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Many people swear by Agbo, but is it really as safe as we think?

Agbo is widely used across different groups of people, with some claiming they haven’t visited a hospital in years because of it. It is often believed to treat conditions like malaria, typhoid, infections and many other life problems

Now, I get a bit cautious when one remedy claims to cure so many different things. It raises important questions.

Some studies suggest that certain herbal components in Agbo may have antioxidant properties, which could offer some health benefits. However, that’s only part of the story.

Many Agbo mixtures contain alcohol and other additives, and there are no standardized dosages. This makes it difficult to know what exactly you are taking, how much is safe, or how it might interact with other medications.

There are also concerns about how these mixtures are prepared and sold, often under unhygienic conditions. In addition, some ingredients may trigger allergic reactions or cause harm, especially in children.

So, until more research clearly defines what is in Agbo, how it works, and how it should be used, it’s best to approach it with caution.

World Malaria Day, celebrated on Saturday, the 25th of April, reminds us that safe, tested, and proven treatments remain the best option when dealing with malaria and other illnesses.

They didn’t always like it…

Now they thank me for it!

I love to read… and I always have.

These days, I don’t get to read as much as I used to, but one place I truly enjoy it is when I travel. There’s something about being on a flight or in a hotel room that gives me uninterrupted “me time” and I use it to catch up on light, fun reading. John Grisham, Frederick Forsyth, Jeffrey Archer… old friends

But this isn’t really about me. It’s about our children.

Children don’t read as much anymore. There are a million distractions competing for their attention, and books often don’t make the list.

I remember going on a trip with my children many years ago, and all three of them had their faces buried in books. A stranger commented on how refreshing it was to see children reading. That moment made my heart glow.

But, let me be honest…it didn’t just happen like magic

My first daughter took to reading naturally. I had a budget for 12 books per month for her (I’m not kidding) and she would finish them all before the month ended! But for the other two, it was a mix of encouragement, structure… and yes, a little ‘carrot and stick’ They had to complete chores and also finish a book each week. Then I would reward them all with an allowance.

Was it bribery? Maybe…I prefer to call it ‘building a habit’

Fast forward to today…

Now that they are in their 20s, those same children are thanking me for making them read. My second daughter is registered in a library in almost every city she visits, and she and my son now compete on how many books they can finish each month.

And I smile.

Because what started as ‘pressure’ became a lifelong gift. Now they laugh at me as they ask me how many new books I’ve read in recent times…I’m clearly not keeping up!

Reading opens up the world. It builds imagination, improves thinking, expands vocabulary, and teaches children to see beyond themselves.

So, start early. Read to your children. Create family reading time. Let them see you read.

And if you’re not a parent yet, or even if you are, pick up a book today. It’s never too late to build a good habit.

Read a book today!

Tampons are safe, but only if used correctly.

I understand why many women prefer them. They’re discreet and easy to use. But like many things, the key is using them properly.

One of the major concerns with tampon use is a rare but serious condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). This is not caused by the tampon itself, but by bacteria that can grow when a tampon is left in for too long, producing toxins that can make you very ill.

Symptoms may include sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, redness of the eyes or skin, and general weakness. If this happens, remove the tampon immediately and seek medical care.

To use tampons safely, keep things simple.

1) Always wash your hands before and after insertion.

2) Change your tampon every 4 – 6 hours and never leave it in for more than 8 hours.

3) Avoid using tampons when you don’t need them

4) Consider alternating with sanitary pads, especially overnight.

5) Be careful when inserting tampons. Remember that , Staphylococci, Staph for short, are bacteria which can be found in people’s noses or skin all over the body, minding their own business until a cut or injury occurs giving the germs access into the body. So, introducing an injury while inserting the tampon, increases the chances of TSS.

So, tampons are not dangerous, but improper use can be. And, honestly, these tips are useful even for using sanitary towels/pads

Have a great weekend

Vaccines protect your child and their future.

As we mark World Immunization Week (April 24 – 30), it’s a good time to pause and ask a simple question: is your child’s immunization up to date?

Routine vaccines begin at birth with BCG and Hepatitis B. Over the next few months, babies receive a series of vaccines, including the pentavalent vaccine, which protects against multiple serious infections, as well as polio and pneumococcal vaccines.

By 9 months, vaccines like measles and yellow fever are given. Additional vaccines such as rotavirus, chickenpox, and Human Papilloma Virus may also be recommended depending on availability and individual needs.

Some vaccines are part of the national schedule and are provided routinely, while others may not always be included due to cost or availability. If you can access them, they offer added protection and are worth considering.

The goal is simple: know the immunizations your child needs, keep track of what has been given, and protect them by staying up to date.

This World Immunization Week, take a moment to review your child’s immunization record, and if you’re not sure, speak with your medical team.

Snoring is common but sometimes, it’s more than just noise.

When we sleep, the muscles in our throat relax. If the airway becomes partially blocked, the airflow causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing the sound we know as snoring.

Occasional snoring may not be a big issue, but frequent snoring can affect both your sleep and that of those around you. It may also leave you feeling tired, with headaches or poor sleep quality.

There are several possible causes. Being overweight, alcohol consumption, allergies, nasal congestion, and even sleeping position can all contribute. Snoring is also more common in men and may run in families.

The good news is that simple lifestyle changes can help. Losing weight if needed, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime, treating allergies, and adjusting your sleeping position can make a difference. Regular exercise also helps keep your airways healthy.

However, if snoring persists or is associated with symptoms like waking up gasping for breath, it’s important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that needs proper evaluation and treatment.

So, even though snoring may be common, don’t ignore it if it’s frequent or affecting your sleep.

The first 3 days after wisdom tooth removal are usually the hardest.

Q: Hi doctor how are you? I have done my surgical extraction for my wisdom tooth. How long does it take to heal? I’m in pain and also is it normal to feel nauseous?

A: Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure, often done when there isn’t enough space for the teeth to grow properly, which can lead to pain or infection.

After surgery, it’s normal to experience pain and swelling, with slight bleeding, especially in the first few days. Most people begin to feel better within 3 – 7 days, although full healing may take a little longer.

You may also feel nauseous after the procedure. This is quite common and can happen from swallowing a little blood or reacting to the anesthesia or medications. It usually settles within a few hours.

To help recovery, be sure to rest and apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Take pain medication…only as prescribed ☺️. Try not to disturb the area. That means no rinsing, spitting, or using straws in the first 24 hours. After that, gentle saltwater rinses can help keep the area clean.

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, pap, custard, pepper soup, mashed potatoes, and other soups, and avoid hard or very hot foods, or chewing gum that may interfere with healing.

If the pain gets worse, bleeding is heavy, you notice fever or have a bad taste in your mouth, please contact your dentist.

If all goes well, you will steadily improve even though the recovery process is uncomfortable 😊. All the best!

Most of us never think about how bleeding stops… until it doesn’t.

When you get injured, your body quickly forms clots to stop the bleeding. It’s something we take for granted. But for some people, this process doesn’t work the way it should.

Haemophilia is a condition where the body lacks certain clotting factors, making it difficult to stop bleeding. This means that even minor injuries can lead to prolonged bleeding, and in more severe cases, bleeding can occur without any obvious cause.

Haemophilia is inherited, meaning it is passed from parents to children. There are different types, with Haemophilia A and B commonly affecting males, while Haemophilia C can affect both males and females.

Depending on how severe it is, bleeding may happen after injuries, surgeries, or even spontaneously. It can show up after immunization, as frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, blood in urine, or bleeding into joints.

While there is currently no cure, people living with haemophilia can lead full and active lives with proper care. Treatment may involve replacing the missing clotting factors or using medications that help the body increase their production. Mild injuries may require only pressure and cold packs to stop bleeding. Physiotherapy has been found useful for people with joint complications.

Preventing injuries is very important. Contact sports may not be ideal, but activities like swimming can help maintain joint health. Certain medications that increase bleeding risk should also be avoided.

So, on this World Haemophilia Day, take a moment to appreciate what your body does effortlessly and remember those for whom it takes a little more care.

The stages of motherhood change…and so do we!

Happy Mothering Sunday to all mothers. Whether this is the Mothers’ Day you celebrate or not, take a moment to celebrate yourself – and be celebrated.

This year, I’ve found myself reflecting on the many seasons of motherhood I’ve journeyed through.

There was the stage when I didn’t know much about parenting and was experiencing everything for the first time. Then came the stage where I had some experience under my belt and could confidently ‘act like I knew what I was doing’ with my second and third child

Those early years were the ones where I was all-wise and all-knowing, and my children looked to me for all the answers.

And then… things changed.

We moved into the stage where they look at me and laugh like I don’t know anything. And now, we’re gradually entering another phase. There’s still laughter, yes – but also more honest, adult, one-on-one conversations.

And I’m loving it.

I dare say there are still more changes ahead on this motherhood journey… and I’m here for it.

So today, I salute fellow travellers on this path. If you’re going through a rough patch, hang in there – it gets better.

And to those who are blessed to still have their mothers – love them. Celebrate them. Spend time with them. Make memories. They won’t be here forever, but the memories you make will last a lifetime.

Happy Mothering Sunday, family!

Have you ever noticed a change in odour during your period and wondered why? You’re not alone. Interestingly, menstrual blood itself doesn’t have a strong smell. The odour often comes from bacteria interacting with the blood.

So how can you stay fresh and comfortable during your period?

Start with regular bathing. Ideally, twice a day, or at least once daily. If your flow is heavier than usual, you may need to bathe more frequently. For the genital area, simple washing with clean water and your hands is usually sufficient.

It’s also important to change your sanitary products regularly. Don’t wait until they are overly soaked – every 4 – 6 hours is a good guide, and even sooner if needed.

After each change, wash your hands properly. Good hand hygiene helps reduce the spread of bacteria and keeps things fresh overall.

Dispose of used sanitary products properly. Avoid flushing them, and if you don’t have immediate access to a bin, keep a small disposable bag handy for safe disposal later.

You can use deodorant for overall freshness, but avoid applying perfumes or harsh products directly to the genital area.

Remember that good hygiene during your period keeps you confident and healthy.

Nobody wants to die young, and heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Making healthier food choices can feel overwhelming, especially in places where reading food labels isn’t common practice.

One simple guide is to pay attention to how oils behave at room temperature. Oils that remain liquid are generally healthier options, while those that are solid should be used very sparingly, if at all.

Healthy fats can also come from everyday foods. Nuts, when eaten in moderate portions, are a great snack. Avocados are another good option and can easily be added to meals. Fatty fish like sardines and mackerel have good fats that support heart health.

Even with these healthier choices, moderation still matters. The goal is not just what you eat, but how much of it you consume.

Always keep this in mind ☺️