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NIGERIA’S TB CASE FINDING RISES BY 50%, SAYS WHO

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The World Health Organisation said Nigeria had significantly increased its national Tuberculosis case finding by 50 percent in 2021 using innovative approaches.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, made this known in her message in commemoration of World TB Day.

World TB Day is marked yearly on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of this preventable disease and call for accelerated action to end it.

This year’s theme, ‘Yes, we can end TB’, highlights the need to ensure equitable access to prevention and care, in line with the drive towards Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Moeti said it was important to find and diagnose cases of TB so that the patients can be treated, and their contacts offered preventive medication.

“Nigeria is an example of a country that managed to significantly increase national TB case finding by 50 percent in 2021 using innovative approaches such as the expansion of the daily observed treatment protocols, use of digital technologies, Community Active Case Finding, and enlisting Public Private Mix initiatives.

“TB requires concerted action by all sectors: from communities and businesses to governments, civil society, and others,” she said in a press statement.

She said the African Region was on the threshold of reaching a 35 percent TB death reduction as there had been a 26 percent reduction in TB deaths between 2015 and 2021.

“Seven countries — Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, South Soudan, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia—have reached a 35 percent reduction in deaths since 2015,” she noted.

She, however, decried the challenges in TB prevention and control.

Old TB vaccine works better when injected into a vein —Researchers

“First, the delayed diagnosis and testing. There is still a notable gap between the estimated number of new infections and case notifications of TB: 40 percent of people living with TB did not know of their diagnosis or it was not reported in 2021. One million people are living with TB in the region and have not been detected.

“Second, the link between TB and HIV. Approximately 20 percent of people newly diagnosed with TB are also living with HIV infection.

“Third, the multi-drug resistant TB. In the African region, only 26 percent of all people living with multi-drug resistance are receiving the appropriate treatment.”

Meanwhile, she hailed the member states for the increasing uptake of new tools and guidance recommended by WHO, resulting in early access to TB prevention and care, and better outcomes.

“In the African Region, the use of rapid diagnostic testing has increased from 34 percent in 2020 to 43 percent in 2021, which will improve countries’ ability to detect and diagnose new cases of the disease.

“We must work together to develop innovative approaches to reach vulnerable populations and ensure that they have access to quality TB care and management.

“The second UN High-level Meeting on TB in September 2023 will provide a rare opportunity to give global visibility to the disease and mobilize high-level political commitment to end TB.

“Ending TB is feasible with the decline in TB deaths and cases, and the elimination of economic and social burdens associated with it.

“Especially today, I urge leaders, governments, partners, communities, and all stakeholders to urgently foster the resilient health systems required to accelerate the TB response so that we can reach the Sustainable Development Goals targets by 2030. Yes, we can end TB in our lifetime,” she added.

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Health & lifestyle

WHAT YOUR SITTING POSITION CAN SAY ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY

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Photo by Jonaorle from Pexels

Many of us spend the majority of our days sitting. Did you know that the way you prefer to sit can give others a glimpse into your personality? The way you cross your legs or put your hands in your lap can be very telling. Keep reading to see what your sitting position might be telling others.

Why Some People Spread Out While Sitting

It can sometimes be annoying sitting next to someone who spreads their legs out really wide while they’re sitting

a man sitting on a wall with legs spread out

Alex Ware/Unsplash

These people tend to have trouble sitting still or concentrating on one thing at a time. They will likely speak before thinking about what they’re going to say, are easily bored, and love fast-paced environments.

Crossing Your Ankles Can Make You Seem Like Royalty

anne hathaway crossing her ankles in the princess diaries

Walt Disney Pictures/MovieStillsDB

One way to look a little more sophisticated while sitting is to cross your ankles. Someone who sits this way comes off as refined, elegant, and down-to-earth.

Since this position is a little more relaxed, it causes both yourself and those around you to feel comfortable. Some may notice that members of the royal family usually sit this way.

Next up is a way to appear open-minded and flexible.

Show Some Flexibility By Sitting Cross-Legged

a man sitting cross-legged next to a chair

Jose Aljovin/Unsplash

There’s a reason why people who practice yoga or meditation choose to sit in the cross-legged sitting position when they’re not practicing. Those who choose this style tend to be more open and carefree.

When people sit cross-legged with their knees out to each side, it can be interpreted as being open-minded and wanting to hear new ideas. Not only is this position physically flexible, but it’s emotionally flexible as well.

The Reason You Rest Your Hands In Your Lap

a girl resting her hands in her lap

Shinfe Studio/Unsplash

Those who sit with their hands resting (not clasped together) in their lap most likely keep to themselves and love to put others first.

They rarely get upset and are able to stay in control of their emotions. Keeping your hands still in your lap could mean you’re humble, unassuming, compassionate, gentle, and easy to be around.

Do You Clutch The Armrests? Here’s Why

a man sitting in a chair in the water

Yogendra Singh/Unsplash

Armrests are there for support, which is why people who clutch them want both physical and emotional support. People who prefer to use the armrests are likely sensitive and want to keep an eye on their surroundings.

They may need some extra comfort and security in their life and the armrests are a symbol of that. Clutching armrests could also mean they are stable, grounded, and reliable.

Where You Choose To Sit Can Be A Clue To Your Personality

GettyImages-1163186026

Robert Alexander/Getty Images

If you’re given an empty bench, couch, or other seating area, it makes a difference where you sit. People who sit in the middle of these seats tend to be more confident.

Introverted or shy people may choose the side because they don’t want to be surrounded by others. The outgoing people who sit in the middle show that they are bold and can make friends easily.

You Might Be Defensive If You Cross Your Arms

a girl crossing her arms

Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash

Someone who usually crosses their arms while they sit may seem unapproachable, but that’s not completely the case. These people are most likely strong, a little defensive, and confident.

They may also feel they need some protection or security and are essentially shielding their body from the rest of the world. Some other personality traits attributed to this sitting position include being thoughtful, serious, and analytical.

Coming up: the unique way creative people tend to sit.

Caregivers Are Usually Kneeling

a woman kneeling on the ground

Priscilla Whendy/Unsplash

It’s not exactly easy to sit in a kneeling position and it usually goes with the qualities of being assertive and helpful.

Caregivers such as parents and grandparents perform the kneeling position frequently, so they can get eye level with their little ones. Also, people who regularly kneel are usually natural-born leaders, witty, and great problem solvers.

If you hold your hands in your lap, here’s what it might mean.

Why You May Clasp Your Hands In Your Lap

girl sitting with her hands clasped in her lap

Tim Mossholder/Unsplash

Someone who tightly clasps their hands in their lap may come off as anxious, but there’s a lot more behind this sitting position.

It actually signals that someone is very passionate and emotional. People are naturally drawn to these types of individuals because of their high energy and zest for life. They’re also naturally trustworthy, warm, sweet, and funny.

There’s a particular sitting position that symbolizes a lack of comfort and security. Keep reading to find out what it is…

People Who Recline Are Very Observant

a man reclining in his seat

Ronnie George/Unsplash

The world can be filled with a lot of external stimuli that can make it overwhelming. If you see someone sitting in a reclined position, it could mean they’re just trying to take it all in.

Recliners tend to be more analytical and would prefer to observe a situation, instead of acting out. These people are also very considerate and would likely be called empaths.

This Sitting Position Is Common In Creative People

a girl sitting on a chair at the beach

Chris Yang/Unsplash

Someone who sits with their knees together and their feet facing towards each other are usually creative and charismatic. They would be considered a Type B personality that loves spontaneity.

While these people can usually find themselves in trouble, they’re quick thinkers who know how to get out of it. This sitting position represents popularity, adventure, and friendliness.

People Who Cross Their Legs Might Be Type A

sitting-position-personality-test-trending-compressed

Twitter @muralin2016

If you’ve ever seen someone sitting with their legs crossed with non-stop shaking or bouncing, it could give off the vibe that they have a Type A personality.

This position can be interpreted as being organized, prompt, and reliable. These people tend to stay calm under pressure, always pay attention to detail, and are great at understanding others.

People Who Cross Their Legs Live In Their Heads

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YouTube/Lady Life Hacks

If you find yourself crossing your legs and not moving them, it’s likely that you have a big imagination. You’re someone who often gets lost in your daydreams and is great at storytelling.

Some common traits with this sitting position include empathy, good at making eye contact, and great listening skills. Also, you know yourself very well.

This next sitting style is a little bit flirty.

Be A Little Flirty In The Sidesaddle Position

a girl sitting sidesaddle

Ussama Azam/Unsplash

Someone who sits with their knees to the side is in the sidesaddle position. This can be interpreted as being delicate, caring, or sweet.

The sidesaddle is also a bit flirtatious and can send signals to another person that you’re interested in them. Sitting with your knees and chest pointed out towards your partner signals this interest even further.

The Truth About Folding Your Hands In Your Lap

a girl folding her hands in her lap

Hao Pan/Unsplash

One of the easiest ways to decode someone’s personality is to check if they fold their hands in their lap while they sit. We already discussed clasped hands, but someone who folds their hands together in their lap regularly tends to be calm, kind, and peaceful.

These people are pretty introverted and love their alone time, but are also very passionate about the world and those who live on it. They may not say much, but when they speak be sure to listen.

The Benefits Of Sitting With Straight Legs

a girl sitting outside

Abbat/Unsplash

Smart, rational, punctual, neat, and orderly are all ways to describe someone who sits with their legs straight and feet flat on the floor.

While these people tend to be more reserved, they love to talk openly and honestly about themselves when given the chance. They’re also the best person to go to in a crisis because they know how to remain calm.

HealthyGem

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Health & lifestyle

WHY RASTAS SMOKE MARIJUANA

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Members of the Rastafari religion and political movement have for decades been persecuted and imprisoned for their ritualistic use of marijuana.

However, the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda recently became one of the first Caribbean nations to grant Rastafari official sacramental authorization to grow and smoke the herb that they deem sacred.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne told The Associated Press in an interview that his government took this step to try to end the persecution and bring respect to the Rastafari faith.

Rastafari elsewhere are pushing for similar religious protections. Experts and stakeholders think the Antigua and Barbuda law could give a boost to these efforts worldwide at a time when public opinion and policy are continuing to shift in favor of medical and recreational marijuana use.

Here is a quick look at the faith’s beliefs and history:

ORIGINS

The Rastafari faith is rooted in 1930s Jamaica, growing as a response by Black people to white colonial oppression. The beliefs are a melding of Old Testament teachings and a desire to return to Africa. Its message was spread across the world in the 1970s by Jamaican music icons Bob Marley and Peter Tosh — two of the faith’s most famous exponents.

A Rastafari’s personal relationship with “Jah,” or God, is considered central to the faith.

SACRAMENTAL MARIJUANA

Rastafari followers believe the use of marijuana is directed in biblical passages and that the “holy herb” induces a meditative state and brings them closer to the divine. The faithful smoke it as a sacrament in chalice pipes or cigarettes called “spliffs,” add it to plant-based organic stews and place it in fires as a burnt offering.

But adherents, many of them Black, have endured both racial and religious profiling due to their ritualistic use of cannabis.

GANJA

“Ganja,” as marijuana is known in the Caribbean, has a long history in Jamaica, and its arrival predates the Rastafari faith. Indentured servants from India brought the cannabis plant to the island in the 19th century, and it gained popularity as a medicinal herb.

HAILE SELASSIE

ETHIOPIA – JANUARY 01: The Emperor Haile Selassie 1St Of Abyssinia, Around 1930 -1960. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Most of its many sects worship the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie. This is rooted in Jamaican Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey’s 1920s prediction that a “Black king shall be crowned” in Africa, ushering in a “day of deliverance.” When an Ethiopian prince named Ras Tafari, who took the name Haile Selassie I, became emperor in 1930, the descendants of slaves in Jamaica took it as proof that Garvey’s prophecy was being fulfilled.

When Haile Selassie visited Jamaica in 1966, he was greeted by adoring crowds, and some Rastafari insisted miracles and other mystical occurrences took place during his visit to the island.

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[TACKLING HARD TIMES] HERE ARE VEGETABLES YOU CAN GROW IN POTS ON YOUR BALCONY

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Today, many Nigerians are particularly challenged as to how to make ends meet. It is therefore important to think of simple and creative ways to boost your standard of living without spending more. As vegetables are what we need all the time, sourcing them can be quite expensive and time-consuming too.

But you can create your own little garden within the building and have fun too in having handy those fresh veggies you desire. This is all too easy if you have water as we already have enough sunlight here to provide the ideal weather needed for the plants to grow and do well.

hot peppers growing in a container

Indeed, there are many people that would love to start a vegetable garden but simply don’t have the outdoor space to do it. These days, many people live in apartments and high rises and simply don’t have any outdoor space to work with for gardening. Luckily, gardeners are no longer relegated to building raised beds or starting in-ground gardens, and there are a wide variety of vegetables that are well-suited to container gardening. 

Growing vegetables in containers gives you the option of creating a vegetable garden on your balcony or patio, or even indoors near a sunny window.

Just about every vegetable that you could ever want to grow outdoors in a garden can also be grown in a container garden on your balcony, and your vegetables will thrive in containers as well, as long as you provide the proper growing conditions and care, and select a container that is large enough to house the plant comfortably, and allows plenty of space for its roots to expand as it matures. 

In this article, we’ll tell you which vegetables are great for growing in pots in a balcony or patio garden setup, go over each vegetables basic growing preferences, highlight the best varieties of each vegetable for container gardening, and finally, we’ll give a few tips and pointers about starting your own balcony vegetable garden.

red tomatoes

TOMATOES

Tomatoes are some of the easiest vegetables to grow in containers. As long as you have a location that receives at least five to six hours of sunlight per day, you can grow tomatoes in your balcony container garden with ease. If you have limited space, try growing a dwarf variety, or cherry tomatoes instead of one of the larger tomato varieties. Tomato varieties that are well suited to container gardening include Patio Princess, BushSteak, Sweetheart of the Patio, Tumbler, and Glacier. 

For more on how to grow tomatoes in containers, click here.


BEANS

Pole beans and bush beans are both well-suited to container gardens. All you need is a spot that gets lots of sunlight, a pot that is at least one foot deep, and a trellis-like structure for the vines to grow on (for climbing varieties), and you can expect to see a good crop of beans that are ready to harvest within just a few short weeks. Good bush bean varieties to grow in containers include Bush Blue Lake, or Contender. For pole beans that are well-suited to containers, try Cherokee Trail of Tears. For green bean varieties that grow well in pots, try out Mascotte Green Beans.  

For more information on how to grow green beans in containers, click here. For more on how to grow other types of beans, click here.


PEPPERS

Aside from tomatoes and radishes, peppers are the easiest vegetable to grow in containers, and they are voracious producers as well. You will need to provide a large, deep pot, preferably at least one foot deep for ideal growth. Keep your peppers in full sun and start providing fertilizer when the plant flowers until it is done producing fruit. The best pepper plants for containers are Jalapeno, Yellow Spice Jalapeno, Early Jalapeno, Shishito, Poblano, Bolivian Rainbow, Numex Twilight, Fushimi, and Devil’s Tongue peppers

To learn more about growing hot or sweet pepper plants in containers, click here.

CARROTS

Carrots are easy to grow in containers as long as you select the right varieties. You want to pick carrots that are short instead of the standard carrot types, as the standard carrot varieties need more room for their roots to grow. Also, make sure to select a container that is deep enough to support their long taproots. Avoid overwatering and keep foliage dry to avoid issues with mildew. The best carrot varieties for pots are Romeo, Tonda di Parigi, and Little Finger. 

For more on how to grow carrots in containers, click here


PEAS

Pretty much all varieties of peas are good for container gardening, but dwarf varieties and bush varieties are preferred, especially if you are limited on space for your vegetable garden. Peas enjoy moist soil and cool weather and containers that are six to 12 inches deep depending on the cultivar. If your container is at least one foot in diameter, you can fit four to six pea plants in it comfortably. The best peas for container gardening are Peas-in-a-Pot, Tom Thumb, Snowbird, and Little SnapPea Crunch

To learn more about growing peas, click here


EGGPLANT/GARDEN EGG

Eggplants are fairly large vegetables, but as long as you provide at least a five-gallon pot that is wide enough to provide plenty of room for each eggplant you grow, they will perform very well in pots on your balcony. Eggplants require six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day and regular fertilization. Eggplant plants require support when they start producing fruit, so make sure to remember to provide stakes or cages to help support the weight of the heavy eggplant fruits. The best varieties of eggplant for container gardening are Fairy Tale, Bambino, Crescent Moon, Hansel, and Gretel. 

To learn more about growing eggplants, click here.


TIPS FOR GROWING VEGETABLES IN POTS ON YOUR BALCONY


  • Do not use soil from the ground when growing in containers, as it is typically heavy and may cause drainage issues, and it may contain pests or soil-borne diseases that could hurt your crops. Instead, use potting soil, preferably potting soil that is specifically formulated for vegetables. A top of the line, organic potting soil is ideal, and feel free to mix in some well-rotted compost, or worm castings to increase the organic matter and improve water retention and drainage. 
  • Make sure that your balcony gets plenty of sunlight, as the majority of vegetables and herbs enjoy at least eight hours of sunlight per day. If your balcony or patio area doesn’t get that much sun, you will need to adjust what you are growing in that area. A handful of root vegetables, like carrots and radishes, as well as leafy greens like lettuce, chard, and kale, only need four to six hours of sunlight to thrive. Look for a spot on the porch, deck, or driveway area that does get eight hours of sun for your other vegetables and herbs that thrive in full sun conditions. 
  • Make sure that you have a water source nearby, as vegetables are very thirsty plants and they will need a lot of water during the growing season to develop plenty of fruit for harvests. Having a water source nearby will keep you from having to lug watering cans full of water for long distances to keep your plants hydrated. 
  • Take a look above the location where you are planning on keeping your containers for your vegetable garden and try to avoid placing them under the awning of your balcony or right up against the house. Making sure your plants have access to rainfall can cut a lot of work out of caring for your plants, as you won’t need to manually water them after a heavy rain, as long as they are in a position where they are receiving that rainfall whenever it comes along. 
  • Pick containers that are large enough to support the root systems of the plants that you are wanting to grow and large enough so that the plants have plenty of room to grow to full size without needing to be repotted. Make sure that the containers that you choose have ample drainage. Here is a quick guide to selecting the right size pots for the vegetables and herbs that you want to grow:

One to two gallon containers (for small plants) – Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, chard, collards, and spinach. Other plants that work for one to two gallon containers include grape and cherry tomatoes, kohlrabi, and individual herb plants.

Five to eight gallon containers (for medium plants) – Most brassicas fit into this size container, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, as well as medium-sized tomato plants, okra, and bush-style cucumber plants. 

Eight to ten gallon containers (for large plants) – Most large vegetables will fit into these size containers, including peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, tomatillos, large tomatoes, and bush type winter squash varieties. 

Ten to fifteen gallon containers (for extra large plants) – These extra large containers will suffice for individual plants of extra large tomatoes, winter squash, pumpkins, and artichokes. 

  • Good companion plants for pairing up veggies in extra large containers or for growing near to each other in separate containers:
    • Plant beans with carrots and squash, or pair beans with eggplants. 
    • Plant tomatoes with basil, garlic, and onions. 
    • Pair lettuce with herb plants like basil, rosemary, and thyme. 
    • Plant spinach with chard and onions.
  • Avoid planting these plants near one another, even in separate containers:
    • Keep bean plants away from onion and garlic.
    • Keep carrots away from dill or fennel.
    • Don’t plant tomatoes near squash or potatoes.
    • Don’t plant onions near beans or peas.

Starting your own vegetable garden on your balcony or patio space is fun and easy. Growing vegetables in containers can be nearly as prolific as growing them directly in the ground, and container gardening can drastically reduce issues with pests and soil-borne diseases. If you have a balcony or patio with ample space and plenty of sunlight, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t start your own container garden today. 

Source: Gardening Channel

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