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Six medical tests you should do before marriage

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Marriage is a commitment for life that should be taken very seriously. When couples get married without knowing the state of their health, it may cause problems later on. It is therefore imperative to find out your medical history and that of your partner before you both tie the knot.

Here are a few tests that you should consider doing before getting married.

HIV AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Before you get married, it’s important that you and your partner to know your HIV status. Because the virus can be transmitted sexually, it is very important that both parties make sure they are free from the virus. It is also important to check for the possibility of other lifelong infections such as Hepatitis B and C and Herpes, as well as curable ones like gonorrhoea, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, Chlamydia.

FERTILITY TEST

Many people get married with hopes to one day become parents. Those hopes may, however, be shattered if any of the pair is infertile. It is therefore important for intending couples to consider doing fertility tests to avoid a sorry situation and the emotional roller coaster associated with it.

Fertility tests include seminal analysis, hormonal assay; pelvic ultrasound scans to ascertain the state of the internal reproductive organs and so on.

GENOTYPE

This is one important test that needs to be carried out especially by people of African descent to avoid giving birth to children with the sickle cell disease.

The disease occurs when both parents carry the sickle cell trait. The disease is lifelong and results in serious illness. If you get tested and happen to carry the sickle cell trait, you must avoid marrying a partner who also carries the sickle cell trait. If you do, there is a chance of having a child that is of the SS genotype.

BLOOD GROUP

Many people usually consider the importance of genotype tests but fail to realize how important blood group tests can be. Blood group is not only important for when you may need a blood transfusion, it’s also important in avoiding issues relating to the Rhesus factor.

Your blood group can either be A, B, O or AB but there’s another component referred to as the Rhesus factor which is represented by the sign above your blood group. It can be either a positive (+) or negative (-) sign. If a Rhesus negative woman marries a Rhesus Positive husband, there is a 50% chance the baby will be rhesus positive.

Rh incompatibility usually isn’t a problem if it’s the mother’s first pregnancy.

But antibody formation can happen after fetal blood enters the mother’s circulation during birth, miscarriage or abortion.

In this case, the woman’s immune system reacts and creates Rh antibodies. These antibodies help drive an immune system attack against the baby, which the mother’s body views as a foreign object.

If precautions are not taken during pregnancy, this could lead to haemolytic anaemia of the newborn which can result in jaundice, liver failure and heart failure. It can however be prevented when a woman receives the Rhogam injection at various points during the pregnancy.

Although, Rhesus incompatibility is not necessarily a reason not to get married to your partner, it is great to be informed so precaution can be made available when necessary.

CHRONIC DISEASES

Before getting married, it is important to know if you have any chronic disease. This will help you and your partner better prepare to look out for each other, should there be something wrong.

Early testing for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, will enable couples to seek medical assistance early enough and also make the necessary lifestyle changes.

Carrying out these tests is also important because existing chronic disease can affect the outcome of pregnancy.

These tests usually take longer than the normal blood test. So invest in a thorough check up.

MENTAL HEALTH EXAMINATION

A sound mental health of both partners is important for a happy marriage. Some mental health conditions can be passed on to offsprings, so it’s important for you to know about them beforehand.

Conditions like schizophrenia, depression, mood disorders, mania are among tests for mental examinations. The tests should also include behavioural and personality disorders.

Health

7 health benefits of eating seaweed

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Seaweed, also known as kelp, nori, or marine algae, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours.

Each variety offers its distinct taste and texture. Seaweed is surprisingly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways.

Here are 7 amazing reasons to consider adding a touch of the ocean to your plate:

Seaweed is a nutritional goldmine, brimming with essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to thrive. It’s an excellent source of iodine, a vital mineral for healthy thyroid function. Just a small amount of seaweed can meet your daily recommended intake of iodine, helping to regulate your metabolism, energy levels, and brain function.

Seaweed is also a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, all essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting cell growth and repair. Seaweed is also a natural source of magnesium, essential for regulating blood pressure and muscle function, as well as iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout your body.

It contains calcium, crucial for strong bones and teeth, and potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

The human gut is a complex ecosystem teeming with trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. A healthy balance of these microbes is crucial for health and digestion. Seaweed is a prebiotic, meaning it provides nourishment for the good bacteria in your gut. These friendly bacteria help with digestion, and nutrient absorption, and even play a role in immune function.

By feeding these good bacteria, seaweed helps to create a thriving gut environment that keeps you healthy. Studies have shown that a balanced gut microbiome can help reduce the risk of digestive issues like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as strengthen your immune system against harmful pathogens.

If you’re looking for a natural way to manage your weight, seaweed might be your new best friend. Seaweed contains a type of fibre called alginate, which forms a gel-like substance in your stomach. This gel helps you feel fuller for longer, promoting satiety and reducing cravings. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in overall calorie intake and support weight management efforts.

In addition to its fibre content, seaweed is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free way to add variety and nutrients to your meals.

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. The good news is that seaweed might offer some protection for your heart. Seaweed contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering bad cholesterol levels, and improving blood pressure.

Seaweed may also help to prevent blood clots, which can block arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, its rich supply of antioxidants helps fight free radicals that can damage blood vessels and contribute to heart disease.

For people with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is crucial. Seaweed might offer some unique benefits in this regard. Studies suggest that certain types of seaweed, like wakame and fucoidan, may help regulate blood sugar levels. These seaweeds may slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut, preventing blood sugar spikes after meals.

Additionally, seaweed may improve insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to utilise insulin more effectively and keep blood sugar levels under control.

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Health

Five benefits of drinking Okra water

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Of recent, the trend of drinking okra water has gained traction backed with compelling evidence of its numerous health benefits.

In this article, we dive into the world of okra water and uncover five amazing key benefits of incorporating okra water into your daily diet, thereby unlocking the nutritional power hidden within:

Improved digestive health
Okra water is rich in soluble fiber, which aids digestion by promoting regular bowel movement and preventing constipation. It contains a gel like substance called mucilage that soothes and coats the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and easing symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort. regular consumption of okra water can contribute to a healthier digestive system .

Weight Loss Management


Okra is low in calories and contains high fiber content, which can help make one fuller for longer . The soluble fiber in okra water helps increase feelings of fullness reducing appetite as well as unnecessary cravings. By including okra water into a balanced diet, individuals can support their weight loss goal in a sustainable manner.

Blood Sugar regulation

If you are watching your blood sugar levels or have a loved one doing so, this benefit of okra water would be really helpful as it tends to have potential benefits for blood sugar regulation. Okra contains soluble fiber, which can slow down the absorption of sugar in the digestive system, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels . By incorporating okra water into your diet, you may experience more consistent blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

Heart Health Promotion

Okra is rich in nutrients like fiber, antioxidants and vitamins that contribute to a healthy heart. The fiber content in okra can help lower cholesterol levels, while the antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease. However, it’s important to remember that okra water alone is not a magic solution. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and overall healthy lifestyle are key for promoting heart health.

Skin and Hair Benefits


Okra water contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and biotin, which can indeed benefit both skin and hair health. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, thereby promoting healthier skin. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, supports the health of hair by promoting stronger, thicker strands. Incorporating okra water into your diet or using it in beauty treatments may provide a natural way to enhance the health and appearance of your skin and hair.


With this benefits of okra water stated, if you happen to be a naysayer to okra water, you should definitely think about its benefits.

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Health

Symptoms, risk factors, treatment — what to know about throat cancer

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On Thursday, Ogbonnaya Onu, a former minister of science and technology in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, died aged 72.

Reports suggest that Onu, who was the first civilian governor of Abia state, grappled with throat cancer before his demise.

If you came across the news, you may have wondered for a quick minute about throat cancer and maybe imagined how the symptoms would physically manifest. Perhaps you imagined a lesion or even a swollen neck.

What is throat cancer?

It refers to a type of cancer that develops in the throat, also known as the pharynx.

The human throat is a muscular tube that begins behind the nose and ends in the neck. The voice box sits below the throat and contains the vocal cords.

The two types of throat cancer are pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, also known as cancer of the pharynx and the larynx.

What are the symptoms of throat cancer?

Symptoms of throat cancer include persistent cough, sore throat, a lump in the throat that does not heal, changes in voice, such as hoarseness or not speaking clearly, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and sudden weight loss.

What causes throat cancer?

Throat cancer occurs when cells in the throat develop genetic mutations that cause them to grow uncontrollably. The continuous growth kills the normal cells. Then, the accumulating cells can form a tumour in the throat.

It is not clear what causes the mutation that leads to throat cancer. There are, however, factors that can increase the risk of throat cancer.

These risk factors include a family history of cancer, smoking and chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol intake, viral infections including human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus, and a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables.

How can one reduce the risk of having throat cancer?

While there are no scientifically proven ways to prevent throat cancer, there are ways to reduce its risk such as eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, drinking alcohol in moderation, avoiding smoking, and protecting oneself from HPV.

How is throat cancer diagnosed?

Throat cancer diagnosis involves a few steps. A physical examination will be performed in which a doctor will examine the mouth and throat.

The examination also involves a series of blood tests, while an endoscopy will be carried out.

An endoscopy is when a thin tube with a light on its end is inserted through the nose to look for abnormalities in the throat.

A chest x-ray and computerised tomography (CT) scan may also be carried out.

How is throat cancer treated?

Treatment of throat cancer will depend on the size of the tumour, whether it has spread all over the place, and the overall health of the patient.

The doctor will first need to find out what stage of cancer the individual has, that is, how far it has spread. This helps to determine the best treatment options.

Surgery may be recommended depending on the tumour size and chemotherapy may also be required.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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