3Ps Health Initiative International

Definitions Happiness is that feeling that comes over you when you know life is good and you can’t help but smile. Happiness is a sense of well-being, joy or contentment. It is also used in context of mental or emotional states including positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Facts about happiness and smiling √ It is contagious than flu √ It is our first facial expression √ It makes you look successful √ It makes you look younger √ It can help you live longer √ It makes you more approachable Hormones that are released when you are happy Hormone is a chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs. They are essential for the activity of life and have specific effects. The hormones that are released when we smile will be represent with an acronyms DOSE (Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Endorphin) Dopamine: It is a neurotransmitter used in sending messages between nerve cells. It affects ...

Introduction Food poisoning is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Food poisoning or contamination also called foodborne illness is illness caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning/contamination.  Infectious organisms or their toxins can contaminate food at any point of processing or production. Contamination can also occur at home if food is incorrectly handled or cooked. Food poisoning symptoms, which can start within hours of eating contaminated food. Most often, food poisoning is mild and resolves without treatment and if not properly treated can results to death. Symptoms of Food Poisoning/Contamination Food poisoning symptoms vary with the source of contamination. Most types of food poisoning cause one or more of the following signs and symptoms: ✓ Nausea ✓ Vomiting ✓ Watery diarrhoea ✓ Abdominal pain and cramps ✓ Fever (increase...

Definitions   Food hygiene are the conditions and measures necessary to ensure the safety of food from production to consumption. Food can become contaminated at any point during slaughtering or harvesting, processing, storage, distribution, transportation and preparation. Lack of adequate food hygiene can lead to food-borne diseases and death of the consumer. Steps for maintaining food safety √ Cleaning fruits and vegetables √ Cutting boards that come into contact with raw meat, fish and poultry should be cleaned with soap and hot water after each use. √ Raw food, especially red meat, poultry and fish products, should be cooked thoroughly.  √ Clean kitchen utensils (cutlery, plates, pots) √ Wash hands with water and soap before and  after handling raw food 10 reasons to handle your food safely √ Safe food handling is easy. √ Safe food handling saves a life.  √ Safe food handling saves money. √ Safe food handling prevents food-borne infections/diseases √ ...

Definitions Sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs/STDs) are diseases transmitted from one person to another through sexual activities e.g. sexual intercourse (oral, anal, vaginal), kissing, non-sexual activities (blood transfusion, sharing of sharp objects, mother to child, etc.) Examples of STIs/STDs ✓ HIV/AIDs ✓ Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) ✓ Candidiasis ✓ Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) ✓ Syphilis ✓ Genital warts ✓ Chlamydia ✓ Gonorrhoea ✓ Genital herpes ✓ Cervical cancer ✓ Trichomoniasis How STIs/STDs are transmitted/contracted ✓ Semen ✓ Sperm ✓ Female genital mutilation/cuttings (FGM/C) ✓ Blood transfusion ✓ Sexual intercourse ✓ Kissing ✓ Saliva ✓ Sharing of sharp objects ✓ Use of sexual toys ✓ Vaginal secretion Contributory/Risk Factors ✓ Peer influence ✓ Multiple sex partners ✓ Drug and substance abuse ✓ Sexual abuse (e.g. rape) ✓ Pre-marital sex (sex before marriage) ✓ Unprotected sex ✓ Extra-marital sex (sex outside marriage) ✓ Having history of STIs ✓ ...

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...