A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is blocked. 80% of the time, it happens as a result of a blood clot or blocked artery. Other times, strokes happen because the blood vessels in the brain are damaged. When there is an inadequate blood supply, the brain cells don’t get the oxygen they need to function. The effects of a stroke depend on how long the blood supply is blocked. If the supply is blocked for a long time, parts of the brain cells die or become damaged. This can lead to long-term disability or even death.

What causes a stroke?

The following medical conditions or lifestyles are associated with a higher risk of developing a stroke:

Medical Risk Factors:

● Personal or family history of stroke or cardiovascular diseases such as heart infection and heart failure

● High blood pressure

● High cholesterol

● High levels of anxiety and stress

● Diabetes

● Obstructive Sleep Apnea

● Medical conditions, such as a bleeding disorder or sickle cell disease

Lifestyle Risk Factors:

● Lack of good nutrition

● Obesity

● Low physical activity

● Smoking

● High alcohol consumption

● Consumption of illegal drugs like cocaine

What Are The Types of Stroke You Should Know?

1. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, occurs when the blood vessel is just temporarily blocked. The symptoms last for just about five minutes, after which blood flow returns to the brain cells. Although it is temporary and can go by itself without permanent damage to the cells, it is important to seek medical attention because a mini-stroke may be a sign that a major stroke is on the way. About 4 out of 10 people who have a TIA develop a major stroke later.

2. Major Stroke:

A major stroke can cause long-term problems because of damage to the brain cells and could be fatal if help is not received quickly. The faster medical assistance is received, the better the chances of recovery. There are two major types of stroke:

Ischemic stroke: Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke. They occur when blood clots or other debris block the blood vessels to the brain, preventing the brain tissues from getting oxygen and nutrients. Fatty deposits called plaque can also cause blockages by building up in the blood vessel.

Hemorrhagic stroke: A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain ruptures and bleeds inside the brain. The bleeding in the brain puts pressure on surrounding brain cells, leading to brain tissue damage. About 13% of stroke cases are reported to be hemorrhagic. Some factors related to hemorrhagic stroke include:

● Uncontrolled High blood pressure

● Trauma(for example an accident)

● Overtreatment with blood-thinning drugs

● Abnormal bulges or ballooning at weak spots in your artery (aneurysms)

● Cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Knowing the warning signs of stroke and how to react quickly can help save lives.

6 Signs of a Possible Stroke: What to Look Out For.

1. Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

2. Sudden vision trouble in one or both eyes, such as blurred vision or seeing double.

3. Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.

4. Sudden difficulty in walking, lack of coordination or stumbling.

5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

6. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.

How to Detect a Stroke at Home.

If you suspect that someone has a stroke, the FAST acronym gives an easy way to remember the most common warning signs of a stroke and the course of action:

● F– Face drooping: Ask them to smile to see if their smile is crooked or one-sided.

● A– Arm weakness or numbness: Ask them to lift both arms and check to see if one arm drops lower than the other.

● S–Speech problems: Ask them to speak to see if they slur or have difficulty repeating a sentence.

● T– Time to call an ambulance if they’re exhibiting the above symptoms.

After using the FAST acronym to test to see if someone is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately and get them to the hospital as soon as possible. Earlier treatment increases the chances of recovery.

Our final words,

Knowing how to detect stroke at home and recognizing the signs can save someone’s life. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve discussed, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention immediately. Remember to act fast, because every second counts when it comes to stroke. You can speak to a doctor immediately anywhere in Nigeria on the DRO Health mobile app.

By staying informed and aware, you can help prevent the devastating effects of stroke and ensure a healthier future for yourself and your loved ones. Let’s all work together to spread awareness and help reduce the impact of stroke in our community.

The post How To Detect Stroke At Home and Signs You Should Know. appeared first on DRO Health.

September 1st-30th 2022 is recognized as World Suicide prevention month, and this year’s theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.” According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O) about 703,000 commit suicide yearly, and millions of people battle with suicidal thoughts and exhibit suicidal behaviors. According to a report, Nigeria has the highest number of suicide deaths compared to other African countries.

By encouraging and creating hope through action, we decided to speak to a suicide survivor and close relative of a person who committed suicide. In this post, she lets us in on how her brother’s death affected her, how she battled constant suicide thoughts, her recovery process and where she is mentally now. This is a story of survival and hope.

Before his suicide and death

My brother was the best thing that ever happened to me; he was my gift from heaven. We were twins and we did almost everything together. If I had a bad day he was the first to notice, if I had good news he was the first person I’d run to before anyone else in the world. I come from a Christian home where my parents are fanatics, especially my mother. My brother was the liveliest person that existed on earth and there was nothing you could do to piss him off. He was also a good Christian and he showed it and embodied Christian values.

Growing up, my father always wanted my brother to be a Doctor for reasons nobody understood. My brother was a bright student, so my father believed that he could be a doctor and he put his foot down on it. On the other hand, my brother wanted to be an Accountant, he had brains for Mathematics and all those calculations. He respected my father and went on to study Medicine, but after 7 years and constant strikes, he had spent almost 9 years in the University. My brother always pleaded with my father to let him switch courses but my father was more concerned about what people would say and how he wasn’t going to be the ‘father of a doctor.’

When he committed suicide

I always thought of suicide deaths as something that only existed in movies, and could never happen to me. On the day it happened, I woke up feeling sick and nauseous but I couldn’t tell why. We had our family devotion where my brother took the morning prayers and prayed for an extra 30 minutes, while my siblings and I were wondering why. My parents felt proud because he prayed fervently, while my other siblings and I teased him. Schools were on strike, so we were all home except my other siblings who followed my mother to the market. My brother and I mostly stayed at home because we were home buddies.

At exactly 3:27pm on a Tuesday five years ago, I came into my brother’s room and found him hanging from the rope tied to a ceiling fan in his room. I cannot remember what happened after that because after I screamed for help I fainted and woke up in a hospital two days later. That’s how traumatized I was, I can only remember what his face looked like and how I thought it was a ghost. The days after I left the hospital, I lived like a Zombie because I could hardly eat food or drink water or even talk to anybody. I wanted to die and I looked for ways to end my life. I thought life was tasteless without my brother.

My parents are fanatics, so everyone prayed, we weren’t allowed to blame God, they only asked God why and said it was his will. I was so mad at my parents and for those years, I hated them. At some point, my father blamed himself for pushing my brother to the wall and causing him to take his life. He went through his own torture, and I saw how much he suffered within himself for it. After my brother’s death, his things were moved, people came to visit us, Pastors came in and out and yet I couldn’t think of never seeing my brother again.

Finding Therapy and forgiving my parents

In March 2019, I attempted suicide.

I felt that praying away my sadness would help because that is what my brother would have done. When praying and fasting wasn’t working, I found out about how people cut or hurt themselves to escape and feel pain at the same time. I started slicing my body with razors and I started doing drugs at the same time. My first introduction to drugs started with brownies and from there I graduated to chewing it or always taking it with my meals. During the Covid-19 lockdown, I was almost useless as I couldn’t live a day without weed or alcohol; it helped me get away from the pain and depression for a while. When the lockdown was easing a bit, one of my very close friends came to visit and her visit changed my life. I cried and lamented to her about my life. She was the first person to tell me that I had to see a Therapist because I was depressed and it could get worse if I attempted another suicide. She introduced me to a Therapist who I have been going to almost everyday since 2020.

After I started therapy, I found yoga and I have never been happier. I’m not where I was before my brother died, but I have definitely come a long way from who I used to be. I’ve forgiven my father because I saw that he couldn’t forgive himself, I’ve forgiven my mother for egging my father and never siding with my brother. My two siblings are being the best they can always be and we have bonded more than ever. I can say that my brother’s suicide led me to therapy and I’m on a conscious journey to a positive mental health.

Many persons in Nigeria struggle everyday with their mental health. In taking conscious steps to create a safe space for mental health patients in Nigeria, DRO Health offers a mental health package. On the DRO Health app, we have Therapists waiting to speak with and also help you on your journey. Visit the DRO Health app to speak to a therapist today.

The post My Brother’s Suicide Led Me to Therapy. appeared first on DRO Health.

July 28th every year is a day set aside to raise awareness and encourage action about the virus called hepatitis. It is also a day to celebrate millions of people worldwide living with hepatitis and still surviving. For July 28th 2022, the World Health Organization tagged the theme as ‘Bringing Hepatitis Care Closer To You.’

According to research, 20 million Nigerians currently live with hepatitis. However, this years theme aims to raise more awareness about the virus and also to bring testing centers closer to rural communities worldwide.

What Is Hepatitis?

According to World Health Organization, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents leading to a range of health problems, some of which can be fatal.

Hepatitis virus has 5 different types, A, B, C, D, E. All of these types affect the liver in the human body, however hepatitis B and C lead to chronic liver diseases and cause more deaths around the world.

Key statistics according to World Health Organization.

• 345 million people globally live with hepatitis B or C infection.

• Almost 3,000 people die from hepatitis B or C everyday.

• 90% of people living with viral hepatitis are unaware that they have it.

• Over 3,000 people die everyday from liver diseases caused by hepatitis.

• 5 million Nigerians lose their lives yearly from hepatitis related complications.

How To Protect Yourself From Hepatitis.

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver in the human body. Viral hepatitis can be acute (lasts less than 6 months) or chronic (lasts longer). Viral hepatitis is a communicable virus and it is mostly gotten through sexual intercourse with an infected partner.

Most people recover from hepatitis, but more people die from its complications, as it:

• Destroys the liver tissue

• Weakens the body immune system

• Causes liver disease or cancer

• Leads to death

To protect yourself against getting infected with hepatitis, you should take these precautionary measures:

Avoid having sex with an infected person

Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. It is transmitted through contact with vaginal fluid, semen or blood. However, using a condom can help protect against it. The best way to protect yourself from getting infected is to avoid having sex with anyone who has any strain of hepatitis.

Always use sterile injections or needles

Sharing unsterilized injections or needles can widen the spread of hepatitis C. To avoid this, it is best to always ensure than only sterilized objects are used to touch your skin in a hospital, clinic or laboratory. Hospitals should also also avoid reusing injections or needles for any reason.

Vaccinating a newborn child against hepatitis

An infected pregnant woman can infect her child with hepatitis if the baby isn’t vaccinated. The best way vaccination works with a newborn is to ensure your child is given the shots 12 hours immediately after he or she is born. The HBIG or hepatitis B vaccine shots can be given up to 4 times to a new born baby to protect them.

Get tested for hepatitis

A major way to protect yourself is to always get tested for hepatitis. If you suspect that you have been exposed to the virus, get tested immediately. You can book a test with us at DRO Health or you can go to a hospital nearest to you to get tested.

Every 30 seconds someone loses their life from an illness related to hepatitis. This years’ theme ‘ Bringing Hepatitis Care Closer To You’ is a wake-up call for people, health agencies, government bodies to bring testing centers and vaccines closer to the people who have no access to basic healthcare.

At DRO Health we are contributing our quota to ensure that we bring care closer to people. To book a test for hepatitis, simply download our app at www.drohealth.com . Click on ‘book a test’ and you have your test done conveniently and at an affordable rate.

Stay safe, get tested, stay healthy.

The post How To Protect Yourself From Hepatitis. appeared first on DRO Health.

What Is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure performed by a doctor (Urologist) in a hospital. A vasectomy is a birth control option for men, where the small tubes in the scrotum (vans deferens) that carry sperm are cut. Once the tubes are cut or blocked, your sperm can’t leave your reproductive organ to make a woman pregnant. Getting a vasectomy procedure is quick, safe, and effective, and you can decide to leave the hospital immediately after getting the procedure done. A vasectomy procedure has two types: the incision method and the non-scalpel or no-cut method.

Now that you know what a vasectomy procedure is, and what it involves, let’s get into answering those popular questions men ask about this birth control option. For this, we spoke to 3 Nigerian men (Chris-40, Alade-40 and Anonymous- 33) about their experiences and thoughts getting a vasectomy procedure done. They shared their triggers, positives and how it all happened.

1. How would you explain a vasectomy procedure to a layman?

Chris: “It is birth control method for men through a minor surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry a man’s sperm and permanently prevent pregnancy.”

Alade: “It is a medical procedure to remove a small section of a tube that connects your testicles to your penis, to stop sperm cells being released when you ejaculate.”

Anon: “A vasectomy is a procedure that reduces the risk of a pregnancy from unprotected sex. The tube that carries sperm from the testicles (balls) to the urethra (in the penis) is cut. After undergoing this procedure, a man will orgasm/cum as usual but without any of his sperm in it.”

2. Simple and precise! So, when did you decide you wanted to get a vasectomy procedure done?

Chris: “I’ve always wanted only 2 children and I knew we (my wife and I) would need some sort of birth control. Did some research on the side effects and I decided the best option for us was for me to get “the snip”.”

Alade: “I started thinking about it when my second child was born. My wife and I had always wanted two children and when my younger daughter turned three, I started looking into it seriously and decided to get a vasectomy done.”

Anon: “Once I realized I did not want to have any more children, I made the choice to get a vasectomy. Nothing triggered my decision but having one child I decided it was enough.”

3. As a Nigerian man, what convinced you to go ahead with getting a vasectomy? That is despite the many fears and rumors about it in our society?

Chris: “Most of my friends are non-Nigerians and some older guys had done it and they told me it was no big deal. I tell my cynical friends who are still playing the field that it is the sure fire way to prevent permanent offspring from temporary situations.”

Alade: “A close friend of mine had the procedure without any issues and we were in similar circumstances, so it reinforced that I was on the right path. Also, my outlook on life was shaped strongly by my Dad who encouraged, as far as possible, a clear-minded approach to making decisions, making them based on what suits the nuclear family best, not extended family/societal expectations. And I was living in the UK, where there’s a lot of information available and a well developed and trusted medical system. I had the confidence that things will go as planned (aided by some prayers of course!)”

Anon: “I did a lot of reading about the procedure and asked a lot of questions from the doctor before going ahead with it.”

4. What was the vasectomy procedure like?

Chris: ” I had the non-scalpel method and I was given a local anesthetic so I didn’t feel any pain during the procedure. There was some discomfort as the doctor tried to locate the tubes and the cauterizing part was a bit surprising. The cauterizing smelt faintly like burning smell. The doctor explained that he was applying heat to block the tubes- a bit like soldering iron. I didn’t feel a thing but the slight smell and the nurse explained what was going on”

Alade: “You go to see a family doctor (GP) who discusses with you, asks you whether you really want to do it, or if you’re making a knee-jerk decision after having a baby or something else, and if all goes well refers you to a surgeon. The surgeon then explains what it involves, and an appointment is booked. On the day, take a taxi to the clinic, undress, get the local anesthetic applied and then the surgeon/nurse does the procedure. The procedure takes about half an hour in total, and you get told not to drive, wear tight fitting underwear and to get enough rest.”

Anon: “The procedure lasted for about 20-30 minutes. There was some pain and discomfort but it was not anything I couldn’t chest.”

5. Okay, a straight to the point process. Does getting a vasectomy hurt and what is the healing process like?

Chris: “I was advised by my doctor not to have any alcohol 2 days before and 2 days after as that could affect blood pressure and lead to excessive bleeding. I tried not to move around for the next 2 days also. When I experienced any pain I used paracetamol. A good tip is to have a bag of ice or frozen peas at hand, it reduces the discomfort in the hours after the procedure.”

Alade: “In my case I felt some mild pain but that was because the anesthetic hadn’t kicked in enough. I’ve felt far more pain getting hit by a ball in the balls to give you a sense of the pain level. The healing process requires not wearing tight fitting briefs and avoiding any impact to the area. The dressing comes off after a few days and there’s no visible/noticeable scar at the end. I felt a dull aching pain for a few days afterwards but pain was mostly gone in a week or so.”

Anon: “Mine hurt, I can’t speak for others. I was sore for about two weeks and I had to walk carefully, plus no running or jumping. The pain disappeared over the following weeks. A year+ later, I’m completely fine.”

6. Before getting a vasectomy, what fears or concerns did you have?

Chris: “No major ones. I just hoped there would be no complications that would delay my return to a normal life, sports and other activities.”

Alade: “All medical procedures have a risk of complications, and my main fears were I might suffer from recurring pain in my testicles, and the pain putting me off sex afterwards. After doing some research I felt the risk of these were quite low and they generally got resolved. I was also concerned that my wife wouldn’t be onboard with the decision, and she initially was hesitant. After much discussion and research she reluctantly agreed it was the right thing for us to do.”

Anon: “I was afraid the doctor would make a mistake, touch something he’s not supposed to touch and things would stop functioning how they used to. If that happened, how would I explain myself?”

7. Many men are most concerned about ‘ ejaculation ‘. Does getting a vasectomy stop semen from coming out during ejaculation?

Chris: “Not at all! Zero difference, except for the absence of sperm in the cum (semen) that produces babies. An active sex life without worrying about more children in this economy is better.”

Alade: “It had no effect whatsoever. The semen is produced by the prostate and that isn’t affected by the procedure at all – the only thing is the sperm (army) cells aren’t deployed into the semen as used to happen before.”

Anon: “No there is no difference at all to any sexual experience.”

8. Has getting a vasectomy reduced your sex drive or had any effects on your sex life?

Chris: “Not at all! It has had no effect on my sex drive or sex life.”

Alade: “Getting a vasectomy has not reduced my sex drive, instead I’d say I feel quite liberated to have sex now without having to worry about the risk of a pregnancy. Sex is now fully a recreational activity for me now, and though work and life still get in the way of having as much as I’d like, I’m enjoying the freedom.”

Anon: “No, I haven’t experienced any difference in my sex life.”

9. Have you had any regrets about getting a vasectomy so far?

Chris: “None at all! I highly recommend a vasectomy as it is the most effective at 98% with the least side effects and disruption to general life. Only go ahead as a man if you’re sure you no longer want to have children.”

Alade: “None whatsoever. I think it’s one of the best adult decisions I’ve made. I initially worried that I might later think I wanted more children, but I haven’t. I think that’s because I didn’t rush into it and considered it sufficiently before going ahead. Men interested in a vasectomy should research, to find out as much as possible and try to get information about people’s real-life experiences.”

Anon: “I’ve had zero regrets so far.”

10. Okay, one more question. Where did you get your vasectomy procedure done and how much did it cost you in total?

Chris: “I was referred by my GP (General Practitioner) in the UK (United Kingdom) after an initial interview and the cost was covered by the NHS. Private procedures in the UK cost between £300 – £650 depending on location.”

Alade: “I had it done in the UK (United Kingdom), where I reside, so it was free on the health service.”

Anon: “I went to Marie Stopes clinic in Abuja, Nigeria. In total it cost me about N50,000 (fifty thousand naira).

Getting a vasectomy is not as complicated as it is thought to be in Nigeria. The conversation about birth control options doesn’t stop at the desks of women alone, as a man (father or husband) you can choose this safe procedure. We have Urologists on the DRO Health app that can give you a medical perspective and follow-up. Download our app and book a consultation in 30 minutes with #1,500 today.

The post Getting A Vasectomy? Popular Questions Men Ask appeared first on DRO Health.

Although the exact origin of yoga is unclear, it appears that the practice could date back 5,000 years, though most of the specific postures and poses are of much more recent provenance

Some yoga practices are faster-paced and have different rules to follow, but the basic concept remains the same. You:

• Move through a series of positions.
• Focus on your breathing so your brain receives an ample amount of oxygen
• Give your mind a rest from all the stress in your life.

How Yoga Connects Mind and Body

Yoga and Mental Health – Encourages Mindfulness

One goal in practising yoga is mindfulness: to spend time in the current moment, focusing on moving your body and your breathing.

This isn’t second nature to most people because they’re often focused on what they’re going to do next or fretting over something that happened in the past.

Through yoga and mindfulness, you can disrupt your thought patterns during yoga, refocus positively, and decrease your anxiety and worry.

Combats Depression

While depression can have many causes, stress can lead to depression and vice versa. Yoga can interrupt this cycle and ease the symptoms of depression by reducing the stress you’re already dealing with.

When you’re focused on your breathing, moving your body, and being in the present moment, you’re not worried about all the stressors in your life.

Ultimately, practising yoga can also help you to learn better coping mechanisms, which can help you combat stress and ultimately reduce your depression symptoms as well.

A person may choose to incorporate yoga into their current treatment plan if their current drug regimen isn’t adequately controlling their symptoms. Some people opt to practice yoga as an alternative to Western allopathic medicine.

Yoga and Mental Health – Builds Self-Confidence

A lack of self-confidence can interfere with your home, social, and work life. It can also lead to depression symptoms. Not to mention, you might become more withdrawn, fearful, and less active.

When you lack self-confidence, you may find the need to say yes to do things for people, even though you don’t want to. Your lack of self-confidence might interfere with you being able to communicate effectively with your partner, among various other issues.

Practising yoga can rebuild your self-confidence. When you’re present in the moment and not focused on your worries, you don’t have those negative thoughts about yourself nagging at you.

Also, Yoga poses vary in difficulty greatly. As you gradually work through more advanced poses, you increase your self-confidence.

Yoga and Mental Health – Improves Concentration and Mental Clarity

It’s difficult to live in the moment and concentrate on one task at a time when you have multiple responsibilities to juggle, such as a home and family. Even as you drive to work or try to finish an assignment before a meeting, it’s normal to worry about everything you need to accomplish.

With yoga, you learn to focus your energy and mind on one activity. Through deep breathing exercises, your brain is getting more oxygen so it can function at its optimal level.

Yoga and Mental Health – Reduces Anger

Do you feel like you get angry easily? Yoga may be able to help you manage—not eliminate—your anger by teaching you to have better control over it

Firstly, yoga helps you to better manage your stress, which could be a culprit of you getting angry over minor issues. As you practice yoga regularly, you learn to focus, take deep breaths, and calm yourself, self-soothing before you get angry.

Stress, depression, and a lack of confidence could be harming your ability to live a normal life. It can also cause you to turn to drugs or alcohol to self-treat the problem. As a complement to evidence-based therapies, yoga may help you get and stay clean.

A mindfulness practice such as yoga can help you mentally in many ways.

Sources

• whiteswanfoundation.org – History of Yoga
• huffpost.com – Your Yoga Poses Aren’t 5,000 Years Old: A New Perspective on “Old” Yoga
• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – How Might Yoga Help Depression? A Neurobiological Perspective
• mua.edu – A guide to allopathic medicine
• health.harvard.edu – Regain Your Confidence
• centersforrespiratoryhealth.com – Oxygen Levels and Proper Brain Function Are Linked
• sunshinebehavioralhealth.com – Recovery In a Quiet and Welcoming Environment

Guest Blogger Bio

Stephen Bitsoli received his degree in English from Wayne State University in Detroit. The Michigan native is a professional writer and guest blogger and was a journalist for more than 20 years. Since 2016, he’s used that experience and passion in writing well-organized, comprehensive, and comprehensible articles on the complex and changing world of substance abuse and treatment. He’s won awards for his newspaper articles and was the top-ranked blogger at an international website in 2018. A lifelong reader, he enjoys learning and sharing what he’s learned.

Stephen Bitsoli
Sunshine Behavioral Health
Editor|Author|Content Writer

The post 5 Great Ways Yoga Benefits Your Mental Health appeared first on DRO Health.

Tracking your period can improve your sex life

Gather round for a fun fact, ladies – the perfect time for sex might just be second and third weeks of your cycle. Thanks to the rising levels of testosterone and estrogen in your body, you have a higher chance of getting intensified orgasms. Tracking your period monthly helps you know exactly when you’re on the second and third weeks of your cycle.

Stay on top of your fertility window

If you’re trying to get pregnant – or not, it will do you a world of help to track your periods. You can then pinpoint your ovulation days (when you are most fertile), and your safe days. Every woman’s body is different and menstrual cycles vary, so what works for the average 28-day cycle woman might not work for you!

Tracking your period increases your overall health

One of the amazing benefits of tracking your period is that it might just save your life! The technology at your disposal today helps you log the symptoms that come with your periods. This information, when shared with a gynecologist, would be used to determine if there are any dangerous or underlying issues. Low moods, extremely painful periods, and heavy bleeding could be symptoms of something fatal.

Curate your social calendar

Hormonal changes over the course of the menstrual cycle result in mood highs and lows all month long. Moods are especially at their lowest the week before the next cycle starts. By tracking your period, you know when this week is for you, and you can better manage your social life. You can choose to stay home all weekend long if that’s what works best for you during this time of the month.

Bring your A-game to work

The period after ovulation comes with a slump in estrogen and testosterone levels. As a result, this affects the perceptiveness and eloquence of most women. This can greatly affect your productiveness at work. Tracking your period helps you know when exactly this will happen to you. If possible, you can structure your work commitments around it, and schedule big meetings and presentations for other periods. This will help you always appear at the top of your game.

There are so many benefits that come with tracking your period, and you can start enjoying them now by using the DRO Health period tracker. It is a detailed and optimized tracker that logs your symptoms all cycle long and works as a fertility tracker. You can download the best medical app in Nigeria – the DRO Health App on the App Store (iOS) or on the Google Play Store (Android) today! Subscribe to the blog today, so you don’t miss future updates.

The post 5 Interesting Benefits Of Tracking Your Period appeared first on DRO Health.

1. Men’s Health Tips – Prioritize fitness

Staying fit is a huge part of staying healthy. It is recommended that you workout for a minimum of 30 minutes every day. If you can’t do this, you can try taking evening or morning walks two to four days a week.

2. Know your family history

It is important to know the health history of the two branches of your family tree. When you know what ailments you’re more at risk to suffer from, you can be proactive towards preventing them.

3. Health Tips for Men – Consult your doctor regularly

Are you the type to put off appointments with your doctor till it’s a life-or-death issue? News flash, it is an extremely dangerous way to live. So much goes on within your body and you may only get subtle symptoms that something’s wrong. It is important to make out time to regularly consult your doctor. Don’t have time to make the trip? That’s fine! Telehealth apps like DRO Health have made it possible to virtually consult with doctors, so you don’t even have to leave your home. 

4. Take regular breaks

The importance of resting should never be underestimated. The stress from work and other similar activities takes a huge toll on your body. Taking regular breaks gives your body the chance to recuperate. A great way to do this would be to set reminders, and go on 10-15 minute breaks every hour or two.

5. Eat healthy foods

This is probably one of the most popular tips for men’s health, but it is very important. A lot of people get by with eating just any type of food, but this harms the body in the long run. You should eat foods that nourish, and strengthen your body. Check out our list of superfoods to get an idea of the best foods you should be eating.

6. Get regular prostate exams

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It is important to schedule regular prostate exams with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are in the clear. In the event that something is wrong, it can be spotted early and handled. The result of your first prostate exam will determine the frequency of future exams. If you’re in the clear, you can get an exam done every other year. If you have a PSA level of 2.5 ng/mL or greater, you need to get screened annually.

7. Protect your mental health

Your mental health is very important, so you need to ensure that you take steps towards protecting it. You can do this by creating and maintaining routines, staying physically fit, and taking about your feelings so they don’t get bottled up inside. If you need to, ensure you talk to a therapist.

8. Get enough sleep

Sleep, just like rest, is a non-negotiable part of your wellbeing. Sleeping for the right number of hours every night (7-9 hours) guarantees that you wake up ready to face whatever the day throws at you!

9. Stay informed

When you stay informed about your health, risks to your health, and health tips for men, you are more equipped for a healthier life. Do this by reading articles and publications around men’s health, and also staying in contact with your doctor.

10. Reduce or Quit Smoking

This is another widely spread tip for men’s health. Smoking kills, or at least it harms your body in so many ways. It is especially harmful to your cardiovascular organs, and put you in harm’s way for so many health conditions, such as cancer. Help yourself stay healthy by dropping the cigarette. The process of quitting isn’t always an easy one, so you can start the transition by reducing your daily or weekly amount of cigarettes.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and of course following consultations with healthcare specialists, you will get more tips that are more tailored to your needs. You can speak to specialists and book a wide range of diagnostic tests on the DRO Health App. It is available on the App Store (iOS) and on the Google Play Store (Android).

The post 10 Essential Health Tips for Men of All Ages appeared first on DRO Health.

Turn your diet around with these superfoods, and become healthier while at it!

It’s time to switch to a healthier diet that doesn’t necessarily have terribly tasting foods. We get it – everyone is tired of the kale smoothie diet movement. In this article, we will be talking about superfoods that not only do your body a lot of good, but that your taste buds will love as well. These foods have immense benefits, and they greatly reduce your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even some cancers.

We specially curated this list of superfoods to be accessible. None of them are ‘holy grail’ foods that only grow in specific regions or under certain conditions. These are foods that you can pick up during a quick market or superstore run. The goal is to eat more of these foods, and to use them as substitutes for some less healthy ingredients that already make up your diet.

Amazing superfoods for you – Berries

Berries are such fun fruits! There are so many options to choose from, and they are so tasty and wholesome. They have a high fiber content, and are also packed full of antioxidants. This is evident in the rich colors they appear in. Berries can be eaten as a snack or blended into smoothies. They can be used as toppings for your yoghurts and cereals. Yum yum!

 

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and walnuts are some great superfoods to add to your diet. They are fiber-rich foods that contain fats that are healthy for the heart. They can be eaten in so many ways – almond can be made into flour and milk, and chia seeds can be used as toppings for different meals.

Superfoods to add to your diet – Avocados

Avocados are perfect for everything! Nutrition? Check! Hair care? Check! Skin care? Check! As a superfood, avocados are great for your body because they contain monounsaturated oleic acid, which happened to be the healthiest type of fat there is. Avocados have also been proven to reduce your risk of stroke, thanks to its folate and potassium content.

 

Weight loss diet plan – Fish

 You’re most likely no stranger to fish in your diet, and we’re here to tell you that you’re on the right track! Fish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and these help the body fight against heart disease and also loss your weight. The best options for you are mackerel, trout, sardines, and herring.

 

Great superfoods for you – Legumes

Legumes, such as beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts, are nutritional powerhouses! They are packed full of nutrients that help the body prevent and fight a number of diseases. Fiber, protein, and vitamins are some of these amazing nutrients.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, they say! Apples are great for so many reasons. For one, they have a lot of fiber content, and don’t have as much sugar as other fruits.

 

Quinoa

A great alternative to rice, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. It can be cooked just like normal rice and incorporated into your joll of, fried, and coconut rice recipes. It’s fat-free and gluten-free as well!

 

Best superfoods for you – Sweet potatoes

Heart health, eye health, and immunity to certain diseases are improved by constant consumption of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes also contain beta-carotene, which helps lower your risk of breast cancer.

 

Healthy Breakfast for weight loss – Whole grains

Whole grains  that you want to include in your  weight loss diet like wheat and oatmeal are great for your body! They’re a wonderful source of soluble and insoluble fiber, minerals, B vitamins, and phytonutrients. Replace white rice with brown rice, add oats to your breakfast menu, and replace white bread with wheat bread.

Olive oil

Swap out butter and margarine in your recipes for olive oil, and do yourself a ton of good! It contains vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols. Apart from being used in the cooking of meals, it can also be used as a salad dressing or drizzled over veggies.

 

Diet and nutrition are never one-size-fits-all. On the DRO Health app, you can speak to a dietician who can help you craft meal plans with the most nutritious ingredients. Get started by downloading it on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)!

The post 10 Superfoods That Will Upgrade Your Diet appeared first on DRO Health.