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 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 ...

  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 Bruce Tang on Unsplash A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Recognizing the warning signs and acting fast can prevent severe complications and save lives.   What Is a Stroke? A stroke occurs when your brain does not receive sufficient blood flow. There are two main types of strokes: • Ischaemic stroke: the most frequent type, occurs due to an arterial blockage. • Haemorrhagic stroke: occurs when there is a rupture of a brain artery, resulting in internal bleeding.   Recognizing Stroke Symptoms – The FAST Method One of the easiest ways to remember the warning signs of a stroke is the FAST method: F – Face Drooping: which might present as uneven smiles or one side of the face that doesn’t move when asked to smile. A – Arm Weakness: with one arm drifting downward when the person raises both arms. S – Speech Difficulty: Listen for slurred or strange speech. Ask the...

  Photo by Usman Yousaf on Unsplash Ever had a headache that left you wondering if it was just stress or something more serious? Headaches come in many forms, and knowing the difference can help you decide whether to seek help or simply relax and treat it at home.   Understanding Headaches A headache refers to pain or discomfort in your head or neck area. While almost everyone experiences headaches at some point, they can vary greatly. The types include: Tension Headaches: are the most common type, and often caused by stress or muscle tension. You might feel a steady ache or pressure around your forehead or the back of your head. Migraines: are usually more intense lasting at least 4 hours and can come with other symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light, or even vision changes. Cluster Headaches: are severe, often occurring on one side of the head, and tend to come in groups over a period of time.   When to Worry: W...

  Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash In many homes, we chalk memory lapses up to aging or ‘just being tired.’ But what if these are early signs of something more serious? This June, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re demystifying Alzheimer’s and showing how everyone can protect their brain health.   What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a progressive brain disease that gradually destroys memory and cognitive function. Unlike normal aging, Alzheimer’s involves buildup of abnormal protein plaques (amyloid) and tangles inside brain cells, leading to cell death and shrinking of key brain regions. Patients may initially struggle with short-term memory but eventually lose the ability to recognize even loved ones. Rising life expectancy and growing elderly populations mean more families will face Alzheimer’s, even if awareness remains low.   Common Myths About Alzheimer’s Myth: “Memory loss is an inevitable par...