The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the recall of Dove beauty bar soap.

In a statement on Monday, Mojisola Adeyeye, the NAFDAC director-general, said the 100g soap with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, was recalled due to chemical impurity.

Adeyeye said the soap does not comply with the cosmetic products regulations because it contains butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risk of harming the reproductive system, causing harm to the health of an unborn child, and skin sensitisation.

“As a result, a ban on the marketing of the product has been placed by some regulatory and public authorities in the EU,” the statement reads.

”Other Dove cosmetic products recalled/banned in other countries due to the presence of BMHCA are Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go Fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, invisible dry antiperspirant spray + Go Fresh Revitalize nourishing shower gel, Caring hand wash, and invisible dry.

“Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list.

“Beyond the import restrictions, soaps and cosmetics are parts of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.
These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database.

“Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned products.

“Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, e-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-Safety application for download on android and IOS stores.”

In today’s tech-driven world, laptops have become an essential part of our daily lives. Whether for work, study, or entertainment, we often find ourselves placing laptops right on our laps.

But have you ever wondered if this habit could affect your health? Specifically, does placing a laptop on your lap impact women’s fertility?

While concerns have been raised about how this might affect men, many wonder if women are at risk too.

Heat and radiation concerns

One of the main reasons people worry about using laptops on their laps is the heat they generate. Laptops can get quite warm during use, and this heat might raise the temperature around the pelvic area. For men, it’s been established that excessive heat can affect sperm production. But what about women?

The female reproductive system is mostly internal, which means that the organs responsible for fertility are not as directly exposed to heat as in men. However, this doesn’t mean that women are completely unaffected. Prolonged exposure to heat might potentially raise the body’s core temperature slightly. Yet, there is no scientific evidence directly linking laptop heat to reduced fertility in women. Most experts believe that the brief periods during which most people use laptops on their laps are unlikely to cause any harm.

Electromagnetic radiation and fertility

Another concern that often comes up is electromagnetic radiation. Laptops, like many other electronic devices, emit a small amount of electromagnetic radiation. People worry that this could harm the reproductive organs or eggs in women. However, it’s important to know that the amount of radiation emitted by a laptop is very low and falls within safety limits set by regulatory bodies.

Currently, there is no scientific evidence showing that the radiation from laptops affects female fertility. Most studies and expert opinions suggest that the levels of radiation are too low to cause any significant harm.

Maintaining healthy habits

Even though there is no strong evidence suggesting that using a laptop on your lap will harm female fertility, it’s always a good idea to be cautious. Using a laptop stand or a cushion can help prevent direct heat exposure and might make using your laptop more comfortable.

Taking regular breaks and changing positions can also be beneficial, not just for fertility but for overall health, such as preventing back and neck strain.

Every day, thousands of people need blood for different reasons, like surgeries, accidents, or illnesses.

Unfortunately, there’s not enough blood available to help everyone who needs it. This is why donating blood is so important. Whether you have done it before or are thinking about it for the first time, understanding the process can help ease any worries you might have.

Why Is donating blood so important?

Blood is something that cannot be made artificially; it can only come from kind-hearted donors. Hospitals and emergency services need a steady supply of blood to save lives, treat diseases, and help patients recover from surgeries. In fact, every second, someone needs a blood transfusion. By donating blood, you are directly helping these people in their time of need.

Here are some important things you should know about blood donation:

1. You can save multiple lives with one donation

When you donate blood, you are not just helping one person. Your blood can be separated into different components, such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Each of these components can be used to help different patients with specific needs. For example, red blood cells are used for trauma or surgery patients, while plasma can help those with blood clotting disorders. This means that with just one donation, you could potentially save up to three lives.

2. Blood donation has health benefits for you, too

Donating blood is not only good for the recipients but also for the donors. Regular blood donation can help keep your iron levels balanced. High iron levels can be harmful to your health, so donating blood can help reduce this risk. Some studies also suggest that regular blood donation might lower the risk of heart disease.

3. It’s quick and safe

Many people worry about whether donating blood will hurt or if it is safe. The good news is that donating blood is a quick, safe, and mostly painless process. The entire blood donation process takes about an hour, but the actual blood draw only lasts about 10 minutes. After donating, most people feel fine, though it’s always a good idea to rest and have a snack before going about your day.

4. Your blood type matters

There are different blood types, such as A, B, AB, and O. Knowing your blood type can be helpful, especially since some types are more in demand than others.

For example, O-negative blood is known as the universal donor because it can be given to people of any blood type. On the other hand, AB-positive blood is the universal recipient, meaning people with this type can receive blood from any other type. When you donate, your blood is tested to find out your type, and this information will be helpful for future donations.

5. You can donate regularly

Donating blood is not just a one-time event; you can give regularly. In fact, you can donate whole blood every 56 days, or about every two months. The human body is amazing and can replenish the blood you donate in a short amount of time.

This means you can make a habit of donating and continue helping people throughout the year. Many people find great joy in knowing that they are making a difference on a regular basis.