15 Cancer Symptoms Women Often Ignore

Women’s bodies are always changing. Sometimes changes that seem normal can be signs of cancer, though.

The key is to pay attention to your body so you can notice when something’s different, says Robyn Andersen, PhD, of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. “New symptoms indicate something has changed in your body, and you want to know what that means.”

So, what should you watch for?

1. Breast changes

Most breast lumps aren’t cancer, but your doctor should always check them. Let her know about these changes, too:

Skin dimpling or puckering
Nipples that turn inward
Nipple discharge
Redness or scaling of your nipple or breast skin
To look for the cause of your symptoms, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. You may also have tests like a mammogram or a biopsy, when doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue for testing.

2. Bloating

“Women are natural bloaters,” says Marleen Meyers, MD, an oncologist at NYU Langone Medical Center. “It’s OK to wait a week or two to see if it goes away.”

If your symptoms don’t get better with time, or if they happen with weight loss or bleeding, see a doctor. Constant bloating can sometimes mean ovarian cancer. You’ll have a pelvic exam as well as blood tests, and sometimes an ultrasound, to look for the cause of the problem, Andersen says.

3. Between-Period Bleeding

If you’re still getting periods, tell your doctor if you’re spotting between them. Bleeding that’s not a part of your usual monthly cycle can have many causes, but your doctor will want to rule out endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of your uterus).

Bleeding after menopause is never normal and should be checked right away.

4: Skin Changes

A change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot is a common sign of skin cancer. See your doctor for a thorough exam and perhaps a biopsy. This is one time you don’t want to wait, Meyers says.

5. Blood in Your Pee or Stool

Talk to your doctor if you’re bleeding from a part of your body that normally doesn’t, especially if the bleeding lasts more than a day or two, Meyers says.

Bloody stool is often from hemorrhoids, but it can also be a symptom of colon cancer. Bloody urine is usually the first sign of cancer of the bladder or kidneys, says Herbert Lepor, MD, a urologist at NYU’s Langone.

6. Changes in Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands around the body. Most changes in them come from common infections. But some cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause lymph nodes to swell.
It’s a good idea to see your doctor if you have a lump or swelling anywhere in your body that lasts a month or more, Meyers says.

7. Trouble Swallowing

Occasional trouble swallowing is nothing to worry about. But when it happens often, especially with vomiting or weight loss, your doctor may want to check you for throat or stomach cancer.

He’ll look into your symptoms with a throat exam and a barium X-ray. During a barium test, you drink a special liquid that makes your throat stand out on the X-ray.

8. Weight Loss Without Trying

Most women wish extra pounds would magically melt away. But losing 10 pounds or more without a change in your diet or exercise habits could signal a problem.

Most unintended weight loss is not cancer, Meyers says. “It’s often caused by stress or your thyroid, but it can be a sign of pancreatic cancer,” she says. Stomach and lung cancers are also possible.

Your doctor may ask for a lot of tests to look for a problem, including blood tests and imaging tests, like a CT scan.

9. Heartburn

Too much food, alcohol, or stress (or all three) can cause serious heartburn. Meyers suggests that you change your diet for a week or two to see if your symptoms get better.

If that doesn’t help, talk to your doctor. Heartburn that doesn’t go away or gets worse could mean cancer of the stomach, throat, or ovaries.

10. Mouth Changes

If you smoke, watch for white or bright-red patches inside your mouth or on your lips. Both can signal oral cancer. Ask your doctor or dentist about tests and treatment.

11. Fever

A fever that doesn’t go away and can’t be explained could mean leukemia or another blood cancer. Your doctor should get the details of your medical history and give you a physical exam to check for the cause.

12. Fatigue

A lot of women are tired because they lead hectic lives. But extreme tiredness that won’t go away isn’t normal.

Talk to your doctor if your fatigue never gets better or if you have other symptoms, like blood in your stool. Your doctor will ask for your complete medical history and give you blood tests.

13. Cough

Most coughs go away on their own in 3 to 4 weeks. Don’t ignore one that lasts longer than that, especially if you smoke or are short of breath. If you cough up blood, go to the doctor. A cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer.

14. Pain

Cancer doesn’t cause most aches. But ongoing pain can signal bone, brain, or other cancers. Ask your doctor about any unexplained aches that last a month or longer.

15. Belly Pain and Depression

It’s rare, but belly pain plus depression can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Should you worry? Not unless pancreatic cancer runs in your family, Meyers says. “Then you need a prompt [exam].”

See What happens To your Body when you eat Red onions

Cooking the onions kill their medicinal properties. That is why red onions should be eaten raw and untreated. There are a lot of combinations, and if you’re brave enough, you can eat it as a side dish almost every lunch. Today, we’ll give you 7 reasons to add red onions to your diet.

Stops Cancer Cell Growth

Onions are rich sulfur compounds that protect the body from stomach cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer. They are also effective in fighting off bacteria in the urinary tract.

Controls Diabetes

Raw onions increase the production of insulin. If you are a diabetic, you have a good reason to regularly eat fresh raw onions.

Cures Constipation

Fibers found in raw onions can help you in the fight against constipation. Theyforce out toxins and hard food particles from your intestines.

Help For A Sore Throat

Make onion juice. It’s great for healing colds and sore throats.

Nose Bleeding

If you are tormented by nosebleeds, red onions can stop the bleeding. You can also smell onions for healing nose bleeds.

It Protects The Heart

Onions can help protect the heart from coronary disease. Onions can also control high blood pressure.

Controls Cholesterol Levels

Raw onions control cholesterol levels and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.

7 signs of cervical cancer that women need to observe

For women, cervical or cervix cancer can be deadly. While statistics about this cancer is frightening, cervical cancer can be prevented, and treated if caught early.

Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by HPV or the human papillomavirus, which is highly contagious. This virus is an STI (s.exually transmitted infection) and comes in many types but only some cause cervical cancer. An HPV infection might go away on its own or could cause abnormal cell growth that may lead to cervical cancer.

The signs for cervical cancer may not be as obvious or apparent as breast cancer but there are ways to observe the signs. Contact a gynecologist immediately if you notice:

1. Unusual discharge

When the cancer begins to grow inside the cervix, the cells of the uterine wall begin to rid, which produces a watery discharge.

2. Warts

According to gynecologist Rosa Maria Leme, “The appearance of small warts (externally or internally) serve as a red flag…diseases such as HPV, which can greatly increases the chances of cervical cancer in women.”

3. Pain or bleeding

Cervical cancer grows on the walls of the cervix which can dry out and even crack, causing discomfort and bleeding. There may also be rectal or bladder bleeding. Any bleeding outside your menstrual period should be investigated.

4. Anemia

If your eating habits have not changed and you still feel fatigued, or if your heart speeds up after normal exertion, you may have symptoms of anemia. Anemia can be caused by abnormal bleeding, which often accompanies cervical cancer.

5. Urinary problems

As the cervix swells, the bladder and kidneys may be compressed, obstructing the passage of urine. As a result, you may not be able to completely empty your bladder, causing pain and/or a urinary tract infection.

6. Continuous pain in the legs, hips or back

Also, the swelling cervix compresses internal organs. Blood vessels may also be compressed, making it difficult for blood to reach the pelvis and legs, causing pain and swelling in the legs and ankles.

7. Weight loss

Most forms of cancers decrease or even suppress appetite. The swelling of the cervix can compress the stomach, resulting in decreased appetite and weight loss.

Please note that these symptoms do not necessarily signify cervical cancer. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. There are risk factors for developing HPV, and can be contracted by both men and women.

The best-known risk factors for cervical cancer are

Smoking or breathing in second-hand smoke

Having multiple se.xual partners

Having unprotected s.ex

Having low immunity

Because an STI is the most common cause of cervical cancer, it is good to be aware of the signs and symptoms of HPV. Additionally, preventative exams like a pap smear can help detect cervical cancer early on. Those preventive exams (like a pap smear) should be yearly.

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President GEJ's daughter and hubby expecting first child

President Jonathan's daughter, Faith and her husband, Godswill Osim Edwards are expecting their first child together. The couple got married in April 2014. Faith and her baby bump pictured at the presidential Thanksgiving and Farewell service which held at Aso Vila Chapel yesterday May 17th.

Gov Amaechi, Rivers APC members hold Thanksgiving Sevice

Governor Rotimi Amaechi led other members of the APC Rivers state chapter to the new Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt yesterday for an interdenominational church service where they gave thanks to God for a successful administration. More photos after the cut...

Credit: FeelRivers

Chris Brown took pretty daughter to Billboard Awards

Chris Brown gave his daughter, Royalty her red carpet debut in a little tutu & Timberland boots at the 2015 Billboard Awards. She's so adorable.

Davido bought a house in the US (Photos)

  Davido has done it again, He posted a video on Snapchat saying he bought a house in the U.S, possibly in Atlanta. Good for him! More photos after the cut...

Female student cries out: Jim Iyke is marrying me in my dream

Jim Iyke has never had it easy with the womenfolk. Most issues he has had with them he never bargained for. Just like last Monday, the actor was doing the regular thing everyone would do after meeting with who you consider your favourite governor in Nigeria. He posted a picture of himself with Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, with catchy captions to show how much he respects the governor for his wonderful achievements in his state.

His post was harmless but one of the comments he got in return must have stopped him in his tracks. It was from a lady. What has Jim Iyke done to these ladies?

In a shocking post, the female student said:
“Jim I beg you in the name of God, stop getting married to me in my dreams. For more than three years now I have always seen you in my dreams, married to me. I have been praying every time about it but it always reoccurred. Even last night it happened again...

I am tired of this. If you are his PA show him this text message and if this is you, I beg you in the name of God, to do something about it.”

The comment definitely got attention of Potpourri who decided to seek the girl out who simply signed her name as Jackiify. 

In a BBM chat with her later on, Potpourri found out that the girl is a Nigerian schooling in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She goes by the name Ify Jacob. The first thing that struck about her comment was that this could be a girl acting out her fantasy and laying it out in a dramatic way. Then I asked her if she had ever had any crush on Jim, many girls do.

“That is where the problem is” she claimed. “I never had a crush on him before but all of a sudden I started having dreams that I am married to him for more than three years now. You cannot understand because you are not Jim or a pastor. I don’t like it. It is disturbing to me” she cries out.

 

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I Was Forced to Lie with a Corpse, Drink Water Used to Wash It

 

A 29-year-old mechanic, Bode David, is yet to recover from being made to spend a night with the corpse of his friend, late Ganiyu, and drink the water used to wash it, to prove he was not responsible for his death.

It was gathered that the incident, which happened at Isheri Magodo, a suburb of Lagos, was executed because before Ganiyu gave up the ghost in the hospital, he kept calling Bode’s name.

Recounting his ordeal, Bode, an indigene of Ekiti State, a mechanic, who specialized in fixing Japanese vehicles, said:

 “I knew the late Ganiyu and Wasiu in January, when I was looking for someone to fix my faulty Honda car. That was when Ganiyu introduced me to Wasiu to fix my car. After he fixed my car, I paid him N35,000. Since then, we have had no business except when our paths occasionally crossed and we exchange pleasantries.

 On Tuesday, Wasiu called me at about 6p.m., saying they need my help urgently. He
    said Ganiyu was in the hospital and that they needed money to purchase pints of blood and drips, which was about N19, 000. He pleaded with me to come.

    At about 7pm, without any idea that Ganiyu was dead, I drove my car to the junction of their street, called him on phone that he should come and collect N5,000, which was all that I had to assist Ganiyu’s treatment at that time.

    When he came to where I parked my vehicle, he said the hospital was nearby, so we walked towards where he said the hospital is located.


    Deceived, beaten
    “As we walked, I began to notice some strange movement in the vicinity as bad boys filled the area, so I asked where exactly the hospital was. He said we are taking a short cut to the hospital. Eventually, the short cut led to a compound.

    Immediately we entered the compound, people began to ask me what I knew about Ganiyu’s death. I told them I knew nothing, but they did not believe me, and they began to beat me.

    ’When they were beating me, a Baale in the area interrogated me, told them to stop beating me and to hand me over to the police, or they might beat me to death and then have two corpses on their hands. But they refused.

    After beating me, they forced me to sleep on the floor in the same room where Ganiyu’s corpse was laid to prove that I had nothing to do with his death. While they were beating me, my phone and the money in my pocket got missing.

    When they discovered that I was still alive, they washed his corpse and forced me to drink the water. I refused but they almost killed me with another round of beating. When it was obvious that I had no option, I drank it.

    After I drank the water, someone who claimed that he knew me called the police. The police took me to divisional police station at Awoshika, before the case was transferred to Area F Command.

    I have nothing to do with Ganiyu’s death. How would I be responsible for his death when I had no problem with him? All I want is for government and Nigerians to come to my aid, and bring those who meted this inhumane treatment to me to justice.’’


    My story—WASIU
In his defence, 33-year-old Wasiu Fadairo, the mechanic who lured Bode with the call that brought him to the house, said:

 “I am from Kwara State. The late Ganiyu is from my home town. On May 12, Ganiyu was stooling and vomiting blood, so we rushed him to a hospital located along Oluwora Road, Isheri in Magodo. He later died, calling a particular name— Bode.

 After he died, we took him home because none of his immediate family members or relatives was available. When we called them, they said they were coming, so we kept his corpse inside his room.

  That same day, neighbours and people living around were angry, alleging that the name Bode, which Ganiyu kept calling before he died, was responsible for his death. So they began to call Bode’s phone number.

 When Bode did not come, I called him with my phone and told him that Ganiyu was lying critically ill and needed blood and drips, and that we need his assistance. When he came, people began to question him concerning what he knew about Ganiyu’s death. Before he could say a word, they pounced on him and began to beat him. So I ran to call the police to come and rescue him.

 After police rescued him, they later went to where he parked his car and vandalized it. I was there when they were beating him, but I was not there when they forced him to lie beside the corpse and drink the water used to wash it.”

 
 Police story
Confirming the incident, Vanguard reports that Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said:

 “Two friends went out for a drink and one of them, Ganiyu, took ill after the outing and started stooling. He was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, but died in the process. Angry friends and neighbours, suspecting the complicity of Bode David, descended on him and attempted to lynch him.

 He was, however, rescued by our policemen and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ganiyu commenced at Isheri Division. But the case has been transferred to the Department of Criminal investigation, DCI, Yaba, for further investigation.”

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5 ways you are unknowingly destroying your husband and killing your marriage

When I got married, I was amazed at the instant, overwhelming sense of responsibility I felt to love and care for my husband. Suddenly, a huge part of someone else’s well-being and happiness was largely affected by my choices and actions.

Women, we need to be careful about how we are caring for our husbands and marriages. Don’t let the small stuff ruin the things that will bring you the greatest happiness in life.

Here are just a few ways you might be unknowingly destroying your husband and killing your marriage (as a caveat, please understand that although this article is directed toward women, it applies to men as well):

1. Living outside of what you can afford

A wise old woman from my church congregation once advised: “The best thing you can do as a wife is to live within your husband’s means.”
Wives, show sincere appreciation and respect to your husband by carefully following a budget and making the most of what you have. Be wise about your finances.
Constantly complaining about not having enough to fulfill your lavish desires or racking up astronomical amounts of debt on your credit card is a poor way of saying “thank you” to a faithful spouse who works hard every day to provide for the family.
Yes, you may not have enough to buy that Kate Spade bag you’ve had your eyes on for months, but your husband will love and appreciate the fact that you honor him and are grateful for what he provides.

2. Constant negativity

You hate your hair, the messes around the house, the neighbor across the street, your dumb co-worker, the old dishwasher, and everything in between. As soon as your husband walks through the door, you launch into action and dump every negative and angry thought that’s crossed your mind throughout the day.
Can you imagine having to carry that burden? Negativity is draining. Men like to fix things, and constantly being hounded with complaints makes it difficult for him to help solve your pains.
If there is one thing I’ve learned from marriage is that a good man wants you to be happy, and if he can’t help you do that, it makes him unhappy. It’s okay to have a bad day once in a while, that’s totally understandable, but don’t make it a way of life.

3. Putting everything else first

When your children, mom, best friends, talents, or career in front of your husband, you send a clear message to him that he is unimportant. Imagine having that message sent to you every day for many years. What would that do to your self esteem?
Put your husband first.
Although it sometimes seems counter-intuitive and counterproductive, I think you’d be amazed to find that it’s often the key to the greatest happiness in marriage. So many couples get divorced these days, because they neglect to care and love one another and put each other first.
If you choose to put each other first, you will find a lot of joy.

4. Withholding physical affection

Men crave and need physical affection with their wives. When you constantly decline intimacy, it wears on them.
S.ex should not be used as a tool to control your spouse; it should be viewed as a sacred tool to draw you closer to one another and to God.
It is a great blessing to be wanted and needed by a loving, romantic husband who wants to share something so beautiful and important with you — and you only. Even though you might not always be in the mood, it’s worth it to give in (when you can) and spend that time bonding.

5. Not speaking his language

Women love to drop hints. (I think it’s part of our DNA.) But men just don’t get them. (I think that is a part of their DNA.)
Don’t waste your time giving subtle hints that he won’t understand: Speak plainly to him. Be honest about your feelings, and don’t bottle things up until you burst. If he asks you what’s wrong, don’t respond with “nothing” and then expect him to read your mind and emotions. Be open about how you really feel.

What the shape of your nails say about your personality

#1 Vertically Long: Mild-Tempered Romanticist

Mildly tempered, precise, imaginative and creative. You’re a people person and generally get along well with most everyone.

#2 Broad Sideways: Short-Tempered Theorist

Honest, no nonsense, short tempered and theoretical. You tell the truth no matter what and often give others advice because of this.

#3 Rounded or Egg-Shaped: You’re a Laid-Back Pacifist

Relaxed, unique, positive and sensible. You move to your own beat and never let things get the best of you, which means you have many long term friends.

#4 Squarish: Serious and Hard-Headed

A leader, strong, skillful and gutsy. You are often serious and people look to you as a leader, but you also have a soft side reserved for people close to you.

#5 Triangular or inverted triangle: The Sensitive Genius

Smart, perfectionist, innovative and original. You may be a genius and think faster than others, people are fascinated by you.

#6 Almond-shaped: Faithful and honest

Faithful, honest, amicable and nice. You are polite yet stand your ground when necessary, people enjoy your company and how you handle things.

#7 Sword-shaped: The Ambitious Idealist

Aspiring, industrious, visionary and focused. You are focused on long term goals and the big picture, and influence people in a rewarding, positive way.

Why You should Eat Banana Every Single Day

Everyone loves Banana but not everybody knows its benefits. Today, I will be sharing some important uses of Banana and its benefits to Health.

 

What is Banana? Banana is a fruit offered to our environment by nature. It is a food for both man and animals. It is delicious, sweet and adorable. As for me, I prefer Banana to any other fruits. Do you love eating Banana daily? It will be good if you do. Banana is a food that provide very numerous health benefits.

 

Banana contains Trytophan which is converted to serotonin and  helps overcome depression. It has a low salt concentration and rich in potassium, this helps in reducing the risk to high blood pressure and also helps in preventing heart attack.

 

An energy-giver food, that is Banana. Eating Banana gives you more energy and sustain your blood sugar.

 

This fruit is the only raw food that can be consumed without distress to relieve ulcer mostly stomach ulcer. It works by preventing corrosive acid to affect the stomach. In digestion, Banana is a very good one. It contains Pectin which aid digestion.

 

Eating Bananas can help in healing your diarrhea. It can also be used for anaemia treatment. How? Due to its high rich in iron which helps in regulating the hemoglobin levels in the body of  man. The use of milk and Banana enhance weight gain. The milk provides you with protein and Banana provides you with natural sugars which is the major source to enhancing weight.

 

Eating Banana, your body is no-to-mosquito body. It helps in reducing the bite of mosquito. If you have a mosquito bite, rub Banana on the swollen or itching part and it will help reduce it.

 

Bananas contain some nutrients which make your body looks more younger. It is an Anti-ageing fruit. Avocados which contain Vitamin E and Banana (which contain some nutrients) mixed together rub on body and leave for some minutes and later rinse help fight radicals and repair damage.

 

Credit: www.wordofhealings.com

How To Get Rosy Cheeks Naturally And Fast

Facial massage

Try facial massage to make your cheeks blush. Massage your cheeks with fingertips. This will help to improve blood circulation in your face and will give your cheeks a natural blush.

Exfoliate your cheeks

Exfoliating skin is important to get natural colour. Dead skin cells often dampen the skin colour, making it look dull and drab. Regular exfoliation helps in removing dead cells and dust, and retains the cheek’s natural colour as well. Take some uncooked oatmeal and mix it with honey or milk and make a gentle scrub. Use this on your cheeks regularly.

Wash face with warm water

Wash your face with warm water as it will help to increase blood circulation in your cheeks. This is a two minute solution to get rosy cheeks.

Follow an exercise regime

Rosy cheeks have always been a sign of good health. So, if you are not feeling healthy that too can be the reason behind lacklustre cheeks. Get into an exercise mode to stimulate blood circulation throughout your body. The body will flush out toxins, and help in circulation of blood containing oxygen and nutrients. Exercising also keeps your complexion well-nourished. Hence, leaving your cheeks with a rosy tint.

Healthy and balanced diet

Eat carotenoid-rich foods. Carotenoids are yellow, orange and red pigments found in fruits and vegetables that give them their natural colour. So, add colourful foods such as carrots, tomatoes, capsicums (even the red and yellow ones), peaches, melons and everything colourful to your diet. Also try and eat foods rich in vitamin C and E to get rosy cheeks.

Drink plenty of water

Keep your system well hydrated. Drink 6-8 glasses of water to help the body stay hydrated and flush out toxins. Water will help to keep your lips and mouth moist and soft.

Kitchen Remedies

Here are some more home remedies that will help you get a beautiful glow on your cheeks naturally:

• Applying a pack of lemon juice, cucumber juice mixed with honey and milk will make your cheeks glow pink.
• Clean your cheeks with apple cider vinegar to get those rosy cheeks. Soak cotton in it and pat them on your cheeks until it dries off.
• Applying vegetable juice on your cheeks is a good way to give them a healthy glow. Take some beetroot juice and mix some sugar crystals in it. Apply this on your face and keep it on for 15 minutes. After this wash your face with plain water.
• Other than beetroot, you can also use grape juice, pomegranate juice or jamun fruit juice on your face.

• Grind a few almonds and mix it with crushed rose petals and honey. The pack may be easily stored in fridge for up to a week. Rose petals will add that rosy texture and colour to your cheeks. In fact, with regular usage the cheeks will become rosier in just a week!
• You can also make a paste of dried rose petals and apply that on you face to get a natural blush on your cheeks.
• Applying cucumber and tomato pulp also helps.
• Take some banana pulp, mix it with milk cream, and apply it on your face. Keep it for 20 minutes before washing it off with ice cold water.

Credit: http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/

DO NOT GET MARRIED Unless You Ask Your Partner These 15 Questions. Or Else You’ll Wish You Had.

We often hear friends wondering where they're making the right move in marrying their significant other. The NYTimes surveyed what critical questions partners should be asking each other before taking the final leap, and this list of 15 questions is what relationship experts came back with:

1) Have we discussed whether or not to have children, and if the answer is yes, who is going to be the primary care giver?

2) Do we have a clear idea of each other’s financial obligations and goals, and do our ideas about spending and saving mesh?

3) Have we discussed our expectations for how the household will be maintained, and are we in agreement on who will manage the chores?

4) Have we fully disclosed our health histories, both physical and mental?

5) Is my partner affectionate to the degree that I expect?

6) Can we comfortably and openly discuss our sexual needs, preferences and fears?

7) Will there be a television in the bedroom?

8) Do we truly listen to each other and fairly consider one another’s ideas and complaints?

9) Have we reached a clear understanding of each other’s spiritual beliefs and needs, and have we discussed when and how our children will be exposed to religious/moral education?

10) Do we like and respect each other’s friends?

11) Do we value and respect each other’s parents, and is either of us concerned about whether the parents will interfere with the relationship?

12) What does my family do that annoys you?

13) Are there some things that you and I are NOT prepared to give up in the marriage?

14) If one of us were to be offered a career opportunity in a location far from the other’s family, are we prepared to move?

15) Does each of us feel fully confident in the other’s commitment to the marriage and believe that the bond can survive whatever challenges we may face?

Those that fail to ask each other the above questions may one day find themselves at the center of an explosive dispute -- with much graver consequences than if had you fully shared your perspectives on these topics beforehand.

So, if you and your partner are looking to get married, make sure to ask each other this list of questions first, and hopefully you'll be able to lay all your cards on the table and clarify any uncertainties between the two of you. If you are able to negotiate and reach a compromise on the above, you'll be in a great place with your partner.

If these important questions prove helpful to you, share them with your friends, too.

Credits: nytimes

DEAR LADIES: Your Breasts or the Public’s Breasts?

It often times beat my weird imagination, and I must confess, I am so not a fan of it for personal reasons. Okay, I guess you are already asking the question, what? O well, it is something our society has come to accept as normal, but to me, it is a little big deal.

Few days ago, I boarded a transit bus from Ajah heading to Lekki, I couldn’t but notice this cute little toddler fiddling with my shirt playfully, I smiled at the little boy and thought to myself, Awww... what a cutie! When I looked up above the baby’s head, I couldn't but notice his pretty mum seated right next to me, then I said to myself, it would be a taboo for this baby not to be as adorable as he is. O well, let’s fast forward, that is not the major focus.

The happy little boy kept playing and started fiddling with his mother’s breasts, before anyone could say Jack Robinson, she had swung out her breast to feed him...

of course its normal and highly commendable to breast feed ones child. As a matter of fact I used to be a big fan of breast sucking as a kid (winks).

After about ten minutes, I decided to look out for my cute little friend. Oops! I had to quickly swing my head back to the opposite direction because virtually the whole of his mum’s bosom was carelessly on full display in a 16 sitter bus which had just about 3 females, and as a matter of fact other females were seated far behind.

I guess other men on the bus must have felt uncomfortable as well. The usual questions I ask myself in such scenarios popped up in my mind again:

1. What has changed about that pretty lady who used to cover it all up from the sight of men? (Even when she flashed only her cleavage, accidents dey happen).

2. Isn't this supposed to be one man’s (and his children) full access property and a mystery to other men?

3. Would this public display not affect the psychology of her husband and possibly irritate her older children, if she’s got any.

On the other hand, I ask just like everyone would: won’t she feed her hungry baby?

Of-course, she definitely have to! But are there no possible ways to eliminate or limit public breast feeding while ensuring babies are well fed? I think one possible way to archive that is by ensuring babies are well fed by their mums in their private before setting out. Another thing is this, some African mums actually feel irrespective of what a child’s need might be, the breast serves as the perfect bribe to pacify the baby.

It is a baby’s right to nurse whenever and for whatever reason. But I really feel mothers can still be modest while nursing babies in public places.

Find below a few suggestions on how to breastfeed with some modesty publicly:

1. Wear two piece outfits, or clothes with nursing slits: When you pull up your top to nurse, the fabric covers the top of your breast, and the baby covers the rest.

2. Carry a blanket to throw over the baby once he/she settles down and starts nursing: You may want to get a very light piece of fabric to use when it’s warm outside. If you feel that it’s too hot, don’t use it.

3. Nursing a young baby in public is easier than nursing a wiggly toddler: With older children, you can begin to set limits and negotiate. Toddlers can learn that they can’t pull your shirt up or play with the other breast while they are nursing, and they can also learn that they may have to wait for their feeding, as such you can feed them at private locations.

4. When you go shopping, try to nurse in the car before you go into the store: if it’s not too hot or cold. Look for comfortable nursing spots when you go inside – locate lounges or stores with areas set aside especially for nursing (if available).

I had to put this in writing because I have had discussions on this with both male and female friends, and most of them feel almost the same way as I do about it.

Nothing is wrong with a little modesty! I support breastfeeding 1000%. My future wife will fully assume that duty once my baby is born. However, I just can’t imagine her pulling her breasts out indiscriminately in public. Well, we shall work it out (*Winks*).

– By Paul Olarewaju

 

Culled

Mother of Pistorius's slain girlfriend condemns possible release

Pistorius

Johannesburg (AFP) - The mother of Oscar Pistorius's slain girlfriend told a newspaper on Sunday it would be too soon to release the fallen Paralympian from prison as early as August for good conduct.

The 28-year-old South African double amputee sprinter was found guilty last year of culpable homicide -- a charge akin to manslaughter -- and sentenced to five years in prison for shooting his girlfriend, model and TV presenter Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day 2013.

Pistorius claimed that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder, firing four shots through a locked bathroom door.

He is now waiting for the South African prison authorities to decide whether to grant him conditional release, possibly from August.

If Pistorius is released then, he will have spent just 10 months in prison.

"I don't think it is long enough for somebody who has caused somebody's death," Reeva's mother June Steenkamp told South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper.

"Surely her life is worth more than 10 months' incarceration? He's taken something so precious out of our lives. Her life is gone," Steenkamp added.

"All I could think about was her in that toilet and that she couldn't move. She couldn't get out of the way. She was trapped in there. She was suffering. She was in pain and agony. Her brains all over... I've had nightmares over that."

Reeva Steenkamp was 29 years old when Pistorius shot her dead. Pistorius, 28, has been serving his sentence in a central Pretoria prison since October. 

Credit: AFP

Buhari, drops the tag "General" on May 29

President Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo, his running mate on Sunday unveiled their official portraits, Buhari's media team announcing that he would drop the tag: "General" from his name when he finally takes over government on 29th May.

A statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity of the President-Elect, Mallam Garba Shehu, said: "From May 29, 2015, the President-elect and Vice-President-elect are to be respectively known and addressed as Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria."

Meanwhile, out-going President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday handed over the Aso Rock Villa Chapel to the Vice-President-elect, Professor YemiOsinbajo after a valedictory prayer session held in honour of Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan.

The chapel is the official Christian worship center of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja and Osinbajo is expected to worship there often from 29th May when the mantle of leadership would fall on him and Buhari.

Jonathan Sacks Executive Secretary of NIPC

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday afternoon fired the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Saratu Umar.

The sacked Executive Secretary was immediately replaced by Uju Hassan-Baba in acting capacity.
No reason was given for the sack.

Recall that after the election, President Jonathan appointed Peter Obi as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), fired the Inspector-General of Police, Sulieman Abba and appointed in his place Solomon Arase, he fired the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and appointed Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero.

He also sacked Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC).


Credit: www.huhuonline.com

Jonathan: We’ve done things we shouldn’t have done

President Goodluck Jonathan

Outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan has asked for forgiveness from Nigerians hurt directly or indirectly by his actions during his tenure as Vice- President, acting President and President.

He explained to worshippers at a farewell service organised   in his honour   at the Aso Villa Chapel in Abuja on Sunday, that those actions were not deliberately done.

Jonathan pointed out that there were times one would take a decision in the best interest of all but friends and associates might not understand why.

The President said, “Nothing is perfect; if you wait for perfection, you cannot achieve anything. No system is perfect. Every human system has an element of imperfection.

“So, for the eight years that I have been here as Vice-President, acting President and President, I can say that no one is perfect.

“We have done certain things that probably we shouldn’t have done, but we didn’t do them deliberately.

“So, for those that we offended, it was not deliberate; it was as a result of the exigencies of the office.

“We plead that such people should forgive us; I think we have done our best. You may do your own best and your friends and associates may misunderstand you.”

Jonathan thanked God and those who stood by him and his family in the last eight years, saying he had every reason to be thankful.

While admitting that public office holders have different roles, the President said no head of government, be it at the national or sub- regional levels, could do everything.

He however said it was normal for office holders to set and achieve targets so that their tenure would be remembered.

Jonathan recalled that when he was the governor of Bayelsa State, his target was to construct two bridges in the state annually.

But he said   that that dream was cut short when he was nominated as the vice presidential candidate of the then Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Umaru Yar’Adua (late).

The President said although he was leaving as President and his wife as the First Lady, they would not leave members of the Aso Rock Chapel who were relentless in praying for them.

Jonathan added, “I believe some of you may even come closer and even do more meaningful things together when we leave office.

“The office is quite challenging; some of you may desire to see us but I believe that as we move forward, things will get better.

“I don’t   believe that it is only in government that one can do things; outside it (government), you can do a lot.

“The richest people in the world don’t even serve in government. (Aliko) Dangote has never been in government, yet he is doing so much.

“Bill Gates too has never been in government, yet he is the richest man in the world. So outside government, a lot of things happen; It is for us to be committed and be focused.

Joyful atmosphere pervaded the chapel during   the service which was the last time Jonathan and his family would be worshipping there (chapel) before May 29.

There will not be service at the chapel on May 24 because of an   interdenominational service to commemorate the nation’s Democracy Day at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

Colourfully-dressed chapel members, friends and associates of Jonathan and his family as well as top government officials turned out en masse to wish them well.

The chapel committee and   the children presented gifts to Jonathan, his wife, Patience, and his mother, Eunice.

The President later led his family members to dance at the altar for a special thanksgiving to express gratitude to God for being with them in the last five years.

The President’s Chaplain, Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba, in a short message titled, “To God be the Glory” thanked God for keeping the Jonathan family safe throughout their stay in the Presidential Villa.

Mrs. Jonathan read the first lesson of the service from Numbers 6:22-27 while the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission,   John Kennedy-Okpara, read the second lesson from 2 Chorinthians 13:11-14.

The service featured special presentation by the children, presentation by the chapel committee and   special prayers for the nation.

A five-year-old girl, Juliet Ishola of the children church, stole the show with a memory verse taken from 1 Timothy 6: 6-7.

She got a standing ovation   from the congregation when after reading the verse, she turned to Jonathan and said, “For emphasis, I will take verse 7 of I Timothy chapter 6 again which says “For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we will not take anything away.”

Juliet went on to tell the President, “You seem to understand this verse more than all of us by your reaction to the results of the 2015 presidential election.

“God bless you sir for allowing peace to reign in the country.”

Osinbajo fails to take over chapel

However, the expectation that   Jonathan would formally hand over the chapel to the Vice President-elect, Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday did not materialise.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was said to have handed over the worship centre to Jonathan   as the Vice President since the then   President-elect(Yar’Adua) was a Muslim.

The same process would have taken place on Sunday but for Osinbajo’s absence.

Onwuzurumba later confirmed to State House correspondents that the handover process was part of the programme packaged for the day.

He said it could not be done because the President-elect did not attend the service in person.

“We actually invited the President-elect for the handing over of the chapel but for one reason or the other, he was absent.

“But he   was represented in the service by a regional pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The handover will be done later.”

Pastor Emmanuel Ibitaye from the RCCG was one of the guests recognised during the service but he was not introduced as Osinbajo’s representative.

Among the prominent persons who attended the service were   Peter Obi,   Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, members of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council as well as heads of government agencies and parastatals.

  Credit: PUNCH

ISIL seizes control of Iraq’s Ramadi

Fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group have overrun one of the last remaining districts held by government forces in the Iraqi city of Ramadi, security officials have said.

Iraqi special forces soldiers were reported to be fleeing the city on Sunday as the armed group succeeded in breaching their last holdout.

The armed group had earlier made significant gains in its battle to control Ramadi, besieging the army base and killing 15 soldiers in multiple suicide car bomb attacks.

Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, reporting from Baghdad, said government officials had requested reinforcements from Shia factions in response to the ISIL advance, a move that could provoke opposition from the government’s Sunni tribal allies.

“There are many influential tribes in Anbar who have warned against this decision for some time now,” Khodr said.

The involvement of Shia militias has been condemned by leading tribal figure, Sheikh Ali al-Hatim, who said it would be considered an “Iranian occupation”.

Egypt restricts women from travelling to Turkey

Egypt has imposed restrictions on women travelling to Turkey, months after introducing similar measures for men to stop them joining the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group.

Women aged 18 to 40 are now required to obtain a security clearance before going to Turkey, a senior police officer told the AFP news agency on Sunday.

“A security clearance can be acquired within 72 hours, and it is now mandatory for women travelling to this country (Turkey),” the officer said.

The restriction took effect on Thursday, a Cairo airport official said.

In March, Egypt’s state-sponsored Islamic authority, Dar al-Ifta, warned women against marrying ISIL fighters who wooed them over the internet to travel to ISIL-controlled territory in Syria.

The compulsory security clearance for men, introduced in December, applies to Libya as well as Turkey.

Nigeria is broke, Amaechi insists

Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi

The Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has again declared that Nigeria is broke and blamed the inability of the state and others to pay workers’ salaries and pensions on the nation’s current poor financial condition.

Amaechi said that the nation’s economic condition could be noticed through the dwindling statutory monthly allocation usually received by the state from the Federal Government.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service organised by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, and his campaign outfit, the Greater Campaign Organisation in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the governor recalled that he was described as an alarmist last year when he cried out over Nigeria’s poor financial state.

Amaechi pointed out that the nation’s economy had continued to fall since he made the statement in December 2014.

“When I said sometime last year that Nigeria’s finances was in a dire strait, some people referred to me as an alarmist. Since I made that statement in December last year, the statutory allocation to the state has continued to decline.

“Now, almost all the states are finding it difficult to pay salaries. The state government owes civil servants their April salaries and pensioners’ four months’ salary arrears because the state does not have the money to pay them,” the governor said.

Amaechi explained that he decided to channel financial resources towards the completion of ongoing projects, which he promised would be completed before the end of his administration on May 29, 2015.

He said, “Some people have chosen to make an issue of the difficulty we are currently experiencing in paying the salaries of civil servants as well as the arrears of our retirees. It is not our making.

“No government will deliberately refuse to pay the salaries of its workers. We will pay as soon as we receive our share of our statutory monthly allocation from the Federal Government.

“It is not easy to joggle the payment of salaries and the implementation of capital projects that are actually geared towards developing the state, creating jobs and improving the economy of the state because more monies go into the society when you award contracts and pay the contractors on time so that they can also pay their workers on time.”

 

Source: PUNCH

EU, US denounce Morsi death sentence

The European Union and the United States have denounced the death sentences handed to deposed president Mohamed Morsi and more than 100 others by an Egyptian court.

The court on Saturday delivered the death sentences for their role in a mass jailbreak during the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak.

The EU said the penalty stemmed from a flawed trial and was “cruel and inhumane”.

“The court decision to seek the death penalty… was taken at the end of a mass trial that was not in line with Egypt’s obligations under international law,” the EU’s top diplomat Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

Mogherini added that Egypt had to guarantee defendants’ rights to a fair trial and to an independent investigation. Her statement said the EU believed the sentence would be revised upon an appeal.

The US expressed “deep concern” after the verdict.

“We have consistently spoken out against the practice of mass trials and sentences, which are conducted in a manner that is inconsistent with Egypt’s international obligations and the rule of law,” an unnamed state department official said on Sunday.

Noting that they were preliminary sentences, the official added: “We continue to stress the need for due process and individualised judicial processes for all Egyptians in the interests of justice.”

The court’s verdict on Saturday has already prompted immediate condemnations from Amnesty International and the Turkish president.

Many of those sentenced on Saturday were tried in absentia.

The sentences are subject to legal appeal and the court will pronounce its final decision on June 2, since under Egyptian law, death sentences are referred to the grand mufti, the government’s interpreter of Islamic law.

I was flown out for surgery during campaigns –Patience Jonathan

Mrs. Patience Jonathan

 

Wife of the President,   Patience Jonathan, on Sunday disclosed that she battled with another round of ill-health   during the re-election campaigns of her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan.
 

 Mrs Jonathan, who was flown abroad about two years ago on health grounds, said the latest   was so severe   that she had to be sneaked out of the country to Germany in January for a   major surgery.

She spoke during a farewell service in honour of the Jonathan family at the Aso Villa Chapel.

The President’s wife said before she left the German hospital after the operation, she was billed for another in a bigger hospital immediately after the elections but that God miraculously healed her.

She said after her husband lost his re-election bid, she returned to Germany for the surgery.

According to her, she was about to be taken into the theatre when doctors decided to carry out another round of checks on her.

Like her previous health challenge about two years ago,   Mrs. Jonathan   did not disclose the nature of the last ailment.

She said, “During the   last campaign period, the devil struck   again. I was in pain and was rushed to the hospital in January and the doctors told me, ‘mama, you have to go for a major operation now now.’

“What again? I asked. The campaign was still going on and I wondered how we were going to explain to Nigerians.

“You know that even when you go for medical check-up, they will be writing in newspapers, saying all sorts of things.

“I said my husband will continue with his campaign until the last day. That was how I went in for the first major operation (surgery) in the end of January.

“By God’s grace, I went for the operation (surgery) and came out. On my return from there,   I went straight to the campaign ground.

“They said to me when I was leaving the hospital: ‘mama, there is another bigger operation that you have to go in for again. This one will not be in this hospital. This hospital is too small for the type of operation you need when you come back. You have to go to a bigger hospital.’

“I said ‘ha! while   will you tear   my body again after I had done 12   operations within one month last year?

“I said my God will see me through because he created me for a purpose. I told my prayer partner to continue praying for me. I said to myself that I will never be used   for a sacrifice.

“I was booked for the operation in a bigger hospital and I was asked to go back to Nigeria and return after the campaign. They gave me a date. When I went back, I paid for everything and just when I was   to be taken into the theatre, the doctors   said, ‘let’s check her again.’

“By then, my husband had lost the election. I had packed out of the Villa. Behold! I went to four hospitals again and the thing was said to have vanished. My doctors were surprised; they didn’t believe that that could happen.”

Mrs. Jonathan recalled that many people thought it had ended for her when she went through 12 surgeries about two years ago.

She said although she was “dead,” God sent her back to complete her work.

But the President’s wife added that her husband’s electoral loss was an indication to her that she had completed the work given her by God.

She said, “I thank God for keeping me alive today. God is so wonderful. Just two years ago, I went through operations upon operations. Within one month, I passed through 12 operations.

“Some people said I was dead, yes, I was dead but God resurrected me.

“God told me, ‘my daughter, go back, I will give you a second chance, go and finish your work.’

“And since my husband lost the election, I believe God has made me to finish the work.”

Mrs. Jonathan said she would forever remain thankful to God because many people had prophesied that either her or the President would not leave the Presidential Villa alive.

She recalled that that was what happened in the case of Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who died while her husband was still in office.

She said it was gladdening that she and her husband would be leaving the Villa on May 29 hale and hearty.

Mrs. Jonathan said she would continue to thank God for His mercies because she never dreamt of becoming a wife of a deputy governor much less of a President’s wife.

She   said, “I never thought in my life that I will be First Lady. I never dreamt of being the wife of a deputy governor because my husband was not a politician. But God made it possible and God lifted us up from deputy governorship position and here we are.

“We should be grateful to God for what he has done. To me and my family, we praise God.

“To our followers, today, it might not be too good but I want them to be grateful to God because they have followed us for a long time from deputy governor, governor, Vice President to President.

“You know that no position is for a life- time. There is no permanent thing so I want you to take it in good faith that it is the will of God. You should be praising God. God is really wonderful.”

Mrs. Jonathan disclosed that some unnamed persons had been visiting her since the March 28 presidential election with the hope that they would meet her in a mourning mood.

Thereafter, Mrs. Jonathan danced forward for a special thanksgiving to God for sparing her life throughout their stay in the Villa despite her sickness.

 

Source:  PUNCH

We’re open to merger - PDP

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh

The Peoples Democratic Party has said that it is not contemplating a change of identity, noting that the vision of its founding fathers remains timeless.
 

The party also said it was open to merging with other political parties and associations that shared its ideals.

The party insisted that it was still a national political party with the strength and spread to regain pre-eminence, despite losing control of the Federal Government and some states in the last general elections.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, in Abuja on Sunday, said that “having been the guardian of Nigerian democracy for 16 years during which it nurtured and blossomed democratic governance as well as etched its name in the pantheon of good governance, the PDP will not in the circumstance of ephemeral loss of power change its identity or its time-honoured characteristic values.”

The party said though it was committed to its present structures, it would not close its doors to other political parties wishing to be assimilated into its fold as the best vehicle for the fulfillment of political aspirations of all Nigerians regardless of tribe and religion.

It said, “We have a name, tradition and values. Sixteen fruitful years as the guardian of Nigerian democracy cannot be nullified by the reason of a temporary setback. We shall rise beyond all and regain our rhythm.

“Our colour remains green, white and red and power still belongs to the people. And to assert that we are proud of the successes of our successive leaders in taking Nigeria to its present height is an understatement, which the passage of the next four years under the All Progressives Congress will certainly prove.”

The party added that the fact that it was going into opposition would not mitigate its ability as the flagship of democracy, maintaining that it would soar higher in providing credible alternative as a constructive opposition, “far removed from the wrathful destruction that the APC lived thus far.”

  Source: PUNCH

Edo State Gov and the New First Lady (Photos)

Oshiomhole, wife shift honeymoon

Adams and Lara

 

There were indications on Saturday that the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and his newly-wedded wife, Iara, have postponed their much expected honeymoon till June.

Governor Oshiomhole had on Friday married former Miss Iara Fortes, an ex-model from Cape Verde, at a marriage ceremony witnessed by a large turnout of dignitaries from various sectors of the country and he was expected to proceed on a honeymoon with the new First Lady.

But it was gathered that the couple had placed their honeymoon on hold in order to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) scheduled for May 29 in Abuja.

Informed sources disclosed to SUNDAY PUNCH that the new couple might have their honeymoon in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The source said, “They are still in Nigeria. They will go for their honeymoon maybe in June.”

Source: Punch

Nollywood Stars, Dignitaries Storm Edo State Governor's Wedding (Photos)

Nollywood stars fully represented at the on going glamorous wedding of the governor of Edo State. The likes of Kanayo O. Kanyo, Osita Iheme (pawpaw), Ofiafuluagu Mbaka, Hon. Desmond Elliot, and a host of others are spotted in the ceremony venue. Some of the top dignitaries have also arrived with posh cars and private jets...