Skip to main content

Posts

Death by Snakebite in Abuja: The Tragedy of Ifunanya Nwangene and the Dangerous Myths We Must Abandon

The death of Ifunanya Nwangene , a former The Voice Nigeria contestant, at just 26 years old has left Nigeria grieving—and arguing. Beyond the shock of losing a young, talented woman, her passing has reopened old fears, folk beliefs, and uncomfortable questions about emergency medical care in Nigeria. According to BBC Africa , Nwangene was bitten by a snake in her apartment in Abuja. A friend told the BBC that she was asleep when “the snake bite woke her up.” Videos later circulated on social media showing a snake being removed from the premises, as terrified voices screamed, “It’s a cobra.” What followed was a race against time—one that she tragically lost. But to truly honour her memory, we must separate facts from folklore , and medical reality from long-held myths that continue to cost lives. Snakes in Homes: Myth or Reality? There is a popular belief in Nigeria that stories of snakes living with humans—sometimes in the same room or toilet—are mere folklore. Unfortunately, this ...
Recent posts

Intermittent Fasting: Why Stopping Food at 6pm and Eating at Noon Can Improve Sleep and Burn Fat

Intermittent fasting has become one of the most talked-about health strategies in recent years—but not all fasting schedules are created equal. One of the most effective (and sustainable) approaches is ending meals by 6pm and eating your first meal at 12 noon the next day. This eating pattern creates an approximate 18-hour fasting window, and its benefits go beyond weight loss. When done correctly, it can support better sleep, improved hormonal balance, and more efficient fat burning. Let’s break down why this works. How Not Eating After 6pm Improves Sleep Sleep is not just about rest—it’s when your body repairs tissues, regulates hormones, and resets your metabolism. Late-night eating can interfere with this process more than most people realize.  1. Reduced Digestive Activity at Night When you eat late, your body stays in “digest mode” instead of transitioning into rest and repair. By stopping food intake at 6pm, digestion has time to settle before bedtime, allowing your nervous ...

Five Powerful Foods That Help Lower Cholesterol Naturally

High cholesterol is one of the most common silent risk factors for heart disease—but the good news is that your daily food choices can make a real difference. A heart-healthy diet rich in plant-based, nutrient-dense foods can help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while supporting overall cardiovascular health. Let’s take a closer look at five science-backed foods that deserve a regular spot on your plate: avocado, okra, green tea, garlic, and walnuts. 1. Avocado: Creamy, Satisfying, and Heart-Smart Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, the same heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. These fats help lower LDL cholesterol while maintaining or even increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Avocados are also packed with soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in the digestive system and helps remove it from the body. Just one avocado provides nearly 10 grams of fiber—about a third of your daily needs. How to enjoy it: Add sliced avocado to salads, blend it into smoothies, or use it as a nu...

What Africa Can Learn from Nipah Outbreaks: Strengthening Public Health Resilience

In early 2026, the world watched closely as new cases of the deadly Nipah virus were identified in India—prompting heightened surveillance, cross-border screening, and renewed international attention to this high-fatality pathogen. While Africa has not yet experienced a major Nipah outbreak, the lessons emerging from Asia’s experience are highly relevant to the continent’s ongoing efforts to prepare for and respond to infectious disease threats. ( Reuters ) What Is Nipah Virus and Why It Matters Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus —originating in animals but capable of infecting humans—that can cause severe respiratory and neurological disease, including brain inflammation (encephalitis). It is primarily transmitted from fruit bats (natural hosts) to humans, often through contaminated food or close contact with infected animals or people. Human-to-human transmission has been documented in healthcare and household settings. ( World Health Organization ) The virus’s case fatality rate ran...

Nipah Virus in Context: Juxtaposing a Silent Killer with Ebola and COVID-19

Emerging infectious diseases continue to challenge global health systems, but not all threats operate in the same way. Some spread rapidly with relatively low fatality rates, while others remain rare yet devastating when they occur.   Nipah virus (NiV)   belongs to the latter category. When juxtaposed with   Ebola virus disease (EVD)   and   COVID-19 , Nipah reveals why public-health risk is not defined by mortality alone, but by a complex interaction of transmissibility, severity, preparedness, and prevention. Understanding Nipah Virus Nipah virus is a  zoonotic pathogen  first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia in 1998–1999. It is naturally hosted by  fruit bats (Pteropus species)  and can spill over to humans either directly or through intermediate animals such as pigs. Human-to-human transmission has been documented, particularly in healthcare and caregiving settings. Clinically, Nipah infection often begins with  non-specific...

Natural Fruits and Botanicals for Male Reproductive Health (A closer look at Ashwagandha, Maca Root, Pomegranate, Pumpkin Seeds, and Tribulus)

Male reproductive health is influenced by a complex interaction of hormones, blood flow, oxidative stress, nutrition, and lifestyle. Across traditional medicine systems and modern nutritional science, several plant-based foods and botanicals have gained attention for their potential to support fertility, libido, and overall reproductive function. This article explores five widely discussed natural ingredients— Ashwagandha, Maca root, Pomegranate, Pumpkin seeds, and Tribulus —and how they may contribute to male reproductive health when used as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. 1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Ashwagandha is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, often classified as an adaptogen —a substance that helps the body adapt to physical and psychological stress. Potential benefits for male reproductive health: Hormonal balance: Research suggests Ashwagandha may help support healthy testosterone levels, particularly in men experiencing stress-related hormonal dis...

Shadow Work, Lust, and Healing the Human Heart: A Biblical and Mental Health Perspective

In conversations about health, we often focus on the body—diet, exercise, blood pressure, or disease prevention. Yet some of the most destructive health crises begin in the unseen interior world of the human heart. Long before actions manifest, patterns of thought, desire, repression, and denial are already shaping outcomes. This article explores the idea of shadow work—the hidden parts of the self—through a biblical and mental health lens, using the story of David and Bathsheba as a case study. We also address, with clarity and responsibility, how unchecked inner darkness can lead to devastating harm, and why some impulses must be confronted, restrained, and put to death rather than ignored. What Is Shadow Work in Health Terms? In psychology, shadow work refers to becoming aware of the repressed, denied, or unacknowledged parts of ourselves. These are often emotions, desires, or impulses we find shameful or frightening. From a health perspective: * Suppressed impulses do not disappear...