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💉Cholera, Malaria, and Vaccines: Unpacking Nigeria's Public Health Crisis

Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its public health journey. In 2025, as the world moves closer to eliminating diseases like malaria and cholera, Nigeria continues to battle deadly outbreaks. The recent cholera outbreak in Bauchi State , one of the country's northern regions, has once again exposed the gaps in health infrastructure and access to basic services like clean water. At the same time, malaria — a disease that is now largely a memory in many parts of the world — continues to claim lives in Nigeria. Why are these preventable diseases still thriving in a country with enormous potential? And what role can vaccines play in changing this narrative? Let’s unpack the issue. 🚨 Cholera Outbreak in Bauchi: A Symptom of Systemic Failure Cholera is a waterborne disease that spreads through contaminated water and food. The bacteria Vibrio cholerae can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, often leading to death if not treated promptly. The outbreak in Bauchi is not the fir...
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Coping with the Loss of an Only Child: A Mental Health Reflection

The recent news of the passing of the only son of veteran Nigerian actress  Peju Ogunmola  has left many deeply saddened. At 59, she not only faces the grief of losing a child but also the unique trauma that comes with the loss of an  only child . This tragedy sheds light on an important but often overlooked issue—the impact of such a loss on mental health. The Unique Trauma of Losing an Only Child The loss of any child is devastating, but for parents with only one child, the grief carries additional layers of complexity: Sense of Finality:  For many, an only child represents the totality of parenthood. Losing them may feel like losing one’s entire legacy. Complicated Emotions:  Parents may struggle with guilt, self-blame, or questioning why they never had another child. Isolation:  Unlike those with larger families, parents of an only child may feel more alone in their grief. Fear of the Future:  The thought of starting over—especially at an advanced ...

🎤 Pop Icon Justin Timberlake Diagnosed with Lyme Disease — Here's What You Need to Know

Justin Timberlake — the voice behind unforgettable hits like Cry Me a River , Mirrors , and Can't Stop the Feeling — has not only shaped modern pop music but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of Millennials and Gen Z alike. From his early days with *NSYNC to his Grammy-winning solo career, Timberlake has been a symbol of artistic evolution, talent, and charisma. But recent news of his Lyme disease diagnosis has left fans shocked and deeply concerned. As supporters of the pop legend, and as people who grew up dancing to his beats, it's crucial we understand what he's going through. Lyme disease may not be widely understood, but it's very real — and it's affecting more people than we may realize. 🦠 What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused primarily by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi , transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (commonly known as a deer tick). At first, symptoms might see...

🔬 Autophagy and the 100-Hour Water Fast: Unlocking the Body's Self-Healing Power

In recent years,  autophagy  has become a buzzword in the world of health and wellness—but it’s far more than a fad. It’s a scientifically recognized, vital cellular process that your body uses to repair, cleanse, and rejuvenate itself. When combined with a  100-hour water fast , autophagy may reach powerful levels that offer numerous health benefits—from detoxification to anti-aging effects. 🧪 What Is Autophagy? Autophagy  (from the Greek  auto  meaning “self” and  phagy  meaning “eating”) literally means “self-eating.” It’s the body's way of  cleaning out damaged cells, toxins, and dysfunctional components , and  recycling them  to regenerate newer, healthier cells. This is not a bad thing—autophagy is essential to survival. It's your body's way of performing internal housekeeping. 🧭 How Is Autophagy Triggered? Autophagy is most active when your body is under  metabolic stress , such as: Fasting Calorie restriction Exercise...

After 40: How Exercise and Eating Right Can Help You Live to 100

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed the passing of some of its most iconic traditional rulers and political figures—many of them at remarkably old ages , by our national standards. The Alaafin of Oyo – passed in 2022, aged 83 The Olubadan of Ibadan – passed in 2022, aged 93 The Soun of Ogbomoso – also passed in 2022, aged 95 Former President Muhammadu Buhari – died in 2025, aged 82 The Awujale of Ijebu – reported just recently to have passed, aged 91 Another Olubadan of Ibadan – again in 2025, at a ripe old age This pattern raises a powerful question: What are they doing that many ordinary Nigerians are not? Why do so many die in their 50s, while others push well into their 80s and 90s? At TCM Nigeria Blog , we believe it’s time to shift that conversation from mystery to method . A big part of it starts at age 40 . 🧠 Why Age 40 is a Turning Point for Your Body At 40, the body begins to shift. Muscle mass starts to decline. Hormonal balances begin to...

The Passing of Muhammadu Buhari at 82: A Moment to Reflect on Health, Longevity, and Nature’s Remedies

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Muhammadu Buhari—Nigeria’s former President, both military and civilian—passed away in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. While his political legacy continues to stir debate, his longevity—especially by Nigerian standards—offers us an important opportunity to reflect on health, aging, and the pursuit of a fruitful life . At TCM Nigeria Blog , our platform was born out of a deep-seated desire to see more Nigerians live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives . In a nation where average life expectancy hovers between 53 and 55 years , the passing of an octogenarian like Buhari—despite years of visible health challenges—reminds us of what is possible and what is at stake. Why We Exist: Extending Lifespan the Natural Way We don’t just talk about TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) here, even though that is where the name comes from. Our deeper philosophy is rooted in the belief that nature provides for the body, if only we would listen . W...

Mental Suicide: When the Mind Gives Up Before the Body

In today's fast-paced, high-stakes world, it's not always a bullet or a bridge that takes a life. Sometimes, it's silence. It’s the unseen weight of despair, guilt, and shame that burrows deep within, eroding the will to live. This is what many mental health professionals refer to as mental suicide —a psychological state where a person emotionally and cognitively detaches from life, even if they remain physically alive. Who Was Joseph Grant? Joseph Grant, once a promising entrepreneur, took out a bank loan to expand his small business. He had dreams of stability, independence, and providing for his family. But Grant developed a compulsive gambling habit—what started as stress relief turned into a destructive addiction. Within months, he had not only lost the bank's money but also his confidence, credibility, and mental composure. His story is not about a man who took his own life in a dramatic, final act. Instead, Joseph disappeared into what many close to him call...