It’s rush hour after work and a commuter collapses. Do you know what to do before help arrives? Photo by www.testen.no on Unsplash In many Nigerian cities, ambulances take upwards of 9 minutes to arrive, often far longer in rural areas. Yet brain cells die within 4–6 minutes without oxygen. Many believe CPR is “only for doctors” or fear causing harm. In truth, anyone can and should step in. Proper CPR can keep blood flowing to vital organs and save lives. Immediate bystander CPR has been found to double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival A major obstacle for bystanders to carry out CPR is the fear of cracking the victim’s ribs. While rib fractures occur in about 30% of cases when CPR is performed, a broken rib is a small price for saving someone from cardiac arrest.   Core Steps for Adult CPR Check Responsiveness & Call for Help Shake their shoulders, shout “Are you OK?” If unresponsive, contact your local emergency t...

Image by  zhong chen  from  Pixabay In the course of our day-to-day activities, medical emergencies can arise at any time – at work, in kitchens, on crowded buses, or even at roadside markets. Panicking during these situations can lead to mistakes or worse, instituting harmful practices that have been passed down through generations. Administering basic first aid in these emergencies can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a life-threatening outcome for the person involved. Let’s learn what to do before help arrives, and most importantly, what not to do , in order to increase the chances of survival and optimise outcome. 1. Fainting Don’t: Force water into the person’s mouth or slap them; these can cause injury or aspiration. Instead: Lie them flat on their back. Raise their legs above heart level to restore blood flow to the brain. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and waist. Monitor for responsiveness. If they do...

Designed by Freepik Every year on July 28, the world marks World Hepatitis Day, a moment to talk openly about a disease that affects over 300 million people worldwide, yet is often overlooked. This year’s theme, “Let’s Break It Down,” is a powerful call to action. At Orientals Lifesavers Initiative, we believe that awareness is the first step to prevention, and that everyone deserves access to the right information, no matter their background.   What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver. But when caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E, it can become a silent threat damaging the liver over time, sometimes without obvious symptoms. Designed by Freepik Here’s a breakdown of the main types: Hepatitis A & E: Spread through contaminated food or water. Usually short-term. Hepatitis B & C: Spread through blood, sex, or from mother to child. Can lead to long-term liver damage, even cancer. Hepatitis ...

  Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash Every July 25, World IVF Day marks a milestone in reproductive medicine and shines a light on the incredible journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF). From the first “test‑tube baby,” Louise Brown, born on this date in 1978, to the 8 million+ children born worldwide via IVF, this day honours scientific breakthroughs, the dedication of clinical teams, and the unwavering hope of millions of families. On this World IVF Day, join us in understanding what IVF is, how it works, and who it helps.   What Is IVF and Why It Matters In vitro fertilization literally means “fertilization in glass”. Eggs and sperm meet in a laboratory dish instead of inside the body. IVF offers solutions for common causes of infertility. By allowing clinicians to guide fertilization and early embryo development under optimal conditions, IVF bypasses obstacles that may prevent conception and pregnancy.   A Brief History: From Louise Brown to Today On...

Photo by CDC on Unsplash Welcoming a healthy baby into your life is one of parenting’s greatest joys, yet it comes with big responsibilities. One of the most powerful tools you have to protect your child is the immunization schedule. This carefully designed timetable tells you which vaccines your child needs and when to get them, ensuring they’re shielded from serious, preventable diseases at precisely the right moments.   What Is an Immunization Schedule? An immunization schedule is simply a plan that lists all recommended vaccines and the ages at which each dose should be given. Public health experts review decades of research to decide when your baby’s immune system is ready and when disease risk is highest. Different countries have developed their own immunisation roadmap suited to the epidemiology of diseases in the locale. The result is a safe, effective roadmap, endorsed by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), that offers optimal protection at ever...

  Image by  Rainer Maiores  from  Pixabay Welcoming your newborn into the world is pure magic. The joy you get in experiencing those tiny yawns, soft smiles, and the first time you hold them close is simply unmatched. But for first-time parents, this joy often comes with a side of overwhelm: sleepless nights, endless advice, and the urge to get everything right. This piece provides a guide of Do’s & Don’ts to help you navigate those early days with confidence and calm. DO: Nourish & Feed Breastfeeding Basics Feed on Demand: Watch for rooting, lip-smacking, or hands-to-mouth cues. These mean your baby is hungry. Perfect the Latch: A deep latch (baby’s mouth wide, chin touching your breast) prevents soreness and ensures good milk flow. Alternate Breasts: Switch sides each feeding to keep your supply balanced. Formula Feeding Tips Mix Carefully: Follow label instructions exactly. Too much or too little water ...

Designed by freepik Did you know that babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months are up to 50% less likely to develop diarrhoea and pneumonia? Exclusive breastfeeding means giving your baby only breast milk —no water, formula, or solids— for about six months. It’s nature’s perfect first food, packed with everything your child needs to thrive. Why Exclusive Breastfeeding Matters WHO Recommendation: The World Health Organization advises exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods up to two years or beyond. Global Impact: Widespread adoption could save hundreds of thousands of infants lives each year by preventing common infections and chronic diseases. Benefits for Baby Perfect Nutrition: Breast milk delivers the ideal balance of fats, proteins, and vitamins—adjusting its composition as your baby grows. Immunity Boost: Antibodies in breast mi...

  Photo by Iwaria Inc. on Unsplash Pregnancy is a time filled with joy, and sometimes a lot of confusing advice. With so much information floating around, it's hard to know what’s fact and what’s just speculations. In this article, we debunk common pregnancy myths and share the truths backed by science and expert recommendations, so you can feel confident during this special time. Common Pregnancy Myths Myth 1: Eating for Two Means Doubling Your Calories Your body does need more nutrients during pregnancy, but quality matters more than quantity. Focus on a balanced diet full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Myth 2: Morning Sickness Predicts Your Baby’s Gender While it can be uncomfortable, morning sickness is a normal part of many pregnancies and isn’t linked to the baby’s gender. It’s your body’s way of adapting to the changes taking place. Myth 3: Pregnant Women Should Avoid Exercise Staying active, with your doctor’s approval, can...

Photo by Quin Stevenson on Unsplash   Sleep functions in more than just helping us to feel relaxed; it's a necessary process for keeping your brain healthy and sharp. Quality sleep is essential for how well your brain performs on a daily basis, from memory enhancement to creativity.   The Role of Sleep in Brain Function During sleep, your brain doesn’t become inactive but, instead goes into a “maintenance mode” where the following activities are carried out: ·        Toxin Removal: The glymphatic system clears waste materials from the brain during sleep. This cleansing action helps to protect your brain cells from the effect of waste materials. ·        Repair & Renewal: Sleeping also allows the brain to repair & renew neural connections and sustain cognitive health. Sleep and Memory Formation Have you ever noticed how learning feels easier after a good night's sleep? That's because sleep play...

  Photo by Aakash Dhage on Unsplash Have you ever seen someone have a seizure and felt unsure about what to do? Many people misunderstand epilepsy, believing myths rather than facts. Read this article as we clear up common myths, explore the causes and triggers, and share essential first aid tips.   Understanding Seizures & Epilepsy What Is a Seizure? A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, causing temporary changes in movement, behaviour, and/or awareness. Seizures vary widely with some causing convulsions, while others might simply cause brief lapses in awareness. What Is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is the most common chronic brain disorder affecting people of all ages. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have had two or more unprovoked seizures . Importantly, not every seizure indicates that a person has epilepsy as seizures can occur for a variety of reasons.   Debunking Commo...