Breast cancer vaccine in sight

A vaccine made of stem cells taught the immune systems of mice to fight cancer, in a study that may pave the way to preventing the disease in humans.   

Stem cells share similarities with cancer, so researchers used them to teach the bodies of the mice to recognize and fight the disease. 

The 'vaccine,' developed by researchers at Stanford University, plus an immunity-boosting agent shrunk tumors in the majority of the mice, and two of them beat the cancer entirely.

The scientists say that their new method shows promise as a personalized way to someday preventatively immunize humans against their own cancers.

Cancer occurs when cells start multiplying and growing out of control. Scientists discovered that, as healthy cells undergo this change, they revert back to a state very similar to their early development stages.

Vaccines work to prevent infections by introducing a similar but less harmful germs to the body so that our immune systems get a sort of primer course on what these illnesses look like and how to fight them.

So the Stanford researchers posited that the pre-cancer-like developmental cells could work in much the same way, preparing immune cells to be on high alert for cells that might be ready to turn to tumors.

To test their theory, they used easy-to-extract skin and blood cells from mice to create induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells by giving them a sort of genetic bath that rewound their developmental clocks.

These are sometimes called 'master' cells because, in the early stages of a fetus's development, pluripotent cells are poised to morph into any kind of tissue.

50 Shades of sex ed; Gynecologist explains why you should NEVER put ice cream in a vagina

The Fifty Shades series is full of sex scenes and bad ideas.

Christian and Ana, the BDSM-loving couple at the heart of the trilogy, leave much to be desired when it comes to sexual health, experts claim.

In particular, the final installment of the franchise which came out this week, Fifty Shades Freed, features a scene where Christian playfully threatens to put a spoonful of ice cream into Ana's vagina - a sure-fire way to throw off her pH balance and cause a bacterial infection.

Speaking to Daily Mail Online, Dr Lauren Streicher explains how the franchise missed the mark on a gynecological level.

1. Never put ice cream in a vagina

'Doing it one time may not cause any harm,' said Dr Streicher, medical director of the Center for Sexual Health and the Center for Menopause in Illinois. 'But I guarantee if someone was putting ice cream in their vagina every day it would not be good.' 

She's referring to the ice cream sex scene in Fifty Shades Freed where Christian wakes up in the middle of the night and finds Ana eating ice cream in the kitchen.

He eventually grabs the spoon from her and pretends to aim it at her nether regions.

The ice cream doesn't end up in her vagina, it lands ends up on her inner thighs. He licks up the sticky substance then starts performing oral sex on her.

There are a few things wrong with this scenario, according to Dr Streicher. 

First of all, inserting a spoon into the vagina is not only uncomfortable, it can scratch or tear something.

Secondly, putting ice cream, a dairy product loaded with sugar, in the vagina could cause a yeast infection - a condition that causes vaginal itching, burning, discharge, and pain with urination.

In fact, she doesn't recommend putting any food in the vagina, not even a smooth, peeled banana.

'If you're going to insert anything in your vagina, make sure it's not going to scratch, tear, break off and get stuck inside,' she said.

In addition to health concerns, Involving a cold spoon of ice cream in any capacity could ruin sex.

Applying anything cold to the genitals will cause the blood vessels to constrict. This can cause the penis to shrink and the vagina to dry up.

'A guy can't maintain an erection in cold weather,' said Dr Streicher, an associate professor at Northwestern University’s medical school in Chicago. 'If you put ice cream on his d***... it just won't happen.'

In fact, the genitals are meant to be warm. That's one of the reasons why they are covered with pubic hair, she said.

The warm temperature allows the vagina to self-lubricate and the muscles to relax, which is ideal for intercourse.

Introducing ice cream into the scenario will not enhance the sex.

2. Ben Wa balls probably don't spice up your sex life

In Fifty Shades Darker, the second movie in the trilogy, there's a scene where Christian asks Ana to carry Ben Wa balls in her vagina during his parents' masquerade charity ball. 

The balls are seemingly used as some sort of sexual stimulation. Aside from Christian trying to control Ana, Ben Wa balls are also marketed as a way to improve pelvic floor muscles to enhance sex. 

But whether or not they're effective is up in the air.

'There's no harm in using Ben Wa balls,' Dr Streicher told Daily Mail Online. This is mainly because they are round and marble-sized and less likely to tear or get stuck in the vagina than other objects. 

'A strong pelvic floor is crucial for sex,' Dr Streicher said. 'But is using Ben Wa balls really going to facilitate that?'

She said it's possible, but there's not enough research on the topic.  

If someone came to her for advice on how to have better sex, she wouldn't tell them to go out and buy Ben Wa balls.

When it comes to how long people can keep the spheres inside of their vagina, Dr Streicher said it depends on who's wearing it.

It's all about comfort, so they can keep it in as long as they want.

3. Ana is using the wrong birth control

According to Dr Streicher, the series also missed the mark in the first movie, Fifty Shades of Grey, when Ana's gynecologist recommended she uses the Depo-Provera shot as a contraceptive in lieu of the mini-pill, which she regularly forgets to take.

The Depo-Provera shot is an injection a nurse or doctor administers once every three months. It contains the hormone progestin, which stops people from getting pregnant by preventing ovulation. 

'I very rarely recommend it,' Dr Streicher told Daily Mail Online. 'There's just so many better options.'

In fact, the last time she recommended the Depo-provera shot was five years ago.

Although it's effective, Dr Streicher said the Depo-Provera shot comes with a lot of side effects, including bleeding and spotting between periods, weight gain, and potential bone loss.

However, for someone as forgetful as Ana, she'd recommend the long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which can provide effective contraception for up to 12 years without requiring user actin.

They come in the form of T-shaped devices or plastic rods that are inserted into the vagina.

'They're an excellent method,' Dr Streicher said. 'They're common, safe and works very well.'

The contraceptive vaginal ring, like NuvaRing, would also be a great recommendation for someone as forgetful as Ana since it only needs to be inserted once month.

The birth control implants, like Nexplanon, is a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick that can last for up to four years, according to Planned Parenthood.

Fortunately, Dr Streicher doesn't think Fifty Shades' fans are impressionable enough to stick ice cream in their vagina or take Ana's gynecologist's advice at face value.

Cleaning the house is as bad for women's lungs as smoking up to 20 cigarettes.

Cleaning the house is as bad for women's lungs as smoking a packet of cigarettes a day, a study has found.

But using cleaning products had no effect on men's lungs, research showed.

Researched assessed the lungs of 6,235 women and men at 22 centres – and then checked on them again over the course of twenty years.

They were asked whether they cleaned their own house, or whether they worked as professional cleaners.

They were also asked how often they used liquid cleaning products and sprays.

The research found that women who cleaned – either around the house as little as once a week or as professional cleaners - had an 'accelerated' decline in lung capacity.

The drop in lung function in both groups was comparable to smoking a pack of 20 cigarettes for between 10-20 years.

The authors warn that cleaning for women 'may constitute a risk to respiratory health'.

No effect was found on the lungs of men who did the cleaning – either professionally, or just as part of their domestic chores.

The authors – led by researchers at the University of Bergen – said that a variety of potential irritants to the lungs are found in domestic products – including bleach and ammonia.

Participants were asked if they used 'sprays, or other cleaning agents'. No significant difference was found between using cleaning sprays and cleaning liquids – a surprise to the researchers who expected sprays to have more impact on the lungs.

The authors write: 'Women cleaning at home or working as occupational cleaners had accelerated decline in lung function, suggesting that exposures related to cleaning activities may constitute a risk to long-term respiratory health.'

Explaining the medical effects on the lungs, the researchers said 'low-grade inflammation over many years could possibly lead to persistent damage to the airways, alternatively, persistent damage could result from continued exposure after onset of cleaning-related asthma.'

They added that it was well documented that 'airway irritants such as ammonia and bleach' (both found in household products such as bleach and toilet cleaner) cause 'fibrotic' changes to the lung tissue – scarring of the lungs.

The cleaning products may both irritate the lungs and cause persistent changes over time.

Dr Cecile Svanes of the University of Bergen, who carried out the study said: 'While the short-term effects of cleaning chemicals on asthma are becoming increasingly well documented, we lack knowledge of the long-term impact.

'We feared that such chemicals, by steadily causing a little damage to the airways day after day, year after year, might accelerate the rate of lung function decline that occurs with age.'

The researchers suggest that people should use bleach to clean less - as 'water and a microfibre cloth' are sufficient for most cleaning tasks.

Researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway based their results on data from 6,235 participants in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. The participants, whose average age was 34 when they enrolled, were followed for more than 20 years.

In the study, 1,512 men never cleaned the house, compared to just 197 women. Of those who cleaned at home, there were 1,363 women and 2,808 women.

Professional cleaners comprised 57 men and 293 women.

The researchers found that 12.3 per cent of women who cleaned at home and 13.7 per cent of women who cleaned at home developed asthma, compared to 9.6 percent for women who did not clean.

Co-author Oistein Svanes, said the level of impact on cleaning products was seen as surprising at first.

But he added: 'However, when you think of inhaling small particles from cleaning agents that are meant for cleaning the floor and not your lungs, maybe it is not so surprising after all.'

The authors suggest that the reduction in lung capacity happens because cleaning chemicals irritate the mucous membranes lining the airways, which over time results in persistent changes in the airways.

The study also found that men who cleaned regularly were not affected by using cleaning products.

They suggesetd that this may be because men's lungs are less susceptible to the impact of cleaning chemicals. Previous research has found that male lungs are more resistant to damage from various irritants including tobacco smoke and wood dust.

He added: 'The take-home message of this study is that in the long run cleaning chemicals very likely cause rather substantial damage to your lungs. Dr Svanes, a respiratory consultant, added: 'These chemicals are usually unnecessary; microfibre cloths and water are more than enough for most purposes,' with the exception being cleaning the toilet when bleach may be necessary, he said.

He added that public health officials should strictly regulate cleaning products and encourage producers to develop cleaning agents that cannot be inhaled.

Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Policy and Research at Asthma UK says: 'Cleaning products can be toxic for people with asthma as they often contain chemical compounds that can inflame the airways, leaving people prone to an asthma attack.

'It is deeply concerning that this study shows cleaning products can cause long-term lung damage for people with asthma.

'At Asthma UK we'd advise people with the condition who do a lot of cleaning to speak to their GP or nurse about what they can realistically do to reduce the risk of having an asthma attack. 'This could include using solid or liquid cleaning products instead of sprays, avoiding scented products and ensuring the area where they clean is well-ventilated.'

Lassa Fever Kills 3, Including Two Pregnant Women

The Benue State Government has confirmed that two pregnant women and a man died in Makurdi, Benue State of Lassa fever.

Dr Cecilia Ojabo, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services,  disclosed this. Cecilia said one of the pregnant women was confirmed positive when her blood sample was sent to a specialist hospital in Irua in Edo State.

She said the patient commenced treatment for Lassa fever at the designated centre located at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi but died in the process.

“There was another instance of a young man, an indigene of Benue State who had Lassa fever and died in Lagos State. We were duly informed about his death and the corpse was thereafter transmitted back to Benue State for burial.”

2 year old is being slowly suffocated by her massive tongue

A 2-year-old girl is being slowly suffocated by her massive tongue and faces a life and death battle over Christmas.
Zhyrille Cruz, believed to be from the Philippines, suffers from a rare tumour and is likely to die if she does not undergo surgery to treat her condition. Now 2, Zhyrille was born with a noticeably swollen mouth. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with lymphangioma- an uncommon disease which causes benign growths in the lymph vessels.

Zhyrille's parents, who are very poor, claim doctors initially told them their daughter's condition would not develop into anything dangerous. However, it worsened and the child's tongue grew larger by the day, making breathing a struggle.
At this point, the toddler's mum Mary Cruz, 22, took her to the local government 'sweepstakes office', the equivalent of National Lottery funding in the UK. There, the little girl, who is believed to be from the Philippines, received funding for doctors to fit a tube into her neck for her to breathe.  Zhyrille is now receiving free oral chemotherapy medicine at home in a desperate bid to reduce the size of her benign tumour. If the tumour is reduced, doctors will put her forward for surgery which her mum and dad, Gerry Cruz, 28, will have to try to fund themselves.
It has been revealed that the condition could be treated relatively easily with an operation in Britain but her parents can't afford it. And without surgery, it is likely that Zhyrille will become one of the rare cases where lymphangioma ends up being fatal.
Fatalities from lymphangioma - which is not cancerous - are virtually unheard of in developed countries, where medics can treat the condition early with a simple operation. However, in undeveloped countries, the relatively high cost of doctors and surgery means some patients can go their entire lifetime without treatment before the condition eventually kills them. Zhyrille and her family now face an agonising wait over the Christmas period for their fate to be decided.
Mum Mary said: "Zhyrille is the light in our hearts. We don't know what the future holds, but we will make this the best Christmas for her. Zhyrille is the best gift we could have. Her laughter makes everyone smile. I pray every day she will grow up to be a bright and beautiful young girl. I wish for nothing but to see a smile on her lovely face every single second. I want to see her grow up and achieve her goals. That is our dream."

photos of ailing veteran broadcaster, Sadiq Daba, in a UK hospital where he is receiving treatment

Veteran broadcaster/actor, Sadiq Daba, who is currently battling Leukemia and Prostate cancer, gave an update of his journey to humanright's activist, Joe Odumakin. Read the letter he sent to Odumakin below as well as photos of him in the hospital

''My Guardian Angel @DrJoeOdumakin, these are pictorial stories of my journey so far!! Thanks to you ,Soni Irabor and millions of kind hearted Nigerians both at home and abroad and with the blessings and support of the Lord, God Almighty.....my journey in search of a new lease of life has not been in vain!!! The Lord has been wonderful, merciful, benevolent and most gracious!! My eternal thanks and appreciation to Governors Ambode of Lagos State and Bako Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Senators Dino Melaye and Sheu Sani, my brothers Azuka Jebose and Suleiman Aladeh...the wonderful and caring Doctors and ancillary staff of The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and  that of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Chief Kenny Martins, Mabel Oboh, Laja Adedoyin and so many others too numerous to mention!!
Sadiq Daba'

Man who inspired ALS Ice Bucket Challenge dies at Age 46

Anthony Senerchia, the man who inspired the viral sensation “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” has died after a 14-year-long battle with the disease.
He passed away on Saturday at the age of 46, after battling with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Senerchia was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2003. He was told he only had a few years to live, his obituary states, shortly after marrying his wife Jeanette.
“Throughout his fight, Anthony maintained a positive attitude and would say ‘It’s not what we take from life, but what we give back to others is what ultimately defines us,'” his obituary reads.

“He worked tirelessly to raise awareness for ALS and was directly responsible for the world-renowned Ice bucket challenge,” his obituary added, calling him “a fireball who tried everything in life.”“It’s a difficult disease and tough when you’re losing,” his wife, Jeanette, told the Journal News Media Group. “Your body is failing you. But he was a fighter… He was our light. He made our life better.”
Before his death, Senerchia founded the Anthony Senerchia Jr. ALS Charitable Foundation, which helped fund research at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, as well as families affected by the disease.
He is popularly known for being the inspiration for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, a worldwide sensation in 2014, which attracted millions around the globe to take part in the challenge and make donations to ALS research.

Ailing 73-year-old granny arrives court in wheelchair to divorce her husband of 55-years (Photos)

A 73-year-old granny has filed a divorce case to terminate her 55-year-old marriage over alleged mistreatment by her husband and co-wife.
Marcella Mukami Kinyugo, a retired teacher from Kiriaini town in Mathioya Constituency, Kenya recently went to the Kangema magistrate court to demand that her marriage to Peter Kinyugo, 76, is dissolved.
According to Nairobi News, Marcella also wants to have the family property shared in half and her husband compelled to pay the cost of the suit.
Ms. Mukami told the court that they were living happily as husband and wife since September 16, 1962, after a church wedding conducted at Kiriaini Catholic Church.
But their family problem started in 1984, when her husband, a former teacher and chief, married another woman without her approval, although, she never for once questioned his decision.
The complainant also claimed that it was not until five years ago when her husband suddenly absconded his matrimonial duties without explaining his decision.
“Problems in my marriage when Mr. Kinyugo would stay at my co-wife’s house for weeks without coming to my house which is in the same compound,” She told the court.
According to the seriously ill woman, who was brought to court in a wheelchair, she accused her husband of neglecting her after she got sick, leaving their only daughter to look after her and cater for her medical

“I want the court to hear my prayers and order that I get a share of our property so that I can get money to foot my medical bill since my pension is not enough to cater for my personal upkeep,” she pleaded with the court.
Her husband, Mr.Peter Kinyugo, however, dismissed the claims maintaining that both wives are being treated equally. He also refuted claims that he did not consult his wife while marrying his second wife Trizah Mulinge.
Kinyugo's lawyer Mr Waiganjo Gichuki told the court that Ms. Mukami was actively involved in the process of the customary marriage of my client’s second wife.
An argument ensued in the court when Mr. Waiganjo brought forward some photos and gave them to Ms. Mukami, a move that was objected by her lawyer, Ms. Nyangati accusing him of illegally introducing the photos in court.
The case was adjourned to January 18, 2018, to give the defense a chance of filing the photos to the court in accordance with the law.

The breast cancer symptoms that WEREN'T lumps

Nipple discharge 

Emily first noticed a 'thick, milky' discharge coming from her nipple in June 2016.

'I had no idea what it was, I just knew it was clearly not normal,' she told FEMAIL. 'My GP checked it out but told me it was nothing - it disappeared after a week.'

A couple of months later Emily found a lump but didn't link it to the discharge.

She said: 'I waited because I really thought it would be nothing. Now I wish I pursued my worries [earlier]… being told I have stage 3 breast cancer was like being hit by a train. I was reeling for weeks before it finally sank in.' 

Emily told how she dreaded telling her husband, Greg, because he had lost his own mother to breast cancer. 'How could I tell him the love of his life has the same disease?,' she said. 

Not wanting to burden their young sons, the couple waited before telling them about their mother's diagnosis. 

'It was just before Christmas and, as we were decorating the tree, I told them in simple terms, leaving them to ask questions,' Emily said. 'Every day we would set aside time to talk about it – I involved them in everything that was happening.'

Treatment was gruelling and involved a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

impotency pill that lasts up to eight times longer than Viagra Released...

The cost of an erectile dysfunction pill that lasts up to eight times longer than Viagra has been slashed by half – and could soon be available on prescription on the NHS.

A generic version of Cialis has launched in the UK after the brand's patent ran out, opening up the market for cheaper versions.

As a result, the price of the medication, which has the active ingredient tadalafil, has fallen from £7.22 per tablet to between £2 to £4 per tablet.

Most major online and high street pharmacies – including Superdrug and LloydsPharmacy – are set to stock the generic tablets this month. 

Cialis – along with any branded versions of impotency drugs including Viagra – are not available on the NHS, except in certain circumstances.

But it is now hoped erectile dysfunction sufferers will be able to get the generic version of tadalafil – nicknamed the 'weekend pill' for its longer half life – from their GP in a few months time.

Cialis, or tadalafil, works in a similar way to Viagra, in that it increases the flow of blood to the penis, helping men achieve and maintain an erection. 

However, the biggest difference between the two is the amount of time their effects last.

Viagra remains effective for four to six hours, whereas tadalafil allows you to achieve erections for up to 36 hours after taking a tablet. 

Scott McDougall, pharmacist and director from The Independent Pharmacy, which will stock the new version, said: 'As tadalafil lasts for up to 36 hours, it allows men to have more natural, spontaneous sex lives.

'When Viagra came off patent in 2013, it widened the access to erectile dysfunction treatment for thousands of men.

'Sildenafil [the active ingredient in Viagra] became available on the NHS for the first time – something that may now happen to tadalafil too. A few months' lead time is to be expected.'

Privately, a packet of four 10mg tablets of Cialis costs £28.88 – the equivalent of £7.22 per pill.

Soon the Independent Pharmacy will be stocking it for £14.99 – that's £3.74 per tablet.

Superdrug and LloydsPharmacy have confirmed they will be shortly stocking it but have not yet revealed their prices.

Very slim women and yo-yo dieters have a 30% higher risk of suffering early menopause

Very slim women are much more likely to experience an early menopause, research has found.

Those who are underweight have a 30 percent higher chance risk of hitting the menopause before they are 45.

The study of 80,000 women also found that the risk trebled if they were underweight and lost one and a half stone on three separate occasions.

One theory is that slim women have lower levels of the sex hormone estrogen, which is produced by fat tissue.

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts, in Boston, looked at 78,759 women aged 25 to 42.

Underweight was classified as having a BMI of less than 18.5 – which is equivalent to being 5ft 5in tall and weighing 8 stone or less.

Women who had been underweight at any age had a 30 percent higher risk of early menopause compared to those of normal weights.

By contrast, women who were overweight – with a BMI of between 25 to 30 – had a 30 percent lower odds of hitting the menopause early.

And underweight women who had lost 20lbs – 9 kilos – on three separate occasions between the ages of 18 to 30 had a 2.4 times higher risk.

The study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, said there were 'important implications' for underweight women and their fertility may start to decline earlier than expected.

The foods you think are healthy - but are NOT

Australian nutritionist Susie Burrell has revealed five foods that have us fooled - and the culprits may surprise you.

She notes that just 10 rice crackers have 24grams of carbohydrates, the same as two small pieces of bread. 

They are also often packed with MSG and are low in protein and other 'key nutrients'.

'Flavoured rice crackers in particular are hardly a healthy choice, especially for children,' Susie writes.  

'They simply offer "empty calories" along with a rapid rise in blood glucose levels rather than long lasting energy.' 

Burrell recommends munching on cakes and crackers that are based in corn and rye instead, and always checking the ingredients to make sure MSG isn't on the list.

And while soy sauce has hardly gotten as bad of a rap as MSG, Burrell warns that it could ruin what would otherwise have been a healthy Japanese lunch.

Stressed or Depressed? Know the Difference

Often in our daily lives, we use the terms stress and depression interchangeably as if they mean the same thing. Although they have similar symptoms, can be dealt with in almost the same manner and one may actually lead to another, they are two different conditions. But the line between the two can seem pretty thin at times, and sometimes the only way to determine whether you are dealing with one or the other is to consult a professional.
What is stress?
Stress is the experience of being overwhelmed or being under too much pressure mentally and emotionally. It is usually triggered by a current situation in your life that is too much for you to handle. It could be bills that you can’t afford to pay, too much school work, a family feud, a relationship that you can’t control, etc.
Stress is too mild to be classified as an illness or disorder. But it can quickly develop into one if it’s not dealt with. Less of it is considered normal and harmless and might even be helpful. It can motivate you to take decisive action like beating a looming deadline for example. On the other hand, too much stress can affect your life negatively.
What is depression?
Depression is far more severe than stress, and its effects are long-lasting. It is a condition where you experience low moods most of the time. It makes you feel down, unmotivated and uninterested in the things that usually make you happy. Unlike stress which seems to have a visible trigger, depression can come out of the blue.
It can arise from one painful experience or a buildup of different things over time. It is triggered by the resurgence of old, repressed emotions. Because of its irrational nature, depression makes you feel like you are not in control. If not treated, the condition can spiral into suicidal thoughts.
What are the symptoms of stress and depression?
The symptoms of stress and depression can be hard to tell apart. They sometimes overlap, and it can be difficult to know whether you are depressed or just feeling stressed. Though the two may appear similar, the symptoms of depression are too intense and may last for weeks while those of stress will only last a few days.
Symptoms of Stress

• Feeling nervous, anxious, or agitated
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Hard time relaxing or sleeping
• Hard to concentrate
• Feeling exhausted
• Regular Headaches
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Worrying constantly
• Losing interest in social life
• Feeling like you can’t handle life’s difficulties

Depression Symptoms

• Feeling sad or hopeless for long
• Feeling exhausted, unmotivated and lacking energy
• Continuous shame or guilt
• Rapid changes in mood, from anger to rage
• Changes in eating habits, losing or gaining weight
• Thoughts of committing suicide
• Memory Lapses
• Trouble making decisions
• Losing interest in social life
• Feeling like you can’t handle life’s difficulties

How are stress and depression similar?

• They both occur differently per individual. What may trigger them in one person may not in another person
• They both affect your mood and energy levels. They make you feel down and unenergetic
• They both change your sleeping patterns. You can lack sleep (insomnia) or sleep more than usual
• They all disturb your eating habits. They can either make you overeat or lose interest in food.
• They both disrupt your normal functioning. You can struggle to function and concentrate at your place of work.
• They all make you lose interest in your social life. You want to stay in isolation and no longer want to be close to friends and family.

How are stress and depression different?

• Stress is triggered by something obvious while depression may arise from anywhere.
• Stress disappears when life events change. Depression can last for years no matter what changes happen in your life.
• Stress is affected by current events while depression arises due to a resurgence of unresolved past emotions
• If untreated, stress may lead to depression or anxiety. If not resolved promptly, depression may lead to suicidal thoughts
• Stress enjoys social acceptance and is sometimes encouraged. Depression still faces a lot of stigmas
• Low levels of stress can be beneficial. Low levels of depression are still debilitating.

How do you treat stress and depression?
The good news is that both stress and depression are treatable. There are many ways of treating stress, some of which include dealing with the trigger head on or taking care of your body. Unfortunately, depression is too severe a condition, and you may not snap out of it alone. You need to get professional help. But some methods of alleviating stress can also reduce symptoms of depression.
Ways to mitigate stress

• Formulate a plan – Find out what is triggering it and brainstorm for solutions. Pick on a few solutions and start working on them immediately.
• Avoid stressful situations – take breaks regularly whenever you feel anxious, tired or worried. Take the time to blow off some steam
• Take care of your body – Maintaining a healthy body can help you cope with stress. Exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and get enough sleep daily.
• Seek help – Don’t suffer in silence. If the situation appears to get out of control, seek help from a professional or someone you trust.

Get help if depressed
Depression is a very serious mental condition. However, it is nothing to be ashamed of. If you experience symptoms of depression, seek help immediately. The earlier you start treatment, the better.
In summary
Stress and depression are two different conditions, but they do share some similarities, which is why some people tend to confuse them. Stress is a temporal condition triggered by a current life event. It is less severe and easy to deal with. Depression is triggered by the resurgence of old buried emotions. It is serious, and those who suffer from it need expert help.

Unusual Techniques to Stay Confident Under Extreme Pressure

You freeze. Your mind races furiously, as you try to come up with a reply.
Time seems to stretch forever while everyone in the room looks at you for an answer, the silence growing louder every second.
You know the work inside out, but yet, at this crucial moment, your mind seems to have shut down.
And you can’t help thinking:
What is wrong with me? Why does my mind always freeze when I need it most?
I am so embarrassed.
Why can’t I be like other people who are calm and confident?
The truth is, mind freeze is absolutely normal and there’s nothing to feel ashamed of.
It’s simply our body’s way of reacting and protecting us when we are in a stressful situation. Even the most seasoned politicians have frozen during presidential debates.
While this is normal, it’s still extremely painful to go through it. The blow to our confidence can be debilitating, as we start questioning our capabilities and beat ourselves up.
It doesn’t have to be this way. With a little practice, staying confident under pressure can be achieved.
Here are some unusual but effective techniques that help you overcome the freeze and feel confident and composed in a high-stress situation.

Reset Your Mind

When our mind goes blank under high pressure, it’s because our body feels overwhelmed by the situation and shuts down.
To break the freeze cycle, use a distracting image or thought to cut through the overwhelm and reset your mind.
Choose a distracting thought that has nothing to do with the situation. For example, pick an image that makes you laugh, so it eases the tension and relaxes you.
You could decide on an anchor image ahead of time so it’s easy to recall whenever you need it. For example, I use an image of Homer Simpson dreaming of donuts and going “Mmm…donuts.” It’s an unexpected image in the middle of something serious, and it’s funny.
Doing this interrupts your mind from the current stress and anxiety, since it switches its attention to this new thought.
This helps to reset your mind so you can get back on track during the situation.

Relaxed Face Technique

Whenever we feel stress, one of the first areas to tense up are our jaw and facial muscles. This tends to go unnoticed because it happens so quickly and unconsciously that we are unaware that it’s happening.
So when you feel flustered in a high-stress situation, put your attention on the back of your jaw, and consciously let go of the tension. Relaxing the jaw muscles, helps your facial muslces to relax, which also signals to the rest of the body to let go of tension.
This helps you feel calmer, reduces feelings of anxiety flooding your body, and enables you to think more clearly.

Embrace the Elephant in the Room

Fighting the anxiety when you are under pressure takes up an incredible amount energy. It feels like you are repeatedly knocking your head against a massive, blank wall that surrounds you.
In this state, fighting it only serves to heightens your anxiety and makes it worse.
Instead of fighting it, acknowledge its presence. Don’t judge it, just breathe into it, observe it, and let it flow through and out of you.
Letting it pass through you helps you bounce back and into the present quickly, which empowers you to handle the situation with confidence.

Call out Your Fears

When we feel fear, the mind can feel like a runaway train, exaggerating the negative effects on us. It becomes an oppressive dark cloud that threatens to swallow us whole, and skyrockets our panic to stratospheric levels.
However, when we bring the fear out into the open, we often realize that the reality is not as bad as we thought it would be.
So, call out the fear and address it: What is it that you are fearful about? What is the worst that could happen? Is this worst fear likely to occur or is it an exaggerated projection?
This helps us put things into perspective that the outcome of a stressful situation is not as bad as it seems, and cools down the build up of frantic anxiety.

Be The Ball of Light in the Room

Our body language, and how we project our energy has large physiological effects on our confidence and how we feel.
Project confidence by imagining a ball of energy that extends outward from you to about 1 feet from your body. This is your inviolable, sacred space. Carry yourself with this projected confident energy radiating outwards.
When we move with confidence, we feel confident and energized, which others can sense immediately. As they react and reflect back the positive energy towards you, this results in a cumulative positive feedback loop, which creates more confidence within you.

Move Forward Positively

Having your mind go blank during the most crucial moments can crush your confidence.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Just putting into practice some simple techniques can have a dramatic effect on your ability to stay calm and confident in the face of pressure.
Imagine feeling composed and self-assured, as you answer questions with ease and poise in a high stakes meeting.
Knowing that you are able to truly display the wealth and depth of the expertise you possess and articulate it clearly and confidently.
All it takes is just one step. Pick one or two of the techniques that appeal to you and try it out tomorrow.
And you will be on your way to bringing out the composed and confident you that’s been there all along.

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How to avoid catching a disease from public toilets

The dreaded place of questionable smells, dark tiled walls and the harshest toilet paper you’ve ever used in your whole life. Welcome to public toilets.
The thought of how many people have sat on the same toilet seat, and how many people have ‘forgotten’ to wash their hands on the way out makes most of us shudder. The real question is what diseases are we vulnerable to when using public toilets?

If you are still concerned about what could follow you out of the public toilets, then here are some tips to survive:

1. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet
2. Carry a travel size antibacterial hand sanitizer for extra protection
3. Cover the toilet seat with toilet paper or use antibacterial wipes

It may seem like common sense, but those really are the best tips for keeping germs at bay. 

There are more germs on the floor of a public toilet than the toilet seat itself, so just keep your contact with the floor minimal and you will survive the emergency use of a public toilet. Hang up those handbags!

There is no medical evidence to support the transmission of any diseases from a public toilet. 

Practice good hygiene, and your immune system will do the rest. So take your time, relax and do your thing.

'No case of Monkeypox virus in Lagos' Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, says

Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, says all the Monkey Pox samples obtained from Lagos and subjected to laboratory examination tested negative. Adewole broke the news at a press conference in Abuja today. According to him, three cases of the viral disease have been confirmed in Bayelsa.
“As of October 13, 2017, there were 17 SUSPECTED cases reported from Yenagoa LGA in Bayelsa State. We have received laboratory confirmation for Monkeypox virus from three of these cases from the WHO Regional Laboratory in Dakar, Senegal. Samples from 12 other cases from Bayelsa were negative. With these results, four suspected Monkeypox outbreak in Yenagoa have been confirmed with laboratory evidence. The most likely source of infection is a primary zoonotic transmission, from an animal, with a secondary person-to-person transmission.
“Since our initial announcement, a total of 43 other suspected cases have been reported from eight other states namely Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ekiti, Lagos, Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and FCT. Of these, four cases from Lagos have also been tested and confirmed to be negative for the Monkeypox virus. We expect that many of these cases being reported from other states in Nigeria are not caused by the Monkeypox virus, but we will continue to investigate all those cases that fit the case definition. Further laboratory tests using whole genome sequencing are being carried out by the Africa Centre for Genomics and Infectious Diseases in Redeemers University Ede, Ogun State.” he said

Why coconut water is not as healthy as it seems

Coconut water is full of hidden sugar - despite being marketed as a healthy option, an investigation has found.

Sales of the trendy drink have soared in recent years to more than £100 million in the UK, as the public become conscious of their health. 

Foodies, health gurus, beauty experts and celebrities alike all sing the sweet liquid's praises. It is said to contain electrolytes vital for rehydration. 

But a Government study suggests 60 per cent of the products contain added sugar, even though its manufacturers claim it to be free of additives. 

Sugar: The dangers
The Government recommends a maximum of 30g of added sugar a day for adults, which is roughly seven sugar cubes.
Consuming any more than this set amount can lead to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. Some studies have also shown a link to dementia.
WHO WERE THE SEVEN OFFENDERS?
The investigation revealed seven brands of coconut water contained hidden added sugar.
They were:    Chi
    Foco
    Go Coco
    Tropical Sun
    Suncrest
    Yaco
    Pearl Royal
And scientists have warned sugar could be as addictive as cocaine, as they found it to have a similar effect on the brain as the powerful illegal drug.The medical community has been embroiled in a bitter row in recent years over the true dangers of sugar, as some claim it to be worse than salt.
Experts are increasingly worried about consumption of sugar across the world, particularly among children.Average sugar intake is nearly three times the recommended limit, according to Public Health England figures. Researchers are constantly discovering sugar in seemingly guilt-free snacks and savoury foods, including salad dressings and bread.
What did the firms say?
Jonathan Newman, founder of Chi, said: 'We take the matter extremely seriously and have, since then, put in many checks in place.'He blamed factories in Asia, which they use to make their products, for 'trying to maintain artificially low prices' because of soaring demand.Ross Currie, managing director of Freedom Brands, which owns Go Coco, said the results 'could not be proven'. He added: 'This batch never entered the UK market.'

The 3 day meal that can change your mood

If you struggle with feelings of depression, loss of motivation and enthusiasm, or if you have difficulty finding joy in everyday life it's time to rethink your diet. Our diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood and research reveals there's a direct link between what we eat and how we feel. In fact, studies suggest people with depression often make food choices that can actually make them feel worse. Fortunately, there are many foods that can put a smile on your face and make your body feel awesome.
These foods provide you with the right nutrients or co-factors the body needs to produce neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) that give up a natural lift.

6 healthy eating strategies to boost your mood

1. Avoid processed foods

Avoiding blood sugar imbalances is one of the quickest ways to notice an immediate improvement in mood. 

This means ditching the refined sugary carbohydrates, white starch, fruit juices and sugary smoothies and instead basing your meals around lean proteins, healthy fats (like oily fish, avocado, olives, nuts and seeds) and plenty of antioxidant rich vegetables.

2. Stop being fat phobic

Around 60 percent of your brain is fat – mostly comprised of phospholipids and omega 3 fats. Deprive your body of these healthy fats and your focus, concentration and mood will suffer. 

Healthy fats are particularly beneficial to the brain and you can get your daily dose from three different oils – olive oil, coconut oil, and omega 3 rich oils such as oily fish. 

Extra-virgin olive oil, which is a good source of polyphenols and monounsaturated fats helps protect the brain cells and lower inflammation. 

Coconut oil is rich in special fats called MCT or medium-chain triglycerides that can improve your brain function. 

Essential omega-3 fats present in oily fish (e.g sardines, mackerel, salmon, trout, halibut, anchovies) walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds have been shown in studies to boost mood and tackle depression. 

3. Drink green tea

If you're feeling stressed, then grab a cup of green tea. Green tea contains potent antioxidants including catechins known to protect the brain as well as L theanine which has been shown to improve focus and concentration and lower the stress response. 

4. Eat vitamin D rich foods

Low levels of vitamin D are associated with low mood and depression. It is difficult to get sufficient vitamin D in the winter as the main source is sunlight. It is found in small amounts in mushrooms, liver, egg yolks, full fat dairy and oily fish but you may need to take a supplement over the winter. 

5. Include fermented foods daily

Recent studies are revealing the importance of a healthy gut flora to mood. Boosting the levels of beneficial gut bacteria have been shown to help the body cope with stress, reduce anxiety and improve mood. Try and include fermented foods daily such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha and miso. It may also be helpful to take a good quality probiotic supplement. 

6. Try magnesium

When we are stressed, exercise regularly, drink excessive alcohol or consume too many sugary foods we deplete our body's magnesium reserves. 

Magnesium is a powerful relaxant mineral it's particularly beneficial if you suffer with stress, anxiety or poor sleep.

Struggling to get pregnant?

Professor Niels Skakkebaek, at the University of Copenhagen, pointed to research showing significant declines in sperm counts among men in the Western world, adding we must act now to find out what could be causing such disturbing trends.
The research, published in July, reviewed thousands of studies and concluded that sperm concentration had fallen by 52 per cent among men in Western countries between 1973 and 2011.
Today, around 20 per cent of men have a low sperm count – and first time mothers are, on average, four years older than they were 40 years ago.So what are anxious couples to do?
       WORRYING REALLY DOES MAKE IT WORSE                                                               It's understandable to worry but you have to calm yourself down. Stress is a huge problem when it comes to fertility and really can create a vicious circle.

The more stressed couples become about the situation, the harder it can be to conceive. Stress doesn't just drive a wedge into your relationship – it damages the body, too. One theory is that stress raises cortisol levels and this affects many physiological functions in the body – including fertility.

Indeed, the link between stress and fertility is continually being cemented.

In 2014, scientists at Ohio State University discovered that women with the highest levels of stress hormones in their saliva were far more likely to fail to get pregnant within 12 months of trying.

Women with high levels of the biomarker were 29 per cent less likely to get pregnant each month than those with low levels, the researchers found.

All you need is a 10 minute workout

To stay fit can be like a full time job cause of your busy schedule,but even at that u can stay fit here i a tip.
Some take the 'weekend warrior' approach, making up for lost time with hours-long sessions in the gym on Saturday and Sunday.
But it is easy to let last-minute plans get in the way - be it a friend in town, your child's soccer game, a family gathering, or a particularly debilitating hangover.
Experts warn our increasingly sedentary lifestyles of desk jobs and TV dinners is paving the way to crippling health issues later in decades to come - not to mention weight gain now. 
For those who think they're too busy to work out, this could be your solution.
The brutal, full-body workout by Faisal, Barry's Bootcamp and Protein World trainer, lasts less than 10 minutes, including rest times.
It can be used as a circuit for a longer session, or just done once in the morning to set you up for the day.
THE RULES
    45 seconds per exercise
    10 moves
    15 seconds rest between
RUNNING ORDER
  Squat Jump
    Lunge Reach
    Prisoner Squats
    Plank Hip Touches
    Walkouts
    Drop Squats
    Push Ups
    Arm Reach Plank Push Up (Alternate)
    Mountain Climbers
    High Knees
Repeat two to three times.