Can a woman in her 50s become pregnant?

Unbelievable but true. However, this is unlikely to occur naturally. In Vitro fertilization techniques make this possible. According to Dr Allan Pacey from UK’s Sheffield University in an interview with BBC, it is “certainly possibly for women in their 70s to become pregnant if IVF donor eggs from a younger woman are used, but there are dangers to the health of the mother and the baby “. In 2013, an Indian woman in her 70s made headlines when you gave birth to a child for the first time. This occurred after decades of infertility. Although, she nearly died from major complications after delivery, she is determined to live long enough to care for her only child.

Can a man have pregnancy symptoms?

Unbelievable but true. This is known as Couvade syndrome, sympathetic or phantom pregnancy. It is also called pregnant dad syndrome because it occurs in men whose wives are expecting a baby. In this condition, the man has features of an expectant mother such as weight gain, early morning nausea, and craving. This occurred to Harry Ashby, whose girlfriend was expecting a baby in 2014. Harry also had a bulging stomach and breasts. His morning sickness was so severe that he had been given time off work! In another interesting case, William Bennet reported pregnancy symptoms every time his spouse or daughters got pregnant. By the age of 79years, he had become ‘pregnant’ 30 times! The doctors observed that his abdomen expanded more when more than one family member was pregnant. This condition has been reported to occur more in men that are emotionally sensitive or prone to distress. It appears that this condition is less likely to occur in Africa where displays of feminine traits by men are not encouraged.

Can twins have two different fathers?

Unbelievable but true. It has been reported that up to 1 out of every 400 sets of twins have two fathers. How can this happen? Although most women release one egg during ovulation, some release two or more healthy eggs. If the same woman that has released two or more viable eggs has unprotected sex with two different eggs, she may eventually deliver twins with two fathers! It is due to Superfecundation. It may also occur during fertility treatments if the husband eventually succeeds while artificial insemination has occurred. Because it is not so common, do not begin to assume that twins that look completely different have two fathers. There are other reasons for having twins that are completely different, so do not be quick to judge.

Can a woman become pregnant while she is already pregnant?

Unbelievable but true. Imagine giving birth twice within a few weeks because the babies are just a separated by a few weeks and reach full term at different times. The condition is called Superfetation. It occurs when the woman releases another egg which may become fertilized if sexual activity continues during pregnancy. According to reports, only 10 cases have been documented. For example, in 2011, Julia Grovenburg had two babies (NOT twins) that were conceived two and half weeks apart. It is possible to detect these during ultrasound scans. Therefore, the medical team has ample time plan delivery ahead of time. Because of possible complications, most pregnancies involving such babies are terminated when the older child is term. The younger sibling is managed as premature birth. If you have seen ‘twins’ who appear to be significantly different in terms of maturity at birth, superfetation is a possible explanation.

Pregnancy is a challenging, unpredictable but desirable part of life. No two pregnancies are exactly alike from conception, through labour and delivery. Therefore, it is easy for to conclude that one has had an unusual experience pregnancy. Nevertheless, some stories about pregnancies are easier to believe than others. So, before you conclude your experience was bizarre, consider these unbelievable but true things about pregnancy.



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/unbelievable-pregnancy/

Six Unbelievable But True Things About Pregnancy You Should Know

Pregnancy is a challenging, unpredictable but desirable part of life. No two pregnancies are exactly alike from conception, through labour and delivery. Therefore, it is easy for to conclude that one has had an unusual experience pregnancy. Nevertheless, some stories about pregnancies are easier to believe than others. So, before you conclude your experience was bizarre, consider these unbelievable but true things about pregnancy.


Source: http://www.healthx24.com/unbelievable-pregnancy/

Is there any cure?

Currently there is no cure for migraine. Treatment is geared towards preventing an attack and also seeking relief from the symptoms if it occurs.

What are the preventive methods?

Adequate sleep
Avoidance of foods and medications that can trigger migraine
Regular exercise
Stress management
Are there medications?

Over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol are very helpful in managing mild to moderate cases. Also, antiemetic and specific anti-migraine medications have been shown to reduce symptoms during an attack. However, some drugs are also helpful in preventing an attack.

Have you ever experienced headache that is recurrent, excruciating, throbbing, confined to one side, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, eye pain and hinders daily activities? If this is the case, you are likely to be dealing with a migraine. If so, consider seeing your doctor for further assessment and treatment.


Source: http://www.healthx24.com/migraines-causes-symptoms-treatment/

What causes migraines?

Although the cause of migraines is poorly understood, it is believed that an individual stands a chance of having a migraine if a family member has it. Are there agents or conditions that precipitate migraine? The answer is yes.

What are the common triggers? According to Mayo Clinic, these are:

Hormonal changes in women-This is one reason migraine is commoner in women. The headaches or attacks may occur immediately before or during their periods
Foods-Certain foods trigger migraines. It is important to identify such food to reduce frequency of attacks. Examples of common foods that trigger attacks are aged cheeses, salty and processed foods
Skipping meal/fasting
Stress. Stress at work or home
Drinks- Alcohol especially wine, coffee and highly caffeinated beverage drinks also called energy drinks.
Physical factors- Intense physical exertion, including sexual activities.
Medications-Oral contraceptives.
Changes in sleep-wake pattern- Missing sleep or getting too much sleep
How is migraine diagnosed?

Migraine is a diagnosis of exclusion. In other words, other likely causes of headache must have been ruled out. The diagnosis is majorly from the description of the headache; nature, severity, frequency, duration and associated symptoms.

What are the common features of migraines?

Intense headaches usually in one side of the head-This is one of the main symptoms. The headaches may also affect both sides of the head. Although, headaches typically occur in migraine, this may not be so all the time.

Nausea
Vomiting
Increased sensitivity to light and sound – which explains the preference of people with a migraine quiet, dark places
Difficulty in concentration,
Feeling very hot or very cold
Stomachache
How common is migraine?

A headache is a general symptom you may have experienced at one time or other in our lives, though it varies in nature and severity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) a review of global data found migraine to be one of the most common health disorders. Half to three quarters of adults aged 18–65 years in the world have had headache in the last year and, among those individuals, 30% or more have reported migraine. It is the most frequent cause of headache consultations in the several countries. Over 20% of any population worldwide report symptoms of migraine. In majority of individuals, these symptoms often begin in childhood or adolescence.

When headaches become recurrent, many persons often wonder if this could be migraine. How do I tell if I have migraine? They ask. Since migraines are common causes of painful and disabling headaches, it is helpful to know more about this health condition. Have you ever wondered if your headaches are due to migraines? What signs and symptoms should you look for? What are the common triggers? Can it be treated? Consider answers to these frequently asked questions about migraines.

How can You tell if you have migraines?

According to experts, the common features of migraines occur before, during and after each attack of migraine. The aura lasts a few minutes to an hour, the attack may be up to 3 to 4 hours. If untreated, this may last up to 3 days. A person may experience unpleasant effects up to 24 hours after treatment.

People who have migraines experience some warning signs signifying that they are about to have an attack. These signs are called aura. Only one in three persons with migraine experiences an aura.

The aura of migraine includes:

Eye symptoms- flashes
Dizziness
Abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling sensations
Speech difficulty


Source: http://www.healthx24.com/migraines-causes-symptoms-treatment/

Olufunmilayo Olopade has contributed significantly to increased understanding of breast cancers in blacks. She is a Walter L. Palmer Distinguished professor, professor of human genetics and Associate Dean for Global health who discovered the link between a some specific cancer genes and breast cancer in African and African-American women. She found that these breast cancer genes BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 were quite common in blacks and may partly explain the severity of cancers in them. She went on to pioneer the setting up of Cancer risk clinics where women with specific risk factors could go to ascertain if they have these genes. She has received thousands of dollars to fund these projects in the United States and Nigeria.
Sandra Musujusu (Sierra Leone)
Sandra Musjusu is a student of the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja , actively involved in developing innovative treatments for breast cancer. She is currently working on the use of bio-degradable polymer material to treat the most malignant form of breast cancer common in African women. Recently, a 16 year old boy found an innovative way of transforming breast cancer into a more treatable form.
Happily, Sandra’s research has received a lot of interest from the scientific world lately. She recently secured funding through the African centres of Excellence program established by was announced by the World Bank. Hopefully, she would make a breakthrough in the fight against cancer.
Breast cancer is still the commonest cancer among women globally. According to the World Cancer research Fund, 1.7 million new cases of breast cancers are seen yearly. Currently, Nigeria has the third highest number of breast cancer related deaths globally. This is partly because most women prevent late to the hospital


http://www.healthx24.com/aficans-fight-against-cancer/

Dr Samuel Achifelu is the chief optical radiology laboratory, Washington University School of medicine. He leads a team radiologist and biomedical engineers developing a “cancer goggles.” A special type of goggles that would make it easier for surgeons to easily identify cancer cells while operating patients in the theatre. Surgeons inadvertently leave cancers cells behind which often results in relapse. At other times they decide to cut off healthy tissue in other to reduce margin of error. The decision to remove the breast has a huge emotional impact on women.
According to him in an interview with The Cable, ‘I want to play a role in eradicating cancer or making it a manageable disease. Toward this goal, we have developed a new approach to kill cancer cells, independent of the cancer type”.
The research will be funded by a Breast Cancer Research Program Distinguished Investigator Award, from the U.S. Department of Defense- a $4.5 million grant.
Kevin Naidoo and Jahanshah Ashkani (South Africa)
These two South African Scientists made a breakthrough in cancer research in 2016. Their research focused on early diagnosis of six common cancer types namely breast cancer, colon, lung, kidney, ovarian and brain. They found that cancers have specific gene expressions which suggest that specialised treatments are needed. They are currently working on cheap, effective ways of determining specific gene expression for breast cancer, which is the commonest cancer in women worldwide.
Olufunmilayo Olopade (Nigeria)

The fight against cancer is considered one of the most challenging worldwide. Africans are involved in developing innovative ways to fight cancers which contribute significantly to the burden of ill health Worldwide. From understanding cancers, to early detection prevention and treatment, Africans are playing a key role in the fight against cancers. In the midst of several claims of cancer breakthrough, we highlight the stories of 5 Africans leading the fight against cancer.
Samuel Achifelu (Nigeria)


Source: http://www.healthx24.com/aficans-fight-against-cancer/

Carl Ikeme’s diagnosis of acute leukaemia has understandably generated reactions from fans and well-wishers alike. According to the club, he will commence chemotherapy-the main form of treatment-immediately. Thomas an, ex-Footballer who won the battle against leukaemia offered these words:

It took me back to when I was diagnosed. I know exactly what he’s going through, it’s a painful period over the next few weeks getting all the information. I just wish him and his family well.


Hopefully, with adequate treatment and support from family members, friends and fans, Carl Ikeme would overcome this life threatening condition.

http://www.healthx24.com/acute-leukaemia/

What is Leukaemia?

Leukaemia refers to the cancer of the blood cells. In this condition, blood cells reproduce abnormally, disrupting the important functions of the blood. It may affect red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. All these cells play a critical role in our survival. Red cells nourish the tissues, white cells are the body’s defenders in fighting infection and platelets prevent bleeding by forming clots.

Nigerians and other fans of Super Eagles’ first choice goal keeper were shocked and saddened to receive the news of Carl Ikeme’s diagnosis of Acute Leukaemia this month. According to a statement released by his club, Wolverhampton, the 31 year old was found to have some abnormal blood tests during routine pre-season investigations. Sadly, further tests showed he had acute leukaemia, an unusual but serious type of blood cancer. What do you know about this health condition? How common is acute leukaemia? Can it be prevented? What treatment options are available? Let’s consider some frequently asked questions about leukaemia.

Source: http://www.healthx24.com/acute-leukaemia/

Got any other suggestions on reducing the failure of contraceptives? Let's have it here!

How can I prevent birth control pills from failing?

The failure rate of birth control pills can be reduced by adhering to some of the instructions that guide proper use such as:

Do not forget to take the pill daily and make sure you begin at the right time

Do not combine other medication with birth control without checking for drug interactions. For instance, medications for migraine, seizure and some infections (e.g. tuberculosis or meningitis) interfere with the pill making it less effective in preventing pregnancy.

Treat bowel problems promptly because this may affect absorption of the pill

Always take a mini-pill (progestron only pill) at exactly same time daily

http://www.healthx24.com/birth-control-family-planning/

One out of four women become pregnant despite using birth control or family planning methods according to experts in the United Kingdom. In the UK alone, more than 14,000 women that attended family planning clinic became pregnant despite using reliable forms of birth control such as pills or long acting contraceptives.

In many other countries such as Nigeria, the use of contraceptives is also on the rise. Apart from preventing unintended pregnancies in married and unmarried women, the relatively high prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections has led to an increased awareness of the use of contraception in several developing countries.

Nevertheless, improving our understanding of the options available and their effectiveness would help in making an informed choice. So, what should you know about contraceptives? Which is most effective? Why do birth control pills fail? Consider the answers to these important questions about contraceptives or family planning.

Source http://www.healthx24.com/birth-control-family-planning/

At a recent medical conference in Kenya, about 50 delegates had to be hospitalized on account of food borne illness. The sporadic outbreaks of cholera and other food borne illness in developing countries such as Nigeria are a source of concern to several individuals who regularly eat out. Apart from dinning out, many attend parties and conferences where foods prepared by others are served.

Whether you are buying food from a vendor, or eating at parties, the basics of how to eat safely outside the home are the same.

http://www.healthx24.com/health-tips-eat-safely-outside-home/

Before buying meals be sure to consider the following:

Is the environment clean and hygienic?

If the eating area is dirty, that suggests that the kitchen would be worse. Is there a garbage disposal bin nearby? Are there animals in the vicinity? If there are flies all over the place, does that not also suggest that food borne illness are likely to occur? Do you have any doubts about the safety of the food? Do not hesitate to leave.

What is the appearance of the person preparing or serving the food?

If dirty or unkempt, that suggests that the risk of food contamination is high. If the staff of a restaurant is not well cared for, is she more likely to look after your food well? If one of the food handlers, also raises a child that has not been toilet trained within the premises of the eatery, she may also have to change diapers or handle faecal waste while processing food. Without proper hand washing, she may inadvertently put her clients at risk. This is one reason you always need to insist that food items or snacks are not with bare hands.

Sourcehttp://www.healthx24.com/health-tips-eat-safely-outside-home/

Have you ever considered using honey to cough? Many people actively look for natural remedies that provide soothing relief and reduce the distress associated with coughing. In children, coughing can affect sleep and other important activities.

Most people have a viral infection which does not respond well to antibiotics. Rather than buy cough mixtures that may have some unpleasant side-effects, some people prefer natural remedies which compliment other forms of treatment. Honey is one of the most widely used natural remedies for treating cough. It is also one of the natural remedies backed up by scientific studies.

Source: http://www.healthx24.com/honey-cough-remedy/

Death from sepsis or severe infections occurs in commonly in low income countries. Many die in hospitals despite receiving antibiotics and other forms of treatment. Now, a new study has reported that infusing a combination of three cheap medicines- Vitamin C, Vitamin B (thiamine) and steroids- can really reduce the number of deaths from severe infection.


http://www.healthx24.com/three-cheap-medicines-significantly-prevent-death-sepsis-severe-infections-new-study-finds/

How safe is rice to eat? Fresh concerns about how safe is rice to eat were raised following the publication of a new study showing that the levels of arsenic (a carcinogenic metal) in rice may be higher than we think.

The researcher found that previous chemical analyses of rice probably left out some forms of arsenic which may have underestimated the health risks of arsenic in humans.


http://www.healthx24.com/safe-eat-rice/

Are people more likely to commit suicide during recession? Economic recession is an inevitable part of life. Several major economies such as United States, Russia, UK and parts of Europe have experienced recessions in the past. According to financial sources, several countries had serious economic crisis culminating in recessions in 2016. These include Argentina, Nigeria, Venezuela, Greece, Russia, Taiwan and Ukraine.


http://www.healthx24.com/people-really-likely-commit-suicide-recessions/

Have you ever had to apply eye drops? If so, how easy was it? Many people buy eye drops without knowing exactly how to apply eye drops without help from someone else.

Consider the following suggestions from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, and glaucoma foundation:


http://www.healthx24.com/health-apply-eye-drops/

A new study has questioned the decision to allow children to start school earlier than their peers. According to the researchers, children that are younger than their peers when they start school are more likely to develop mental health problems.

The paper titled Examining the psychological and social impact of relative age in primary school children: a cross-sectional survey was published in Child: Care, Health and Development, June ,2017.

http://www.healthx24.com/school-mental-health/

Can someone just develop Epilepsy?
If I see someone with epilepsy having a seizure, what should I do?
In the event of a seizure, when should I take a person with epilepsy to the hospital?
Can Epilepsy go away without treatment?

http://www.healthx24.com/questions-epilepsy/

Epilepsy is a very common health condition. It currently affects 50 million persons worldwide. Most of these occur in developing countries like Nigeria. Yearly, 2.4million persons receive a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Have you ever witnessed a convulsion or seizure? In many cases, the person suddenly falls to the ground, begins to move in a jerky manner and becomes unresponsive to calls during these periods which typically last a few minutes. Some persons bite their tongue and the inside of the mouth. On regaining consciousness, some experience terrible headaches, nausea and body aches. Remarkably, they are unable to what happened prior to the seizure.


http://www.healthx24.com/questions-epilepsy/

A new study has found that an unusual environmental factor possibly contributes to male infertility worldwide. This is exposure to noisy environment especially at night. According to the researchers, sleeping in a noisy environment could reduce the man’s chances of becoming a father.


http://www.healthx24.com/male-infertility-rise/