GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI'S SPEACH AT CHATHAM HOUSE IN LONDON

Muhammadu Buhari speaking today at
Chatham house in London
Permit me to start by thanking Chatham House
for the invitation to talk about this important topic
at this crucial time. When speaking about Nigeria
overseas, I normally prefer to be my country’s
public relations and marketing officer, extolling
her virtues and hoping to attract investments and
tourists. But as we all know, Nigeria is now
battling with many challenges, and if I refer to
them, I do so only to impress on our friends in
the United Kingdom that we are quite aware of our
shortcomings and are doing our best to address
them.
The 2015 general election in Nigeria is generating
a lot of interests within and outside the country.
This is understandable. Nigeria, Africa’s most
populous country and largest economy, is at a
defining moment, a moment that has great
implications beyond the democratic project and
beyond the borders of my dear country.
So let me say upfront that the global interest in
Nigeria’s landmark election is not misplaced at all
and indeed should be commended; for this is an
election that has serious import for the world. I
urge the international community to continue to
focus on Nigeria at this very critical moment.
Given increasing global linkages, it is in our
collective interests that the postponed elections
should hold on the rescheduled dates; that they
should be free and fair; that their outcomes
should be respected by all parties; and that any
form of extension, under whichever guise, is
unconstitutional and will not be tolerated.
With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the
dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the collapse of
communism and the end of the Cold War,
democracy became the dominant and most
preferred system of government across the globe.
That global transition has been aptly captured as
the triumph of democracy and the ‘most pre-
eminent political idea of our time.’ On a personal
note, the phased end of the USSR was a turning
point for me. It convinced me that change can be
brought about without firing a single shot.
As you all know, I had been a military head of
state in Nigeria for twenty months. We intervened
because we were unhappy with the state of affairs
in our country. We wanted to arrest the drift.
Driven by patriotism, influenced by the prevalence
and popularity of such drastic measures all over
Africa and elsewhere, we fought our way to
power. But the global triumph of democracy has
shown that another and a preferable path to
change is possible. It is an important lesson I
have carried with me since, and a lesson that is
not lost on the African continent.
In the last two decades, democracy has grown
strong roots in Africa. Elections, once so rare, are
now so commonplace. As at the time I was a
military head of state between 1983 and 1985,
only four African countries held regular multi-
party elections. But the number of electoral
democracies in Africa, according to Freedom
House, jumped to 10 in 1992/1993 then to 18 in
1994/1995 and to 24 in 2005/2006. According to
the New York Times, 42 of the 48 countries in
Sub-Saharan Africa conducted multi-party
elections between 1990 and 2002.
The newspaper also reported that between 2000
and 2002, ruling parties in four African countries
(Senegal, Mauritius, Ghana and Mali) peacefully
handed over power to victorious opposition
parties. In addition, the proportion of African
countries categorized as not free by Freedom
House declined from 59% in 1983 to 35% in 2003.
Without doubt, Africa has been part of the current
global wave of democratisation.
But the growth of democracy on the continent has
been uneven. According to Freedom House, the
number of electoral democracies in Africa slipped
from 24 in 2007/2008 to 19 in 2011/2012; while
the percentage of countries categorised as ‘not
free’ assuming for the sake of argument that we
accept their definition of “free” increased from 35%
in 2003 to 41% in 2013. Also, there have been
some reversals at different times in Burkina Faso,
Central African Republic, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Mali, Madagascar,
Mauritania and Togo. We can choose to look at
the glass of democracy in Africa as either half full
or half empty.
While you can’t have representative democracy
without elections, it is equally important to look at
the quality of the elections and to remember that
mere elections do not democracy make. It is
globally agreed that democracy is not an event,
but a journey. And that the destination of that
journey is democratic consolidation – that state
where democracy has become so rooted and so
routine and widely accepted by all actors.
With this important destination in mind, it is clear
that though many African countries now hold
regular elections, very few of them have
consolidated the practice of democracy. It is
important to also state at this point that just as
with elections, a consolidated democracy cannot
be an end by itself. I will argue that it is not
enough to hold a series of elections or even to
peacefully alternate power among parties.
It is much more important that the promise of
democracy goes beyond just allowing people to
freely choose their leaders. It is much more
important that democracy should deliver on the
promise of choice, of freedoms, of security of lives
and property, of transparency and accountability,
of rule of law, of good governance and of shared
prosperity. It is very important that the promise
embedded in the concept of democracy, the
promise of a better life for the generality of the
people, is not delivered in the breach.
Now, let me quickly turn to Nigeria. As you all
know, Nigeria’s fourth republic is in its 16th year
and this general election will be the fifth in a row.
This is a major sign of progress for us, given that
our first republic lasted five years and three
months, the second republic ended after four
years and two months and the third republic was
a still-birth. However, longevity is not the only
reason why everyone is so interested in this
election.
The major difference this time around is that for
the very first time since transition to civil rule in
1999, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
is facing its stiffest opposition so far from our
party the All Progressives Congress (APC). We
once had about 50 political parties, but with no
real competition. Now Nigeria is transitioning from
a dominant party system to a competitive
electoral polity, which is a major marker on the
road to democratic consolidation. As you know,
peaceful alternation of power through competitive
elections have happened in Ghana, Senegal,
Malawi and Mauritius in recent times. The
prospects of democratic consolidation in Africa
will be further brightened when that eventually
happens in Nigeria.
But there are other reasons why Nigerians and the
whole world are intensely focussed on this year’s
elections, chief of which is that the elections are
holding in the shadow of huge security, economic
and social uncertainties in Africa’s most populous
country and largest economy. On insecurity, there
is a genuine cause for worry, both within and
outside Nigeria. Apart from the civil war era, at no
other time in our history has Nigeria been this
insecure.
Boko Haram has sadly put Nigeria on the
terrorism map, killing more than 13,000 of our
nationals, displacing millions internally and
externally, and at a time holding on to portions of
our territory the size of Belgium. What has been
consistently lacking is the required leadership in
our battle against insurgency. I, as a retired
general and a former head of state, have always
known about our soldiers: they are capable, well
trained, patriotic, brave and always ready to do
their duty in the service of our country.
You all can bear witness to the gallant role of our
military in Burma, the Democratic Republic of
Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Darfur and in many
other peacekeeping operations in several parts of
the world. But in the matter of this insurgency, our
soldiers have neither received the necessary
support nor the required incentives to tackle this
problem. The government has also failed in any
effort towards a multi-dimensional response to
this problem leading to a situation in which we
have now become dependent on our neighbours
to come to our rescue.
Let me assure you that if I am elected president,
the world will have no cause to worry about
Nigeria as it has had to recently; that Nigeria will
return to its stabilising role in West Africa; and
that no inch of Nigerian territory will ever be lost
to the enemy because we will pay special
attention to the welfare of our soldiers in and out
of service, we will give them adequate and
modern arms and ammunitions to work with, we
will improve intelligence gathering and border
controls to choke Boko Haram’s financial and
equipment channels, we will be tough on
terrorism and tough on its root causes by
initiating a comprehensive economic development
plan promoting infrastructural development, job
creation, agriculture and industry in the affected
areas. We will always act on time and not allow
problems to irresponsibly fester, and I,
Muhammadu Buhari, will always lead from the
front and return Nigeria to its leadership role in
regional and international efforts to combat
terrorism.
On the economy, the fall in prices of oil has
brought our economic and social stress into full
relief. After the rebasing exercise in April 2014,
Nigeria overtook South Africa as Africa’s largest
economy. Our GDP is now valued at $510 billion
and our economy rated 26th in the world. Also on
the bright side, inflation has been kept at single
digit for a while and our economy has grown at
an average of 7% for about a decade.
But it is more of paper growth, a growth that, on
account of mismanagement, profligacy and
corruption, has not translated to human
development or shared prosperity. A development
economist once said three questions should be
asked about a country’s development: one, what
is happening to poverty? Two, what is happening
to unemployment? And three, what is happening
to inequality?
The answers to these questions in Nigeria show
that the current administration has created two
economies in one country, a sorry tale of two
nations: one economy for a few who have so
much in their tiny island of prosperity; and the
other economy for the many who have so little in
their vast ocean of misery.
Even by official figures, 33.1% of Nigerians live in
extreme poverty. That’s at almost 60 million,
almost the population of the United Kingdom.
There is also the unemployment crisis simmering
beneath the surface, ready to explode at the
slightest stress, with officially 23.9% of our adult
population and almost 60% of our youth
unemployed. We also have one of the highest
rates of inequalities in the world.
With all these, it is not surprising that our
performance on most governance and
development indicators (like Mo Ibrahim Index on
African Governance and UNDP’s Human
Development Index.) are unflattering. With fall in
the prices of oil, which accounts for more than
70% of government revenues, and lack of savings
from more than a decade of oil boom, the poor
will be disproportionately impacted.
In the face of dwindling revenues, a good place to
start the repositioning of Nigeria’s economy is to
swiftly tackle two ills that have ballooned under
the present administration: waste and corruption.
And in doing this, I will, if elected, lead the way,
with the force of personal example.
On corruption, there will be no confusion as to
where I stand. Corruption will have no place and
the corrupt will not be appointed into my
administration. First and foremost, we will plug
the holes in the budgetary process. Revenue
producing entities such as NNPC and Customs
and Excise will have one set of books only. Their
revenues will be publicly disclosed and regularly
audited. The institutions of state dedicated to
fighting corruption will be given independence
and prosecutorial authority without political
interference.
But I must emphasise that any war waged on
corruption should not be misconstrued as settling
old scores or a witch-hunt. I’m running for
President to lead Nigeria to prosperity and not
adversity.
In reforming the economy, we will use savings
that arise from blocking these leakages and the
proceeds recovered from corruption to fund our
party’s social investments programmes in
education, health, and safety nets such as free
school meals for children, emergency public
works for unemployed youth and pensions for the
elderly.
As a progressive party, we must reform our
political economy to unleash the pent-up
ingenuity and productivity of the Nigerian people
thus freeing them from the curse of poverty. We
will run a private sector-led economy but
maintain an active role for government through
strong regulatory oversight and deliberate
interventions and incentives to diversify the base
of our economy, strengthen productive sectors,
improve the productive capacities of our people
and create jobs for our teeming youths.
In short, we will run a functional economy driven
by a worldview that sees growth not as an end by
itself, but as a tool to create a society that works
for all, rich and poor alike. On March 28, Nigeria
has a decision to make. To vote for the continuity
of failure or to elect progressive change. I believe
the people will choose wisely.
In sum, I think that given its strategic importance,
Nigeria can trigger a wave of democratic
consolidation in Africa. But as a starting point we
need to get this critical election right by ensuring
that they go ahead, and depriving those who want
to scuttle it the benefit of derailing our fledgling
democracy. That way, we will all see democracy
and democratic consolidation as tools for solving
pressing problems in a sustainable way, not as
ends in themselves.
Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in Africa:
Nigeria’s Transition
Permit me to close this discussion on a personal
note. I have heard and read references to me as a
former dictator in many respected British
newspapers including the well regarded
Economist. Let me say without sounding
defensive that dictatorship goes with military rule,
though some might be less dictatorial than
others. I take responsibility for whatever
happened under my watch.
I cannot change the past. But I can change the
present and the future. So before you is a former
military ruler and a converted democrat who is
ready to operate under democratic norms and is
subjecting himself to the rigours of democratic
elections for the fourth time.
You may ask: why is he doing this? This is a
question I ask myself all the time too. And here is
my humble answer: because the work of making
Nigeria great is not yet done, because I still
believe that change is possible, this time through
the ballot, and most importantly, because I still
have the capacity and the passion to dream and
work for a Nigeria that will be respected again in
the comity of nations and that all Nigerians will be
proud of.

PIECE FOR THE HOPELESS - NEVER SAY NEVER

     Nothing is impossible, anything can happen, don't ever say you'll never do a thing. When challenged with difficulties, you must believe in yourself and say to yourself that you can make it.
     When we take a look at our blunders in life due to our unmindful attitude, we become depressed which hinders us from going further. People of lower classes take it as an excuse for not doing anything substantial in life. If we keep dwelling on that, we'll end up embracing a negative attitude towards everything that requires one's effort. One should never say never. We shouldn't forget that success comes to those who are hardworking, persistent in their chosen path, planned and motivated even when things are going wrong. People who are successful today struggled. A struggle that suppresses one's voice, a struggle that catches a person's throat.
     I'll not be presumptuous to say that most successful people's lives can serve as a role model for anybody, but some poor children living in an enigmatic area, in an underprivileged social setting may find a little consolation in the way most successful people's lives have been molded. It could help them liberate from the bondage of hopelessness. Regardless of where you are now, you should be aware that God is with you and when God is with you, who can be against you?
     To worry is a waste of time. When you find life difficult, move close to those who you can confide in and you'll be helped physically and emotionally. A friend can be a good choice. A good friend will reach out for your hands.

Why not compare yourself to the less privileged to you rather than those that are better off?
Take action. The more you take control of your life, the better you feel.
Learn to cope with hardship. It makes you stronger and encourages you to open a new page. Most successful people have had the most failure. What made them become successful was because they kept on trying.
Have a role model- Learn from people you admire.

BLOOD GENETIC COMPATIBILITY AND MARRIAGE

     This is another concept that should be well noted by intending couples  regarding the nature and characteristics of blood pertaining to RBC(red blood cell). In a physical nature, blood appears to be the same but microscopic analysis shows that blood are different genetically.
     However, there are many systems that could be used to determine blood group such as ABO system, Lewis system, Duffy system, Rhesus factor system e.t.c but the most significant ones are ABO system and Rhesus factor system.
In ABO system, an individual with type A blood will react against type
B or type AB blood.
An individual with type B blood will react against type
A or type AB blood.
An individual with type O blood will react against type
A, type B, or type AB blood.
An individual with type AB blood will not react
against type A, type B, type AB, or type O blood.

Rhesus factor system
     Getting married to a partner with an incompatible blood group can result in still birth. A rhesus negative (-ve) woman shouldn't marry a rhesus positive (+ve) man while a rhesus positive woman should marry a rhesus negative man. However, if both couples have the same rhesus status, they are free from any complication (e.g rhesus isoimmunization) that could result from that.

Genetic compatibility
     Genetic compatibility is just an aspect of marriage compatibility. Will you ever forgive yourself if your children die every year?  Secondly, will you be happy spending overboard on kids that are likely not to survive in the end? If no, then, why risk it?  It is often said and it's an amazing truth that "A broken engagement/relationship is a million times better than a broken marriage". Hearken to this, if you know you're not genetically compatible with your significant other then save yourself risk of lives. Intending couples should know if they are genetically compatible with each other before agreeing to marry each other.  Types of genotype include AA AC AS SC and SS. It should be noted that AC and AS are abnormal genotypes and it is only when individuals with abnormal genotypes marry that there's a great problem. Someone with the genotype AA can marry across. That is there's no risk of having a sickler for a
child even when he or she marries an SS. But AA marrying an SS can only result in AS children and there's no hope of having a child with the genotype AA but there's no danger either. Someone with the genotype AS should only marry
someone with the genotype AA because if AS marries AS they might have a child with the sickle cell disease(a recessive disorder). Same applies when AC marries AC or AS. AC and AS combine can produce AA, AS, AC, SC, the sickle cell disease will be SC.
✳Determine the rhesus status of every new child today.
✳Get to know your genotype and spouse' genotype.
✳Prevent genetic diseases by marrying a partner with a compatible genotype.
✳Get immunized after having your first child to prevent stillbirth in the 2nd or 3rd child because 1st child is always free from Rhesus complications.

           

LOCAL FOOD ITEMS WITH HIGH NUTRITIONAL VALUES

       Why do people die at a tender age? Why are people getting hypertensive? Why are young people having diabetes? Why do we have more cancer patients in the hospital? see steps in preventing cancer Why do we have more obese people? These are some of the things we've always wanted answers to. Basically, it's from what we eat. Many Nigerians spend more on food that are disastrous to their health when they can easily get local food at a very cheaper rate. We all need to inculcate a healthy eating habit and here are some of the affordable Nigeria recipes with high nutritional values.

WATER MELON
Melons may come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, but they all have two things in common: a soft, sweet, juicy pulp and superb taste. Melon contains potassium which regulates heartbeat, it prevent the risk of having stroke and hypertension. Melon is also abundant in vitamin C which aids wound healing and prevents scuvvy. These are its nutritional values;
Carbohydrate
52.4 (219 kJ)
From Fat 2.8 (11.7 kJ)
From Protein 5.0 (20.9 kJ)
From Alcohol 0.0 (0.0 kJ)
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Total Carbohydrate 15.6 g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1.6 g 6%
Starch 0.1 g
Sugars 13.9 g
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Total Fat 0.3 g 1%
Saturated Fat 0.1 g 0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Total trans fatty acids ~
Total trans-monoenoic fatty
acids
Total trans-polyenoic fatty
acids
Total Omega-3 fatty acids 81.4 mg
Total Omega-6 fatty acids 62.0 mg
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Protein 25.8 g
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Vitamin A 5987 IU 120%
Vitamin C 65.0 mg 108%
Vitamin D ~ ~
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) 0.1 mg 0%
Vitamin K 4.4 mcg 6%
Thiamin 0.1 mg 5%
Riboflavin 0.0 mg 2%
Niacin 1.3 mg 6%
Vitamin B6 0.1 mg 6%
Folate 37.2 mcg 9%
Vitamin B12 0.0 mcg 0%
Pantothenic Acid 0.2 mg 2%
Choline 13.5 mg
Betaine 0.2 mg
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Calcium 15.9 mg 2%
Iron 0.4 mg 2%
Magnesium 21.2 mg 5%
Phosphorus 26.5 mg 3%
Potassium 473 mg 14%
Sodium 28.3 mg 1%
Zinc 0.3 mg 2%
Copper 0.1 mg 4%
Manganese 0.1 mg 4%
Selenium 0.7 mcg 1%
Fluoride 1.8 mcg
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Cholesterol 0.0 mg 0%
Phytosterols 17.7 mg
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Alcohol 0.0 g
Water 160 g
Ash 1.2 g
Caffeine 0.0 mg
Theobromine 0.0 mg

EBOLO
"Ebolo" is a type of vegetable found mostly in the western part of Nigeria. It's botanical name is crassocephalum rubens and it has high nutritional values such as 550 mg of protein , magnesium, potassium, beta carotene, iron, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin A and K. This vegetable is also low in calories and fats, contains antioxidants, protects from stress and diseases such as cancer, boosts immunity, and absorbs excess water in the colon which prevents constipation, colon cancer, rectal fissures and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Consume at least 7-9 servings of fresh vegetable everyday.

WATER YAM
Water yam is a type of yam found in West Africa and one of the oldest crop so far. It's a brown cylindrical smooth-skinned firm tuber. It botanical name is dioscorea alata. There's no secret that water yam slows down ageing process and boosts immunity. It is also good for diabetic patients as it contains lots of fibre, antioxidants, 6.7g of protein and suppresses blood sugar. It can also be used to manage pile or haemorrhage.
Water yam can also be served as Ikokore(yam pottage)(a popular Nigeria recipe).
Click here to learn how to prepare Ikokore

GUINEA CORN(SORGHUM)
Guinea corn is commonly found in West Africa. It is one of the most affordable food in Nigeria. Average northerners in Nigeria feed on guinea corn on daily basis. It's a very wholesome food when served with hot milk and "beske"
A 3/4-cup serving of cooked sorghum
contains about 165 calories and provides approximately 3 grams of fat, 14.2 grams of protein and 36 grams of carbohydrates, including more than 3 grams of fiber, or about 13 percent of the daily value for fiber. Fiber helps fill you up without a lot of calories and may help lower your risk for cancer, constipation, high blood
sugar and high cholesterol. Sorghum also lowers the risk of heart disease, obesity and cancer. Choosing guinea corn over rice may help prevent diabetes as it lowers blood sugar level.
This also serve as a weaning diet which help babies gain weight fast.

COTTON SEED FLOUR (EWE OWU)
"Ewe Owu" is mostly consumed among the Yorubas. It is cost effective and one of the copiously available natural resources of high protein quality (59.1g),  20% oil and 3.5% starch.
It can be served with amala, eba, semo and iyan.

BEEF
Despite all the propaganda that avoiding meat gives more health benefits. Beef still has a lot of health benefits. Beef supplies a profuse amount of key nutrients needed by everyone especially the kids and teenagers which contribute to their optimal growth and prevents iron deficiency during adolescence (especially girls during their menstrual period) .
Not only that beef helps in growing it also contains CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) which helps prevent cancer, tumor growth and reduces body weight. 3 ounces of lean beef provides you with phosphorus which is essential for strong bone and teeth, iron which prevents fatigue, zinc which shoves the body immune system and protein which repairs worn out body tissue and enhances muscular body.

SNAIL
Snails are consumed practically in every part of Nigeria. It has an amazing, astounding and incredible health benefits. It's one of the richest meat ever. Snails are mostly enjoyed when fried and it contains less than 2.5% fat, 15% protein, and 80% water.
Snails help in maintaining a healthy weight and it shouldn't be consumed if you are on a low-cholesterol diet because it contains 55 mg of cholesterol. 100g serving of snail leaves you with just 90 calories which is still healthy for you.

CRAY FISH
There is no doubt that fish is a brain-food. When I was gathering information on the nutritional facts of crayfish for this page, I realized that nutritionists are now convinced that crayfish promotes mental health. Crayfish contains almost all the nutrients human being needs.
2-3 ounces serving of crayfish leaves you with the following nutritional benefits:
Total fat 1 g.
Saturated fat 0 g.
Cholesterol 126 mg.(compare one egg 200 mg.)
Sodium 170 mg.
Total Carbohydrate 0 g.
Dietary fiber 0 g.
Sugars 0 g.
Protein 16 g.

LOCAL FOOD ITEMS WITH HIGH NUTRITIONAL VALUES

       Why do people die at a tender age? Why are people getting hypertensive? Why are young people having diabetes? Why do we have more cancer patients in the hospital? see steps in preventing cancer Why do we have more obese people? These are some of the things we've always wanted answers to. Basically, it's from what we eat. Many Nigerians spend more on food that are disastrous to their health when they can easily get local food at a very cheaper rate. We all need to inculcate a healthy eating habit and here are some of the affordable Nigeria recipes with high nutritional values.

WATER MELON
Melons may come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, but they all have two things in common: a soft, sweet, juicy pulp and superb taste. Melon contains potassium which regulates heartbeat, it prevent the risk of having stroke and hypertension. Melon is also abundant in vitamin C which aids wound healing and prevents scuvvy. These are its nutritional values;
Carbohydrate
52.4 (219 kJ)
From Fat 2.8 (11.7 kJ)
From Protein 5.0 (20.9 kJ)
From Alcohol 0.0 (0.0 kJ)
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Total Carbohydrate 15.6 g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1.6 g 6%
Starch 0.1 g
Sugars 13.9 g
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Total Fat 0.3 g 1%
Saturated Fat 0.1 g 0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Total trans fatty acids ~
Total trans-monoenoic fatty
acids
Total trans-polyenoic fatty
acids
Total Omega-3 fatty acids 81.4 mg
Total Omega-6 fatty acids 62.0 mg
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Protein 25.8 g
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Vitamin A 5987 IU 120%
Vitamin C 65.0 mg 108%
Vitamin D ~ ~
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) 0.1 mg 0%
Vitamin K 4.4 mcg 6%
Thiamin 0.1 mg 5%
Riboflavin 0.0 mg 2%
Niacin 1.3 mg 6%
Vitamin B6 0.1 mg 6%
Folate 37.2 mcg 9%
Vitamin B12 0.0 mcg 0%
Pantothenic Acid 0.2 mg 2%
Choline 13.5 mg
Betaine 0.2 mg
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Calcium 15.9 mg 2%
Iron 0.4 mg 2%
Magnesium 21.2 mg 5%
Phosphorus 26.5 mg 3%
Potassium 473 mg 14%
Sodium 28.3 mg 1%
Zinc 0.3 mg 2%
Copper 0.1 mg 4%
Manganese 0.1 mg 4%
Selenium 0.7 mcg 1%
Fluoride 1.8 mcg
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Cholesterol 0.0 mg 0%
Phytosterols 17.7 mg
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Alcohol 0.0 g
Water 160 g
Ash 1.2 g
Caffeine 0.0 mg
Theobromine 0.0 mg

EBOLO
"Ebolo" is a type of vegetable found mostly in the western part of Nigeria. It's botanical name is crassocephalum rubens and it has high nutritional values such as 550 mg of protein , magnesium, potassium, beta carotene, iron, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin A and K. This vegetable is also low in calories and fats, contains antioxidants, protects from stress and diseases such as cancer, boosts immunity, and absorbs excess water in the colon which prevents constipation, colon cancer, rectal fissures and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Consume at least 7-9 servings of fresh vegetable everyday.

WATER YAM
Water yam is a type of yam found in West Africa and one of the oldest crop so far. It's a brown cylindrical smooth-skinned firm tuber. It botanical name is dioscorea alata. There's no secret that water yam slows down ageing process and boosts immunity. It is also good for diabetic patients as it contains lots of fibre, antioxidants, 6.7g of protein and suppresses blood sugar. It can also be used to manage pile or haemorrhage.
Water yam can also be served as Ikokore(yam pottage)(a popular Nigeria recipe).
Click here to learn how to prepare Ikokore

GUINEA CORN(SORGHUM)
Guinea corn is commonly found in West Africa. It is one of the most affordable food in Nigeria. Average northerners in Nigeria feed on guinea corn on daily basis. It's a very wholesome food when served with hot milk and "beske"
A 3/4-cup serving of cooked sorghum
contains about 165 calories and provides approximately 3 grams of fat, 14.2 grams of protein and 36 grams of carbohydrates, including more than 3 grams of fiber, or about 13 percent of the daily value for fiber. Fiber helps fill you up without a lot of calories and may help lower your risk for cancer, constipation, high blood
sugar and high cholesterol. Sorghum also lowers the risk of heart disease, obesity and cancer. Choosing guinea corn over rice may help prevent diabetes as it lowers blood sugar level.
This also serve as a weaning diet which help babies gain weight fast.

COTTON SEED FLOUR (EWE OWU)
"Ewe Owu" is mostly consumed among the Yorubas. It is cost effective and one of the copiously available natural resources of high protein quality (59.1g),  20% oil and 3.5% starch.
It can be served with amala, eba, semo and iyan.

BEEF
Despite all the propaganda that avoiding meat gives more health benefits. Beef still has a lot of health benefits. Beef supplies a profuse amount of key nutrients needed by everyone especially the kids and teenagers which contribute to their optimal growth and prevents iron deficiency during adolescence (especially girls during their menstrual period) .
Not only that beef helps in growing it also contains CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) which helps prevent cancer, tumor growth and reduces body weight. 3 ounces of lean beef provides you with phosphorus which is essential for strong bone and teeth, iron which prevents fatigue, zinc which shoves the body immune system and protein which repairs worn out body tissue and enhances muscular body.

SNAIL
Snails are consumed practically in every part of Nigeria. It has an amazing, astounding and incredible health benefits. It's one of the richest meat ever. Snails are mostly enjoyed when fried and it contains less than 2.5% fat, 15% protein, and 80% water.
Snails help in maintaining a healthy weight and it shouldn't be consumed if you are on a low-cholesterol diet because it contains 55 mg of cholesterol. 100g serving of snail leaves you with just 90 calories which is still healthy for you.

CRAY FISH
There is no doubt that fish is a brain-food. When I was gathering information on the nutritional facts of crayfish for this page, I realized that nutritionists are now convinced that crayfish promotes mental health. Crayfish contains almost all the nutrients human being needs.
2-3 ounces serving of crayfish leaves you with the following nutritional benefits:
Total fat 1 g.
Saturated fat 0 g.
Cholesterol 126 mg.(compare one egg 200 mg.)
Sodium 170 mg.
Total Carbohydrate 0 g.
Dietary fiber 0 g.
Sugars 0 g.
Protein 16 g.

APPROVED NURSING AND MIDWIFERY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA

ABIA STATE
Schools of Nursing: Accreditation Status 1.
S.O.N., ABSUTH, Aba – Final, July 2008 2.
S.O.N., Umuahia, – Provisional, July 2008 3.
S.O.N., Amachara – Provisional, July 2008
Schools of Midwifery: 1. S.O.P.B.M., Umuahia –
Provisional, July 2008 2. S.O.P.B.M., ABSUTH,
Aba – Provisional, July 2008 3. S.O.P.B.M.,
Abiriba – Provisional, July 2008 4. S.O.B.M.,
Amachara – Embargo on Students’ intake, July
2008
ADAMAWA STATE
College of Nursing and Midwifery, Yola 1. Dept. of
Nursing – Provisional, August 2007 1. Dept. of
Basic Midwifery – Provisional, August 2007
AKWA-IBOM STATE
Schools of Nursing 1. S.O.N., Anua-Uyo –
Provisional, June 2006 2. S.O.N., Ikot-Ekpene –
Provisional, June 2006 3. S.O.N Eket –
Provisional, October 2008 4. S.O.N., Ituk-Mbang
– Provisional, December 2007 Schools of
Midwifery:, 1. S.O.P.B.M., Anua-Uyo –
Provisional, June 2006 2. S.OP.B.M. Urua Akpan
– Provisional, June 2006 3. S.O.P.B.M., Ituk-
Mbang – Provisional, December 2007 4.
S.O.P.B.M., Iquita-Oron – Provisional, June 2006
ANAMBRA STATE
Schools of Nursing: 1. S.O.N., Iyi-Enu. –
Provisional, August 2009 2. S.O.N., NAUTH,
Nnewi – Provisional, December 2007 3. S.O.N.,
Ihiala – Final, December 2007 4. S.O.N., Nkpor –
Provisional, December 2007 Schools of Midwifery:
1. S.O.B.M., Adazi – Provisional, December 2007
2. S.O.P.B.M., Ihiala. – Provisional, December
2007 3. S.O.P.M., Waterside, Onitsha – Final,
December 2007 4. S.O.B.M., Nkpor – Provisional,
December 2006
BAUCHI
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Bauchi – Provisional,
August 2007 School of Midwifery:S.O.B.M.,
Bauchi – Provisional, August 2007
BAYELSA
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Tombia – Final, March
2007
BENUE
Schools of Nursing : 1. S.O.N., Makurdi. – Final,
February 2007 2. S.O.N., Mkar – Provisional,
June 2006 Schools of Midwifery: 1. S.O.B.M.
Makurdi – Provisional, Feb 2007 2. S.O.B.M.,
Mkar. – Final, June 2006
BORNO
Schools of Nursing : 1. S.O.N., U.M.T.H.,
Maiduguri – Provisional, August 2007 2. S.O.N.,
Maiduguri – Provisional, August 2007 School of
Midwifery: S.O.B.M., Maiduguri. – Final, August
2007
CROSS RIVER
Schools of Nursing : 1. S.O.N.,Calabar. –
Provisional, December 2006 2. S.O.N., Ogoja –
Provisional, May 2009 3. S.O.N., Itigidi –
Provisional, May 2009 4. S.O.N. UCTH, Calabar.
– Provisional, July 2009 Schools of Midwifery:1.
S.O.P.B.M., Calabar – Provisional, December
2007 2. S.O.P.B.M., Ogoja provisional sept 2010
3. S.O.P.B.M., Obudu provisional oct 2008
DELTA
Schools of Nursing : 1. S.O.N., Agbor –
Provisional, June 2006 2. S.O.N., Eku –
Provisional, December 2006 3. S.O.N., Warri –
Provisional, June 2006 Schools of Midwifery: 1.
S.O.P.B.M., Asaba – Provisional, June 2006 2.
S.O.P.B.M., Sapele – Provisional, June 2006
EBONYI
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Afikpo – Final,
December 2007 School of Midwifery: S.O.P.B.M.,
Afikpo – Provisional, December 2007
EDO
Schools of Nursing: 1. S.O.N.,U.B.T.H., Benin-
City – Provisional, June 2006 2. S.O.N.,
Igbinedion Uni. Teach Hosp.Okada – Provisional,
March 2005 Schools of Midwifery: 1. S.O.B.M.,
Benin-City, – Final, December 2006 2.
S.O.P.B.M., U.B.T.H., Benin -City – Final, June
2006 3. S.O.B.M., St. Philomena’s Hosp.,Benin-
City – Provisional, December 2006 4. S.O.B.M.,
Zuma memorial hosp, Irrua – Provisional, June
2006 5. S.O.B.M., Uromi – Provisional, December
2006
EKITI
School of Nursing: S.O.N.,-Ado-Ekiti –
Provisional, June 2006 School of Midwifery:
S.O.P.B.M., Ado-Ekiti – Provisional, June 2006
ENUGU
Schools of Nursing: 1. S.O.N., ESUTH, Enugu –
Provisional, December 2007 2. S.O.N.BSH,
Nsukka – Provisional, November 2006 3. S.O.N.,
U.N.T.H., Enugu – Final, November 2008 Schools
of Midwifery:1. S.O.P.B.M., U.N.T.H., Enugu –
Provisional, May 2009 2. S.O.P.B.M., BSH,
Nsukka – Final, December 2006 3. S.O.P.B.M.,
ESUT Hospital, – Provisional, Feb 2009
GOMBE
School of Nursing : S.O.N., Gombe – Provisional,
Jan 2005 School of Midwifery: S.O.B.M, Gombe
– Provisional, Jan 2005
IMO
Schools of Nursing : 1. S.O.N., Mbano – Final,
May 2008 3. S.O.N., Emekuku – Provisional, May
2008 4. S.O.N., Umulogho,Obowo – Provisional,
March 2010 5. S.O.N., Amaigbo. – Final, May
2008 Schools of Midwifery: 1. S.O.P.B.M.,
Emekuku – Provisional, May 2008 3. S.O.P.B.M.,
Awo- Omamma – Provisional, May 2008
JIGAWA
School of Nursing: 1. S.O.N., Birnin-Kudu –
Provisional, December 2007
KADUNA
Schools of Nursing: 1. S.O.N., Wusasa, –
Provisional, July 2009 2. S.O.N., A.B.U.T.H.,
Zaria – Provisional, December 2006 3. College of
Nursing, Kafanchan – Provisional, December 2006
4. S.O.N., St. Gerard’s Hosp., Kakuri –
Provisional, Feb 2007 Schools of Midwifery: 1.
S.O.P.B.M.,A.B.U.T.H., Zaria – Final, December
2007 2. S.O.B.M., Zonkwa – Provisional, July
2006 3. S.O.P.B.M., Wusasa – Provisional, July
2009 4. College of Basic Midwifery, Kafanchan –
Provisional, December 2006
KANO
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Kano – Final, October
2008 School of Midwifery: 1. S.O.P.B.M., Kano –
Final, December 2006 2. S.O.B.M, Danbatta, Kano
– Provisional, March 2010
KATSINA
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Katsina – Provisional,
June 2006 School of Midwifery: S.O.B.M.,
Malumfashi, – Provisional, July 2006
KOGI
Schools of Nursing : 1. S.O.N., Obangede, – Final,
January 2008. 2. S.O.N., Egbe – Final, July 2006
Schools of Midwifery: 1. S.O.P.B.M., Egbe – Final,
June 2006
KWARA
College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilorin 1. S.O.N.
Ilorin, – Provisional, December 2007 2.
S.O.P.B.M.. Ilorin – Provisional, August 2007
KEBBI
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Birnin Kebbi – Final,
feb 2007 School of MidwiferyS.O.B.M., Binin
Kebbi – Final, Feb 2007
LAGOS
Schools of Nursing : 1 S.O.N., L.U.T.H., Idi-Araba
– Provisional, May 2007 2. S.O.N., Military Hosp.
Yaba – Final, feb 2009 Schools of Midwifery: 2.
S.O.P.B.M., L.U.T.H., Idi-Araba – Provisional,
March 2007 3. S.O.P.B.M., Military Hosp. Yaba –
Final, feb 2007
NASARAWA
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Lafia – Provisional,
December 2007
NIGER
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Bida – Provisional,
December 2007 School of Midwifery: S.O.B.M.,
Minna – Provisional, December 2007
OGUN
Schools of Nursing: 1. S.O.N., Abeokuta –
Provisional, Feb 2008 2. S.O.N., Ijebu-Ode –
Provisional, Sept 2008 3. S.O.N., Lantoro –
Provisional, February, 2007 4. S.O.N, Ilaro –
Provisional, July, 2010 Schools of Midwifery: 1.
S.O.P.B.M., Abeokuta – Provisional, Jan 2006 2.
S.O.P.B.M., Ijebu-Ode – Provisional, September
2008
ONDO
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Akure – Final, May
2007 School of Midwifery:S.O.B.M., Akure –
Provisional, july 2007
OSUN
Schools of Nursing : 1. S.O.N., O.A.U.T.H.C, Ile-
Ife – Provisional, November 2006 2. S.O.N.,
O.A.U.T.H.C, Ilesa – Provisional, November 2006
3. S.O.N., Osogbo., – Provisional, January 2008
4. S.O.N., Seventh Day Adventist Hosp. Ile-Ife –
Final, July 2006 Schools of Midwifery:1.
S.O.P.B.M., O.A.U.T.H.C, Ilesa – Provisional,
November 2006 2. S.O.P.B.M., Osogbo., –
Provisional, January 2008
OYO
Schools of Nursing : 1. S.O.N., U.C.H., Ibadan –
Final, June 2006 2. S.O.N., Eleyele,Ibadan – Final,
February, 2008 3. S.O.N., B.M.C, Ogbomoso –
Provisional, July 2006 4. S.O.N., B.M.C., Saki –
Provisional, July 2006 Schools of Midwifery: 1.
S.O.P.B.M., Yemetu, Ibadan – Final, February,
2008 2. S.O.P.B.M., U.C.H., Ibadan – Provisional,
may 2008 3. S.O.P.B.M., Oluyoro, Ibadan –
Provisional, July 2006 4. S.O.P.B.M., B.M. C.,
Ogbomoso – Provisional, June 2006 5
S.O.P.B.M., B. M.C., Saki – Provisional, June
2006 6. S.O.B.M., Muslim Hosp. Saki –
Provisional, May 2010
PLATEAU
Schools of Nursing: 1. S.O.N., Vom – Provisional,
nov 2008 2. S.O.N., JUTH., Jos – Provisional, nov
2008. Schools of Midwifery: 1. S.O.B.M., Vom –
Provisional, October 2008 2. S.O.P.B.M., O.L.A.,
Jos – Provisional, sept, 2009 3. S.O.P.B.M.,
JUTH., – Provisional, October 2008
RIVERS
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Port-Harcourt –
Provisional, july 2008 School of
Midwifery: S.O.P.B.M. Port-Harcourt –
Provisional, feb 2008
SOKOTO
Schools of Nursing: 1. S.O.N., Sokoto – Final, feb
2007 2. S.O.N., U.D.U.T.H., Sokoto – Final, feb
2007 Schools of Midwifery:1. S.O.B.M.., Sokoto
– Final, FEB 2007 2. S.O.P.B.M.., U.D.U.T.H. –
Provisional, DEC 2008
YOBE
School of Nursing: Dr shehu sule S.O.N.,
Damaturu – Provisional, October 2008
ZAMFARA
School of Nursing S.O.N., Gusau – Provisional,
April 2007 School of Midwifery S.O.P.B.M. Gusau
– Provisional, April 2007
F.C.T(ABUJA)
School of Nursing: S.O.N., Gwagwalada – Final,
December 2007 School of Midwifery: S.O.B.M.,
Gwagwalada – Provisional, December 2007
EMBARGO HAS BEEN PLACED ON STUDENTS’
INTAKE INTO THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS ABIA
S.O.B.M., Amachara – Embargo on students’
intake, July, 2008 IMO S.O.N., owerri – Embargo
on students’ intake, NOV, 2005 S.O.B.M., Aboh
mbaise – Embargo on students’ intake, AUG,
2008 KOGI S.O.P.B.M., Anyigba – Embargo on
students’ intake, Jan, 2008 LAGOS S.O.N.,
awolowo rd ikoyi – Embargo on students’ intake,
DEC, 2007 S.O.P.B.M., awolowo rd ikoyi –
Embargo on students’ intake, DEC, 2007 TARABA
College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo 1.
S.O.N., Jalingo – Embargo on students’ intake,
August 2007 2. S.O.B.M., Jalingo – Embargo on
students’ intake, August 2007 ( Sourced from
nursing world Nigeria )

STEPS IN PREVENTING CANCER

Researchers say if we stopped using tobacco,
grew thinner, exercised regularly, avoided diets
rich in red meat, and ate diets rich in fruits and
vegetables, we would prevent two-thirds all
cancers. Here are 7 steps -- all within your
control -- that you can take to reduce your
cancer risk:
1. First and foremost, don't use tobacco in any
form.
Smoking is the single most preventable cause of
death - with 400,000 Americans dying every year
from their own cigarette smoking, and an
additional 26,000 - 73,000 nonsmokers dying
each year from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS,
card accidents, illegal drugs, murders, and
suicides COMBINED!
Of the roughly 416,000 kids who become daily
smokers each year, almost a third will ultimately
die from it. Smokers lose, on average, 13 to 14
years of life because of smoking.
Smoking damages nearly every organ in the
human body. It is linked to at least 15 different
cancers and accounts for some 30% of all cancer
deaths, and 90% of all cases of lung cancer - the
leading cause of cancer death in both men and
women. Yet, one in five Americans still lights up.
And, nearly every adult who smokes (almost 90
percent) took his or her first puff at or before the
age of 18.
Call to quit - today!
If you or someone you love uses tobacco, call
1.800.227.2345 to get the help you need to quit.
Or, visit www.cancer.org/smokeout .
2. Maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
In the United States, overweight and obesity
contribute to 14% - 20% of all cancer deaths.
Being overweight are clearly associated with
increased of developing many cancers, including
breast (in postmenopausal women), colon,
endometrium, kidney, and esophagus, and it is
suspected to raise risk of other types of cancer,
as well.
The best way to reduce body fat is to restrict
caloric intake and increase physical activity. To
reduce calories, reduce your portion sizes (ditch
the supersizing), avoid high-calorie foods such
as fired foods, cookies, cakes, candy, ice cream,
and soft drinks.
Fat tissue increases estrogen levels and high
estrogen levels increase breast cancer risk.
Obesity also leads to high levels of insulin-like
growth factor (IGF-1) in the circulation. This
could prevent early-stage cancer cells scattered
throughout the body from dying, since insulin-
like growth factor inhibits the action of cell
suicide genes. Fat cells also release
inflammatory chemicals into the circulation that
can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
The good news is that regular or moderate
exercise lowers the levels of inflammation and
IGF-1 -- even if the exercise does not lead to a
healthy weight. And, regular exercise also lowers
blood-estrogen levels in women, helping protect
against breast cancer.
Being overweight in youth tends to continue
throughout life, so keeping a healthy (not
obsessive) watch on your weight is a good thing.
3. Adopt a physically active lifestyle.
Adults: Engage in at least 30 minutes of
moderate to vigorous physical activity, above
usual activities, on 5 or more days of the week;
45 to 60 minutes of intentional physical activity
are preferable.
Children and adolescents: Engage in at least 60
minutes per day of moderate to vigorous
physical activity at least 5 days per week.
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables, less red meat.
Have you ever read the label on packaged
foods? It's sometimes hard to figure out what
the actual food is inside. The more unprocessed
your food is, the better. We recommend you:
Eat 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits
each day. (This isn't as hard as you think. One
serving equals 1 medium apple, banana, orange,
etc.; 1/2 cup of chopped, cooked, or canned fruit;
1 cup of raw, leafy vegetables; and 1/2 cup of
other cooked or raw vegetables, chopped.) The
brighter the vegetable the more antioxidants it
contains. Antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin
E, carotenoids, and many phytochemicals that
help prevent damage to cells in the body from
chemical reactions with oxygen. Whether they
actually reduce cancer risk is open to debate.
Limit French fries, snack chips, and other fried
vegetable products and avoid all trans fats.
Choose whole grain rice, bread, pasta, and
cereals over processed (refined) products.
Limit intake of refined carbohydrates (starches),
such as pastries, sweetened cereals, and other
high-sugar foods.
Limit intake of processed meats and red meats -
both of which have been linked to colon cancer.
Choose fish, poultry, or beans instead of beef,
pork, and lamb.
When you eat meat, choose lean cuts and eat
smaller portions.
Prepare meat by baking, broiling, or poaching,
rather than by frying or charbroiling. Cooking
meat and fish at high temperatures causes
cancer-causing agents to form. Two ways to
alleviate this are to use a marinade that contains
lemon or vinegar marinade before you put the
meat on the grill, and to avoid having the fire
flare up.
5. If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit your
intake.
Drink no more than 1 drink per day for women or
2 per day for men. Alcohol consumption is an
established cause of cancers of the mouth,
pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, and breast. For
each of these cancers, risk increases
substantially with intake of more than 2 drinks
per day. Regular consumption of even a few
drinks per week has been associated with an
increased risk of breast cancer in women. How
alcohol affects breast cancer is not clear. It may
be because alcohol increases estrogen levels in
the blood, reduces folic acid, or has a direct
effect on breast tissue.
6. Don't catch those rays - outdoors or in the
tanning bed.
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers,
and one of the most preventable. It accounts for
nearly half of all cancers in the United States.
Although repeated exposure to X-rays or contact
with certain chemicals can play a role, sun
exposure is by far the most common cause of
skin cancer.
Most skin cancer occurs on exposed parts of
your body, including your face, hands, forearms
and ears. Nearly all skin cancer is treatable if
you detect it early, but it's better to prevent it in
the first place. Try these tips:
Avoid peak radiation hours. The sun's ultraviolet
(UV) radiation peaks between 10 a.m. and 4
p.m. Minimize or avoid being outside during
these hours.
Stay in the shade. If you go outside, minimize
your sun exposure by staying in the shade.
Cover exposed areas. Wear light-colored, loose-
fitting clothing that protects you from the sun's
rays. Use tightly woven fabrics that cover your
arms and legs, and wear a broad-brimmed hat
that covers your head and ears.
Don't skimp on sunscreen. Make sure your
sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of
at least 15.
Don't use indoor tanning beds or sun lamps.
These can damage your skin as much as the sun
can. There's no such thing as a healthy tan.
A recent study by the Environmental Working
Group found that one in every eight name-brand
sunscreens did not protect against ultraviolet A
rays which can cause long-term damage and
skin cancer. The sun protection factor (SPF)
rating currently placed on all sunscreens only
reflects the lotion's effectiveness in blocking
ultraviolet B rays. As a result of such research,
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the
process of approving a new regulation that
would set standards for testing and labeling
sunscreens for UVA protection as well as for
UVB.
7. Be Proactive -- Get screened
For people age 20 or older having periodic health
exams, a cancer-related checkup should include
health counseling, and depending on a person's
age and gender, might include exams for cancers
of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes,
testes, and ovaries, as well as for some non-
malignant (non-cancerous) diseases.
All women should begin cervical cancer screening
about 3 years after they begin having intercourse,
but no later than age 21 years old. Screening
should be done every year with the regular Pap
test or every 2 years using the newer liquid-
based Pap test. Women age 40 and older should
get a mammogram every year, and men and
women age 50, who are at average risk for colon
cancer, should begin regular testing.
Read the American Cancer Society Guidelines for
the Early Detection of Cancer . The earlier cancer
is found, the greater chance treatment will be
successful. We have a free email mammogram
reminder to alert women 40 and older to
schedule their yearly mammogram. Share it with
your loved ones!

FIRST AID FOR BURNS

MINOR BURNS:
Cool the burn to help soothe the pain. Hold
the burned area under cool (not cold)
running water for 10 to 15 minutes or until
the pain eases. Or apply a clean towel
dampened with cool tap water.
Remove rings or other tight items from the
burned area. Try to do this quickly and
gently, before the area swells.
Don't break small blisters (no bigger than
your little fingernail). If blisters break, gently
clean the area with mild soap and water,
apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it
with a nonstick gauze bandage.
Apply moisturizer, aloe vera lotion or gel, or
low-dose hydrocortisone cream, which may
provide relief in some cases.
If needed, take an over-the-counter pain
reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB,
others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or
acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Consider a tetanus shot. Make sure that
your tetanus booster is up to date. Doctors
recommend people get a tetanus shot at
least every 10 years.
See your doctor if you develop large blisters.
Large blisters are best removed, as they rarely
will remain intact on their own. Also seek
medical help if the burn covers a large area of
the body or if you notice signs of infection, such
as oozing from the wound and increased pain,
redness and swelling.
  
MAJOR BURNS CAN BE CARED FOR IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
Protect the burned person from further
harm. If you can do so safely, make sure the
person you're helping is not in contact with
smoldering materials or exposed to smoke
or heat. But don't remove burned clothing
stuck to the skin.
Check for signs of circulation. Look for
breathing, coughing or movement. Begin
CPR if needed.
Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive
items, especially from around burned areas
and the neck. Burned areas swell rapidly.
Don't immerse large severe burns in cold
water. Doing so could cause a serious loss
of body heat (hypothermia) or a drop in
blood pressure and decreased blood flow
(shock).
Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound
above heart level, if possible.
Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool,
moist, bandage or a clean cloth.
Take the victim to the hospital as early as possible.