She is just too slow! (Dyslexia)

I recently came across a beautiful highly-spirited, rough, sometimes annoying but fun to watch child who does not just do well academically. She loves to sing around the class, play with other kids, and eat but when it is time to write, she gets exhausted. She cannot even hold her pencil firmly not to talk of identifying the position where she has been instructed to write.
Because I am quite familiar with the condition, I knew it was dyslexia because I had seen the movie “Like Stars on Earth” an Indian movie. I couldn’t watch her parents spend so much money and the school raising their hope unnecessarily. So I had to take an action by educating all concerned and advocating for the kid.

There are a lot of myths about dyslexia; some teachers see these victims as stupid, dull, lazy, not serious or as having a eye defect.
National Health Service UK defines dyslexia as a common learning difficult which suggests that it is not restricted to kids alone or about a child being dull.
It is a lifelong problem but can be managed. Many have had dyslexia before but have survived it.
It is important that we try to understand everyone especially kids as this article concerns them. Every child has the right to learn, read, and have fun regardless of their conditions. Many of these dyslexic kids are gifted in other aspects aside writing and calculating.

Lack of adequate information or education about dyslexia has dashed and is still dashing the dreams of some “bright” affected kids.
Please be informed and inform others, do the little you can by advocating for dyslexic children when necessary.
Parents must pay close attention to their kids and also stop comparing them. Teachers must try their best to be patient with every of their pupil or student (especially dyslexic kids) and if their condition gets out of their control, they must refer them for proper care.

Let us join hands together to help raise up dyslexic children.
Let’s help ascertain the future of our tomorrow leaders!

Watch “Enitan” on YouTube

Watch “Like Stars on Earth” on YouTube

You can volunteer or donate at any nongovernmental or nonprofit organization for dyslexia so as to help raise and improve awareness.

Education is key for excellence!

Good news for Nigerians on NGO for dyslexia

Irony of Life

I was just looking around and I realised that too many things happen that are ironical.
Someone finishes with a First Class or Second Class Upper honours and is still in the “job-hunting” business or have to settle for a meagre job. Those with the other type of grades are either changing jobs or choosing which one to accept. Some people have the financial capability but cannot produce a child of their own while those in the low and middle socio – economic class are busy “rearing”children. Some very well-to-do people are struggling with one illness or the other. Some faithful people got married late and are still battling with child birth.
Lovely and amazing people die at young ages while the “interesting” and “troublemakers” tend to live longer. The wicked are set free and the righteous judged unjustly. A nation with so much  Oil and Gas to even spare to other nations is deficient of what they produce, how is that?

Hmm . . . . The question now is, is God unaware  of all these happenings? No is the answer. Then why? That I wouldn’t like to dwell so much on because even some people in the bible days had their share. . . Their reward was given though which is the good part.
Where I am going is, no matter your state whether in the privileged or “injustice” side, continue to do what is right. It always pay off. It has always paid off. Whatever your hand find to do . . . Do it with all your might.

I see people mismanaging their “opportunities” because they had it without a single struggle. Be wise!
You’ve got kids? Treat them well, remember some are still looking for and will be grateful with even a disabled one. You’ve got a job? Do your best to keep it and help others. You’re in a leadership position? For God’s sake lead well and justly, Be kind and thoughtful of others. Remember all you have was given. You are unique with all of your abilities and weaknesses as well but if you refuse to use them rightly, it could be taken away.

So whatever side of the coin you’re in today, do your best to be the best. The irony of Life shouldn’t weigh you down or “puff” you up. It should only challenge you, it doesn’t last for a long time. . . Don’t wallow in your low state and expect things to happen, don’t also get carried away with your luxury and expect no reward. . . The irony of Life always come knocking.
Be wise!

Dementia Friend

At one point or the other we will all die and anything can kill us. Some say it can happen by a car accident or an health issue or sleep or gun etc. Honestly, I do not desire to argue about it because it is somewhat true.

Ever heard of Dementia? Sure some have and if you have no idea please check here for all the details you need. It is not a normal part of ageing but it majorly affects older people. There’s been a lot of sad stories about our aged especially in underdeveloped and developing countries; some developed countries are either still in the dark about dementia or finding it difficult to manage it. My loving grandmother for instance, died without us realising that dementia was the issue aside diabetes.

Over 47.5 million people live with dementia worldwide and the prevalence of dementia is projected to increase in the nearest future. Dementia has a whole lot of symptoms which if not properly diagnosed might lead to complications or death. My grandmother was a very hardworking woman but she began to lose her memory, she could not recognise her kids, said awkward things, and acted strangely. Yes some people might say it’s normal for old people to be like that but I have also heard of healthy aged people in their 100s and some even died very healthy.

The issue today is addressing how we should understand our aged and take proper care of them. Although not fully confirmed, it is suspected that there is a relationship between vitamin D and dementia. One of the reasons is because the production of vitamin D occurs in several areas in the brain. If that be the case why do we not try balancing the vitamins in our bodies until it is confirmed? Vitamins and minerals are necessary for body building, however, supplements can be dangerous to our health.

Proper exercise and sleep could also help reduce the risk of dementia so people need to start sleeping “properly”. I am not a fan of sleeping-pills as it’s side effects are not friendly. . . Work hard but rest very well.

In a nutshell, adults especially older adults should be given adequate and proper attention when they begin to show signs of dementia. Do not see their situation as “nemesis catching up with them” or a “spiritual curse” or a “burden” to you. It’s hard for dementia-patients already that they cannot remember things or who they used to be or love, yelling at or ignoring them will only make it more difficult for them. If you cannot take proper care of them for whatever reasons (which is not so cool), send them to a home where they will recieve adequate care and treatment.

We will all die one day by something but let’s not die without showing love. Remember we will all age at some point and will require help and care. . . So give help to a dementia patient today. Become a dementia friend today.

Eat healthy, sleep properly, grow properly, and stay healthy!

 

For more information on dementia:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/09585a5babcf4fd4bef6b363876915f5.htm

http://www.alzheimersblog.org/2014/05/09/test-youre-alzheimers/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/489191.htm

http://www.who.int/mental_health/publications/dementia_report_2012/en/

https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/help-a-senior-with-dementia-who-wanders-167541.htm

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs362/en/

Black Cup: Drink, Yes or No?

Black Cup: Drink, Yes or No?.

Black Cup: Drink, Yes or No?

Well, today I decided to share something I worked on with you all. . .

It’s a controversial one though; it’s about a drink– coffee.

Coffee is loved by many people including me. Infact, millions of people consume coffee worldwide everyday.

It is a beverage consumed for many reasons; it’s aroma gets me lifted! Apart from the aroma, students love to drink it so they can “burn the midnight candle” while workers consume it to accelerate their output. Just like every commodity, coffee is a two-sided beverage with both pros and cons. Infact research presumes that the pros outweighs the cons. The presence of caffeine in coffee they say makes it a “suspect” of some health problems.  Among the benefits of coffee intake are: improvement in the body performance, mind performance, reduction in the risk of Parkinson’s disease,  cardiovascular disease, and other non-communicable diseases which seems like WoW! Nonetheless, the existence of cons cannot be denied; even though coffee helped my reading and assimilation, I was always left with a migraine after my exams back then in the University. I had mood swings, ate less, and began to reason slowly than I would normally; depression and anger set in, I even got addicted. . . The truth is, I stopped coffee consumption because of these effects and transferred my affection to other drinks of which I later realised contained caffeine. Coke, cholocate bars, cappucino, decaffeinated coffee, energy drinks, laté, even tea contain some amount of caffeine!

The question therefore on the lips of researchers and myself remains should I drink coffee or not? What quantity is good? What is the level of risk?  

Like other lovers of coffee and some researchers, moderation is advised . . .

You can consume coffee and still stay healthy . . .

Drink coffee andother caffeine-containing drinks RESPONSIBLY!

Stay informed!

 

References

Costa, J., Lunet, N., Santos, C., Santos, J., & Vaz-Carneiro, A. (2010). Caffeine exposure and the risk of Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 20, 221-238.

Davis, J., & Green, J. M. (2009). Caffeine and anaerobic performance. Sports Medicine, 39(10), 813-832.

Dillan, J. (2013). 7 Negative Effects of Coffee. Retrieved 27 January, 2015 from http://www.healthambition.com/negative-effects-of-coffee/

European Food Safety Authority. (2011). Scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to caffeine and increase in physical performance during short-term high-intensity exercise (ID737, 1486, 1489), increase in endurance performance (ID737, 1486, 1489), increase in endurance capacity (ID1488) and reduction in the rated perceived exertion/effort during exercise (ID 1488, 1490) pursuant to article 13 (1) of regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal, 9 (4), 2053.

Hensrud, D (2014) Is coffee good or bad for me. Retrieved 27 January, 2015 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/coffee-and-health/faq-20058339 

Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee. (2013). Coffee & Cancer. Coffee and health http://www.coffeeandhealth.org/media-centre/research-overview.

Institute for Scientific Research on Coffee. (2013). Coffee and your health all about coffee. Retrieved  21 March, 2014 from http://www.coffeeandhealth.org/all-about-coffee.

Ker, J., Edwards, P.J., Felix, L.M., Blackhall, K., & Roberts, I. (2010). Caffeine for the prevention of injuries and errors in shift workers. Cochrane Database Systematic Review, 12(5).

Lucas, M., Mirzaei, F., Pan, A, Okereke, O.I., Willett, W.C., O’Reilly, E.J., Koenen, K., & Ascherio, A. (2011). Coffee, caffeine, and risk of depression among women. Arch Intern Med, 171, 1571-8 doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.393.

Michaelis, K. (2010) How to end your coffee addiction. Retrieved 27 January, 2015 from http://www.foodrenegade.com/how-to-end-your-coffee-addiction/

Schmitt, J.A., Benton, D., & Kallus, K.W. (2005). General methodological considerations for the assessment of nutritional influences on human cognitive functions. European Journal of Nutrition, 44, 459-464.

World Health Organisation. (1990). International classification of diseases—10 classification of mental and behavioral disorders: diagnostic criteria for research. World Health Organization: Geneva.