IBADAN 2017: UGONSA NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE AND UPDATE: TIPS ON HOW TO ATTEND

UGONSA National Professional Conference affords every nurse the opportunity of participating in the Nursing Parliament where key decisions about the future of the profession are taken. Update is a great opportunity to learn about latest innovations and trends from experts in the field. The conference is a rare opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and an avenue that truly showcase you as an important person in the nursing community. Next professional conference and update shall hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, from Monday 10th to Friday 14^th July 2017. July 2017 sounds far right? We don’t think so but guess that if you don’t start making preparations right away, it shall creep in and catch you snoring. Here are few tips on how to make your attending easier:

1.        Create work-free time across the Conference date: If you are a civil servant, make your annual leave request for the year 2017 to span across the date of the conference such that you shall be observing your annual leave during the conference. If you are a student, engage your school authority through the leadership of your students’ association such as the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students' Association [NUNSA] or the National Association of Nigerian student Nurses and Midwives [NANNSM] to make the conference week lecture free. If you are self-employed start now to plan ahead on how your business can run without hitches while you are away for the conference. For employees in the private settings- inform your boss about the conference and its import on time and seek for release during the conference week.

2.       Sponsorship:  You can apply for sponsorship and release for the conference from your employer. If your application is granted, you will be released to attend and as well get reimbursement for all your expenses. A sample sponsorship and release letter shall be available from January 1, 2017 and shall be emailed to anybody who indicates interest by Nur. Mustapha Garba (07036126766) or Nur. Nshi Goodluck (08065585953). Simply send sms containing your email address and indicate that you need the sample sponsorship letter to any of the phone numbers or send a mail requesting to have the letter to our official email address gnan2ugonsa@gmail.com. The letter shall be mailed to you within 24 hours of request.

3.       Start to make little savings for the conference: Little drops make the ocean. You can start right away to set aside some portion of you income for the conference to have the wherewithal to participate effectively when the time comes. Registration fee of N10000 for graduates and N5000 for students can easily be realized via this process.

4.      Be in touch with the members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC): The phone numbers of the LOC members shall be on the fliers and posters for the conference, which shall be available round the nation latest by February next year. Get in touch; keep in touch and get familiarized with them for guide including fetching you upon arrival and making hotel reservation for you based on what you can afford.

5.       Make effort in advance to minimize cost: Pay your conference fee in advance into the UGONSA National account number: 3089525712, First Bank, to get the early bird package that will be available for only those that paid in advance. Paying in advance will also help the organizers to plan specially for you, as such is a strong indication that you will attend the conference. Ascertain about another colleague, especially of the same gender, who may be attending in advance and make plans together especially on how to share some cost. E.g. Paring and sharing the cost of hotel accommodation. 

UGONSA…….Make a positive change!!!

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Here Is Why You Must Avoid Alcohol While Pregnant

The range of disorders that occur in the fetus due to maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy are referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. They can range in severity and include:
Alcohol Related Neuro developmental Disorder – Associated with intellectual and learning difficulties and behavioral problems.
Alcohol Related Birth Defects – Involve the physical defects caused in the fetus as a result of maternal alcohol drinking during pregnancy.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – Is the most severe form. It comprises both neurological as well as physical defects related to maternal alcohol consumption. The presence of only some signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome is classified as partial fetal alcohol syndrome.

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the extreme form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It refers to the presence of both physical and neurological signs and symptoms in the fetus, related to alcohol consumption by the mother during pregnancy. The severity of symptoms is highly variable.

In the United States, fetal alcohol syndrome is believed to be the commonest cause of preventable mental retardation. Estimates suggest that between 800 and 8000 children are born with this condition annually in the United States.
How Does Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Develop?

When the pregnant woman consumes alcohol, it enters her bloodstream, and reaches the developing fetus by crossing the placenta
Since the fetus is unable to metabolize alcohol quickly, it stays in the fetus’s system and causes serious adverse effects.
Alcohol affects the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby’s tissues including the brain, causing their damage.
What Are the Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) may show a few or all the physical manifestations that include the following
Growth retardation
Characteristic appearance of the face with eyes set wide apart with narrow openings, thin upper lip, short and upturned nose with flattening of the crease (philtrum) between the nose and upper lip
Small head
Hearing and visual defects
Heart abnormalities
Deformities in bones, joints and limbs
Kidney problems
Neurological manifestations include
Lack of coordination and balance
Learning disabilities
Hyperactivity
Poor memory
Poor attention span
Moodiness
Low reasoning and problem-solving capacity
Lack of judgment


As a result, these children have difficulties at school, lack social skills and ability to get along with others, not to mention the challenges faced due to the physical disabilities. As adults, they are unable to live independently and hold a stable job. Many run into trouble with the law due to violent behavior, and indulging in illegal activities due to poor judgment and reasoning. Drug and alcohol abuse are other issues that may need treatment.
How Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnosed?

There are no specific tests to diagnose FAS. Correct diagnosis rests on a proper history given by the caregiver, and a thorough clinical assessment by a specialist. As a result, FAS is very often under diagnosed. The following points need to be noted while making a diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome:
History of drinking alcohol during the pregnancy
The characteristic facial and other features in the baby
Lack of physical development as the child grows
Impaired intellectual and brain development
Occurrence of social and behavioral problems
Learning and cognitive problems in school-going children
Early diagnosis is critical, since the special care and educational needs for such children can begin early to enable maximum achievement of their potential.a

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Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Water plays an important role in the proper functioning of your body. It is an amazing source of life and norishment, helps us stay in shape and keep us going through out the day. Doctors recommend drinking at least 2 litres of water every day!

The health benefits of drinking water are numerous but here are a few very important ones:

1. REMOVAL OF TOXINS

Drinking water helps to flush toxins from the body and prevent constipation. Like Anti-inflammatory food, it works to reduce inflammation and also helps keep your joint lubricated to prevent or reduce pain.

2. GLOWING OF THE SKIN

Water is good for the skin and dispels dry skin. It is a secret of a beautiful face and a fair and glowing skin. Other than our normal lotion, drinking lots of water keeps your skin moisturized and decreases the appearance of wrinkles.

3. HELPS IN DIGESTION

Drinking water helps to activate your digestive system. It is important in helping your system flush everything and dissolves what we eat by moving essential nutrients from food to the blood stream and organs.

4. BALANCING OF LYMPH SYSTEM

Drinking water early in the morning helps to balance the lymph system of the human body. Lymphs improve the infections fighting system.

In conclusion, it is advisable to always drink water early in the morning to increase the flow of oxygen and aids in the production of muscles and blood cells.

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14 Exercise For Curing Type 2 Diabetes

Next to diet, exercise has been seen to be an important factor in reversing diabetes. Many more enlightened doctors encourage their patients to exercise daily. There is no way around this! No matter how well you eat, how many proven supplements or drugs you take, and how well you balance your endocrine hormone system, you still need to exercise to cure diabetes and similar blood sugar conditions. Below are 14 exercise recap for reversing type 2 diabetes.

1. Make a list of fun activities. You have lots of options, and you don't have to go to a gym. What sounds good? Think about something you've always wanted to try or something you enjoyed in the past. Sports, dancing, yoga, walking, and swimming are a few ideas. Anything that raises your heart rate counts.
2. Get your doctor's OK. Let them know what you want to do. They can make sure you're ready for it. They'll also check to see if you need to change your meals, insulin, or diabetes medicines. Your doctor can also let you know if the time of day you exercise matters.
3. Check your blood sugar. Ask your doctor if you should check it before exercise. If you plan to work out for more than an hour, check your blood sugar levels regularly during your workout, so you’ll know if you need a snack. Check your blood sugar after every workout, so that you can adjust if needed.
4. Carry carbs. Always keep a small carbohydrate snack, like fruit or a fruit drink, on hand in case your blood sugar gets low.
5. Ease into it. If you're not active now, start with 10 minutes of exercise at a time. Gradually work up to 30 minutes a day.
6. Strength train at least twice a week. It can improve blood sugar control. You can lift weights or work with resistance bands. Or you can do moves like push-ups, lunges, and squats, which use your own body weight.
7. Make it a habit. Exercise, eat, and take your supplements at the same time each day to prevent low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia.
8. Go public. Work out with someone who knows you have diabetes and knows what to do if your blood sugar gets too low. It's more fun, too. Also wear a medical identification tag, or carry a card that says you have diabetes, just in case.
9. Be good to your feet. Wear athletic shoes that are in good shape and are the right type for your activity. For instance, don't jog in tennis shoes, because your foot needs a different type of support when you run. Check and clean your feet daily. Let your doctor know if you notice any new foot problems.
10. Hydrate. Drink water before, during, and after exercise.
11. Stop if something suddenly hurts. If your muscles are mildly sore, that's normal. Sudden pain isn't. You're not likely to get injured unless you do too much, too soon.
12. Reward yourself. Rather than focusing on the bad things that could happen if you don't exercise, reward yourself for reaching your goals. You might say "OK, if I exercise 10 minutes, three times a week for the next three weeks, I'll call my sister-in-law who lives in Abuja," says Clara. Don't hold out for weight loss as an emotional "reward." Focus on other benefits, such as having more energy or enjoying the outdoors when you walk.
13. Write it all down. Write down your goals, be specific, and keep a record every time you do exercise, says Tom. Record on your calendar every day whether you exercised for 10 or 15 minutes or more.
14. Get an exercise "prescription". In this case, a fitness or exercise physiologist can measure how physically fit you are and prescribe a specific intensity of exercise and how to progress to the next level. "It's based on that individual's fitness stake," says Conn. "For a person that is very unfit, and has not been exercising, the exercise prescription will be at a low moderate intensity and then move to a slightly higher intensity and longer duration."

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9 Healthy Foods For A Flat, Sexy Tummy!

Basically, there are five categories which include: avocados, nuts and seeds, healthy oils, olives, and dark chocolate. Try to include several servings of these food items at every meal to help you lose belly fat.

Serving Sizes:
• Dark Chocolate = 1/4 cup
• Olives =10 large
• Healthy Oils = 1 tablespoon
• Nuts & Seeds = 2 tablespoons
• Avocado = 1/4 cup

However, the Fitness Magazine has identified 9 foods which they claim are the key to flat abs. These foods all contain fiber to rid you of belly bloat, antioxidants, and protein, all of which encourage a properly functioning metabolism.

If you need to have a smooth, sexy belly, you need to change your diet and add the following foods to your daily diet...

1. Almonds...Yup, you're right, they fall into the MUFA category. Almonds contain protein, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium.

2. Eggs...Sometimes referred to as the perfect protein, add eggs to your diet, unless you have high cholesterol, if so, check with your doctor first.

3. Soy...Yes, I said soy, to some this might sound like a foreign concept, but soybeans area a fantastic source of fiber and antioxidants. Try something new...head to your local Japanese restaurant and order a plate of edamame, boiled baby soybeans, and you will become hooked immediately. Tofu and soy milk are other delicious options.

4. Apples...Remember the old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? It seems to be true. Apples are high in fiber and water, both of which make you feel satisfied and full. The majority of an apple's antioxidants come from flavonoids, known to reduce certain cancers, keep the heart healthy, and lower cholesterol levels.

5. Berries...Brimming with fiber and high in antioxidants, berries can be eaten plain, sprinkled on top of whole-grain cereal, or as a topping for your favorite yogurt.

6. Greens...Low calorie, high in fiber, and a good source of calcium-try to add three servings a day. Chinese kale, a wide variety of lettuces, spinach, arugula, and collard greens will add interest and variety to your salads and side dishes.

7. Yogurt...This one surprised me. A research study published by the International Journal of Obesity, claims that people who get their calcium from yogurt lose more weight in their bellies than people who get their calcium from other sources. Consumption of yogurt aids digestion and reduces the incidence of bloating, gas, and constipation.

8. Vegetable Soup: Eating a bowl of vegetable soup is a low-calorie way to fill up and get your veggies in for the day!

9. Salmon ...Add this healthy fish filled with omega-3 fatty acids to your diet regime.

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Top 15 Ways Sun Can Improve Your Health No14 And 15 Will Amaze You

1. It Reduces heart disease

A STUDY in the British Medical Journal showed that people in the UK are more likely to die of heart disease in winter than in summer, which is believed to be because of low levels of vitamin D. Where you live in the UK also matters. Blackpool has 27 per cent more hours of sunshine a year than Burnley - and 9 per cent fewer deaths from coronary heart disease.

Cholesterol levels also rise in winter, according to reports in medical magazine The Lancet, and this is because our vitamin D levels fall. And Dr Holick found that exposing people with high blood pressure to UVB rays in a tanning salon lowers blood pressure by similar amounts as prescribed drugs.

2. It Prevents diabetes

VITAMIN D may help to prevent the onset of diabetes. "A study in Finland found children given a vitamin D supplement for several years had an 80 per cent reduced risk of developing Type I diabetes as young adults," says Dr Holick. A deficiency in vitamin D is also thought to contribute to Type II diabetes, according to a recent study by Dr Barbara Boucher at St Bartholomew's and the Royal London Hospitals.

3. It cheers you up

SUNSHINE boosts levels of serotonin - the body's natural happy hormone. That's why we tend to feel happier and more energetic when the sun shines. Regular sun can stave off moderate depression, particularly if combined with exercise, such as a walk in the park. It's also been shownmthat exercising outdoors creates more endorphins in the body than exercising indoors.

4. It Prevents cavities

THE sun could even help to keep your teeth strong. A dental study found the prevalence of cavities was greater in children from Scotland, the North-West, Wales and Merseyside - areas with less than average sunshine. The proportion of 12-year-olds with untreated cavities was three times greater in Scotland than in the South West Thames.

5. It Beats SAD

SEASONAL Affective Disorder (SAD) - or the winter blues - is a depression specifically caused by lack of sunlight. Lightboxes can be used to treat it, although increased exposure to natural sunlight is more beneficial. Get out for an hour's walk in the morning during autumn and winter months, and sit outside for 15 minutes a day in summer.

6. It Helps prevent MS

MULTIPLE sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, leading to tremors and even paralysis. The cause is not known but scientists have noted that exposure to sunlight in childhood appears to dramatically reduce the risk of developing this disease in later life. Scientists have also noted that the incidence of MS is lower in sunnier countries.

7. It Reduces risk of cancers

ALTHOUGH over exposure to the sun increases your risk of skin cancer, vitamin D provided by sunlight can actually help to significantly reduce your risk of other types of cancer. A study carried out by the US National Cancer Institute found that people exposed to high levels of sunlight were significantly less likely to die from breast and colon cancer. A similar effect was seen in bladder, womb, oesophagus and stomach cancer.

8. It Boosts fertility

THE sun reduces levels of the hormone melatonin which suppresses fertility, so it is more likely you'll conceive in
summer. And sunlight not only makes you more fertile, it increases the length of your fertility. A study in Turkey discovered that women who get less than an hour of sunlight a week reach menopause seven to nine years earlier. Sunlight also boosts testosterone levels in men, which makes summer the perfect time for baby-making.

9. It Relieves aches and pains

Being out in the sun helps to warm the body's muscles and eases stiffness, reducing the pain caused by inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

10. It Gives you more energy

MELATONIN also regulates sleep, so having lower levels of this hormone in your body gives you more get up and go. This is why you need less sleep in summer but still feel livelier. Plus, being woken by natural light rather than an alarm clock helps you feel more positive.

11. It Helps skin conditions

EXPOSURE to the sun can help to heal such skin conditions as psoriasis, acne and eczema. Regular controlled sun exposure is often prescribed for sufferers. For serious cases, contact your GP. For minor cases, try exposing affected areas of skin to the sun for up to 30 minutes before covering up or slapping on the sunscreen - but make sure you never burn.

12. It Beats period problems

ABOUT one in five women of childbearing age suffer from polycystic ovary disease which causes abnormal periods, unwanted body hair and infertility. Half of 14 women treated with vitamin D and calcium by Dr Susan Thys-Jacobs at St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University in New York, recovered normal periods and two became pregnant. Dr Thys-Jacobs also found that women with premenstrual syndrome are likely to be deficient in vitamin.

13. It Eases IBD

PEOPLE with Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) generally have low levels of vitamin D in
their bodies, according to several studies. Sunlight is the best way to boost vitamin D in these cases. Although it is available in some foods (including meat, eggs, oily fish and some breakfast cereals), levels are low and poor absorption of fat - a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease - may make it difficult for sufferers to absorb vitamin D from their diet.

14. It Boosts your immune system

SUNLIGHT encourages the production of white blood cells, which help to boost your immune system and fight infection.

15. It Helps you lose weight

HIGHER levels of serotonin in our bodies not only makes you feel happy but it also suppresses the appetite, so you'll eat less in warmer weather. Go out in the sun at least three times a week to boost levels of vitamin D.

But NEVER overdo the sun - burning and excessive exposure will increase your risk of skin cancer. Cover up or apply sunscreen (minimum SPF15) after your initial vitamin D- boosting burst.

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