By: Al-Kawthar (Abundance)

Harmathan, also known as the dry season, is one of the two seasons in Nigeria. It occurs between November and March. It is brought over by north eastern trade winds which blow from the Sahara desert over west Africa. The season is associated with low humidity, dryness, dust composed of germs and unclean particles,sands etc.
Every season arrives with its benefits and risks on our body and activities as humans. It Is pertinent that we make changes to our daily activities and decisions to meet the peculiarity of each season, explore the benefits and manage the risks. Harmattan is here, reiterating the need for choices to keep us healthy and safe.

The Benefit in Harmattan Season
1. Easy drying of clothes
2. Aids preservation and processing of foods
3. Long duration before food spoilage
4. Low breeding of mosquitoes
5. Reduce heat in the environment

The Risk Associated with Harmathan
Fire Outbreak – The weather is dry and low in humidity which increases the rate of fire outbreak. Care must be taken while handling flammable items. There is an increase in fire outbreaks during the harmattan period.

Dehydration – Harmathan causes water to dry off our body easily herby causing dehydration .

Poor visibility – As a result of the dust and wind which covers the earth surface the visibility is greatly reduced. This mostly affects road transport and aviation workers.

Health Hazard – Health Hazard such as Cold, catarch, cough, skin dryness, respiratory tract infections, asthma, conjunctivitis are diseases common during Harmattan season. This period also exacerbates medical conditions like sickle cell anemia, Asthma, etc.

Managing the risks
Dressing – Setting out in Harmattan season, it is required that we wear appropriate clothing that protects our body. It’s also recommended to use sunglasses to prevent dust from entering our eyes and sunscreen to replace UV lipids worn off by Harmathan. We should also cover our nose with nose mask to prevent dust from getting inside our nose lungs and mouth.

Moisturize the Skin – The dryness associated with the harmattan period causes ourbidy to dry easily. We must ensure to adequately moisturize our skin, especially the exposed part like the face, lips, hands and others. Always keep a lip balm in our luggage

Eating Hot or warm food – This period requires eating hot or warm food to keep our body warm. For example tea, coffee and taking our food while it’s hot.

Stay Hydrated- It’s a must to drink lots of water at least 1.5 liters or more daily to keep our skin and body hydrated.
Maintaining good and healthy practices during different seasons can greatly reduce its effect on our body and Environment.

Josephine Awomodu

Experts are warning about the perils associated with the consumption of rotten tomatoes, commonly referred to as ‘esa’ or ‘baje.’ The repercussions of ingesting these deteriorated tomatoes go beyond a mere unpleasant taste to posing a substantial risk to one’s health. This caution stems from the potential development of severe health issues linked to the contamination of these tomatoes. When rotten tomatoes become infested with maggots, the risk of bacterial poisoning escalates. The ingestion of such tomatoes introduces a myriad of microorganisms, predominantly fungi, into the body. These fungi that thrive in the spoiled tomatoes actively produce mycotoxins, which are known to be hazardous to human health. The mycotoxins generated by the fungi present in these tomatoes carry the looming threat of conditions like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The perilous nature of mycotoxins lies in their capacity to be lethal— capable of inducing cancer and compromising the immune system. As tomatoes have a considerable fluid content, mycotoxins are able to diffuse rapidly throughout the entire structure of rotten tomatoes. This rapid diffusion contaminates all parts of the tomatoes and renders them entirely unfit for consumption.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, nutritionist Mrs. Toyin Aliu stresses the importance of making informed choices when it comes to tomato consumption. Despite the lure of potentially cheaper prices for spoiled tomatoes, she strongly advocates for the preference of healthy tomatoes. She contends that it is not merely a matter of taste or aesthetics but a crucial decision to safeguard oneself from the looming threat of potential poisoning associated with the consumption of cheap rotten tomatoes.

EFFECTS OF ROTTEN TOMATOES
Consuming rotten tomatoes can have gradual yet profound effects, primarily due to the presence of aflatoxins— toxic substances produced by specific fungi known as molds. These aflatoxins, found naturally worldwide, can contaminate food crops and pose serious health threats to both humans and livestock. The detrimental impact of aflatoxins includes immune deficiency and severe liver damage.

Children, in particular, are vulnerable to the consequences of consuming rotten tomatoes containing aflatoxins. This exposure can lead to delayed child development and an increased risk of liver cancer.

The National Cancer Institute highlights that aflatoxin exposure is associated with a higher likelihood of liver cancer. Exposure to aflatoxins can occur through the consumption of contaminated plant products such as peanuts, or by consuming meat and dairy products from animals that have ingested contaminated feed. Researchers emphasise that aflatoxins are fungal toxins with acute life-threatening toxicity, carcinogenic properties, and potential chronic adverse effects. A 2016 study published in a PMC journal underscores the significant public health concern associated with dietary exposure to aflatoxins, especially in subsistence farming communities in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. In these regions, staple food crops like groundnuts and maize are often highly contaminated with aflatoxin due to hot and humid climates and poor storage practices.

The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer, is elevated with aflatoxin exposure, particularly in the presence of hepatitis B infection. Recent evidence suggests that aflatoxin may contribute to stunted child growth and lower cell-mediated immunity, and increase susceptibility to various diseases. Therefore, the repercussions of consuming rotten tomatoes extend beyond immediate concerns, impacting long-term health outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations.

By: Olajumoke Ogunfolaju

Every part of the human body has its salient function and when one part has some dysfunctions, it tells on other parts of the body irrespective of the size. One of the five sense organs that we have is the “EYES”.
The eye is our organ of vision. It’s complicated design means that an image can pass through its many layers and end up crisply focused on the back of the eye, called the retina. The retina is covered with light sensitive cells, called rods and cones. Information on shape, colour and pattern is picked up by the retina and carried to the brain via the optic nerve.

Just think about how much your eyes work from the moment you wake up until you close your eyes at bedtime. That’s why taking care of our eyes is so important.
Although taking care of your eyes might seem pointless if you don’t have any vision problems, adopting a few easy habits will not only preserve your vision, but will also decrease your odds of developing eye problems in the future.

Ways to take care of your eyes

•Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Your diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. It’s important to eat a variety of foods for eye health. Eating assorted fruits and vegetables, especially deep yellow and green leafy vegetables, provide vitamins essential for good eye health. And fish high in Omega 3 fatty acids, like tuna, salmon and halibut, supply key eye vitamins and nutrients.

•Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of developing diabetes. Having diabetes puts you at higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.

•Get regular exercise.
Exercise may help to prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These diseases can lead to some eye or vision problems. So if you exercise regularly, you can lower your risk of getting these eye and vision problems.

•Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB light.
Exposure to sunlight can damage your eyesight and increase your risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) or corneal growths, such as pterygia and pingeculae.

•Limit your exposure to digital screens.
Students spend hours using digital devices like cell phones, tablets and laptops every day. These devices emit high energy blue light waves that can damage your eyes over time. Taking lutein and zeaxanthin supplements can help your eyes filter blue light.
Also, keeping your computer screen 20 to 24 inches away from your eyes and adjusting lighting to minimise glare will help. Because we blink less when looking at screens, it’s important to make a conscious effort to blink often. Lastly, rest your eyes by taking a break every 20 minutes and focusing on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

•Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
This is important for everyone, but especially for contact lens wearers. Before touching your eyes, you should wash your hands with mild soap and dry them with a lint-free towel. This is because germs and bacteria inserted in your eyes by your fingers can cause eye infections like pink eye and can even introduce cold and flu viruses into your body.

•Remove your contacts before showering, swimming or wetting your face.
While most contact lens wearers know that they shouldn’t sleep with contacts, many don’t know that they shouldn’t get their lenses wet. That’s because your contacts act like a sponge that absorbs bacteria and parasites that may be in pools, lakes or shower water which can cause eye irritation and even severe sight-threatening infections.

•Wear safety glasses for even the simplest tasks.
Don’t risk your sight by blowing off wearing eye protection for DIY home projects, no matter how small. We see eye injuries from people doing something simple like hanging a picture, and a piece of a nail or the frame breaks off and ends up in their eye. Every day, 2000 Americans have on-the-job eye injuries, 90 percent of which could have been prevented by wearing protective eyewear. Just do it!

•Pamper your peepers with a warm compress every day.
As we age, the oil glands in our eyelids get clogged and don’t secrete enough oil into our tear supply. This leads to dry eyes. Placing warm compresses on our lids helps to liquify the oil so that it flows freely into our tear supply and helps to keep our eyes lubricated. Making a warm compress is simple: just wet a clean washcloth with warm water and press it against your eyelids for a minute. Easy, yes? Your eyes will thank you.

•Get a dilated eye exam every two years.
The American Optometric Association recommends that all adults between the ages of 18 and 60 visit their eye doctor to get a comprehensive eye exam at least every other year. This is so important because some eye diseases may not have warning signs. But with regular eye exams, your eye care professional can detect these conditions in their early stages when they’re easier to treat before there is any vision loss. Many eye conditions can be controlled or even reversed if they’re caught early.

In Conclusion, taking good care of your eyes really isn’t all that complicated and many of these habits are important for your overall health. Remember, prevention is better than cure. And Isn’t a lifetime of good vision worth an ounce of prevention?

By: Josephine Awomodu

Consuming processed meat has long been associated with health concerns, particularly the elevated risks of developing serious conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Processed meats encompass a variety of products including sausages, hot dogs, and salami, all of which undergo preservation methods like curing, salting, smoking, drying, or canning. 

While these methods extend the shelf life of meat, they introduce chemicals that have been identified as potential health hazards. One of the primary culprits in processed meat is the use of nitrites and nitrates during the preservation process. These compounds, while occurring naturally in red meat, are often augmented as preservatives in the meat-processing industry. Nitrites and nitrates, innocuous in their isolated forms, can undergo transformations within the body that result in the creation of cancer-causing compounds. The conversion of these chemicals into nitrosamines has been a focal point in numerous studies linking processed meat consumption to a higher incidence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

The University of Zurich conducted a comprehensive study that sheds light on the repercussions of regular consumption of processed meat. The findings underscore a disturbing reality— individuals who incorporate a significant amount of processed meat into their diets face an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases and cancer. 

The study attributes this heightened risk to the presence of carcinogenic substances, notably nitrosamines, that originate from the processing of meat. Delving deeper into the chemical composition of red meat, it is crucial to highlight the role of haems. Haems is a red pigment found naturally in these meats. When exposed to the digestive environment, haems can break down into N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), many of which are recognised carcinogens. This chemical cascade contributes to the intricate web of factors that make processed and red meats potential contributors to the development of cancer.

The intricate relationship between haems and bowel cells adds another layer to the health risks associated with processed meat consumption. Haems, in addition to their role in NOC formation, have the potential to irritate or damage the cells lining the bowel. Such irritation can prompt increased cell division— a process linked to a higher risk of developing cancer. This dual impact— the creation of cancer-causing compounds and the potential damage to bowel cells— underscores the complexity of the health risks associated with processed meat. It is noteworthy that processed meats, particularly sausages, are not only implicated in cancer risk due to the chemical compounds applied during processing but also due to their high fat and salt content. The combination of these elements heightens the association between processed meat consumption and the development of various health issues. High-fat diets have long been linked to obesity and cardiovascular diseases, while excessive salt intake is a known contributor to hypertension.

Considering the wealth of evidence linking processed meat to adverse health outcomes, health professionals emphasize the importance of moderation in meat consumption. The advice to cut down on both processed and red meats resonates with the understanding that a balanced and varied diet is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Substituting processed meats with leaner protein sources, such as poultry, fish, or plant-based alternatives, can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

By: Kreative ACE
Imagine, after a hectic day of attending a series of Lectures, exhausted, thirsty and hungry. What would be the first drink you’d grab from a store? Pure water or your favorite soda? Most of us would definitely go for our favorite Soda. After all, we cannot come and kill ourselves.

But on a closer look, health wise and academically, we are doing more harm than good to ourselves when we usually choose your favorite Soda over Pure Water. In the subsequent lines, we would be looking at what you stand to gain when you make the hard choice of always drinking pure water instead of your favorite soda, especially as a student.

Prevents Dehydration: Drinking water helps to maintain the water in your body at normal level. When the water level in your body is lower than normal, it affects your thinking, causes body overheating, infrequent use of the toilet, changes in one’s mood and kidney stones. Intake of your favorite Soda could also hydrate you partially but it would also add calories to your system which causes you to add weight.

Fresh Breath: Yes, drinking water maintains your fresh breath throughout the day as it lubricates your saliva and minimizes the bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath . The research published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene has shown that drinking or rinsing the mouth with a glass of water helped remove up to 60 per cent of the substances which contribute to bad breath.

Clears Waste Materials: Overtime, the body accumulates waste materials and water is an effective agent of flushing waste materials from the body system. It could be through sweating, urination and excretion.

Soothes joints, spinal cord, and tissues: Have you ever wondered, why as young as most of us are, that we still experience joint pain or back ache? It has been discovered that the cartilage found in your joints and the spine disk has 80 percent of water. So when the water level is short in the body, it causes less shocking ability of the body leading to joint pain.

Regulates the body temperature and Glows the skin: Drinking water cools the body through perspiration and avoids the skin from overheating.it also removes toxin which improves your skin tone and gives you a healthier skin.

Healthy Brain: Pure Water clears out toxins and wastes that impair brain function. IT also transports nutrients to your brain from your brain to keep your brain healthy. Drinking water has been linked to stronger Cognitive functions, improved focus, decreased mental stress amongst others.

In conclusion, Pure Water is accessible and affordable, therefore, no students has an excuse in choosing their Favorite soda instead of Pure water. This is a Wake up call for students to rethink their drink as it could make or mar both health wise and academically.