Hemophilia...Please learn!

Today we'll be looking at HEMOPHILIA, which interestingly is something me myself just heard about...

Hemophilia, the commonest hereditary bleeding disorder, arises because of the absence of, decrease in, or deficient functioning of plasma coagulation factor VIII or factor IX. With rare exceptions, exclusively males are affected. This Memorandum summarizes the discussions and recommendations for the prevention and control of haemophilia made by participants at a joint WHO/World Federation of Haemophilia Meeting, held in Geneva on 26-28 March 1990.

CAUSES
Hemophilia is caused by a mutation or change, in one of the genes, that provides instructions for making the clotting factor proteins needed to form a blood clot.  This change or mutation can prevent the clotting protein from working properly or to be missing altogether. These genes are located on the X chromosome. Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY) and females have two X chromosomes (XX). Males inherit the X chromosome from their mothers and the Y chromosome from their fathers. Females inherit one X chromosome from each parent.

Types
There are several different types of hemophilia. The following two are the most common:

• Hemophilia A (Classic Hemophilia)
  This type is caused by a lack or decrease of clotting factor VIII.
• Hemophilia B (Christmas Disease)
  This type is caused by a lack or decrease of clotting factor IX.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs of hemophilia include:

• Bleeding into the joints. This can cause swelling and pain or tightness in the joints; it often affects the knees, elbows, and ankles.
• Bleeding into the skin (which is bruising) or muscle and soft tissue causing a build-up of blood in the area (called a hematoma).
• Bleeding of the mouth and gums, and bleeding that is hard to stop after losing a tooth.
• Bleeding after circumcision (surgery performed on male babies to remove the hood of skin, called the foreskin, covering the head of the penis).
• Bleeding after having shots, such as vaccinations.
• Bleeding in the head of an infant after a difficult delivery.
• Blood in the urine or stool.
• Frequent and hard-to-stop nosebleeds.

  Oya, see prevention below:

1. Get an annual comprehensive checkup at a hemophilia treatment center.
2. Treat bleeds early and adequately.
3. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight to protect your joints.
4. Get tested regularly for blood-borne infections.

Excerpts from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/facts.html

How to BECOME a WIFE MATERIAL

Ok, here's a bit of suggestions I put up on how to BEcome a WIFE MATERIAL...I aint saying everything goes but trust me, following this list can increase you from one yard to around ten yards original wife material. Please see a couple of tips below:

a) BEAUTY: Some people say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" but my sista, nor send dis talk o. I have seen so-called beautiful babes remain single until dem old bcos dem allow d beauty enta dia eye. Sis, pls understand d true meaning of beauty. Beauty mean a good heart with a clean body, SHIKENA! Some babes wan marry, yet dem wicked die (may Oluwa help). U wan marry yet u still dey allow d bush 4 ur armpit & nose dey long? U wan marry yet u nor dey use roll-on & if u pass by, pipu go dey cover nose? Or pipu nor dey gree give u lift 4 inside AC car bcos of ur body odour? Sis, even prayers cannot deliver u 4rm dirtiness. God nor dey like dirty pipu. So go & baff, buy roll-on, cut d bush wey dey under ur armpit & inside ur nostrils, den knee down fire prayer give GOD. HE is able!

b) BE APPROACHABLE: My sister, u dey pray make God give u husband yet anybodi wey approach u, u go jus dey rake. Dis one implies dat u're not well. If u dey find husband, u suppose dey put on smile 4 ur face. Always be ready to help a lost brother (wey dey find street) on the road. GOD go deliver u 4rm gbomo-gbomo pipu!

c) DON'T BE MATERIALISTIC, BE REALISTIC instead:  Once you get materialistic, you become like every other possession a man has which can be used and dumped. Be on the realistic angle of life, take your eyes of material things (cars, money, spendings, shopping) or OJU KOKORO LO MA KPA YE. You'll end up being used and DUMPED, den u go come begin dey talk say "guys are wicked". If d guy nor get car or house or money, comot ur eye 4rm dat one. Look deep inside! Does he have a PLAN? Is he on the right path to achieving his PLAN? How is his personal life? Is he lazy and totally dependent on a fellow man and not on GOD? What is he currently doing now to get to where he wants to get to? Ask Gods to show u things o! Still remember some people are living on borrowed resources, some are doing negative things to drive posh cars and live luxury lives. Be warned or else Oyo lo wa o!

d) GO AND LEARN HOW TO DRESS: My sista, u cannot be looking for a sharp spirit-filled guy and yet u go dey dress like chosen pipu. Please combine good colors, even if u nor get moni Yaba railway dey dia. N5k fit arrange u die. Dont be shy, just go collect one or two Okrika, nobody go know my dear. Buy, pray over am, wash am, use starch arrange am well. Den come start to dey do correct color combo. Our God is a colorfully radiant God.

e) COOKING NKO?: My sistas, guys don tire 2 dey chop Portie wey dem cook (i nor follow sha cos me I be correct chef, I can COOK like dat mate), so go and learn how to cook. Atleast, u suppose fit arrange atleast 5local soups including Oha, Gbegiri, Eforiro, Edikaikong & most importantly Eguisi soup. Around 75% of the male population 4 naija dey chop Eguisi soup. Den atleast, learn stew, fried rice, jellof rice, Yam & beans and some small chop things. Guys nor get wahala but once hunger dey beat dem & food nor dey, na serious wahala. If u nor sabi cook, just knw say d guy wen una marry, d guy go dey look somewhere to satisfy hin belle.

f) DOMESTICATION NKO?: Sistas, atleast if not anything, u suppose sabi how 2 keep d house clean na without d help of a househelp to start with. Guys hate dirty homes even though they demselves could be dirty sha. 4 those wey nor sabi, please go & learn how to wash plates, toilet, clothes etc (4get ur nails o). Either u keep your house clean and bone your nails or you keep your nails and forget your home.

g) LEARN A TRADE: Great men love to see their women do great things. So learn a trade and start getting at it, executing (no matter how small; buns making, beads, trading, whatever). Makes you his superwoman. U nor say guys sabi boast about their wives ("oh, my wife does beads", "Oh, my wife sells cars", "Oh, my wife trades BLA BLA BLA")

h) LEARN TO TAKE CARE OF THINGS: Especially your man's things. Once you take care of your husband's things, he'll take care of yours.

i) BE TRUE TO YOURSELF: This is the most important of all. Nobody fit tell u d kain truth wey u go tell ursef. Sit down and ask yourself certain questions. Carryout a self examination of your past, present and future activities. Are you progressing or retrogressing? Are you an Akpiri Ogologo (LONGER THROAT)? Cut your clothe according to your cloth! Don't borrow to live large as you can never be larger than you creditor! Check yourself before you wreck yourself!


Ok, presently, I am completely exhausted for now (if una get any other one, make una add). Finally I pity those babes wey go dey die for Celebs and entertainers. My sista, wake up! Those pipu nor send u, if u reach dia side go fall, dem go jus sleep wit u, do like say dem nor know u 4 morning. It's totally disgusting when I see matured women who should have embraced reality saying "Oh, I just love 2face or Psquare or Wizkid"! Crap! Wake up and smell the coffee! Snap back to reality...Don't bone Obinna bcos u wan go see Psquare for Oriental hotel o! Small Obinna of today may be a top shot tomorrow!

Enjoy dis one until I get inspiration to drop something new! Have a great month ahead!

Cholera: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Ok, here's another one...Cholera's been tearing our community up recently, so I thought to reveal certain causes, symptoms and preventive measures...trust me, I go break am down wella!

CHOLERA is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea , which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

The disease is most common in places with poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine. Common locations include parts of Africa, south Asia, and Latin America. If you are traveling to one of those areas, knowing the following cholera facts can help protect you and your family.

Cholera Causes

Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found in food or water contaminated by feces from a person with the infection. Common sources include:

• Municipal water supplies
• Ice made from municipal water (Ice Block thingz)
• Foods and drinks sold by street vendors (Mama put dem)
• Vegetables grown with water containing human wastes (Ugwu, Water leaf, Eforiro dem)
• Raw or undercooked fish and seafood caught in waters polluted with sewage (Ejanla thingz)

When a person consumes the contaminated food or water, the bacteria release a toxin in the intestines that produces severe diarrhea. It is not likely you will catch cholera just from casual contact with an infected person (una dey hear?).

Cholera Symptoms (abeg, make una read dis one well o)

Symptoms of cholera can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as five days after infection. Often symptoms are mild. But sometimes they are very serious. About one in 20 people infected have severe watery diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Although many infected people may have minimal or no symptoms, they can still contribute to spread of the infection.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Loss of skin elasticity (the ability to return to original position quickly if pinched)
• Dry mucous (small english, abeg check ur pikin biology textbook)  membranes, including the inside of the mouth, throat, nose, and eyelids
• Low blood pressure
• Thirst
• Muscle cramps

If not treated, dehydration can lead to shock and death in a matter of hours.

Cholera Treatment and Prevention

Although there is a vaccine against cholera, the CDC and World Health Organization don't normally recommend it because it may not protect up to half of the people who receive it and it lasts only a few months. However, you can protect yourself and your family by using only water that has been boiled, water that has been chemically disinfected, or bottled water. Be sure to use the bottled, boiled, or chemically disinfected water for the following purposes:

• Drinking
• Preparing food or drinks
• Making ice
• Brushing your teeth
• Washing your face and hands
• Washing dishes and utensils that you use to eat or prepare food
• Washing fruits and vegetables (u suppose also boil all ur ugwu dem)

Nor 4get ur EJANLA, if u wan chop am, make sure say u cook am well o! Incase d symptoms continue, try see ur dokita o, den u fit come dey use prayer dey support am!

Very soon, we go jam again!

As i nor be dokita, I collect info 4rm: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cholera-faq

Tips on how to prevent Glaucoma

Ok, was sniffing around and stumbled on some "Glaucoma Thingz" lolz...ok, this isn't a laffing matter sha, just read on, you can save a life...please remember say some people nor know dis things so u gas explain o...abeg MAKE UNA DROP COMMENT TOO NA, HABA. SOME OF UNA GO JUST READ WITHOUT EVEN ENCOURAGING SOMBORRY SEF!

GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and belongs to a group of eye diseases that damage your optic nerve, leading to vision loss. In its early stages, glaucoma may produce no symptoms at all, and it’s estimated that half of the more than 4 million Americans with glaucoma do not even realize they have it...omo, we nor get statistics for naija sha, if not i for quote sontin...

Ok, let's get back...


Because the vision loss caused by glaucoma comes on so gradually, it is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” Often, it’s not until the disease is at an advanced stage that the related vision loss becomes apparent, and by then your sight may suffer permanent damage. This is why it’s so important to take steps now to help protect your vision, even if your eyesight is normal...omo, neva tire o, more still dey show...
 
What Causes Glaucoma?
The underlying causes of glaucoma are not completely understood, but typically the damage it does to your optic nerve is related to increased pressure in your eye. The pressure typically comes from a buildup of pressure from the aqueous humor, the watery fluid that is naturally present in your eyeball (una nor dis one na)
.
In a healthy eye, the fluid is regularly drained, however in those with glaucoma the drainage system doesn’t work properly, so the fluid gradually builds up in your eye, causing increased pressure. Over time, the increased pressure causes nerve fibers that are essential to vision to die. Though less common, glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure is normal. It appears some people’s optic nerves may be sensitive to normal levels of eye pressure, or the glaucoma may be related to problems with blood flow to your eye, which may be caused by atherosclerosis -- the accumulation of plaques in your arteries (omo, hope say una dey get am)-- or another circulation problem.

In the most common type of glaucoma, open-angle (chronic) glaucoma, side (peripheral) vision is usually affected first. In the later stages, glaucoma can lead to “tunnel vision,” where you can only see straight ahead, and can eventually lead to blindness. The symptoms are gradual and come on very slowly, so you may not realize your vision is being impacted until much later stages. About 10 percent of those with glaucoma have what’s called angle-closure (acute) glaucoma, and in these cases a sudden rise in eye pressure can cause...i hope say una don learn one thing here now. Oya, see preventive steps below...

TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT GLAUCOMA

1. Remember to have a complete eye examination once every 2 years

It is important to get a complete eye exam including an assessment of the optic nerve. In many cases, by the time you notice vision loss glaucoma has been slowly and silently causing irreversible damage...diz thingz fit cost sha, just use proper wisdom take negotiate well...

2. Know your eye pressure and monitor any changes

Damage to the optic nerve is often caused by pressure in the eye that is too high. It is important to know and understand your individual intraocular pressure (IOP) as target pressure may be different for each individual patient (5)...we not dey know dis one for naija. Imagine na, some pipu neva get NEPA lite for long time. Na only God dey save pesin for here na, with all the whole candle, pesin go dey put pressure for hin eye wella!

3. Take your medication as your doctor instructs

Glaucoma is a lifelong condition. In order to achieve the best treatment outcome, it is crucial to take your medication as directed by your eye doctor, dont self medicate o or else OYO lo wa!

4. Know your risk factors for Glaucoma

• Over the age of 45 years Family History of Glaucoma (hereditary)...God fit change ur genes sha!
• High Intraocular pressure (IOP) Marked Nearsightedness
• African, Asian or Hispanic heritage

5. Visit an eye doctor to ensure your eye condition is identified early and appropriately managed

If you think you are at risk of glaucoma, early diagnosis could help make sure you have the best chance of maintaining your vision. If you have already been diagnosed with glaucoma, appropriate treatment is important to help prevent the eye condition from progressing further...as you dey do dis one, dey use prayer dey fire am in...God power na ogbologbo power o!

6) Take a lot of Vitamin A rich foods: Foods like palm oil and carrot contains a whole lot of Vit A...good things say these thingz nor cost, atleast dem neva begin dey brand palmoil (ibo boys, take note...una fit make money from branded palm oil. Check out this one - Nkiruka Pure Palm Oil enriched with Vit A) *winks*. Oya, carry go jor!

Thanks for reading, you all know without google, i 4 nor fit dey get all these things bah? LOL...Dr Roy

Excerpts from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/03/31/Six-Natural-Strategies-to-Stop-Glaucoma-from-Robbing-You-Blind.aspx and http://www.ncbi.ie/information-for/eye-health-and-eye-care/eye-conditions/glaucoma/glaucoma-awareness-week/tips-to-help-manage-glaucoma-and-prevent

Till next time...hugs!

10 foods to boost your brainpower

Before you read, please understand you may not find all of these around. Just look for the one that best suits your environment sha! Enjoy...

Eating well is good for your mental as well as your physical health. The brain requires nutrients just like your heart, lungs or muscles do. But which foods are particularly important to keep our grey matter happy?

1. Opt for wholegrains

Like everything else in your body, the brain cannot work without energy. The ability to concentrate and focus comes from the adequate, steady supply of energy - in the form of glucose in our blood to the brain. Achieve this by choosing wholegrains with a low-GI, which release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, keeping you mentally alert throughout the day. Opt for 'brown' cereals, wheatbran, granary bread and brown pasta...abeg, just find better wheat bread...nor stress yourself too much!

2. Eat oily fish

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through diet. The most effective omega-3 fats occur naturally in oily fish as EPA and DHA. Good sources include linseed (flaxseed) oil, soya bean oil, pumpkin seeds, walnut oil and soya beans. They are good for healthy brain function, the heart, joints and general wellbeing. Oily fish contains EPA and DHA in a ready-made form, which enables the body to use it easily. The main sources of oily fish include salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, pilchards and kippers. Low DHA levels have been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and memory loss...dis one plenty for everywhere na!

3. Binge on blueberries

Evidence accumulated at Tufts University in the United States suggests that the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short term memory loss. Widely available, so there's no excuse...we nor get dis one for naija o! Maybe you can check Shoprite or any of the hypermarkets sha!

4. Eat more tomatoes

There is good evidence to suggest that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's...try buy better big tomato for Mile 12 market or any local market around, e nor hard to find!

5. Add vitality with vitamins

Certain B vitamins - B6, B12 and folic acid - are known to reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. A study of a group of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment found that after two years of intervention with high doses of B6, B12 and folic acid there was significantly less brain shrinkage compared to a subset given placebo treatment...GNLD, Forever living etc dem dey find pipu wey go buy sha! Incase u nid, holla at me!

6. Get a blackcurrant boost

Vitamin C has long been thought to have the power to increase mental agility. One of the best sources of this vital vitamin are blackcurrants...Ribena *smiles*

7. Pick up pumpkin seeds

Just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills...tah, dis one nor dey around here!

8. Bet on broccoli

A great source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower...omo, on to the next one!

9. Sprinkle on sage

Sage has long had a reputation for improving memory and although most studies focus on sage as an essential oil, it could be worth adding fresh sage to your diet too...una know dis one?

10. Go nuts

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that a good intake of vitamin E might help to prevent cognitive decline, particularly in the elderly. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E along with leafy green vegetables, asparagus, olives, seeds, eggs, brown rice and wholegrains...Ekpa things...cashew sef make sense!

Brainpower supplements

Although research linking diet and dementia is still in its infancy, there are a few important relationships between nutrients and brain health that are worth exploring. Having a nourishing, well rounded diet gives our brain the best chance of avoiding disease. If your diet is unbalanced for whatever reason, you may want to consider a multivitamin and mineral complex and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to help make up a few of the essentials. If you are considering taking a supplement it is best to discuss this with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional...

Excerpts from http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-foods-boost-your-brainpower 

 

Best foods to eat while pregnant

Ok, I have come again with some refreshing tips on what to eat during pregnancy. I am not a doctor but atleast I get finger, laptop, internet and time to do small research, post something na! Abeg, make una clap for me...ok, just kidding.

Guess boredom or something forced me into researching...did I mention I'm currently in Enugu on some small something, will be leaving back to base today sha!

Though women have huge appetites during pregnancy, craving things like "Pepper Soup", "Sharwama", "Ice Cream", "Chocolates", "Asun" etc, husbands should do all within their means to advise their wives on eating these foods. Now, check them out:

1. Avocados: Loaded with folic acid (vital to forming your baby's brain and nervous system), potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 (which not only helps baby's tissue and brain growth, but may also help with your morning sickness), avocados are a delicious way to get your vitamins. Spread some ripe avocado on your whole grain roll as a healthy substitute for mayo. Keep in mind that avocados are high in fat (though the very good kind) and calories, so heap them on your plate only if you're having trouble gaining weight.
2. Broccoli: America's favorite cruciferous vegetable, packed with plenty of vitamins A and C, with a calcium bonus (better to build those baby bones with), as well as baby-friendly folic acid. Toss into pasta or casseroles, stir-fry with seafood or chicken, serve steamed (with or without a vinaigrette), or dunk in dip.(I neva see dis one for Naija b4 sha)
3. Carrots: What's up, Doc? Here's what: Carrots are tops when it comes to vitamin A, so important for the development of your baby's bones, teeth, and eyes. They're perfect for munching on the go, but they also shred neatly into almost anything (from salads to meatloaf to cakes to muffins). Carrots are also a good source of vitamins B6 and C, and fiber to keep things movin'.
4. DHA eggs: The old egg is still a good egg, delivering a low-calorie, high-protein punch in a tasty little bundle. But here's news: Science now lets us scramble, fry, or boil better eggs, naturally loaded with DHA, one type of omega-3 fatty acid (the "good fat") that is a primary component of the brain and retina, and is essential for brain development and eye formation in the fetus. Plus, they taste just like the eggs you've always loved.(wetin b dis one, abeg make una research further o)
5. Edamame: These green pods are actually cooked soybeans — and they taste so much better than they sound. Packed with protein, calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A and B, edamame can be scooped up by the handful as a snack (salt them lightly, and you'll never miss the chips), or tossed into just about anything you're cooking, from soups, to pasta, to casseroles, to succotash, to stir-fry. They also make a gas-free stand-in for beans. So don't forget the edamame, Mommy.(abeg who don hear dis one b4. I b bushman sha)
6. Lentils: Branch into beans for folic acid and protein, vitamin B6, and iron. Lentils are the most intestine (and spouse) friendly legume and readily absorb a variety of flavors from other foods and seasonings.(make una nor fall my hand 4 dis one, atleast I mysef knw am)
7. Mangoes: Sweet revenge for any vegetable avoider, mangoes contain more vitamins A and C bite for delicious bite than a salad. This tropical favorite, also packed with potassium, is especially versatile, a perfect complement to sweet and savory dishes. Blend it into smoothies or soups, chop it up in salsas or relishes, simply scoop and enjoy.(dem many for Naija - Opioro mango na d best)
8. Nuts: Nuts are chock-full of important minerals (copper, manganese, magnesium, selenium, zinc, potassium, and even calcium) and vitamin E. And even though they're high in fat, it's mainly the good-for-you kind. So in a nutshell, go nuts with nuts (in moderation if you're gaining quickly, liberally if you're gaining slowly) and toss them into salads, pasta, meat, or fish dishes, and baked goods.
9. Oatmeal: Here's good reason to feel your oats (and eat them often). They're full of fiber, the B vitamins, and iron and a host of other minerals. Fill your breakfast bowl with them, but don't stop there. You can add oats — and all their nutritional super powers — to pancakes, muffins, cakes, cookies, even meatloaf.
10. Red pepper: A super-source of vitamins A and C, with plenty of B6 in the bargain, a red pepper is one of nature's sweetest ways to eat your vegetables. Enjoy their sweet crunch as a crudité, with or without dip (they make the perfect take-along snack). Chop them into salsa, slice them into stir-fries and pasta dishes, or roast or grill them (with a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon) and serve them up in sandwiches, salads, or antipastos.
11. Spinach: Rich in folic acid, iron (which you need for all those blood cells, Baby!), vitamin A, and calcium, spinach now comes completely ready to eat in prewashed bags (free of sand). Eat it raw, in a salad (especially one with almonds and mandarin oranges), or as a wilted bed for fish or chicken, or layered in lasagna. (abeg, dis one dey confuse me. E dey Naija?)
12. Yogurt: Cup for cup, yummy yogurt contains as much calcium as milk — but it's packed with protein and folic acid too. Blend it with fruit into satisfying smoothies, layer with granola in a breakfast parfait, use it as a low-calorie substitute for sour cream or mayo in sandwich fillings, dips, and salad dressings, or simply spoon it out of the carton (no matter where you're headed today, a container of yogurt's always easy to find). And here's another reason to find culture: The active cultures in yogurt (also known as good bacteria) can prevent stomach upset, as well as yeast infections.(abeg na cup yogurt o, nor be Fan Yogo wey water full inside) 

Ok, una don hear now...abeg pass this information.

I'll try and dig up more info and post sha when i get time! See ya!

Foods to avoid during pregnancy

Long time my avid readers...Chai!

Was nosing around the internet and found the following information which could be useful to anyone around you who's pregnant. Truth is, you actually don't need to be a doctor to get, use, apply or help anyone around you with this information. So just sit back relax and enjoy:


There are some foods women should avoid during pregnancy because they can cause food poisoning or even harm the unborn baby. Please see below:

a) Cheese: Avoid:

• mould-ripened soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert and others with a similar rind this includes mould-ripened soft cheese made with goats’ milk
• soft blue-veined cheeses, such as Danish blue, gorgonzola and roquefort

Cheeses like this are made with mould and can contain listeria bacteria that cause listeriosis. Although an infection with listeria is rare, even a mild form of this infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or severe illness in a newborn baby.

b) Eggs: Avoid raw or undercooked eggs and any foods that contain them, such as homemade mayonnaise. Make sure that eggs are thoroughly cooked until the whites and yolks are solid. This prevents the risk of salmonella food poisoning.

c) Milk: Do not drink raw (unpasteurised) milk, including unpasteurised goats’ or sheep’s milk or any food that is made out of them, such as soft goats’ cheese. If only raw or green-top milk is available, boil it first.

d) Meat: Do not eat raw or undercooked meat. Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly so there’s no trace of pink or blood. Take particular care with sausages and minced meat. Some countries advise pregnant women not to eat cold meats (for example, salami, chorizo and parma ham) or smoked fish because of the risk that the food may contain listeria bacteria. In the UK, pregnant women are not advised to avoid these foods because the risk of infection is so low. However, if you’re concerned, you may choose to avoid them.

e) Liver: Avoid liver or liver products, such as liver pâté or liver sausage, as they may contain a lot of vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can harm your baby.

 f) Vitamin A: Don’t take:

• high-dose multivitamin supplements
• fish liver oil supplements 
• any supplements containing vitamin A

g) Fish: There are some types of fish you should limit, such as tuna and oily fish, and some types of fish you should avoid completely, such as shark. Also, don’t eat raw shellfish, as it can cause food poisoning.

h) Alcohol: You should avoid drinking alcohol if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Too much exposure to alcohol can seriously affect your baby's development...make I add cigar too though nor be food sha! lol

i) Caffeine: You should limit caffeine during pregnancy - avoid having more than 200mg of caffeine a day. High levels of caffeine can cause babies to have a low birth weight. Too much caffeine can also cause a miscarriage. Caffeine is found naturally in some foods and is added to some soft drinks.

j) Reducing the risk of toxoplasmosis: Wash fruit, vegetables and salads to remove all traces of soil, which may contain toxoplasma, a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis

Now, let's flip the script. Here are some foods you should eat when pregnant...Okay, in order to make this less boring, I'll put this up in my next post.

Please pass this message on o!