Radiantly Up-to-date: March 18th

Could Hospital Treatment Have Saved These Cameroonian Twins?

Nigerian law now prohibits the refusal of emergency medical care based on payment of fees (or presumed inability to pay). The legality of refusal is laid out in the new Health Care Bill, clearly with the aim to prevent the tragic loss of human life seen this past week in neighbouring Cameroon.

A woman pregnant with twins headed to the hospital with labour complications. She was refused entry, allegedly for her inability to pay, and was pronounced dead without stepping foot in the hospital though her babies were visibly still alive. Doctors, nurses, and administrators continued to deny treatment – even to save the lives of the children. The niece of the deceased had no choice but to perform an emergency caesarean herself. Sadly, it is believed one baby was dead on delivery, and the other one is presumed to have died a few minutes later.

While no one denies the shortage of medical professionals in Cameroon and across Africa, something must be done to ensure lives are not lost on the steps outside of staffed, operational hospitals. Hopefully, the graphic images circulated on the Internet in the past week will sound alarm bells throughout the international medical community.

***

Watch What You’re Putting on Your Hair

 No matter where you live in the world, the beauty industry is a big deal. And, if you happen to an African woman (or of African descent), you could probably write a book about the effects of hairstyle on lifestyle and vice versa. It’s a story Teni Adewumi, one of our 2015 Radiant Women of Action knows all too well.

Sadly, the impact of elaborate hair cause a lot more damage than simple Traction Alopecia (receding hairlines due to pressure or force on hair follicles). Black Women for Wellness (BWW) have released the results of a five-year study of the black beauty industry in a shocking report titled, Natural Evolutions: One Hair Story.

The results of these investigations demonstrate the serious health effects linked to black hair products. Chemicals within many products are carcinogenic, leading to a variety of irreparable health conditions. Your hair may be your crowning glory, but not at the cost of your life. Take the time to read the report, then reach out to BWW to see how you can help save the lives of African women around the world.

***

Is Exercise the Best Medicine?

Every week, there are fewer valid excuses to avoid exercise. Now, you can’t let chronic conditions, addiction, or stress get in the way of a good workout. According to media reports, more doctors are prescribing exercise rather than medication – even for chronic conditions. Recent research reiterates what many researchers have always believed – a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise and proper diet can stave off many serious conditions.

Exercise has also demonstrated its merit in the field of mental health as research from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology links exercise with the ability to buffer the detrimental effects of stress. Even more amazing is the data linking exercise to decreased feelings of compulsion in drug addiction cases.

***

 Any Chance of Fixing Gender Imbalance in Nigeria?

On March 15^th, the Nigerian Senate vetoed the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill. Introduced by Abiodun Olujimi, this bill would have ensured women receive the same rights as men (including inheritance and parental rights) and that the educational needs of girl children are met.

The key reasons cited for voting against this bill are Muslim law, Christian biblical tenants, and violation of the constitution (insomuch as Sharia Law is protected by it). Despite the fact that women make up roughly half of Nigeria’s population, they hold few rights. And, they’ve taken to social media to expose the misogyny of Nigerian Senate. Follow along with #GEOBill and make your position known by signing this petition to make gender equality law in Nigeria.

***

Make Time to Brush – Day and Night

Who wants a healthy smile? Everyone, right? And Unilever is helping Nigerian children to find theirs. Using their toothpaste, Pepsodent, as the cornerstone of their project, the company is engaging approximately one million children directly.

World Oral Health Day takes place on 20 March 2016, and it’s a terrific time to arm yourself with the information you need for a healthy mouth and a healthy body. You can learn more about global events sponsored by the World Dental Federation by visiting their website. And, if you’re concerned about the state of oral health in Nigeria, or the conditions linked to poor oral hygiene, this comprehensive guide will answer many of your questions.

***

Radical Budgetary Reform Required

When the 2016 Nigerian National Budget was released, it horrified many groups working for the betterment of women. About 0.1 percent of the budget was allocated to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which is about enough to maintain offices and pay salaries – leaving little, if any, money available for the implementation of sustainable projects and emergency interventions.

There was also a reduction in the percent of funds allocated to the health care sector and failed to account for changes required to implement the new Public Health Bill.

But, the budget has not yet been approved by the National Assembly and we can only hope that substantial changes will be effected before ascent from the legislature.

***

It May Be a National Celebration, but Good Nutrition Is Universal

March is National Nutrition Month in the United States. As the name implies, this isn’t a universal awareness campaign – though perhaps it should be. Every country in the world experiences sub-standard levels of nutritional knowledge and practice. That’s especially true in countries like Nigeria where the death rate for children under five is staggeringly high. Though proper food (and access to it) is only part of the problem, it is a step in the right direction.

Not sure what you should be eating? Take a look at the Healthy Eating section of our website. And, don’t forget to pass the information along; knowledge means life for too many people.

Did you enjoy this article? Sign up to receive weekly updates, health and fitness tips, plus our free eBook guide to get you started on achieving a leaner body, clearer skin and and healthy glow in just 10 days. It’s all free. Sign up here.