Radiant Weekly News Digest: One Chibok Girl Rescued And Other Stories

Have We Rescued One of Our Girls?

 Earlier this week, one of the kidnapped Chibok girls was discovered and rescued by a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force. Amina Ali Nkeki was found while foraging for firewood in the forest near the Cameroonian border. She has been positively identified by members of her family, though she – and the baby with her – have not yet been returned to their care.

According to statements provided to BBC, Amina claims that all of the remaining Chibok girls are in the Sambisa Forest Reserve except for six that have passed away. No information regarding those deaths has been released. However, Amina is likely to be moved to a safe house in Maiduguri where she can assist with information that may help to rescue the remaining girls. If you haven’t been following the #bringbackourgirls campaign, maybe now is the time.

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Watch What You Take for Your Headache

 Uh oh! You might not be able to sympathize with your partner, children, friends, or strangers when you take paracetamol (acetaminophen) for your headache. According to scientists at Ohio State University, this substance doesn’t just dull your pain, but it also reduces your ability to relate to the pain of others. Now, this side effect isn’t going to make you oblivious to a crying child, but it is something to consider – especially if you are a primary caregiver.

If you’re in Nigeria, you’ll find paracetamol in Panadol (and in the US, it is called Tylenol). If you believe this substance is affecting your ability to empathize, you can consult with your doctor, especially if you suffer from chronic headaches. Remember, some of the over-the-counter alternatives (including aspirin) are more likely to cause damage in other ways – and you don’t want to change medication without consulting a professional.

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Gender Equality Must Become Reality

 There is no valid reason for gender inequality in the modern world. And, there’s no saying that traditional values need to fall by the wayside to achieve this. Not only are women’s rights a primary concern tackled by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, but the economic benefits for individual countries where gender equality is achieved are very real.

There are many different targets and aspects that must be considered in this quest, and real data is difficult to come by in developing countries, including Nigeria. To close this gap, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pledged US$ 80 million towards accelerating progress. While this money will be dispersed as needed throughout the world, Nigeria is sure to benefit from this donation.

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Exercise Can Save Your Life

 Getting fit doesn’t just mean looking better and having more energy to do the things that matter to you. Sure, it does those too, but according to research published in the journal, JAMA Internal Medicine, exercise reduces your risk of developing cancer. In fact, you’ll be seven percent less susceptible to any cancer. And that’s a conservative number; you’ll lower your risk of breast cancer by 10 percent and your risk of esophageal cancer by an incredible 42 percent.

Interestingly, exercise now may also increase your chances of beating cancer if it does develop. One reason for that is the strain cancer treatments cause on the heart and other organs which can be strengthened through regular exercise. We know it’s tough, but isn’t it time you headed to the gym?

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 Too Hot to Handle?

 It’s been a hot year in Nigeria. Sure, it’s always on the warm side, but this year has been hot. And, according to experts at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMeT), you’ll need to brace for a few more blistering days rather than the relief that normally comes with the rains in June. It’s the result of the global warming we’ve heard about for decades, and it’s finally here. With that, cases of heat stroke have increased in Nigeria. Make sure you drink plenty of water, wear natural clothing, and take a break if you feel yourself becoming weary from the heat. Don’t forget to protect yourself against Malaria. Take some time to check all the mosquito nets in your home as those little critters will thrive in the warmer, wetter season.

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Time to Start Saying How and Now!

 Activists and experts, governments and NGOs convened in Copenhagen, Denmark this week for the Women Deliver Conference. This is the largest meeting on the health, rights, and well-being of women and girls in this decade. More than 25 experts contributed to a paper covering 12 critical areas where action can make a difference. Not only are these papers available, but concerned members of the public can comment on proposed actions prior to review in September.

Issues addressed during the conference included the need for men to speak out against FGM and to share information regarding the risks associated with this procedure. Other topics centered on female education and access to technology. Of course, there is a lot of work to be done, but now is indeed the time to start demanding change now! If you want your voice to be heard, visit Deliver for Good online.

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What’s Causing Your Weight Gain?

 If you’re constantly eating fatty, fried foods while pushing your veggies to the other side of the plate, you won’t have to work too hard to figure out what’s causing your weight gain. The same goes for women that quit their exercise routine or have fallen pregnant. But, if you can’t figure out why you’re gaining weight – and you have other symptoms such as constipation and fatigue, you may want to consider your thyroid. This gland at the front of your throat produces the thyroid hormone – and disorders with this gland can affect your life in serious ways. Sadly, women are eight times more likely to develop a thyroid disorder, with as many as one in eight having some kind of thyroid problem.

At the most serious levels, thyroid disorders can lead to a coma or even death though it rarely reaches that level. It can, however, affect your ability to carry a baby to full term. Fortunately, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (with weight loss and jittery sensations) are treatable with prescribed medication. So, if you don’t know what’s happening with your weight, it’s time to see your doctor.

Image Credit: Ariadna22822 / Shutterstock.com

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Radiant Health weekly news digest, published every Friday,  is a summary of health news stories you can actually use. Don’t miss it. Sign up for our newsletter below.