Lifestyle

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Taking care of your skin during the cold season is very important because the cold weather can cause the skin to become dry, lose its softness, and become rough.

Here are some steps you can follow to take care of your skin during the cold season:

1. Drink Plenty of Water: During the cold season, people often breathe in dry air, which can cause the skin to lose moisture. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated.
2. Use Moisturizer: Make sure to use a moisturizer or lotion that will add moisture to your skin. The moisturizer helps to lock in moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. During the cold season, it is best to choose a long-lasting moisturizer that will work in cold conditions.
3. Avoid Hot Water: Many people use very hot water to bathe during the cold season. However, hot water can lead to skin dryness. It is better to reduce the use of hot water and wash your skin with warm or cool water instead.
4. Use a Humidifier: In the cold season, indoor air can become dry, which further contributes to skin dryness. Using a humidifier helps to add moisture to the air, which helps keep the skin from becoming dry.
5. Take Care of Your Clothing: Cold-weather clothing such as coats, scarves, and gloves are very important. They help protect the skin from cold air that can cause further dryness. Also, make sure that your clothing is comfortable and does not irritate your skin or cause additional dryness.
6. Apply Oils and Skin Care Products: If your skin begins to feel extra dry or unhealthy, you can apply oil or lotion that will reduce roughness and soothe your skin.
7. Avoid Using Harsh Soap: Harsh soaps can dry out the skin, so it is better to use mild soap or soap that does not strip moisture from the skin.
8. Eat Foods Rich in Vegetables and Skin Oils: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E help maintain skin health during the cold season. Vegetables, nuts, and olive oil help repair the skin and keep it soft.Through following the above steps, you can take care of your skin during the cold season and ensure that your skin remains healthy, soft, and well-hydrated.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman,

On November 6, 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) used its public WhatsApp channel to broadcast an important message: “November, or Movember, is Men’s Health Month.”

This month and in the future, men are invited to grow moustaches to promote awareness and initiate discussions about health topics such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. Let’s move from discussion to action!

The message continued, “Women have a role to play, too! Encourage and support the men in your life to take the steps needed to improve their health.” It then provided a web link for more details.

Inspired by this call to action, there was a strong urge to investigate and bring to light diseases peculiar to men. However, a quieter voice suggested pausing to observe the media landscape and assess the awareness campaigns and engagement level.

As November progressed, it became apparent that despite the importance of men’s health, the subject was overshadowed by other significant events, such as World Diabetes Day (November 14), Cervical Cancer Elimination Day (November 17), World Toilet Day (November 19), and Anti-Microbial Resistance Awareness Week (November 18–24).

Men’s Health Awareness Month aims to encourage men to talk about their health and seek support when needed. It focuses on issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention.

Bringing the conversation closer to home, men are disproportionately affected by heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues, yet many adopt a “stiff upper lip” mentality, often choosing to endure symptoms rather than seek help. 

This reluctance is alarming. Globally, men die an average of 4.5 years earlier than women, with 86% of these deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases and injuries, according to a 2019 WHO study.

Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide, with over 1.4 million cases diagnosed in 2020 and an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 30.7 per 100,000 males. In Nigeria, it is the most common cancer among men, accounting for 11–15.1% of all male cancers. 

Between 2009 and 2016, data from 15 cancer registries in Nigeria recorded 4,091 cases, with 80% deemed incurable at diagnosis. This underscores the lack of investment in men’s healthcare.

Mental health is another area plagued by harmful stereotypes and societal expectations. An estimated 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental health disorders. The country ranks fifth globally in suicide rates, with about 15,000 cases per 100,000 people. 

For men, societal pressures to fulfil financial and family responsibilities exacerbate their mental health struggles. Failure to meet these expectations often earns them harsh labels like “irresponsible,” further driving depression.

On the cardiovascular front, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and strokes remain the leading causes of death among men. Occupational hazards also contribute significantly to premature deaths, while lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diets, alcohol consumption, and exposure to interpersonal violence increase health risks.

Risk-taking behaviours and the underutilisation of healthcare services compound men’s health issues, which are consistent across many countries. These trends highlight the importance of leveraging platforms like Men’s Health Month to challenge societal norms and encourage proactive health management.

David Samadi, a world-renowned urologist and prostate cancer expert, aptly observed that “Men’s health is not just about physical health, but also about mental and emotional wellbeing.” His words emphasise that men’s health has far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, their families, and communities.

Although this year’s Men’s Health Awareness Month has ended, the mission does not stop here. Instead, it should mark the beginning of sustained efforts to keep the conversation alive, promote healthy living, and drive awareness year-round.

This is an urgent appeal to individuals, organisations, and policymakers to prioritise men’s health issues and foster environments that encourage men to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment. Together, we can ensure that men’s health receives the attention it deserves.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached at dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli 

The Nigerian healthcare system has long faced challenges that make accessing quality care difficult, especially for the average citizen. Many patients have endured unnecessary struggles during critical moments, from long queues at registration units to delays in retrieving medical records. Tragically, these inefficiencies have, in some cases, led to preventable losses—not just because of late arrivals at hospitals but also due to prolonged registration and file retrieval processes.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi has boldly changed this narrative. Staying true to its vision and mission, the hospital has introduced an innovative e-health system to alleviate these issues. This transformation goes beyond addressing immediate challenges—it sets ATBUTH on a path to becoming a leader in modern, patient-focused healthcare in Nigeria.

ATBUTH has been a symbol of hope for years, offering quality healthcare to countless patients while continuously striving to improve its services. Recognizing the growing needs of modern healthcare, the hospital has embraced advanced digital solutions to revolutionize how it delivers care.

Adopting an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, seamlessly integrated with the eCMDS platform, reflects ATBUTH’s commitment to progress and patient well-being. This transformative step simplifies operations, improves administrative processes, and creates a more compassionate, patient-centred experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

The introduction of e-health at ATBUTH also aligns with a Federal Government policy to digitize public services. This initiative aligns with global trends, ensuring healthcare services are faster, safer, and easier to access. Digitizing patient records, registration, billing, and laboratory results drastically reduces waiting times and makes every interaction smoother.

The EMR system protects patient data from being lost or tampered with, while automated processes close gaps that could lead to fraud or revenue loss. Furthermore, the centralized database enables researchers to access accurate, real-time information, fostering medical advancements. This leap into digitization firmly establishes ATBUTH as a forward-thinking institution ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with leading hospitals in Nigeria and beyond.

Although the implementation of the e-health system has been highly successful, challenges still exist. One of the most pressing issues is network reliability, which can sometimes be unpredictable. However, the hospital’s management is actively working to resolve these issues permanently to ensure uninterrupted services. Unfortunately, specific individuals have also attempted to undermine this initiative by spreading misinformation and discouraging public trust. Such actions disrupt progress and risk undoing the remarkable strides ATBUTH has made in improving healthcare delivery.

Everyone must understand that progress is a journey that moves forward, not backwards. For ATBUTH to maintain its momentum as a leader in healthcare innovation, it needs the collective support of patients, staff, and the public. Adopting the e-health system is not just about modernizing healthcare—it’s about making services more accessible, efficient, and humane.

Despite being a relatively young institution, ATBUTH has achieved remarkable feats rivalling even the country’s most established hospitals. This e-health initiative is a testament to the hospital’s determination to excel and better serve its community.

ATBUTH’s e-health system is more than just a technological upgrade—it is a lifeline for thousands of patients who rely on the hospital for their care. As this digital transformation continues to evolve, the public must embrace and support it wholeheartedly. Together, we can ensure ATBUTH remains a trusted name in healthcare and a symbol of progress in Nigeria’s health sector.

Usman Abdullahi Koli writes from Bauchi.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

Access to quality healthcare remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, particularly for the millions living in rural areas. Despite various initiatives to improve healthcare delivery, rural communities continue to face significant barriers, resulting in poor health outcomes and deepening inequalities in the healthcare system. 

These challenges underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare access. One of the most significant challenges rural communities face is geographical isolation. Many villages and settlements are far from urban centres where most healthcare facilities are concentrated. 

The distance to the nearest hospital or clinic can sometimes span hundreds of kilometres, making timely access to care nearly impossible for many rural residents. This problem is exacerbated during medical emergencies, where every second counts, yet patients must endure long and arduous journeys before reaching medical help.

A chronic lack of healthcare infrastructure plagues Nigeria’s rural areas. Many villages do not have hospitals or clinics; even where facilities exist, they are often under-resourced. Shortages of essential medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel are common, making providing even basic healthcare services difficult. 

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria needs to increase the number of healthcare workers and facilities to meet the growing demands of its population, particularly in underserved rural areas. Poor transportation systems further compound the challenges of accessing healthcare in rural Nigeria. 

The lack of reliable road networks, especially during the rainy season, leaves many rural areas cut off from healthcare services. Sometimes, patients must travel on foot or rely on motorcycles, which may not be suitable for critically ill individuals. 

The absence of affordable public transport options also limits the ability of rural residents to seek medical care, particularly for routine check-ups or preventive healthcare. Financial hardship is another significant barrier. Many rural residents are subsistence farmers or engage in informal sector jobs with little to no stable income. 

As a result, they often cannot afford healthcare services, especially when these are not subsidised. Even when free services are available, hidden costs such as transportation, medication, and unofficial fees can deter people from seeking care.

Cultural beliefs and language differences present additional hurdles for rural communities. In some areas, traditional medicine is preferred over modern healthcare, leading to delays in seeking professional medical attention. Furthermore, healthcare providers unfamiliar with local languages and cultural practices may struggle to communicate effectively with patients, resulting in misunderstandings and mistrust.

The challenges of accessing healthcare in rural areas have far-reaching consequences. One of the most alarming is poor health outcomes, including higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. According to UNICEF, Nigeria accounts for a significant proportion of global maternal deaths, with rural women disproportionately affected due to a lack of access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care.

Delayed treatment is another critical issue. The inability to access healthcare promptly often leads to the progression of diseases to more severe stages, reducing the chances of successful treatment. For example, conditions like hypertension or diabetes, which can be managed with early intervention, often go undiagnosed and untreated in rural areas, leading to life-threatening complications.

Additionally, the economic burden of healthcare is devastating for rural households. The cost of treatment can deplete a family’s savings, forcing them to sell assets or take on debt. This cycle of poverty further entrenches the disparities between urban and rural populations.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Governments and stakeholders must prioritise investment in rural healthcare infrastructure. Building and equipping clinics and hospitals in underserved areas is critical to reducing the geographical barriers rural communities face. Additionally, mobile clinics and telemedicine programs can bring healthcare services closer to people who live in remote locations.

Community-based healthcare programs are another effective solution. Training and deploying community health workers to provide essential services such as immunisations, maternal care, and health education can significantly improve health outcomes. These workers can serve as rural residents’ first point of contact, offering accessible and culturally appropriate care.

Financial support for rural residents is equally important. Subsidising healthcare costs through insurance schemes or direct financial aid can ensure that rural populations can afford essential services without economic hardship. The government’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should be expanded and tailored to adequately cover rural residents.

Finally, addressing cultural and language barriers is essential for fostering trust between healthcare providers and rural communities. Training healthcare workers in cultural sensitivity and local languages can improve communication and encourage more people to seek care. Public health campaigns should also engage community leaders and use culturally relevant messaging to promote modern healthcare practices.

To conclude, the healthcare challenges in rural Nigeria are deeply rooted in geographical, infrastructural, financial, and cultural issues. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. 

Nigeria can take significant steps toward achieving equitable healthcare access for all its citizens by investing in rural healthcare infrastructure, implementing community-based programs, providing financial support, and addressing cultural barriers. Ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for quality healthcare is a moral imperative and a necessary foundation for the nation’s development and prosperity.

Usman Muhammad Salihu was among the pioneer cohorts of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship and wrote in from Jos via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

As the Harmattan season arrives in northern Nigeria, its dry, dusty winds from the Sahara present both beauty and challenges. Lasting from late November to mid-March, this weather phenomenon often worsens respiratory and skin health issues. Medical experts offer essential advice to help individuals protect their well-being during this period of challenges.

In an exclusive interview, Dr Naser Yakubu Ismail, a seasoned medical doctor, shed light on key health risks associated with Harmattan and how to address them effectively.

Respiratory Health: A Key Concern

“The dry air and dust particles characteristic of Harmattan frequently trigger asthma attacks, bronchitis, and allergies,” warned Dr. Naser in a report by The Daily Reality. He stressed the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent respiratory complications during this period.

Skin Issues on the Rise

Beyond respiratory concerns, Harmattan’s low humidity often worsens skin conditions, such as dryness and eczema. “The dry air strips the skin of its natural moisture, leading to irritation and discomfort,” Dr. Naser explained. Those with pre-existing skin conditions may experience heightened symptoms, making proper skincare essential.

Additionally, cold temperatures can pose heightened risks for individuals with sickle cell disease, as they are more susceptible to painful crises triggered by sudden drops in temperature.

Expert-Recommended Preventive Measures

To reduce health risks during Harmattan, Dr. Naser provided several practical tips:

1. Stay Hydrated

“Drinking plenty of water is crucial to keeping both the skin and respiratory system moist,” he advised. Adequate hydration supports skin elasticity and overall respiratory function, lowering the risk of complications.

2. Dress Appropriately

For individuals with sickle cell disease, staying warm is non-negotiable. “Wear layers, including sweaters, hoodies, and socks, to retain body heat,” Dr. Naser recommended. Minimising exposure to extreme cold by staying indoors during frigid weather is also advised.

3. Manage Asthma and Allergies

Asthma patients are particularly vulnerable during Harmattan. Dr. Naser emphasised the importance of identifying and avoiding triggers such as cold air, dust, and pollen. He also encouraged consistent use of prescribed medications and maintaining a dust-free home environment.

4. Combat Dry Skin

Using moisturisers regularly can alleviate skin dryness. “Apply a thick layer of cream or ointment after bathing to lock in moisture and protect the skin,” Dr Naser suggested.

5. Monitor Symptoms

“Be vigilant about health symptoms during this season,” Dr. Naser cautioned. Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, severe headaches, or unusual fatigue should not be ignored. Individuals experiencing these symptoms, especially those with underlying health conditions, should seek prompt medical attention.

A Call for Vigilance and Proactivity

Dr Naser urged the community to prioritise their health during Harmattan. “Stay informed about weather conditions, take preventive measures seriously, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if needed,” he said.

Adhering to these recommendations—staying hydrated, protecting the skin, and prioritising respiratory health—individuals can mitigate the adverse effects of Harmattan. Awareness and proactive measures are essential for ensuring a healthy and safe season for all.

By Anas Abbas

The Naira has declined in value within the parallel market, trading at N1,585 per dollar compared to N1,550 per dollar on Monday. In contrast, the official foreign exchange market reported an appreciation of the Naira, with rates improving to N1,525 per dollar, up from N1,538 per dollar earlier this week.

According to the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) published in the Daily Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the indicative exchange rate for the Naira has strengthened by N13, reflecting a notable shift in the official market.

Figures from FMDQ reveal a significant increase in dollar transactions on the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM). Trading volume surged by 129 per cent to $401.17 million, up from $175.15 million on Monday.

The surge has resulted in a widening gap between the parallel market and the NFEM rate, which has expanded to N60 per dollar from just N12 per dollar at the start of the week.

By Uzair Adam

In a ground-breaking advancement for diabetes diagnostics, Nigeria-born Dr Fahad Usman, an Assistant Professor of Optical Engineering Technology in the United States, has introduced a highly sensitive optical biosensor capable of non-invasive diabetes screening.

Dr Usman’s pioneering work focuses on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor that detects exhaled breath acetone, a key biomarker for diabetes. This innovative approach offers an alternative to traditional blood glucose tests, which are invasive and often painful.

Dr Usman’s research, published in top journals like Results in Physics and Polymers Journal, presents a novel ternary composite material made from polyaniline, chitosan, and reduced graphene oxide. With enhanced electrical conductivity and thermal stability, this material underpins the SPR biosensor, allowing it to detect acetone concentrations as low as 0.88 parts per billion. 

This collaboration with researchers from Malaysia, France, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. addresses the global diabetes crisis. With over 537 million affected worldwide and projections of 783 million by 2045, this innovation promises a significant impact. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 37 million people in the U.S. are affected by diabetes. 

Due to its non-invasive nature, the optical sensor ensures greater accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability and enhances patient compliance. 

Dr Usman’s work represents a significant leap forward in healthcare innovation. It positions the U.S. at the forefront of global scientific advancements.

This technology offers potential beyond healthcare, with broader industrial applications in optical sensing and materials science.

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

In recent times, there has been a disturbing rise in violent crimes perpetrated by loved ones, friends, or neighbours, leaving families and communities devastated. These acts of violence often reveal psychopathic or sociopathic behaviour, underscoring the importance of understanding how to protect oneself from such individuals.

Understanding Sociopathy and Psychopathy

Antisocial personality disorder, commonly known as sociopathy, is a mental health condition where a person consistently disregards right and wrong and shows a lack of empathy toward others. People with this disorder are manipulative, deceitful, and indifferent to the harm they cause. They often engage in impulsive or violent behaviour, violate laws, and struggle with relationships and responsibilities.

Psychopaths are more calculated and egocentric. They lack conscience and empathy, and while they can follow social norms when they benefit them, they typically harbour deep-rooted criminal tendencies. Sociopaths, in contrast, are more volatile and prone to sudden outbursts of anger. While psychopaths can maintain a façade of normalcy, sociopaths struggle to control their emotions and often lead chaotic lives.

Challenges in Societal Protection

In Nigeria, where insecurity has become a significant issue, many citizens feel unsafe. The government’s inability to consistently enforce laws and protect its people has only heightened the risks. For instance, despite the Firearms Act prohibiting the possession of firearms without a license, many criminals are rarely held accountable. Terrorists and other violent offenders often walk free shortly after being arrested, eroding public trust in law enforcement.

One heartbreaking case is that of Christiana Idowu, a Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta student who was abducted and later killed despite her family paying the ransom. Her kidnapper was eventually apprehended after police traced the bank details used for the ransom payment. This tragic incident illustrates the chilling reality of unchecked violence in Nigerian society.

Elsewhere, in Atlanta, 14-year-old Colt Gray shot and killed two students and two teachers at his school, a crime linked to his experience with bullying and parental separation. Such incidents are stark reminders of how mental trauma if left untreated, can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Signs of Sociopathic and Psychopathic Behavior

It is crucial to recognise early signs of mental health issues that could lead to sociopathy or psychopathy. Common symptoms include:

– Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

– Withdrawal from social activities

– Extreme mood swings

– Difficulty concentrating or maintaining focus

– Lack of empathy or remorse

Sociopaths, specifically, tend to:

– Display impulsive, hot-headed behaviour

– Have violent outbursts

– Fail to maintain stable jobs or relationships

– Rationalize their harmful actions despite knowing they are wrong

Psychopaths, on the other hand, often:

– Exhibit cold-hearted, manipulative behaviour

– Maintain a “normal” life to cover up their criminal actions

– Lack of genuine emotional attachments, even in close relationships

Impact of Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or bullying, significantly increases the risk of developing violent or antisocial behaviour. These experiences can disrupt emotional development, impair attachment to others, and lead to aggressive tendencies. If left unaddressed, childhood trauma can manifest in mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia, with potential long-term consequences.

How to Protect Yourself

Given the prevalence of sociopathic and psychopathic behaviour, it is essential to take precautions to safeguard yourself. Below are a few practical steps to consider:

1. Be Aware of Red Flags: Pay attention to signs of manipulation, dishonesty, or indifference to the feelings of others. Sociopaths and psychopaths often use charm to disguise their true intentions.

2. Set Clear Boundaries: Protect yourself by establishing firm personal boundaries. Do not allow people to guilt or manipulate you into actions or decisions you are uncomfortable with.

3. Keep Your Loved Ones Informed: Always share your location and movements with someone you trust. This simple step can go a long way in ensuring your safety and preventing unnecessary panic during emergencies.

4. Trust Your Instincts: If you feel offended by someone’s behaviour or a situation that makes you uncomfortable, trust your gut feelings and distance yourself from the individual or scenario.

5. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the tactics sociopaths and psychopaths use to exploit and manipulate others. The more you know, the better equipped you are to recognise and avoid their toxic influence.

6. Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with trusted friends and family members who can offer guidance and emotional support. A strong support system can provide a buffer against harmful individuals.

Conclusion

In a world where mental health challenges are becoming more apparent, understanding the traits of sociopaths and psychopaths is critical to self-preservation. By staying vigilant, setting clear boundaries, and cultivating supportive relationships, you can protect yourself from their harmful behaviour and ensure a safer, more fulfilling life.

Maimuna Katuka Aliyu wrote via munat815@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Abdullahi

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, commemorates the 32nd International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration worldwide.

On this very special day, several celebrations of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities will take place in different parts of the world, making it a worldwide event. 

However, for others, it is a historic occasion. This may be the first time they celebrate the day; this could be because they have recently joined the community of people with disabilities due to illness, accident, or other reasons.

 Many thanks to former Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari and the individuals involved in the tireless and backbreaking efforts to pass and implement the Disability Bill into Law 2018, which has never been in Nigeria’s history since its independence.

I want to remind us that DISABILITY is not a curse or disease. It is a condition that can be rehabilitated depending on the type of disability one is struggling with. There is always ability in disability. We should not be discouraged!

Thanks to those who, in some way, took time to celebrate with us and the good people of Nigeria and Africa in general for witnessing this special day with us. 

The world stands still for us to salute our courage and fortitude to triumph over challenges we overcame and the ones coming our way. The world celebrates our abilities despite our disabilities.

We live in a world where change has become a constant basis of our individual and collective societies. In this advanced technological modern period, technological wonders appear at regular intervals, and our lives as members of particular societies regarding persons with disabilities are clearly different from those of those without disabilities. This requires inclusion to reshape our community. 

Ending discrimination, injustice, and humiliation against people with disabilities is essential. We should embrace diversity in all its forms. Tolerance and accepting our differences are important; we must be recognized as humans. Let us unite to improve our society, Nigeria. Some scholars say that everyone is disabled in one way or another, and I agree. 

Happy International Day of Persons with Disability, everyone. 

Ibrahim Abdullahi can be contacted via ibrahimbsw23@gmail.com.

By Abdulaziz Bagwai

Between 2012 and 2018, I was a student in the Exchange Student Program at Sani Dingyadi Unity Boys College in Sokoto State. Whenever school resumed, our most cherished moments as junior students were the day school closed, and we left Sokoto for our various states. Our parents would send us food and local transport funds from our state’s education ministry to our hometowns.

As students from Kano, our first junction was always in Gusau, Zamfara State, to eat and pray. That Gusau junction, Lala, was our dream hub. It’s a place that every one of us would anticipate being. The first time I was at Lala, I couldn’t decide what to eat. The myriad delicacies, including those I’d never tasted, were there, and I had the pocket money to afford them—but I ended up eating half-spoilt rice and beans with stew.

A new experience but a different reality

In December 2012, after our first term, while traveling back home, my friends, whom we were seated together in the car, learned from the older students among us that drinking the combo of malt and milk increases blood volume. Seeing them all with tins of malt and peak milk was awkward, and because I was too uninformed as a junior secondary school student to think whether it was true or not, I admittedly found myself craving for the combo. Since then, it has become the norm for my friends and colleagues to buy the combo whenever we pass Lala to or from school, but I have never bought it once.

This article triggered an encounter with a client who brought his sick daughter to a chemist I work for earlier this month. My co-worker examined the patient and decided to send them for two blood tests: malaria’s rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and a pack-cell volume (PCV) because she was both feverish and hungry. Both results confirmed my co-worker’s professional inquiry: RDT reactive, PCV slightly low. When he enquired about my suggestion on the patient’s treatment plan, I told him to necessarily include medicines that would boost the patient’s low, slight blood count.

Upon hearing my suggestion, the man disagreed that no medicine should further be given to his daughter except for malaria. His reason was that this same daughter was anemic sometime in the past, and he denied buying any medicine she was prescribed in the hospital; he purchased for her a few tins of malt and milk, and in a few days, she recuperated. 

While it’s my duty as a community health extension worker to educate community members about helpful and harmful health practices, misinformation, misconceptions, and baseless hearsay, I’ve done my part for my client, who seemed unconvinced.

What a nutritionist had to say about the combo

A July 19, 2021, Punch Newspaper article by Angela Onwuzoo titled “Drinking milk, malt combo won’t boost blood volume” featured Beatrice Ogunba, a professor of public health nutrition at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. I quote the professor saying, “Consuming milk and malt could deliver nutrients to the body because they are fortified with iron, calcium, and vitamins. 

Some malts are also fortified with vitamins, so consuming all these will deliver nutrients to the body, but mixing milk and malt with the notion that it will increase blood volume is unrealistic. There is no scientific evidence for that. I have heard about the mixture, and women primarily consume it. But in terms of delivering iron, I am sure of that because milk has iron.”

However, she urged Nigerians to diversify their foods to get all the nutrients they need to be healthy. She also noted that people vulnerable to anemia should consume iron-rich foods like vegetables and liver.

Hypovolemic or anaemic?

Hypovolemia is a state of abnormally low extracellular fluid (ECF) in the body. It may be caused by a loss of salt and water or a decrease in blood volume. Hypovolemia is the loss of extracellular fluid (ECF) and should not be confused with dehydration. Anemia is a blood disorder in which the blood cannot carry oxygen. It can be caused by a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells, a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin available for oxygen transport, or abnormalities in hemoglobin that impair its function.

While both conditions have different causative factors, in layman’s terms, insufficient blood is present in the body when investigated through a laboratory test. The extremes of both conditions—anemia and hypovolemia, which result from a decrease in blood volume—would require transfusion. 

Furthermore, when both conditions are mild or are in their primary stages, and a doctor decides to prescribe medications, patients or their relatives should understand the reality and abide by the doctor’s rules. So, drinking the combo of malt and milk does not increase blood volume.

Abdulaziz Isah Bagwai is a community health practitioner, journalist, and storyteller. His work has appeared in The Solutions Paper, Brittle Paper, The Daily Reality, Neptune Prime, Opinion Nigeria, and more. He writes from Kano State and can be contacted at aibagwai001@gmail.com.