3Ps Health Initiative International

Introduction Watermelon is a fruit that grows on a vine-like flowering plant native to Southern Africa. It was cultivated in the Nile River Valley, in Egypt, and eventually in China, roughly 1,000 years ago. Now, watermelon is grown around the world. It is specifically selected to grow larger and juicier, resulting in the huge fruits that many of us are familiar with.  The green outer rind is hard and fleshy, and rarely eaten, while the interior is soft, red or pink flesh containing many seeds; this is the part of watermelon which is typically eaten. As for accessing the total medicinal benefits of watermelons, it is highly dependent on the variety of watermelon and the ripeness. Beta-carotene and lycopene are usually available in high quantities once the watermelon is completely ripe. Also, don’t be afraid to eat the watermelon rind; there are quite a few nutrients in there as well, particularly roughage and fibre. Vitamins and Minerals in a complete Watermelon when ea...

Introduction The NEWSTART Lifestyle Program is based on 8 simple points. It is an acronym for: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust in God. NEWSTART is a physician monitored, scientifically researched lifestyle change program based on eight fundamental principles proven to help you achieve optimum health. NUTRITION  Definitions Nutrition is the interaction of nutrients and other substances in food in relation to maintenance, growth, reproduction, health and disease of an organism. Nutrition, nourishment, or aliment, is the supply of food materials required by organisms and cells to stay alive. Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health and recovery.  Nutrition is also referring to as what we eat and drink to provide energy and nourish our body. Classes of nutrients and examples of food ✓ Carbohydrates (rice, garri, yam, bread, wheat, maize, etc.) ✓ Protein (beans, meat, fish etc.) ✓ Fat and oil (groundnut oil, palm oil, avoca...

Introduction Today, more and more people are falling into the trap of various lifestyle diseases like obesity, heart attack, diabetes, hypertension, (High blood pressure) depression and even cancer which leads to the early termination of their life if not properly taken care of. What is more concerning is that the occurrences of these diseases are becoming higher among youths and even small children are affected by the same. There are many uncertainties in life, and no one can predict how long they will live. However, taking good care of yourself can help to increase your chances of living a long life. Taking good care of your physical and psychological health by living a healthy lifestyle, following a healthy diet, and keeping your stress under control can move you towards a better and healthier you. Tips on how to prevent diseases and live long 1. Drink pure, clean water: The human body is made up of water more than any other element or compound in the world which is the...

Introduction Public health organisations, including the 3Ps Health Initiative International recommend 6months of exclusive breastfeeding and continued until 2 years of age along with complementary foods for optimal growth, cognitive development and health.  Although the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are widely acknowledged, opinions and recommendations are strongly divided on the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in different cultures and regions. This has led to many lactating women whether to practise exclusive breastfeeding or not.  Reasons why some women do not breastfeed their baby Lack of support: Many of our own mothers, friends, families and relatives used formula and they do not understand breastfeeding. They have little or no experience with nursing a child, so they cannot offer advice, guidance, or help. Partners and friends may not have enough information about breastfeeding to understa...

Introduction The menace of drugs and substance abuse in Nigeria has reached a frightening proportion and it pervaded every fibre in the society. Youths are the most venerable and deeply involve group in the social menace of drugs abuse.  While globalization has opened opportunities for individuals and communities to increase wealth and spending, it has also widened access to previously restricted products across national boundaries including illicit drugs. Definitions Drug: In pharmacology, a drug is "a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being.” Drug abuse: Drug abuse is an excessive and persistent self-administration of a drug without regard to the medically or culturally accepted patterns. Classes of drug and substance of abuse Stimulants: These are substances that directly act and stimulate the central nervous system. The major source of these comes from caffeine substance. N...

Introduction The urbanization and economic development in Nigeria have brought about a dietary transition from a traditional to a westernized diet, where the quality and quantity of food have changed. Youngsters consume sugary drinks in breath-taking quantities and are often unaware of the health hazards of the excess consumption. Despite nutritional information being available on each can of soft drink, both the young and the old continue to consume many litres of soft drink, irrespective of the fact that soft drinks have no nutritional value, except for its high calorie content. The most common health effects associated with increased soft drink consumption are obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, osteoporosis and bone fractures, nutritional deficiencies, heart diseases, addictions, eating disorders, neurotransmitter dysfunctions and neurological disorders  Fast facts about sugary drinks * Excess sugar (approximately 16 teaspoons of sugar) * Excess calories * Link to diabe...

Definitions  This is the accumulation of excess fats that resulted in an increase weight gain. It is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat. This increases the risk of disease and health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure etc. How to diagnose obesity Obesity is diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher How to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing your weight in kilogram (kg) by your height in meter (m2) squared BMI = Weight (Kg)/Height (m2)  BMI Range              Weight status Below 18.5                Underweight 18.5 - 24.9                  Normal 25.0 - 29.9                  Overweight 30.0 - 34.9                  Obese (Class I) 35.0 - 39.9      ...

Definitions  Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases (clinical syndrome) that is characterized by an increase in plasma blood glucose (hyperglycaemia). It is a condition where there is an elevated or abnormal glucose/sugar level in the blood which may be due to either of the two mechanisms; Inadequate production of insulin  Inadequate sensitivity of cells to the action of insulin Type of Diabetes Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent): This occurs when there is no enough insulin production or when there is no insulin production. Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent): This occurs when there is enough insulin production but the cells that should act upon it are not normally sensitive to its action (insulin resistance) Gestational diabetes: This occurs during pregnancy when there is accumulated or excessive sugar/glucose in the blood. How to diagnose or know one have diabetes mellitus The easiest way to know this is using glucometer to test for glucose/sugar in blood. Othe...

Definitions  Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition whereby the rate at which the heart is pumping the blood is beyond normal. It can also be defined as a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery wall is high enough to eventually cause heart problems like heart failure, heart attack. In terms of high blood pressure, is a condition whereby there is a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90mmHg. Why hypertension/high blood pressure is called silent killer? It is called silent killer because it is possible to have it without having any symptoms like other diseases. Blood Pressure Range Normal: 100/60mmHg - 120/80mmHg At risk (pre-hypertension): 121/81mmHg - 139/89mmHg Stage 1 hypertension: 140/90mmHg - 159/99mmHg Stage 2 hypertension: 160/100mmHg and above How to diagnose or know one have hypertension/high blood pressure? The easiest way to know this is using sphygmomanometer. When the blood pressure records revealed elevated blood pressure ...