chatwithketch

Q: Should we re-use oil that has been used for frying?

A: This is a very important question, especially in these times.

Because, people of God, in these trying times, after using a full bottle of oil to fry akara, who wants to throw it away?

So yes, you can re-use oil…but only under certain conditions.

First, every oil has a smoking point – the temperature at which it starts to break down.

Once oil starts to smoke, it has gone from good to bad.

At that point, it forms harmful substances (free radicals) that can increase cancer risk.

You can re-use oil if:

It did NOT smoke

It has not changed colour

It is not foaming

It doesn’t smell funny

Oils like groundnut (peanut) and soya oil are better choices because they have higher smoking points.

How to store it safely:

Let it cool

Strain out food particles

Store in a clean (preferably glass) container

Refrigerate or freeze

Use within one month

Please note that – Leaving food particles in oil can lead to food poisoning

Also: Avoid adding salt before frying – it lowers the smoking point of oil.

And by the way…what’s with all the frying?

Try grilling, baking, or roasting sometimes.

So, re-use oil wisely, when you do but don’t keep and use that oil forever!

Have a safe (and tasty ) weekend!

It might sound logical – finish with one baby before starting another, right?

But in reality, breastfeeding does NOT harm the baby in the womb in most healthy pregnancies.

So don’t deprive your baby of the benefits of 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding.

Bottom line: You can be pregnant and still breastfeed safely, as long as there are no medical complications.

Always speak with your doctor if you’re unsure.

Q: Good evening doctor. I am highly impressed with your assistance. Please doc, can one use double antibiotic at the same time?

A: First things first… the way this question is asked makes me a bit suspicious 😄

Are you prescribing for yourself?
Or did “Dr Lagbaja” at the chemist shop mix something for you?

Both are dangerous.

Please don’t self-medicate
And that chemist is NOT your doctor

Now, to answer your question:

Yes, two antibiotics can be used at the same time.
But ONLY when prescribed appropriately.

For example:
In Helicobacter pylori infection (a cause of peptic ulcer disease), we use triple therapy which includes two antibiotics + another medication.

The real danger is misuse.

When antibiotics are taken when not needed, taken in the wrong dose, or dosage is not completed, the bacteria adapt and become resistant

This means that next time, that antibiotic may no longer work at all.

So,
Don’t self-prescribe antibiotics
Don’t rely on “chemist recommendations”
Always follow your doctor’s prescription
Take the full dose for the full duration

Remember, antibiotics are powerful but only when used correctly.

Happy Easter, people

This years Easter starts as the second quarter of the year takes off. How has your year been so far?

If it has been good, may the new quarter bring bigger and better things!

If it has been less than ideal, remember that on that Friday more than 2000 years ago when Jesus was crucified, it looked like the end! They crucified Him and His followers and disciples must have felt the end had come.

But then on Sunday, what happened? He rose from the dead! And His death opened up the door for all of Christianity to have a deeper and closer relationship with God.

So, if you have had a less than ideal first quarter, the resurrection story should encourage you. It is not the end of your story.

I pray that all that your hearts’ desires come to pass in this second quarter of the year.

Easter is a time for plenty of food and yes… plenty of leftovers

But how you store that food matters more than you think.

Two simple rules to remember:

1) Don’t leave cooked food out for too long. Food should be stored within 2 hours of cooking. Leaving it out longer encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.

2) Don’t put very hot food straight into the fridge. It raises the temperature inside the fridge, allowing bacteria to grow more easily in other foods. Allow it cool slightly before storing

Food poisoning doesn’t always come from what you cooked…

Sometimes it comes from how you stored it.

As you enjoy your Easter meals, take a moment to store your food properly too.

Do you usually store your food immediately or leave it out for a while?

Happy Good Friday, people

Today is a good day to pause and reflect – even on what we eat.

Our big tip for today – Honey!

Are you one of those who believe that honey is so healthy you can have as much of it as you need? Well, you need to have a re-think.

Yes, honey has some beneficial nutrients.

But it is still sugar.

And too much of it can contribute to:

• Weight gain

• Blood sugar imbalance

• Sugar spikes

• Long-term health issues

Other foods to limit:

• Added sugar – Soft drinks and sugary snacks which add calories with little nutritional value

• Highly processed snacks – Pastries, cookies, doughnuts which are often packed with sugar and unhealthy fats

• Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, rice are better replaced with whole-grain options like local rice for polished rice

• Processed meats – Bacon, sausages, hot dogs which are linked to long-term health risks

• Too much salt – Excess salt increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease

You don’t have to eliminate these foods completely.

But when they become regular, they can quietly increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Healthy eating is about making better choices – more often than not. Think about, making the healthier choice, the easier choice

As we reflect today, let’s take a moment to reflect on small changes we can make in our daily habits which can make a big difference over time.

Sometimes, what we call ‘bad behaviour’ is actually something we don’t understand.

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day.

Autism is a developmental condition that affects how a child communicates and interacts with others.

Some children may:
• Not respond when their name is called
• Avoid eye contact
• Prefer to play alone
• Have delayed or unusual speech
• Repeat certain movements
• Struggle to understand simple instructions

In many of our communities, these children are often misunderstood.

A child who does not respond is seen as rude.
A child who avoids interaction is seen as difficult.

But this is not stubbornness.

Autism is not bad behaviour. It is not a spiritual problem.

There is no cure, but early support can make a big difference.

With the right help, these children can learn, grow and live meaningful lives.

What they need most is understanding.

Not punishment.
Not labels.
Not shame.

If you are concerned about a child, please speak to a healthcare professional.

Let’s be more aware and do better.

Storing breast milk? Here are 5 things you must know.

1) Hygiene is key – Wash your hands and use clean/sterilised containers

2) Know your storage times
Room temp: up to 6 hours
Fridge: up to 5 days
Freezer: up to 6 months

3) Store it properly – keep at the back of the fridge, not the door

4) Handle with care – thaw in the fridge or warm water
Do NOT microwave
Do NOT refreeze

5) Portion and label
Store in small amounts
Label and use the oldest first