chatwithketch

Help! I’m pregnant and my doctor says my baby is big!

Just in case you weren’t quite convinced by the ‘you don’t have to eat for two’ advice, this question on big babies should help.

Q: Doc, I am an expectant mother in the last trimester. My Doc told me my baby is big. What does this mean? Am I safe?

A: The focus should be on what caused the big baby and what can be done to ensure that you and baby come out okay.

Big babies are usually seen in women who
• Are diabetic.
• Have gestational Diabetes (Diabetes that is observed during pregnancy),
• Are obese
• Have had another big baby before
• Have had a lot of babies (from the 5th pregnancy, the risk of big babies increase)
• Excessive weight gain during pregnancy
• Are older. From age 35 years, the risk of having a big baby increases
• Have pregnancies that are overdue. When a pregnancy is more than 2 weeks overdue, the chances of a big baby are increased.

For women with big babies (fetal macrosomia), a vaginal delivery may not be a complete no no! However, your OBGYN will weigh the risk of that against your medical history and other pre-existing medical conditions.

To prevent this, remember that feeding for 2 is a fad. You don’t really need to eat like a horse 😀 You and your baby don’t need that much.

If you’d like to know more about how to prevent this and how to cope if you have this condition in pregnancy, get details from the book, Just For The Health Of It. You can get a copy via the shop now link on our facebook page. Or you can get it through:

1) Jumia.com. Just click on this link http://www.jumia.com.ng/jumia-books-just-for-the-health-of-it-with-dr-ketch-179486.html and get a copy. You have the option of paying when the book is delivered to you or paying online. This service is available all over Nigeria.

2) Another option for those in Lagos is Laterna Bookshop on 13, Oko-Awo Close, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Street,. Victoria Island.

3) If you’re outside the country, please visit Amazon through this link http://www.amazon.com/Just-Health-Ketch-Pregnancy-Parenting/dp/9789398026/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426246647&sr=1-1&keywords=just+for+the+health+of+it+with+dr+ketch+olalere+nkechi

Have a great week ahead, people 😀

September 29 each year is set aside as World Heart Day. This day was founded to spread the news that heart diseases and stroke remain the leading causes of death worldwide. This year the theme for the day was Creating Heart Healthy Environments.

How can we do that? By ensuring that the places we live, work and spend time in do not increase our risks of heart-related diseases. Majority of the premature deaths from heart disease can be prevented by focusing on four lifestyle habits:
• Food:
o Eat more heart healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
o Use heart healthy oils to cook (eg olive oil) and be sure to use small amounts of even that.
o Limit your intake of salt, sugar and processed foods

Q: Please doctor, what can I use to grow tall and slim? I’m 20 years old.

Hello dear, thanks a lot for writing in.

To be slim is really a function of diet and exercise. If you eat healthy and get at least 30 minutes of exercise on 5 days of the week, you should be good. For more tips on this, please click on this link:

For your answer on height, I reproduce a post I had made on this:

Daily Health Tip: Weight loss (facts and fiction)

Q: Am 18yrs old, I have an issue with my height and I don’t like it. I have missed so many opportunities and things I would have achieved because of my height. Sometimes, people even mock me because of it. I really wish to grow taller, please what can I do?

A: A person’s final height is as a result of a combination of factors: genetics (if your parents are short, you are more likely to be short), nutrition (during the critical growing up years and especially before birth), general health and hormones (growth hormone, thyroid hormone and sex hormones). Having said these, there’s no hard and fast rule really, as some ‘short’ parents give birth to
As I mentioned above, the fastest period of growth is experienced before the baby is born. Thereafter, another growth spurt is experienced during puberty with boys generally growing more than girls. During this period, the growth plates (areas of growing tissues located at the ends of long bones. These are the areas where bones grow) are very active until they end of puberty when they mature, fuse and stop growing. Once the growth plates are fused, growth has been concluded and height cannot be increased. There is no specific age at which this occurs really: people who start puberty early will probably stop growing before others who started later.

‘Normal’ when used to describe height can vary from place to place with differences in ethnic groups, cultures and continents.

Sometimes, there may be a medical condition associated with height variations (short or tall statures), but most people are normal and just at the lower end of normal (for the short) and at the higher end of normal (for the tall).

If the cause of ‘shortness’ is a medical problem or a hormone deficiency, this can be rectified. For instance, if there is a deficiency of growth hormone, this may be administered. However, this can only be done in children…before the growth plates fuse (at about 14/15 years for girls and at about 16 years for boys). Once this has happened, no drug can increase height. Surgery in which the legs are cut apart and then gradually separated to increase height is an option, with attendant possible complications of infection and of course, fracture. Not really advisable.

Now, people can be mean…sad but very true:) It would be nice to have a great supporting group of people everywhere you go. But the opposite, is often the case. Sometimes, those people actually mock, because it makes them feel superior and better about their own inadequacies…and trust me, we all have them. It may just be that they are not as visible as others.

I can only imagine the teasing you had to endure as a child and it probably hasn’t ended now. But guess what? What they say, doesn’t define who you are. You’ve got to find that ‘true you’ from the inside. That person remains consistent and holds firm to her values irrespective of what is going on outside. So, the first thing to do is make peace with yourself. This is who you are…but your height does not define the amazing heights you are going to soar to.

Create other opportunities for yourself. I don’t know what you’ve missed out on…but you need to stop feeling everyone is judging you because of your height. Perhaps, if you want to be a model, it might be an issue 🙂 Otherwise, I’m sure there’s a whole lot you can do. Your brain is intact and ready to roar!

Then learn to walk tall, literally and figuratively. A good posture with a ram-rod straight back may make you appear taller. What about high heels? Let’s spend a few seconds and say a kind prayer for the person who invented these! 😀 What would our lives be without these?!

And you know what? I’m not particularly tall myself…my first daughter is already taller than I am and the second and third are gearing up to follow suit 😀 Very disrespectful of them, don’t you think? 😀 But what do I care? I carry myself like I matter and so when I enter a place, people sit up and take notice 😀
So, if I can leave you with a last word, it would be, just learn to love who you are and be comfortable in your skin 🙂

Have a good night, y’all 😀

Here’s to a healthier you!

Q: Dr can someone who is HIV positive marry someone that is HIV negative provided she or he is taking drugs?

A: Thanks for writing in. Couples like the one you described above are known as sero-discordant couples. Can they get married? Well, the decisions on who to marry or not marry involves a whole lot more than the person’s HIV status, as I’m sure you know 🙂

Beyond those, being married to one who has a different HIV status from one also requires that one be emotionally and psychologically prepared for the challenges that may come with this union. Having addressed all these, sexual intimacy is possible between these two given the caveats in the post that I re-produce below:

Q: Hi Dr Ketch, thanks a lot for the exceptional work you are doing, may God reward you. Please I urgently need your advice. I am a guy in love with a lady who has all the qualities I need in a woman and she loves me so much. Our only problem is that she is HIV positive. We are thinking of getting married soon but I am afraid. Am I taking too much of a risk or are there ways we can marry without any problem? Please advice on the risk involved. Thanks.

A: Thanks for writing in. Couples with different HIV statuses s are called sero-discordant couples Of course there’s always a risk in marrying someone who is HIV positive if you’re sero-negative.

However, it is no longer the death sentence that we used to think it was and indeed, you don’t necessarily need to become infected if you follow some rules:

Ensure that your fiancée takes her anti-retroviral drugs to reduce her viral load and reduce the risk of infecting you.

However, even with the above, you still need to wear condoms while having sexual intercourse with her.

If there is an accidental exposure, like a broken condom during intercourse, be sure to use post exposure prophylaxis. These drugs used to treat HIV are usually taken daily for about 4 weeks to reduce chances of becoming HIV positive.

You can also commit to taking a tablet everyday as part of the pre-exposure prophylaxis. This prophylaxis is essentially tablets used to treat HIV and can reduce the risk of contracting HIV. Remember that this should be used alongside condoms when having sexual intercourse.

Be sure to also test for HIV and other STDS at least once a year.

For related posts, please click on the link below: https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/04/11/daily-health-tips-can-my-hiv-positive-pregnant-friend-have-a-baby-without-problems/

All the best 🙂

Q: Thanks Dr for your advice. Could you help me with the food to eat when having cancer?

A: Thanks for writing in
Our diet plays a huge role in our health. Some food tips to help you fight cancer:

Limit Red Meat and Animal Fat
Studies have shown that a diet high in animal fat increases the risk for several types of cancer, particularly colon cancer. Poultry and fish contain less fat than red meat, thus reducing the red meat in your diet may help to prevent cancer. A diet high in fat also is major cause of obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer.

Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
Drinking excessive amounts if alcohol have been implicated as risk factor for many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer. Remember that these are the generally ‘approved’ or ‘recommended’ limits of alcohol for men and women daily….spend a moment and just reflect on that.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables greatly reduces your risk of developing cancer and many other conditions.
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which help repair our damaged cells. Green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are your best bet to help prevent cancer. Studies also show that dark fruits, like blueberries and grapes, may also have anti-cancer properties.
Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are especially useful in preventing cancer, according to numerous studies.

Avoid Smoking and Exposure to Smoke
Smoking has been implicated in not only lung cancer, but many other types of cancer. It is the most significant cancer risk factor that we can reduce by quitting or never starting.

Practice Safe Sex
Unsafe sex has been implicated in cervical cancer. Unsafe sex can cause infection with the human papillomairus (HPV), which can cause cancer of the cervix and is a risk factor for other types of cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that is spread through sexual, skin-to-skin contact. There is a vaccine to prevent this cancer now. Please ask your doctor. HIV/AIDS is also associated with some types of cancers. Get screened regularly

So, now you know :D. Have a goodnight, y’all 😀

Q: Good evening Dr. Ketch. I want to ask if it’s healthy for a pregnant woman to eat banana. God bless

A: God bless you too.

Bananas are healthy to eat during pregnancy along with other fruits and vegetables. Aim for at least 5 portions of fruits per day.

Generally, food focus during pregnancy is on the same things you ate before you got pregnant…assuming you were eating right :D. More fruits and veggies, complex carbohydrates (they are rich in fibre and keep you feeling full for a longer period of time) like beans, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice etc. Load up on proteins too (fish, chicken etc), calcium rich foods like yoghurt, skimmed milk…you don’t want to experience those muscle cramps of pregnancy. They can be excruciating! I know…I’ve had them 😀

Eat 5 small meals a day: breakfast, snack, lunch, snack and dinner. This should keep the hunger pangs at bay and deal with the cravings. You probably will still crave stuff: Iyaalamala’s food, ice cream with all the toppings, a ‘ginormous’ (for the uninitiated, this is a word formed from a mixture of gigantic and enormous. Cute, right?)burger etc. and guess what? You can give in once ina blue moon, just don’t make it a habit! If you take in more calories than you need, you run the risk of having a big baby with all the complications associated with that during pregnancy and delivery and of course, it’s harder to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight after the baby.

I hope this helps 😀

Have a good night, everyone 😀

Q: Hello doc, I’m having a reaction in between my breasts. Although I’m busty and I wear I very good bra. I itch each time I remove the bra to have my bath. After scratching it, I notice little swells like mosquito bites. Please, what can I do about it? I have been married for six months. I’m confused. I don’t know if it’s one of the signs of early pregnancy. Please,advice me.

A: Hello dear, thanks for writing in. People who are busty usually have a challenge with accumulation of fluids (water after taking a bath and not wiping down well or sweat after a long day) under their breasts. The focus should be on ensuring that you clean under your breasts after having a bath and use cotton bras.

For more on this, I reproduce a previous post I had made on this subject:

Underneath the breasts and between the inner thighs are usual places for rashes to form especially in overweight or busty people. This would usually occur when tight clothing or fabrics that do not allow your skin to ‘breathe’ trap moisture (sweat) between the skin folds. Thus, constantly wearing tights (cycling shorts) or polyester fabrics etc may lead to accumulation of this moisture which is a rich culture medium for fungal and other organisms to thrive. People with this fungal infection may also have athlete’s foot. For more on athlete’s foot, please click on the link

Daily Health Tips: Is This A Fungal Infection?

Other causes of itchy skin in these areas could be:
• Psoriasis (pronounce with the P silent) which could be triggered by stress, smoking, cold weather, injury to the skin etc
• Allergy: It could be a reaction to the fabric of bras or panties/underpants or even to medications taken
• Excessively dry skin from taking very hot baths etc
• Disease conditions like Diabetes Mellitus may also lead to itching in these areas.
• Pregnancy can cause itchy skin or worsen existing ones.
Treatment depends on cause.
• Generally, reduce stress and keep healthy by eating properly and exercising. Stress leads worsening of itching conditions and keeping healthy helps prevent overgrowth of fungal infections.
• Wearing cotton undies and avoiding tight fitting clothes are very helpful remedies.
• Try taking a bath with lukewarm water and then do not dry your skin thoroughly before moisturizing. For more on this please click on this link:https://chatwithdrketch.com/2013/11/06/daily-health-tip/
• Diagnosis of psoriasis and Diabetes Mellitus will be made by the doctor who will advice on treatment.

I hope this helps.

Have a great night y’all 😀

Q: Please, can I drink aloe vera and lime to lose weight?

A: Aloe vera is great with many health benefits. But useful for weight loss in combination with lime? It sounds like one of those fad diets I have heard about. This is a variation of another question I have been asked before…

Q: Good morning Doc, please what is the best solution for weight loss? Is hot drink and lime a good idea to achieve a weight loss?

A: Hmmm! What did you have in mind? Taking the hot drink (alcoholic spirit) alone or in combination with the lime? 😀 Now, you have to forgive me, but I’m always amused at the fact that we think that there are short cuts to these stuff. Unfortunately, losing weight is pure hard work: sweating and grunting.

Alcohol’s health benefit is usually touted in the area of heart health where moderate alcohol consumption is thought to provide some benefits to the heart. Moderation is described as one drink of alcoholic beverage per day for women and also for men 65 years and older and two drinks for men younger than 65 years. However, even these moderate servings of alcohol are also associated with cancers and other disease conditions. Indeed, the beneficial effects of this moderate alcohol on the heart can be reproduced by paying attention to diet and exercising at least 150 minutes per week.
In addition, alcohol contains empty calories which will definitely mess up anyone’s weight loss plan and when people drink alcohol, they lose their inhibitions and may completely forgo their diet plan and eat all sorts 😀

Lemon on the other hand is thought to have some cleansing properties and also helps whiten the teeth. It is full of vitamins and anti-oxidants that help fight disease. Too much of this can lead to erosion of the enamel of the teeth (leaching away of the top coating of the teeth).

Remember that any diet that leads to undue restrictions by completely eliminating certain food groups or restricting diets to liquids only may not only be a health hazard but is also not sustainable. Sustainable diet plans focus on making sure you get the right quantity of foods from each food group to nourish your body.

For more of what to do to lose weight, Get details from the book, Just For The Health Of It. You can get a copy via the shop now link on our facebook page. Or you can get it through:

1) Jumia.com. Just click on this link http://www.jumia.com.ng/jumia-books-just-for-the-health-of-it-with-dr-ketch-179486.html and get a copy. You have the option of paying when the book is delivered to you or paying online. This service is available all over Nigeria.

2) Another option for those in Lagos is Laterna Bookshop on 13, Oko-Awo Close, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Street,. Victoria Island.

3) If you’re outside the country, please visit Amazon through this link http://www.amazon.com/Just-Health-Ketch-Pregnancy-Parenting/dp/9789398026/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426246647&sr=1-1&keywords=just+for+the+health+of+it+with+dr+ketch+olalere+nkechi

Have a great day, y’all 😀

Nobody wants to die young and heart diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide. Eating healthy is a task that may appear daunting especially in a place like Nigeria, as we really do not have a culture of reading food labels in these parts. So here are some quick tips to help ensure you are getting enough of the good fats:

• Cook with healthier oils. Generally oils that are liquid at room temperature are good for you. If the oil is solid at room temperature, give it a miss.

• Snack on nuts. You can also add them to salads for an extra crunch. I also like them in my yoghurt. Remember to go easy on portions and serve by the handful

• Avocados are a good source of mono-unsaturated fats which help protect your heart and prevent stroke. You can eat it on its own, use it in a wheat bread sandwich, throw it into a salad or even serve it up with some jollof rice

• Stock up on fatty fish like sardines and mackerel. They are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids which is great for your heart

• Remember that even with healthy options, portion control is key. Always keep this in mind.

Have a great weekend, y’all 😀

Q: Good morning Dr Ketch, thanks so much for the information you’ve been helping us with. Please, is there anything I can do? My 10 years old daughter is developing only the left side breast while right side shows no sign of developing.

A: Thanks for writing in and sharing your concerns. The good news is, there may not be any causes for concern.

A number of people would have noticed asymmetries in their bodies: one foot bigger than the other or one breast that appears to be bigger than the other. That’s the beauty of our uniqueness as individuals. The difference, in a lot of cases is hardly noticeable really.

During puberty, the breast tissue starts to develop due to the effect of the hormone, estrogen. Sometimes, the tissue of one breast is more responsive to the effects of estrogen than the other. Or one breast could have more tissue than the other. However, the other breast catches up sooner than later. If this asymmetry continues for more than 6 months, please take her in to see the doctor.

In the meantime, reassure her (and yourself too :D)

Have a good night, y’all 😀