Health
Six tips to travel confidently during your menstrual period
The menstrual period, also known as menstruation, is the monthly shedding of the endometrium lining of a woman’s uterus through the vagina.
The period can be uncomfortable, very inconvenient, and troublesome especially when on a trip.
However, with a detailed plan, you can go on with any of your intended activities or trips without any fear.
Here are some of the tips that can help you travel confidently while you are on your period.
- Plan ahead
Planning goes a long way when trying to get something done. So, preparing accordingly should be the first thing on your mind when planning a trip.
Even though your period can be unpredictable, using some methods and apps can help you have an idea of when to expect it. This way, you will be able to plan adequately and won’t be caught off guard.
- Get your period kit
Since you now know you may have your period during your trip, pack anything and everything you will need in abundance.
Assemble your menstrual products — pads, tampons, wipers, and the likes — in a portable, accessible bag. You should also take note that the period you’re traveling isn’t the best time to try new menstrual products.
Therefore, it’s advisable to go with the brand you’re used to already.
Menstrual products of your choice, panty liners, underwear, pain relief, and heating pad are some of the essentials of your period kit.
- Pack comfortable clothes
Feeling suffocated by clothes is definitely the last thing you want to feel during this period, right?
So, slightly loose and comfy clothes should be your first choice while packing your clothes.
- Have a plan B
Prepare for unforeseen circumstances as well. Packing your period essentials might not just be enough so an emergency kit can be your best bet.
Pack an emergency kit that will contain wipes and plastic bags. Wipes for bad toilet situations and a plastic bag to dispose of your stained pad/tampon when no bin is in sight.
- Eat right
During menstruation, you lose blood and also experience hormonal imbalance so eating right is necessary.
You also have to be more conscious about what you eat because you’re on a trip.
Taking some menstrual unfriendly foods while traveling may lead to painful cramps and bloating and could make the trip unmemorable.
It is therefore advisable to switch to healthy foods like nuts, and fruits. Also, don’t forget to stay hydrated to help reduce weakness and cramps.
- Plan for easy activities
Traveling on your period should not stop you from enjoying the trip. However, while planning for fun activities during the trip, your period must also be considered.
Choose activities that are less strenuous, relaxing, and fit for your period. Activities like hiking can be ditched for sightseeing, and book reading.
Food
Eight foods to avoid on an empty stomach
What you eat first thing in the morning sets the tone for your day. After a night of fasting, your body is ready for the right kind of fuel to boost your energy and get your metabolism going.
However, some foods can cause discomfort, bloating, or irritation when eaten on an empty stomach—especially acidic ones that can be tough on your stomach lining.
On the flip side, starting your day with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and fibre can keep your blood sugar steady, sharpen your focus, and give you energy that lasts.
Here are eight foods you should skip on an empty stomach:
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them great for your health. But when eaten on an empty stomach, their high acidity can irritate your stomach lining. This can lead to acid reflux, bloating, or even heartburn. Plus, their tangy flavour can trigger your stomach to produce too much gastric acid, which may cause discomfort.
2. Coffee
For many, coffee is a morning ritual. However, drinking it on an empty stomach can be harsh on your digestive system. The caffeine in coffee can ramp up stomach acid production, which may cause acid reflux, heartburn, or even gastritis if there’s nothing in your stomach to balance it out. On top of that, coffee can dehydrate you, especially if it’s the first thing you drink in the morning.
3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods like chilli or hot sauce might be delicious, but they aren’t the best idea on an empty stomach. These fiery options can increase gastric acid production, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Spices can also irritate the stomach lining, leaving it more susceptible to inflammation and discomfort.
4. Sugary foods
Sugary treats like pastries, sugary cereals, or sweetened drinks might seem like a quick way to start your day, but they can backfire. Eating them on an empty stomach causes your blood sugar to spike rapidly, giving you a short-lived energy boost followed by a crash. This crash can leave you feeling tired and cranky. Sugary foods can also disrupt digestion, causing bloating and discomfort.
5. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is generally considered a healthy snack, but it’s not ideal for an empty stomach. The natural acidity in yoghurt can irritate sensitive stomachs and may reduce the effectiveness of the probiotics it contains. These beneficial bacteria can struggle to survive in the highly acidic environment of an empty stomach.
6. Fried foods
Fried foods like doughnuts, French fries, or fried chicken are heavy and take longer to digest. Eating them on an empty stomach can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to bloating, indigestion, or even nausea. Their high fat content also slows down digestion, making you feel sluggish and uncomfortable.
7. Raw vegetables
Raw vegetables are undeniably healthy, but eating them on an empty stomach can be rough on your digestive system. Their high fibre content and certain enzymes can lead to gas and bloating. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are particularly challenging because they are harder to digest when your stomach is empty.
8. Carbonated drinks
Starting your day with soda or sparkling water isn’t the best idea. The carbon dioxide in these drinks can create gas in your stomach, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. They can also irritate your stomach lining and disrupt digestion.
Conclusion
Choosing the right foods for an empty stomach is key to starting your day on the right note. Avoiding these eight foods can help you feel more comfortable and energized. Instead, reach for options that are easy on your stomach, like oatmeal, bananas, or whole-grain toast with eggs. These choices will give you a healthy and balanced start to your day.
Health
WHO approves Japanese mpox vaccine for emergency use
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has granted emergency use listing (EUL) for the LC16m8 mpox vaccine.
This would be the second mpox vaccine to be supported by WHO following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024.
The LC16m8 is a vaccine developed and manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan.
The technical advisory group (TAG) for EUL of vaccines convened to discuss the outcome of the LC16m8 vaccine review, including the product and programmatic suitability assessments.
Cases have been reported across 80 countries, including 19 countries in Africa, as of October 31, 2024.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the hardest-hit country, recorded a majority of suspected cases — over 39,000 — as well as more than 1,000 deaths.
In a statement on Tuesday, the WHO said the move is particularly relevant as the Japanese government has announced that it will donate 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine, alongside specialised inoculation needles, to the DRC.
“This is the largest donation package announced to date in response to the current mpox emergency,” the statement reads.
“The TAG recommended the vaccine for use in individuals over one year of age as a single dose vaccine, via a multiple puncture technique using a bifurcated needle.
“WHO’s assessment for EUL is based on information submitted by the manufacturer and review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the Japanese regulatory agency of record for this vaccine.
“The LC16m8 vaccine has been used in Japan during previous mpox outbreaks and was shown to be safe and effective, including in people with well-controlled HIV.
“The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization reviewed available evidence and recommended the use of LC16m8 vaccine in outbreak settings in children and others with a documented high-risk of exposure to mpox.
“However, minimally replicating vaccines, such as LC16m8, should not be used during pregnancy and in people who are immunocompromised.
“Immunocompromised persons include those with active cancer, transplant recipients, immunodeficiency, and active treatment with immunosuppressive agents.
“They also include people living with HIV with a current CD4 cell count of <200 cells µl.”
Health
Five ways to rid your home of ants
Ants are just one of the many pests that can launch an attack on your home.
The tiny insects are particularly attracted to the scent of sugar or grease. The scent of other foods may also attract ants which is why it is imperative to promptly clean spills.
Without proper management, ants can overrun your home.
Here are five ways to rid your home of ants.
Cucumber peels
Cucumber peels can serve as an excellent ant repellent.
Put them around areas affected by ants and you will notice that they will disappear in no time.
Salt
Ordinary salt is the safest remedy to keep ants away.
Use the mineral as a barricade to prevent the ants from crossing the designated area.
Duct tape
This can be useful to save your plants or keep ants from climbing your table or bed legs.
Wrap the tape around the base of plant or table leg with the sticky side outwardly. It will gum all the ants, and they will either die or be unable to move and fall prey to other insects.
Boiling water
If you can manage to find the source of the ants in or around your compound, you can pour a kettle of boiling water directly onto the ant hills to protect your home.
Vinegar
Vinegar diluted in water used to clean surfaces helps in eradicating ants due to its fungicidal and insecticidal properties.
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