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Showing posts from 2025

Using Technology, Data, and Learning Tools to Support Public Health in Nigeria

Public health in Nigeria continues to face major challenges — from preventable diseases such as malaria and cholera to gaps in immunization coverage and health education. While vaccines and preventive measures exist, weak infrastructure, poor data coordination, and limited health awareness still hinder their full impact. I am  Olanrewaju “Lanre” Durojaiye , founder of  Lirix Enterprise , with over  11 years of experience in Android, web, and desktop application development , as well as data analysis and cybersecurity consulting. My work sits at the intersection of  technology, education, and public health awareness . Health, Data, and Immunization Research Perspective Nigeria has not yet achieved a fully built environment that effectively limits disease vectors such as mosquitoes or guarantees clean water systems that prevent outbreaks like cholera. Beyond infrastructure,  data-driven planning and education  remain critical. As part of my professional work ...

THE TRENDING ISSUE OF DYED PALM OIL: A NATIONAL CONCERN

Palm oil is not just a cooking ingredient in Nigeria — it is part of our history, our economy, and our identity. Long before crude oil, palm oil was one of the major sources of revenue for West Africa. Ships came from Europe to trade palm oil because of its value for food, soap, and industry. The Niger Delta and many southern communities became known worldwide because of palm oil. Today, palm oil still feeds millions of homes, supports farmers, and forms a major pillar of our agricultural economy. It is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and has long been used as a natural food ingredient with cultural value. But something dangerous has entered the market: ADULTERATED DYED PALM OIL. In recent weeks, videos have surfaced online showing people adding dangerous dyes to palm oil to make it appear fresh, thick, and attractive. Some use industrial coloring, some use chemicals meant for fabrics or cosmetics. These chemicals are not meant to be eaten and have serious health consequences. WH...

Can Hydraulic Brake Oil Cure Eczema?

  The Dangerous Myth Nigerians Need to Stop Believing** For many years across different Nigerian communities, a popular myth has circulated that  hydraulic brake oil —the type used in cars—can treat eczema or skin infections. Some people even claim it “burns away” the affected area or works faster than medical creams. But is this true? Can brake oil really cure eczema? The clear, evidence-based answer is: ❌  No. Hydraulic brake oil does NOT cure eczema. ❌  It is medically dangerous and can damage your skin permanently. Let’s break it down. What Exactly Is Hydraulic Brake Oil? Hydraulic brake oil (DOT 3, DOT 4, etc.) is a  synthetic industrial chemical  designed for one purpose only: ➡️  To help a vehicle’s brake system function correctly. It contains chemicals such as: Glycol ethers Diethylene glycol Corrosion inhibitors Industrial solvents These substances are  NOT safe for human skin , especially sensitive or already-inflamed skin. Why Do People...

How to Prevent Stroke Naturally: Nigerian Foods That Protect the Brain

  Stroke has become one of the leading causes of disability and sudden death in Nigeria, affecting both young and older adults. While medications and emergency care are important, many people do not realize that  everyday Nigerian foods can significantly reduce stroke risk and protect the brain . This article explores  natural, affordable foods found in Nigerian homes  that clean the blood vessels, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and keep the brain healthy. What Causes Stroke? (Simple Explanation) Stroke occurs when: Blood flow to the brain is blocked  (ischemic stroke), or A blood vessel bursts in the brain  (haemorrhagic stroke). Major triggers in Nigeria include: High blood pressure Stress and overwork Smoking and alcohol Uncontrolled diabetes Obesity Too much salt and fried foods Lack of exercise The good news? Food is powerful medicine —and some Nigerian foods fight stroke naturally. πŸ₯‘  Top Nigerian Foods That Prevent Stroke Naturally ...

When Bombs Fall: Airstrikes, ISWAP, and the Health of a Nation

Recent Nigerian air operations — reported in Borno, Katsina, Kwara and other states — were described by the military as heavy strikes against ISWAP and other terrorist groups. The strikes are being framed by authorities as necessary to disrupt raids, rescues and mass-killings; in the international arena they have arrived amid a tense debate about whether Nigeria is experiencing targeted religious persecution — claims the Nigerian government rejects while some foreign politicians have amplified them. This is not only a security story. From an alternative-health perspective it is a public-health crisis: long after munitions fall, people, land and community wellbeing carry the scars. ( The Nation Newspaper ) Who is ISWAP — and why are air strikes used against them? ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) is a violent extremist group, a branch of the Boko Haram insurgency active in northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring regions. Their tactics include raids on towns and military convoys, ...

When Conflict Becomes Collective Illness: Reflecting on Nigeria’s Violence and the Call for Healing

✳️ Introduction Recent global commentary, including remarks by the U.S. President Donald Trump labelling Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged genocide, has reignited old wounds and deep anxieties. Islamic cleric  Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi  swiftly dismissed the claim as “unfounded,” arguing that Nigeria’s tragedy is not genocide but the collapse of security and trust. Yet beneath the politics lies something deeper — a  nation’s emotional and spiritual health  under strain. This post explores Nigeria’s turmoil not as breaking news, but as  collective trauma demanding collective healing. πŸ•Š️ Section 1: Beyond Labels — The Cost of Constant Crisis Whether we call it genocide, terrorism, or insecurity, the truth is the same: communities are hurting. Years of displacement, ethnic fear, and insecurity have caused more than physical harm — they have bred  stress disorders, despair, and disconnection . Families live with  hypervigilance ...

When the Body Breaks: From Human Healing to Artificial Neural Repair

  A few days ago, my car bonnet flew open on the highway, hit the windscreen, and shattered it completely. I stood by the road, heart pounding, watching the damage. I was — stranded, broke, and trying to make sense of it all. But as I stood there, one thing became clear:  our bodies and our lives are not so different from machines . When something breaks, repair is possible — not by panic, but by design, timing, and trust in the process. The same applies to our health and the human brain. Click  here  for more The Early Days of Computer Implants in Medicine Medical scientists have long dreamed of connecting man and machine. As far back as the 1950s, doctors experimented with  pacemakers  — tiny computer-assisted devices implanted in the heart to regulate rhythm. What began as a bulky, external contraption evolved into a life-saving implant that can communicate wirelessly, self-regulate, and even sync with smartphone apps today. However, these devices were n...

Gastric Bypass vs BBL: 5 Things Nigerians Must Know Before Going Under the Knife for Weight Loss or Body Enhancement

  1️⃣ Understanding the New Craze: From BBL to Gastric Bypass In today’s Nigeria, the race for the perfect body shape is more intense than ever. From Lagos to Abuja, women and even men are exploring ways to lose weight or enhance their appearance through surgery. Two major procedures are making the rounds —  the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)  and  gastric bypass surgery . But while BBL focuses on aesthetics and curves,  gastric bypass  is a medical surgery designed to help people lose weight and improve health outcomes, especially for obesity and diabetes. Before you decide which way to go, there are  5 critical facts  you must know — because your decision could affect not just your looks, but your long-term health and even your fertility. 2️⃣ What Happens During a Gastric Bypass Surgery A  gastric bypass  involves reducing the size of your stomach and rerouting part of your small intestine. The goal is to limit how much food you eat and how...

πŸ’‰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...

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...

πŸ”¬ 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. πŸ§ͺ 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...