGES

In the same vein, if your partner once shared their emotions, thoughts, and feelings with you at length but has suddenly stopped, or is offering empty answers when you ask how they are, it could be a good idea to put your feelers out for more signs on this list.

What they say and what actually happens does not add up.

shot of a young couple sitting on the sofa at home and ignoring each other after a fightPEOPLEIMAGES//GETTY IMAGES

“This is often how cheaters get caught,” Doares says. Maybe your partner says they needed to do something that doesn’t add up, or someone they say they were with slips that they weren’t. “The truth is easy but lies are hard to keep straight,” she says. “Objective evidence supports truth but often conflicts with lies.”

Sometimes they might simply opt to not say much at all. People usually share intimate details of their day with their partner. But when they’re cheating, that tends to shift to the new fling, Mayer says. As a result, they end up telling you less. Remember: “In committed relationships it is normal to tell your partner where you’ll be, who will be there, and what time you’re expecting to be home,” Burns explains. “If your partner is dodging these questions, or you find out they aren’t where they said they’d be or with someone different, then your suspicions might be justified.”

They always seem stressed or irritable.

worried young asian man with his hand on head, using laptop computer at home, looking concerned and stressed outASIAVISION//GETTY IMAGES

When a cheater’s energy is staunchly focused on not getting caught, they, understandably, may have trouble enjoying themselves in day to day tasks and activities. If your partner seems on-edge but work, home, family, and social lives seem stable, it may be worth investigating.

They get defensive when you ask why certain things have changed.

shot of a young couple having an argument at homeJEFFBERGEN//GETTY IMAGES

Relationships change and evolve, but this should be something you can talk about as a couple. “If there is an innocent explanation for why some things have changed there is no need for defensiveness,” Coleman says. A cheater may answer a question with a question, like “Why do you ask?” or “Why is that important?” because they need more time to come up with an answer they can get away with, he says.

They start giving you more gifts than usual.

beautiful couple dateSVETIKD//GETTY IMAGES

Of course, loving partners give gifts. But cheaters take this to the next level to cover their tracks, Coleman says. It can be a way of reassuring you that they love you and are devoted to you “so that any subtle sign of cheating the partner uncovers can be readily dismissed as something ‘they would never do,’” he says.

Or they stop engaging in their typical love language.

shot of a senior couple arguing at homeCHARDAY PENN//GETTY IMAGES

If your partner used to plan date nights, once craved physical affection, or would always prioritize acts of service but has suddenly disengaged, it could be a red flag.

Or they’re suddenly really critical of you.

woman talking to man looking downCLARA NEUIMIE//GETTY IMAGES

There’s something called cognitive dissonance that’s an uncomfortable state of inner anxiety and tension created when a person’s attitude about something (cheating is wrong) is the opposite of what they’re actually doing (cheating anyway), Coleman says.

To try to reduce that inner tension, they may try to justify their cheating by trying to convince themselves that you’re the problem. And that can come out as being hypercritical of you out of nowhere.

You notice unexplained money issues.

worried black woman laying in bed with insomnia looking anxious and concernedLAYLABIRD//GETTY IMAGES

“Large purchases or unexplained withdrawals can be an indication of cheating, but they can also uncover gambling or shopping addictions,” Burns explains, noting that it’s not unheard of to discover a cheating partner via things like Venmo transactions and bank deposits or withdrawals. “It’s best to confront your partner about it and see if their story makes sense. If the details don’t align, or your gut is still saying something feels off, be on high alert!”

They accuse *you* of cheating.

stressed young married family couple arguing, blaming each otherFIZKES//GETTY IMAGES

This is a weird but common habit of cheaters—and there are a few reasons for it, Coleman says. By making your alleged behavior the issue, it puts you on the defensive and takes the focus off of them. It can also make you less likely to speak up about things that seem off because you don’t want to upset them, given that they’re already “worried” that you’re cheating. And it also gives them a reason to say they need “time away to think,” a.k.a. meet up with their lover.

They’re really on top of your schedule.

frustrated mixed race woman texting on cell phoneJGI/JAMIE GRILL//GETTY IMAGES

It can feel a little odd when your partner keeps asking when you will and won’t be home—and it should. “The cheater needs to know the time slots when they can have the freedom and flexibility to spend time with their new romantic interest,” Mayer says. “They work hard not to get caught.”

They complain about you.

senior man shouting at his wife in angerRGSTUDIO//GETTY IMAGES

If once-playful jokes or nabs begin to hit home a little harder than usual, or feel especially cruel, it could be your partner’s covert expression of dissatisfaction.

You just have a gut feeling.

frustrated sad girlfriend sit on bed think of relationship problemsWITTHAYA PRASONGSIN//GETTY IMAGES

“In general, if your gut, a.k.a your intuition, is telling you something is wrong, it usually is,” Burns notes. “Our intuition is a superpower for survival that picks up on tiny clues or sensing when something feels off, so if this warning bell is going off in your body, then pay attention!” In a healthy relationship your partner should listen and be understanding when you raise your concerns, and work with you to help ease your fears and feel more secure moving forward.

Bottom line: If your partner is showing any of these signs, or things just don’t feel right to you, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask what’s going on, Mayer says. Hopefully, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.

How to deal with signs of cheating

If you notice signs of a cheating partner or have solid evidence of cheating, your emotional response may make it difficult to confront your partner, but it’s important these feelings (and your partner’s behaviors) are addressed.

Find a calm moment to speak with your partner about your concerns and give them a chance to do the same, and offer an explanation for their behaviors, real or perceived. “Communication is key for the success of any relationship,” Burns explains. “If they get defensive, blame you, or focus angrily on how you obtained this information, this is a red flag that your partner won’t be honest, won’t take accountability, or won’t put in the work to repair the relationship.”

If your suspicions of cheating are confirmed, you’ll have to make an important decision about the future of the relationship. There’s no one correct answer, but it’s worth noting that depending on the circumstances “couples can absolutely come out stronger on the other side of infidelity,” Burns says. “It requires a lot of work and communication, usually aided by couples therapy and individual therapy,” which will help you both learn to heal and rebuild trust.

CREDIT: PREVENTION

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Entertainment

Is Your Memory Getting Worse? 8 Reasons That Can Happen, According to Doctors

Yellow stickies on your computer monitor. Alerts in your calendar. A checklist reading “Keys? Charger? Reusable grocery bags? Small child?” on the inside of your door so you can’t miss it as you rush out for the day.

Thank the goddess for those little tricks that prompt us to do, bring, buy, show up at, or otherwise attend to one of the hundreds of items on our daily lists. Life is complicated and if you’re also responsible for kids or aging parents, you’re gonna need every ding, note, and piece of string tied around your finger to keep it all straight.

And even with all that, it’s normal space on some stuff. “I’ve had plenty of 30-year-old women say they have dementia, when really they’re 30-year-old moms with three kids and a full-time job,” says Stephanie Faubion, M.D., director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health and medical director of The North American Menopause Society.

Dr. Faubion likens our brains to a browser with too many tabs open—the computer is simply slower to respond.

Too-busy people also tend to try and multitask, which actually isn’t a thing, she says.

“Multitasking is a myth—you have to do what you’re doing and then move on to the next thing.” If you don’t remember agreeing to drive your daughter to meet her squad at Starbucks, for example, which she asked while you were cooking and replying to a text, it has nothing do with memory. “You’re basically not concentrating—your attention is just not there.”

Still, it can be a little alarming the first time you wander to the fridge, open it, and forget what you were there for. You might jump to worst-case scenarios, like that you’re on the fast track to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Whether or not your memory issues are cause for concern starts with your age. “If it’s a midlife woman going through menopause, it’s almost never true dementia. If I’m seeing a 75-year-old who is having memory concerns, that’s more worrisome to me,” says Dr. Faubion.

That’s because the risk of dementia and other conditions that can contribute to memory loss increases as you get older, says neurologist Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.

“Age itself doesn’t determine anything, but it does kind of set the stage,” he says. A little falling off on things like recall of names after around age 50 is normal, but if it’s anything more than that, “we do want to look at whatever else is going on in your life,” says Dr. Petersen.

Here are some of the things that could be causing your memory glitches—and bear in mind that there may be several things going on, even if one is dominant, says Dr. Petersen:

1. You are stressed or anxious.

Hello! That would be the woman doing 700 things at the same time, or someone who has a lot of long-term external pressures, such as financial trouble or a loved one who’s not well. “When you have too many balls in the air or are burning the candle at both ends, cortisol levels run high,” says Dr. Petersen. This stress hormone that keeps you revved and ready also affects the hippocampus and other parts of the brain that are involved in memory. Similarly, anxiety—persistent worry about something that may or may not happen in the future—feels like stress to your body, and so has the same effect on your brain. “When your anxiety level is high, you can’t focus on anything and your attention is going to be impaired—it’s going to feel like you have a memory disorder because you can’t concentrate on anything,” says Dr. Faubion.

2. You’re feeling depressed.

The jury is out as to whether depression is a cause of memory loss or a symptom of it, but either way, research shows a link between depression and cognitive impairments, including memory issues. Even people who only have a symptom or two can have issues: One study that looked at people who were not clinically depressed found that the more symptoms of depression they had, the more memory issues they reported. And struggling with depression from a young age, another study found, is associated with poorer memory in midlife. And wouldn’t you know it? Certain older antidepressants are also associated with memory loss. Fortunately, newer medications in the SSRI category “have less of a deleterious effect on memory,” says Dr. Petersen.

3. You’re a woman in or around menopause

Among the many joys of perimenopause (the period of time leading up to menopause) and the transition itself may be a small but significant cognitive impairment, according to research, that may be independent of age. Theories abound, but “the bottom line is that we don’t really know exactly why this happens,” says Dr. Faubion.

The sorta kinda good news? Research has suggested that things go back to pre-menopause levels once you’re through the ups and downs of the transition. That said, this is far from certain, especially if you have other factors, such as poverty or HIV. “Women, especially women of color, with multiple risk factors may be more vulnerable to longer-lasting memory problems,” says Dr. Faubion. “Some of the women who were of highest risk in terms of socio-cultural stressors, with and without HIV, didn’t look better on the other side of menopause,” she says.

What’s more, perimenopause often brings on mood changes, such as anxiety and depression, and sleep problems, sometimes caused by symptoms like hot flashes. These can all affect memory. Which brings us to…

4. You’re not sleeping well or enough

Whatever the reason you’re not getting enough good quality sleep, poor shuteye can affect your memory in a big way, says Dr. Petersen. During the deeper stages of sleep, certain proteins are cleared out of the brain, says he says. “But if you never get to the stages of sleep when these housekeeping activities are thought to be taking place, perhaps toxic substances can build up in the brain,” Dr. says, and affect the way these nerves work. Talk to your doctor about possible sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea for which you can be treated—improving sleep can boost your alertness throughout the day, which helps memory, says Dr. Petersen.

5. Maybe your medications are fogging your mind

Certain medications are known to affect memory. And in the nothing-is-simple department, some of these meds are ones you’d take to help with anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, or other problems that may keep you up at night—conditions that if left untreated can contribute to memory issues. Benzodiazepines (often taken for anxiety) are known to affect memory, as are a class of drugs called “anticholinergics,” which show up in treatments for stress urinary incontinence, over-the-counter sleep aids, and allergy treatments like Benadryl. Tricyclic antidepressants and certain opioids also deal your memory a blow.

6. You could be drinking or partying too much

Abusing alcohol or any substance (such as opioids) that can slow your central nervous system may affect memory as well, says Dr. Petersen. “I don’t want to overstate this, but clearly if someone is aging and vulnerable, two or three cocktails a night probably will catch up with you,” he says. Scientists have known for years that there is evidence of brain shrinkage in people with alcohol use disorder.

7. Perhaps you have a thyroid issue

Hypothyroidism (which is when your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone) not only causes forgetfulness and brain fog, but research has shown that the condition can result in shrinkage of the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with both long and short term memory. And hyperthyroidism (the gland cranks out too much thyroid hormone) can interfere with cognitive function, and a review of the literature has found that “studies with a larger sample size have shown statistically significant evidence of hyperthyroidism increasing the risk of dementia,” in older patients. “Thyroid hormones are so important for the energy metabolism of individual cells,” including those in the brain, says Dr Petersen. similarly in the brain.

One of the known treatable causes of dementia is a vitamin B12 deficiency, says Dr. Faubion, found in foods like salmon, liver and milk. The vitamin supports nerve health, so “we may check for vitamin B12 deficiency after the age 50 to make sure people are not deficient,” she adds. That said, taking B12 pills (or another B vitamin, folate, a deficiency of which may also be associated with cognitive impairment) does not help to improve memory unless you’re deficient, says Dr. Petersen, which means taking extra B12 or folate isn’t going to make you sharper.

When to see a doctor about memory loss

It’s wise to know the signs that something more serious is going on, because the sooner you seek treatment, the better.

Here’s when Drs. Petersen and Faubion suggest making an appointment.

  • If memory problems bother you. “That warrants a conversation with your physician,” says Dr. Petersen, if only to make you feel better about normal aging.
  • If you’re forgetting routine things, such as which medications you take, or things that you want to do, like a standing girls’ get-together. “It happens every so often, but if it happens tonight and then a week from now and then three weeks from now,” it’s something to look at.
  • If you tell the same story over and over in a short span of time. “I’m talking about the same conversation in a loop in one sitting,” says Dr. Faubion, rather than your aunt who, every time you see her, gleefully recounts how you yelled at the tree when you were a little girl because it wouldn’t move out of the way. If, once reminded, the person remembers telling you and doesn’t do it again, and the repetition is not getting more frequent, it’s probably fine.
  • If the memory loss comes on suddenly or after a medical procedure. “One common thing I hear is, ‘Dad was fine, until he had his prostate surgery,’” says Dr. Petersen. Sometimes everything goes well and the person is fully recovered from an illness or procedure, but perhaps a few months later his family notices memory slippage. “That to me is a notable event. It could be that when the person’s system was stressed, it may have unmasked something that was likely developing.”
  • If those around you are noticing your slips. “Most of the time it’s not the patient who notices, it’s the family, saying things like, ‘Mom isn’t right anymore,’” says Dr. Faubion. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have dementia, adds Dr. Petersen, but that it is time to get yourself evaluated.
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Entertainment

Is Erotic movie Harmful or helpful to relationships, couples react

Erotic movies can elicit a wide range of responses and perspectives from couples in their relationships.

Some find such movies a source of entertainment and a way to spice up their intimacy.

For these couples, watching erotic movies together can spark new ideas and ignite a sense of shared adventure in exploring different aspects of their relationship.

It provides a platform for experimentation and a shared experience that can deepen the bond between partners.

On the other hand, some couples view erotic movies as unrealistic or even detrimental to their relationships.

They find the content exaggerated, the acting poor and the scenarios far from reflecting their own intimate experiences.

Rather than enhancing their relationship, they feel that such movies create unrealistic expectations or lead to misunderstandings and disagreements.

Separate interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos revealed these contrasting perspectives.

Mr Babatunde Kolawole, a businessman, told NAN that he sees erotic movies as a positive addition to his relationship.

“It’s a fun way to explore new ideas. It’s not like we’re copying everything we see, but it’s a fun way to get inspired,” said Kolawole.

Also, Chidinma Okonkwo, a fashion designer, shared a lighter side to the experience.

“My husband and I tried watching an erotic movie together, but it ended up being more funny than anything.

“It was like our own personal comedy show. We just couldn’t take it seriously,” she said.

However, Mrs Abimbola Cole, an engineer, takes a strong stance against using such movies in relationships.

“We don’t need some scripted movie to tell us how to get our freak on,” she said.

Cole goes beyond personal preference, citing religious beliefs.

“It is also immoral, and my religion does not accept it,” she explained.

Her comments highlighted the potential link between erotic movies and unhealthy sexual attitudes.

“Erotic movies objectify individuals and promote unhealthy attitudes towards sex.

“We need to focus on mutual respect and understanding rather than unrealistic portrayals of intimacy,” she stressed.

However, Dr Jonathan Nelson, a relationship counsellor, noted, “While some couples might find erotic movies to be a form of entertainment, it’s crucial to understand that they can also foster unrealistic expectations.”

Another relationship expert, Mrs Vera Oluwa, advised couples not to compare themselves with people in erotic films.

According to her, actors in the movies seem to look as if they are good at intimacy and usually conform to a particular aesthetic.

“In reality, the intimacy you tend to see in such movies is often no more than a performance, whereas perhaps ‘good intimacy’ is about feeling connected with someone.

“With this in mind, chances are you may be enjoying yourself more than the actors are.”

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Health

GAVI Announces Arrival of Cholera Vaccines in Nigeria Soon

Cholera

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) announced on Friday that cholera vaccines are on their way to Nigeria.

Gavi’s CEO, Sania Nishtar, confirmed this in a statement on his X page.

He also noted that Gavi is prepared to collaborate with its partners, UNICEF and WHO, to address the current outbreak.

“We stand ready to work with our partners, UNICEF and WHO, to support Minister Muhammad Pate, Nigeria’s federal ministry of health, and the NCDC’s timely efforts to contain this outbreak and protect those at highest risk.

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“Despite the large number of cholera outbreaks this year, our stockpile is now fully replenished, and production continues at maximum capacity,” he said.

So far, Nigeria has reported 3,623 potential cholera cases and 103 fatalities across 34 states.

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Health

“Minister Exposes Deep-Seated Corruption in Nigeria’s Health Sector: Urgent Reform Needed

Corruption

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, has lamented the pervasive corruption in the health sector and the country at large, describing it as a “very deep issue”.

Pate mentioned that he recently handled a situation where donated therapeutic food for children was misappropriated, and he has since referred the issue to the authorities.

He addressed a single-day seminar organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission themed, “Corruption-free health care delivery for all” on Thursday in Abuja.

Pate said, “So when we look at the issue of corruption in Nigeria, which is very long-standing, it’s ubiquitous. I recently just dealt with another case where donated, ready-to-use therapeutic foods, were donated to feed acutely malnourished children, free of charge to where we have severe acute malnutrition.

“Somebody raised grants, raised resources, brought it to Abuja, deployed it to one of the state capitals, and they filtered away.

“So it ( corruption) is a very deep issue. I have to write to the IG, and I would like to thank him also, specifically for deploying a very senior officer of the police force to be part of the task force. The challenge we face is a system and a paradigm that exists, that tolerates, encourages, demands, and accommodates corruption.“

Pate mentioned that it was challenging to separate corruption from the health sector, but emphasized that significant efforts were being made to tackle the issue.

He said, “In health, which is just one sector, sometimes it’s difficult to isolate corruption in health. So in health, what we are trying to do is to improve population health outcomes for all Nigerians. To save lives, to reduce pain, physical and financial pain, to produce health, and to do it for all Nigerians.”

The Chairman of the ICPC, Musa Aliyu (SAN), stated that the commission is prepared to address corruption and unethical practices within the health sector.

He said, “The conference is specifically organised to stimulate discussions that will help improve service delivery devoid of windows for corrupt tendencies in the Health Sector. This has become necessary considering the sector’s critical nature and its role in ensuring a healthy society at all levels.

“The Commission’s choice of Primary Health Care in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the pilot for the nationwide conversation is to create a comprehensive template that can be replicated in all the six geopolitical zones of the federation.”

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During the keynote address, Adedolapo Fasawe, the FCTA Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, remarked that corruption in the health sector was more severe than a pandemic.

She said, “The opportunity cost of financial corruption in health is inestimable. What is the cost of a life? Therefore, in health, corruption must either be prevented or nipped in the bud in infancy.

“A cancerous like corruption is worse than a pandemic – procurement of substandard equipment, fake drugs, revenue leakages, and inflated health bills are some of the immediate results of corruption.”

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