I HAD TO WALK NAKED !!!

I’ve been hearing complaints about the current generation dressing skimpily, ladies that is, and some call it walking ‘naked’! It’s fashion. It’s a trend. An in-thing they call it. Personally, there’s nothing so worrying about all this – in my perspective! Why? I grew up when civilization (according to the western culture) was just about getting to my village or our small world then. The only clothes or dresses akin to us then was a piece of beaten or softened goat or cowskin cut in a triangular shape with all the tips having a rope extension. The ropes aided in fastening it around the waist after placing the cloth like an inverted triangle below the waist at the front. The hanging rope then passed between the legs, through the butt-crack and fastened at the waist on the  one around the waist. It only helped to cover our manhood. Does the description sound a bell? Looks like the ‘thong’ aka ‘G-string’, dah? Yes, we wore thongs back then.

Enough of all the noise!

Now, all this took place one evening around 1946. 

I was sixteen years, strong, healthy and masculine.  The boy of the home. My dad’s favourite son. Reason? I knew how to look after cattle and ensured they ate to their fill and well watered. For this reason I was never sent to school (education had already been introduced by the white missionaries in the village). That is where weaklings were taken, those who added no much value to the home. They were sent to school as punishment.

One fine afternoon, bright and calm by all extensions, I decided to take the cattle for watering at a nearby stream.

At the stream after the cattle had drunk water, they set out grazing along the banks. Since it was fairly hot, I took the opportunity to bathe. I gave my ‘thong’ a fair wash and left it to dry up on a rock. Water caressed my skin and gave my body some bit of  relief I badly needed. Finished, I sat on another rock as I let water drip out of my body as I watched the cattle graze.

After a while, I decided it was time to walk the cattle back home. I turned to the rock where I had spread my ‘thong’ to dry but to my shock, it wasn’t there. Where could it have disappeared to? I kept checking and turning dry leaves as I moved closer to the herd. It’s then that I noticed a cow chewing but not dropping it’s head down to pick up grass. Something like a string hanging from the side of her mouth. . On close inspection, it was my ‘expensive ‘thong’.

How was I going to walk home ‘naked’? Walk with my manhood swinging like a pendulum! I just looked at the cow not knowing what to do to her. I sat back on the rock and thought of what to do. At this instant I heard some monkey chattering. l looked at the direction of the sound, and something caught my eye, a banana plant. Scanning the leaves, an idea struck me. I went and plucked a leaf and tied it around my waist. My problem was solved, at least for nom till I can make it home and retrieve another ‘thong’. I directed the cattle back home but all the way I felt naked, not used to the breeze hitting me from below. My balls felt like they were freezing. Lucky for me, back then you could walk for miles before meeting another walker.

Don’t be asking yourself how old I am! This story was narrated to me by friend of mine who is 85yrs now. 

How I wish I was born then. But never getting old and wrinkled.

COOKING FAT FOR MANDAAZI

Hello villagers! I bet the word maandazi sounds alien to some of you. You my fellow villagers are of different races, but I believe you are familiar with English, otherwise this sentence wouldn’t have made sense to you. For the sake of fairness and to avoid straining our lush camaraderie, allow me to explain what it means. Maandazi is a Swahili word for doughnuts or bread kind of – sweet bread. Forgive me, but I don’t know how to explain it better than that, it’s just maandazi. Are we good? As for cooking fat,  I believe you do have an idea. Let me just break it down for you, cooking fat is a semi solid cooking oil or thick paste if that makes it easier to comprehend. It’s common back here in my village, and it cheaper too. Most folks are able to enjoy a fried meal courtesy of the cooking fat. From as little as Kshs. 5 you are guaranteed a fried stew for lunch or supper. It has attracted a number of pseudo names with the most popular beingnyakatuda (which I  can’t explain to be honest) and Mor Achodha.  The latter meaning scooped fat.

Now that you know, let me save you the megillah and get to my story…

A few days ago something happened in my the village that got everyone laughing. But I didn’t laugh at what happened, I laughed rather at what the villagers were laughing at. Is there any difference in what I just said?  I don’t even know what I’m saying. OK, the whole village was left nursing painful ribs after what seemed like a scene out of some Hollywood comedy movie, became the centre of attention one sunny afternoon. The scene was at a neighbouring homestead, and the main characters were two co-wives; Nyar Alego and Nyar Asembo ,both widows. The cause of conflict was a maandazi and cooking fat. How you ask?

And it occurred that…

Nyar Alego the eldest wife had been bedridden for what seemed like two months. She had grown lethargic and senile. She was somewhere around 78 years. Nyar Asembo on the other side was still strong. Since they both didn’t have their children staying with them, as they were either married or living in the city, she had to assist Nyar Alego.

On this eventful day, Nyar Asembo was going to the market to buy groceries, and what to prepare for lunch that day. She passed by Nyar Alego and inquired if there’s anything she felt like eating. ‘Maandazi’ she had said. On her way back from the market, Nyar Asembo had remembered to bring her co-wife the maandazishe had requested.  She had everything she had bought packed in a polythene bag. On reaching home she passed by Nyar Alego’s house to deliver the maandazi. Being in hurry she dipped her hand inside the bag and felt for whatever was wrapped in a piece of paper and handed it out to Nyar Alego in the bed where she lay half asleep then walked out of the house to her own kitchen to prepare lunch for both of them.

Water for Ugali( thick paste of maize, sorghum or millet flour) was set on the three-stoned fireplace to boil as she prepared onions and tomatoes she was to use in frying eggs that had been left unhatched by one of her chickens early that morning. She sang as women do while preparing a meal or doing a chore. I don’t know if it’s only my observation! At least, I have noticed my mother and sisters doing so, but I have never understood the logic behind it. If you haven’t, then take time today and pay attention to any lady or woman, most of them prefer Gospel music.  Done with the onion chopping and tomatoes, she beats the eggs and takes to preparing her ugali. When it’s ready she sets it on a plate beside the fireplace and puts another sufuria on the stones for the eggs. She reaches for theold polythene  bag she had brought from the market and takes out a wrapped piece of old Newspaper. On unwrapping she discovers it’s maandazi,  and not  cooking fat she had bought at the market. She scampers out to Nyar Alego’s house on realization that she must have given her the cooking fat.

‘Nyar Alego kara ne aweyoni mana nyakatuda kar mandas!’ (Nyar Alego I must have left you with cooking fat instead of maandazi) She had said apologetically.

‘Kara ema omiyo ne oyom kabisa!’ (So that is why it was so soft ) Nyar Alego responded  innocently.

‘Ichamo mora!'(You have eaten my cooking fat ) she exclaimed in shock. It couldn’t be true, Nyar Alego couldn’t possibly have eaten it, she was bluffing. She inched closer to where she lay and beside her noticed the fat stained piece of paper. A wave of fury overcame her and she almost threw herself on her with rage. She looked at the grotesque figure lying on that bed  and she got madder. She wanted to tear her apart. Storming out of the house, she threw away the maandazi.

A strong smell of something metallic burning hit her nostrils and she remembered the sufuria at the fireplace. Dashing inside, she found the cooking pot glowing hot red. The sight of this only added to her already rampaging rage, she pushed it off the fire, burning her fingers in the process. Now it was a mix of anger and pain. What a terrible combination. This gave her flaring temper a new boost and she came out of the house spitting insults to the helpless Nyar Alego, who was still in her house. It is this that attracted onlookers drawn, from within the neighbouring homes and those who had been passing through the village. 

One woman walked close to her to inquire what had transpired, a small crowed followed her and it became a small political  rally.  She was like an opposition leader delivering a  harangue to the rulling President, all attention was on her and she had her loyal supporters with her, she was the vox populi. When she narrated the earlier occurrence, her supporters laughed and others jeered. They started  filling out of the compoured leaving her behind, dampening her spirits. She lashed out at them, driving them out her homestead, they were ungrateful and disloyal to her, their leader. How could they dismiss her like that?

It was now her against the villagers. Words were exchanged, jibes flew laced  with mockery. The village came alive. They had something to talk about until another could come back- a comic relief. They  found a momentary break from problems bedeviling their lives and enjoyed some good laugh, though only for a brief period…the maandazi and cooking fat moment. A Luo would say : A mandas andnyakatuda moment! 

TESTING FOR HIV

Testing for HIV is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV. Many people do not have any symptoms and can live for many years without knowing they have the virus.

Testing for HIV is quick, easy, painless, confidential and almost always free. If you test regularly for HIV, and after every time you put yourself at risk, you can help keep yourself and your sexual partners healthy. It is always better to know.

In this section, we go through everything you need to know about HIV testing.

WHY GET TESTED FOR HIV?

You should get tested if you’ve:

had sex without a condomshared needles when injecting drugsput yourself at risk of HIV in any other way or are worried you might have.

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. A lot of people feel nervous about it, but the reasons to test far outweigh the reasons not to test. We look at the main reasons why you should get tested.

It’s quick and easy

Getting an HIV test is quick, easy and almost always free. It's also the only way to know for sure whether or not you have been infected andinvolves a quick saliva or blood test.

It’s better to know

It's normal to feel worried about HIV. But why let yourself fear the unknown? Testing early for HIV can help put your mind at ease and reduce the anxiety of not knowing.

Whether your result is negative, or positive, it's always better to know so that you can move on with your life, or start treatment if necessary. And remember, your result may not be what you expect.

It can help you live a long and healthy life

If you do have HIV, being diagnosed at an early stage means that you have a better chance of living a long and healthy life. HIV attacks your immune system. If you're diagnosed early, you have a greater chance of protecting your immune system before it gets too weak and you get ill. 

With the right treatment and care, people living with HIV can expect to live as long as the average person, so it’s important to take control of your health by getting a test.

It means you can access treatment

Being diagnosed early also means you can get treatment earlier and help protect your current and future sexual partners. HIV treatment, called antiretroviral drugs, help to lower the levels of HIV in your body, meaning HIV cannot attack your immune system. Testing for HIV means that you can access treatment earlier – this will help you live a long and healthy life.

It supports healthy sexual relationships

Testing for HIV regularly means that you can look after the sexual health of you and your partner. If you're positive, you can prevent HIV from being transmitted to your partner by using condoms and by being on treatment.

Our next topic will be: when to get tested??

Health Risks Of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Women and girls living with FGM have experienced a harmful practice. Experience of FGM increases the short and long term health risks to women and girls and is unacceptable from a human rights and health perspective. While in general there is an increased risk of adverse health outcomes with increased severity of FGM, WHO is opposed to all forms of FGM and is emphatically against the practice being carried out by health care providers (medicalization).

Short-term health risks of FGM

Severe pain: cutting the nerve ends and sensitive genital tissue causes extreme pain. Proper anaesthesia is rarely used and, when used, is not always effective. The healing period is also painful. Type III FGM is a more extensive procedure of longer duration, hence the intensity and duration of pain may be more severe. The healing period is also prolonged and intensified accordingly.

Excessive bleeding: (haemorrhage) can result if the clitoral artery or other blood vessel is cut during the procedure.

Shock: can be caused by pain, infection and/or haemorrhage.

Genital tissue swelling: due to inflammatory response or local infection.

Infections: may spread after the use of contaminated instruments (e.g. use of same instruments in multiple genital mutilation operations), and during the healing period.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): the direct association between FGM and HIV remains unconfirmed, although the cutting of genital tissues with the same surgical instrument without sterilization could increase the risk for transmission of HIV between girls who undergo female genital mutilation together.

Urination problems: these may include urinary retention and pain passing urine. This may be due to tissue swelling, pain or injury to the urethra.

Impaired wound healing: can lead to pain, infections and abnormal scarring

Death: can be caused by infections, including tetanus and haemorrhage that can lead to shock.

Psychological consequences: the pain, shock and the use of physical force by those performing the procedure are mentioned as reasons why many women describe FGM as a traumatic event.

Long-term health risks from Types I, II and III (occurring at any time during life)

Pain: due to tissue damage and scarring that may result in trapped or unprotected nerve endings.

Infections:

Chronic genital infections: with consequent chronic pain, and vaginal discharge and itching. Cysts, abscesses and genital ulcers may also appear.Chronic reproductive tract infections: May cause chronic back and pelvic pain.Urinary tract infections: If not treated, such infections can ascend to the kidneys, potentially resulting in renal failure, septicaemia and death. An increased risk for repeated urinary tract infections is well documented in both girls and adult women.

Painful urination: due to obstruction of the urethra and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Menstrual problems: result from the obstruction of the vaginal opening. This may lead to painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), irregular menses and difficulty in passing menstrual blood, particularly among women with FGM type III.

Keloids: there have been reports of excessive scar tissue formation at the site of the cutting.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): given that the transmission of HIV is facilitated through trauma of the vaginal epithelium which allows the direct introduction of the virus, it is reasonable to presume that the risk of HIV transmission may be increased due to increased risk for bleeding during intercourse, as a result of FGM.

Female sexual health: removal of, or damage to highly sensitive genital tissue, especially the clitoris, may affect sexual sensitivity and lead to sexual problems, such as decreased sexual desire and pleasure, pain during sex, difficulty during penetration, decreased lubrication during intercourse, reduced frequency or absence of orgasm (anorgasmia). Scar formation, pain and traumatic memories associated with the procedure can also lead to such problems.

Obstetric complications: FGM is associated with an increased risk of Caesarean section, post-partum haemorrhage, recourse to episiotomy, difficult labour, obstetric tears/lacerations, instrumental delivery, prolonged labour, and extended maternal hospital stay. The risks increase with the severity of FGM.

Obstetric fistula: a direct association between FGM and obstetric fistula has not been established. However, given the causal relationship between prolonged and obstructed labour and fistula, and the fact that FGM is also associated with prolonged and obstructed labour it is reasonable to presume that both conditions could be linked in women living with FGM.

Perinatal risks: obstetric complications can result in a higher incidence of infant resuscitation at delivery and intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal death.

Psychological consequences: some studies have shown an increased likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders and depression. The cultural significance of FGM might not protect against psychological complications.

PREMATURE EJACULATION ;THE CURE

Premature Ejaculation; The Cure

Premature Ejaculation refers to a situation where the man hits orgasm way before his partner. Usually happening within one minute of penetration. It is so common, happening to 1 out of 3 men at least at some point in their life. If it happens once in a while, it’s no cause of concern. Premature Ejaculation can cause frustration, Anxiety and shame between the partners due to lack of secual satisfaction for both of them. So, what really causes this problem?

Stress ; both Emotional and mental strain can cause premature ejaculation as it makes it hard for the man to focus during sex.

Erectile Dusfunction : this condition makes it hard for a man to maintain hardness for a long time. They end up rushing to ejaculate so as not to lose the hardness before.

Conception Issues : for a couple which has been trying to conceive for a while, sex stops being for pleasure and becomes primarily meant for conception. As a result, the man focuses on ‘cumming’, unknown to many, this can actually make it even harder 2 conceive

Infections of Inflamations either in the prostrate or urethra can also cause this.

Relationship Issues can also cause problems of either ejaculating too fast or erectile dysfunction. If the problem was non-existent till you started having issues, then the issues are the most likely culprit

Anxiety : especially about sexual performance can also be a contributing factor for premature ejaculation

TREATMENT

Oral Medication : some medicines are known to help delay ejaculation significantly, although they really were’nt meant for this purpose. Anti-depresants and Analgesics are among these drugs. Their side effects happen to include delayed ejaculation.

Counselling
Whether the cause was mental strain or relationship issues, a counsellor can help resolve this causative afent and help you put your sex-life back on track.

Topical Anaesthetics these are creams and sprays which cause a mild numbness on the penis, reducing the man’s excitement to managable levels, hence prolonging the sex-duration.

Behavioral Techniques such as masturbating a short while before having sex can help prolong the duration that the intercouse lasts.

The Pause-Squeeze Method: the idea behind this is reducing the an’s excitement levels by sqeezing the ‘head’ of the penis. When having sex and the man is about to ejaculate, pause, and let your partner squeeze the point where the head joins the shaft. Maintain the squeeze for several seconds until the urge to ‘cumm’ passes. Then you can proceed and repeat the exercise until You’ve had enough

Seeking Medical Help:

Although it can be embarrassing to discuss this with someone else, just remember that premature ejaculation is a very common condition which can be treated just like any other health condition. (Chances are, even your doctor has had to deal with it on a personal level at one stage of his life).

Pic Accredit : GettyImages and Jasiaya Respectively 

SWOLEN FEET

Swollen Feet

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling—a.k.a peripheral edema—is an accumulation of fluid in these parts of the body.
______>>The build up of fluid is not usually painful, unless it is due to injury.

CAUSES OF THE SWELLING INCLUDE

*.being overweight

*.standing for prolonged periods of time

*.being confined for long periods of time (especially during car rides or flights)

*.taking estrogen or testosterone

*an infection in the leg area

*.venous insufficiency (when the veins are not adequately pumping blood)

______>>TREATMENT
There are several measures you can try at home if your feet, legs, and ankles regularly swell up.

These can help relieve swelling when it occurs and possibly help to prevent it.

**You should try to elevate your legs whenever you are lying down, to a position above your heart.______* You may want to place a pillow under your legs to make it more comfortable.

______>>You can also:

*.stay active and focus on exercising the legs

*.try to reduce your salt intake

*maintain a healthy body weight

*choose clothing that fits loosely around your thigh area

______>>SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION

While swelling in the lower extremities can simply be the result of standing for too long, it can also be a sign of something more serious.

It is a serious health issue if the swelling comes accompanied by the following symptoms

*.pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest area

*.dizziness

*.confusion

*.feelings of faintness

*.trouble breathing or shortness of breath

these may be signs of serious health issues such as an Infection, problems with internal organs (heart, liver, kidney) or venous insufficiency (veins fail to pump enough blood.) so you may need medical attention.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding - the first days
Your baby and you are learning about each other and about breastfeeding.Your baby needs to finish at the first breast before being offered the second.Around 8–12 feeds in 24 hours is normal for a new baby.

On this page:Where to get help  Your baby will need at least 8–12 feeds in 24 hours  How to tell when your baby is attached properly to the breast  Signs that your baby is getting enough milk  What to expect in the first days  Establishing natural breastfeeding patterns  If you need help  If your baby remains unsettled  Where to get help  Things to remember 

Learning how to breastfeed is a new skill. Breastfeeding is best started soon after your baby is born. If your baby feeds well straight after birth, they may then sleep for a good stretch. 

Your baby may seem unsettled on day two or three while your colostrum changes to mature milk. Increased breastfeeding is often all that is needed. Letting your baby feed as much as they want in the first few days will help to establish good breastfeeding patterns and prevent breast engorgement.

Your baby will need at least 8–12 feeds in 24 hours

Although frequent feeds may be time consuming, this is normal. The benefits include:The baby receives colostrum, which helps prevent infectionsFull milk production is stimulatedThe risk of breast engorgement is reduced.

How to tell when your baby is attached properly to the breast

Your baby is attached properly if:Their mouth covers the nipple and a large amount of the areola, more on the lower side than the upperTheir chin is touching the breastTheir nose is clear of, or just touching, the breastTheir upper and lower lips are opened out or ‘flanged’ over the breast.Your baby should take a few quick sucks, and maybe a pause, before sucking strongly and rhythmically. You should not feel nipple pain if your baby is attached properly.

Signs that your baby is getting enough milk

Signs that your baby is getting enough milk include:
Sucking action – this should be slow and rhythmical after the initial fast sucking burst. The bottom jaw should be moving up and down with a deep action.
Breast sensations – you may feel a drawing sensation in the breast after the baby has been sucking for a few minutes. Your breasts will feel less full and tight after a feed.
Body language – your baby becomes still and peaceful. They may gently touch a hand against your breast or open and relax their fists.
Wet nappies and bowel motions – these will also indicate how much a baby is getting.

What to expect in the first days

You can expect on:
Day 1 – your baby will receive about half a teaspoon of colostrum at each feed, the poo will be sticky and green-black in colour and there will be one wet nappy.
Day 2 – your baby will receive about one teaspoon of colostrum each feed, have soft green-black poo and two wet nappies.
Day 3 – milk volume is increasing. Poo changes to a greenish-brown colour and there will be three wet nappies.
Day 4 – poo becomes more mustard in colour. There will be four wet nappies.
Day 5 – milk increases to 500–800 ml per day. Poo will be mustard-yellow, soft or liquid and occurs three to four times. There will be five wet nappies.
From day 6 on – you can expect at least five heavy wet disposable nappies or around six to eight pale wet cloth nappies with frequent bowel motions. As your baby gets older, there may be fewer poos.

Establishing natural breastfeeding patterns

To establish natural breastfeeding patterns:Let your baby feed as often as they like, day and night.Offer both breasts at each feed. Whether your baby takes the second breast will depend on baby’s appetite. If the second breast isn’t taken for long, offer that breast first next feed.Allow your baby to finish the first breast before offering the second.

If you need help

In addition to midwives, some hospitals employ lactation consultants who can help you with any breastfeeding problems. You can also contact a privately employed lactation consultant. The Australian Breastfeeding Association offers a free and confidential seven-day-a-week counselling service for breastfeeding mothers.

If your baby remains unsettled

Babies can remain unsettled after your milk comes in if:They aren’t getting enough milk – for example, if they are not properly attached to the breast.You detach them from the breast before they finish – for example, when their sucking slows down. This can deprive them of the later, high-fat milk and leave them unsatisfied. Babies should detach themselves.They haven’t established a good sucking technique – this can take several days to develop. In the meantime, milk may need to be expressed and given to the baby by cup or teaspoon.They are not being given enough feeds– check that your baby is being offered 8–12 feeds per day.Babies may also become unsettled because they are lonely, bored or need attention or comfort. The use of a baby sling may help in this case.

Things to remember

Your baby and you are learning about each other and about breastfeeding.Your baby needs to finish at the first breast before being offered the second.Around 8–12 feeds in 24 hours is normal for a new baby.