Another Cracker! Blessing Okagbare Wins Gold in Women's 200m.

A few days after she won Gold in the Women's 100meters Finals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, she's won Gold again in the Women's 200m in a time of 22.25 seconds, completing the Glasgow2014 sprint double. Well Done! Blessing! You are the Best! 

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Vitamin-D Has 10 Serious Side Effects on Your Health

Vitamin D, popularly known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is very much needed by the human body. It makes the bones stronger and healthy. But an overdose of this vitamin can lead to Vitamin D toxicity or hypervitaminosis D! This results in an abnormal increase in calcium levels in the blood. And this condition is known as hypercalcemea, which leads to many severe ailments.

Vitamin D is not an essential dietary vitamin as it can be synthesized in adequate quantity by humans when exposed to sunlight.

Apart from sunlight, there are many foods that are loaded with Vitamin D. This is a fat soluble vitamin, which makes it mandatory to consume fat for its absorption.

• Fatty fish, fish oils, egg yolks, beef liver, some kind of mushrooms and cheese contain high amount of Vitamin D.
• The human body can synthesize Vitamin D in the skin when exposed to adequate sunlight.
• Low calorie fortified breakfast cereal like Multi grain Cheerios has enough Vitamin D content.
• For vegetarians, mushrooms can be a perfect source of Vitamin D. Preferably, Portobello mushrooms and white button mushrooms contain Vitamin D in more quantity.
• Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter have adequate amounts of Vitamin D.
• Fortified soy products, such as tofu and soy milk also contain high amount of Vitamin D.
• Red and black caviar and oysters are also the recommended sources of Vitamin D.
• Cod liver oil is known as the most popular Vitamin D supplement.
• Other products like fortified orange juice and chocolate malt drink mixes also contain this vitamin.
• Egg is another amazing and widely available source of Vitamin D. Egg yolks are loaded with Vitamin D, but they are also high in cholesterol content. So are not usually recommended.

Side Effects And Health Risks Of Vitamin D Consumption:

Vitamin D toxicity is not caused by overexposure to sun or food. It is the result of consuming heavy doses of Vitamin D supplements. Our body manages to regulate the quantity of Vitamin D produced by sun exposure. And food does not contain such high quantities of Vitamin D even if they are fortified. But, if you consume a too much of Vitamin D, you might experience the following side effects:

1. Hypervitaminosis D:

Though rare, this is one of the most serious health risks of Vitamin D overdose. One of the major side effects of Vitamin D overdose is that it increases the calcium level in the blood. This condition is also called hypercalcemia. It results in loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, urinary and kidney problems.

2. Worsens Kidney Condition:

Individuals who have liver or kidney conditions are at a greater risk of Vitamin D toxicity. So, take vitamin supplements only in consultation with a doctor.

3. Increases Cholesterol Level:

Vitamin D-rich foods, such as eggs, salami, cheese, whole milk, caviar and oysters are also high in cholesterol. It is important that these are consumed in moderate amounts.

4. Toxicity:

You may experience various symptoms due to Vitamin D toxicity. Some of the symptoms include headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, confusion, muscle or bone pain, weakness, loss of interest in sex, change in behavior, feeling irritable, fainting, pain in the stomach and metallic taste in the mouth.

5. Not Suitable For Heart Patients:

Individuals with heart diseases or stroke should abstain from Vitamin D-rich food. Excessive consumption of Vitamin D supplement can lead to risks of heart attack, heart arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythm.

6. Allergic Reactions:

Vitamin D overdose can also cause allergic reaction in some people. Immediate medical help may be required in case of symptoms of any of the allergic reactions as difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face.

7. Can Cause Kidney Stones:

Intake of excessive Vitamin D supplements may lead to polyuria and kidney stones

8. Can Lead to Digestive Issues:

Some other symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity may include dehydration, vomiting, fatigue, muscular weakness and metastatic calcification of the soft tissues.

9. Can Cause High Blood Pressure:

Excessive intake of Vitamin D can cause over calcification of heart and kidney. It can also lead to hypertension in extreme cases.

10. Other Side Effects:

Overdose of Vitamin D may also be responsible for symptoms like high levels of phosphate, calcium and protein in urine, urinating more than usual, ringing sensation in the ears, shortness of breath, seizure and vertigo.

Recommended Vitamin D Supplement Limits:

The US Institute of Medicine has detailed a tolerable upper level of Vitamin D supplement intake to protect against vitamin D toxicity.

• 0 to 6 months: 25 µg (1000 IU)
• 7 to12 months: 38 µg (1500 IU)
• 1 to 3 years: 63 µg (2500 IU)
• 4 to8 years: 75 µg (3000 IU)
• 9+ years: 100 µg (4000 IU)
• Pregnant and lactating females: 100 µg (4000 IU)
• The recommended dietary allowance: 15 µg /d (600 IU per day).
• Overdose: 1,925 µg / d (77,000 IU per day).
• Acute Overdose: 15,000 µg / d (600,000 IU per day) and 42,000 µg / d (1,68,000 IU per day) taken for over a period of many days to months.
• Safe level intake: 250 µg / d (10,000 IU per day).

Treatment For Vitamin D Toxicity:

The doctor may prescribe the following treatments, if you are suffering from Vitamin D toxicity:

• Discontinuation of Vitamin D supplements immediately.
• Temporarily lowering the intake of dietary calcium.
• Use of corticosteroids or bisphosphonates to suppress the release of calcium from bones.
• Monitoring of Vitamin D levels until it reverts back to normalcy.

A Word Of Caution:

It is advisable to see your doctor immediately on experiencing any symptoms of hypervitaminosis D. While there are many symptoms associated with vitamin D toxicity, the most commonly associated conditions includes excessive thirst, polyuria which lead to frequent urination and high blood pressure.

The doctor may advise the following pathological tests if you suffer Vitamin D toxicity:

• Blood tests to check levels of Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus.
• A urine test to determine excessive amount of calcium in the urine.
• X rays of bones to determine the intensity of bone loss.

Just because something is good for our body does not mean we need to binge on it! Our body needs limited amounts of Vitamin D. So, make sure you include Vitamin D supplements only under medical supervision.

Please post a comment if you liked this article.

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President Goodluck never gave Chibok parents N100m - Doyin Okupe

After more than 100 days of missing chibok girls, there has been a lots and lots of shambolic gestures and move made by the presidency. The latest update from  Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs,has denied that President Jonathan gave any money to Chibok parents. Who would believe such?  Do you?

please let's have your say on this matter.

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Hotplate Sets DELSU Girls' Hostel On Fire!

Male students of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, turned emergency firemen this money after following a fire outbreak at the Female Medical Hostel.

Student Pulse gathered that the female students raised alarm after a room in the hostel caught fire at about 2am Saturday morning.

But for the timely intervention of the male students, who used fire extinguishers and buckets of water to put out the fire, it could have turned into a major disaster.

It is believed that the fire started from the electric hotplate being used by one of the students.

The student, who was cooking beans had allegedly left her room briefly only to return to meet raging flames.

Cooking related incidences are common in Nigerian institutions, with many a university outright banning cooking in the hostels.

I feel student should know hotplate is not cold plate.

Thank God the inferno didn't do much damage.

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Nigerian Weightlifter Wins First Gold in Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Nigerian weightlifter Chika Amalaha has given Nigeria its first gold at the Commonwealth Games which started in Glasgow, Scotland yesterday July 24th.

Chika won the gold medal today after pulling a total of 196 points in snatch and clean and jerk in the 53kg class to beat her competitors from New Guinea & India who picked the silver & bronze medals.

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Diabetics Can’t Eat Banana? Why It is a Blatant Lie!

Diabetes is one of those chronic metabolic disorders, which account for lots of deaths around the world each year. Medical science has come a long way and several advanced medications have been invented to manage both type-I and type-II diabetes efficiently. But people are yet to make the most of them because of their little to no knowledge in this field. There are quite a few myths about the ailment. Knowing the actual fact can truly help you a lot in combating diabetes successfully. Today, we will talk about the relationship between diabetes and banana and reveal the truth, whether a diabetic can indulge in this superfood or not. Let’s start:

“Diabetics Can’t Eat Banana” – The Myth Busted:

Wrong. It is nothing but a misconception that has long been keeping diabetics away from the fruit. The truth is that bananas are absolutely safe for diabetics till they consume it in moderation and skip the overripe ones. Banana is a healthy fruit, even for people with diabetes. But, as the carbohydrate content and the glycemic index of overripe bananas may cause significant sugar spikes in our blood, many people end up believing that eating the fruit can aggravate their condition. However, consumption of under ripe bananas and that too in small portions all throughout the day is actually a good choice as it does not impact a person’s blood sugar level.

Carbohydrate Concern:

Eating more fruits means filling our body with lots of carbohydrates. Bananas are also not out of the loop. The carbohydrate content of an overripe banana actually represents free sugars and hence, results in diabetes. But scientists have shown that almost 90% carbohydrates present in a not-so-ripe banana is derived from starch, which do not raise our blood sugar levels. So, if you are a diabetic, indulging in under ripe bananas in between your meals will not harm you.

Glycemic Index Concern:

Similarly, green or under ripe bananas have much lower glycemic index than their overripe counterparts. As a result, they do not cause spikes in our blood sugar level and are safe for diabetics.

How To Include Banana In A Diabetic Diet?

Eating an extra-small banana (maximum 6-inches in length) or the half of a large banana during each meal is recommended for diabetics. According to dieticians, the carbohydrate intake of a patient with type-II diabetes should strictly be in between 45 and 60 grams for each meal, while a banana of this size gives only 19 grams of it.

The meal of a diabetic must be a perfect balance of fruits and starchy food. So, while including an extra-small under ripe banana, make sure that you do not take starch items more than one-fourth of your entire meal.

You can follow the ‘Create your Plate’ method invented by the American Diabetes Association to live on an ideal diabetic diet. For this, you have to consider your plate as two separate halves. Now, fill one half of it with non-starchy, low-carb veggies and the other half with starchy ones, lean protein, milk and an extra-small banana.

Facts To Remember:

Remember the below facts while consuming banana:

• Try to spread your carbohydrate intake throughout the day so that the level of glucose remains normal in your bloodstream. It is always good to eat banana in very small portions in between your meals or snacks.

• Do not ever include bananas in a dessert if you are diabetic. Foods containing sugary syrups will not only cause sugar spikes in your blood, but also worsen the situation to a great extent.

• Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels. It is of utmost importance that you monitor it regularly to avoid all sorts of emergencies.

So, if you are suffering from diabetes, you can definitely consume bananas, but please do remember the points mentioned above!

Stay healthy and blessed!

Please send us your comment! You'll happy you did.

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Is Anything Wrong With President Goodluck Wearing Socks On Native?

President Jonathan pictured above as he arrived Nigeria from Ghana after attending the 45th Summit of the ECOWAS Heads of State. What some Nigerians noticed was the socks he wore on native...is there anything wrong with that?

Please tell us your view. We need a Fashion guide for 2014.

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SAP HANA and BIG DATA Influenced German Victory Over Argentina.

Another big win win for the Germans over the Argentines has proved SAP HANA and BIG DATA one of the latest and biggest achievement in the world of IT and sports.

This has proved true in this case, and this software -SAP HANA - could become the leading "In-thing" of the 2014 FIFA world cup.

Big data has become a buzzword in corporate boardrooms, but it could also mark the difference between winning and losing a football world cup final.

Collecting millions of data sets that are difficult to process using on-hand database tools is referred to as ‘big data’. This data can then be analysed to help boost the likes of business and operational performance.

Applications for big data range from ensuring cranes, which are connected to the internet, don’t collide with each other on construction sites to IBM’s supercomputer Watson beating top human players on US television game show Jeopardy!

And just a month before Germany stunned Brazil with a 7-1 defeat in a FIFA world cup semi-final game this week, business software firm SAP at its US SAPPHIRE NOW conference in Orlando, Florida was quietly demonstrating how the German football team is using big data.

“The German team uses a customised data system by SAP that identifies individual details of each player like distance covered, shots on goal, and correct passes in matches,” public relations manager for sports and entertainment at SAP, Kamila Joanna Laures, told ITWeb Africa.

“They have also taken advantage of revolutionary SAP technology that uses big data for better informed coaching decisions on tactics, player fitness, scouting, preparation and game management.

“SAP Match Insights assists players and coaches to prepare themselves for upcoming matches by dissecting key situations that may present themselves throughout the course of the match,” Laures told ITWeb Africa.

This SAP technology uses the likes of video footage of previous games to track these data points and; in turn, help the German team strategise.

“Statistics and soccer have always belonged together. In many cases being better informed than the opposition has meant winning a match, and our software makes the analysis of big amounts of data much easier and much more reliable,” Laures said.

The German national team also used the technology, for example, in its world cup game against Portugal, according to SAP. Germany beat Portugal 4-0 in that Group G game.

“Oliver Bierhoff (Germany’s team manager) told us that prior to the match against Portugal; for example, Jérôme Boateng received several key scenes with Cristiano Ronaldo on his app so he could study his every move in the penalty area,” Laures said.

ITWeb Africa has reached out to the German football team for comment. Although, the German team has not responded.

Nevertheless, prominent football writer, broadcaster and analyst in South Africa, Neal Collins, has said that Germany could have had extra efforts regarding their preparations for their semi-final clash against Brazil this week.

Studying statistics of the Brazil-Germany game this week interestingly reveals little difference between the two sides. For example, Germany only had 12 shots on target compared to Brazil’s 13. Germany also had 49% possession compared to Brazil’s 51%.

Brazil was missing its superstar Neymar da Silva Santos in the key Germany game owing to an injury.

But Collins has said that considering the match statistics, it is surprising that the goal difference between Brazil and Germany was so large in the semi-final game this week.

“No one can explain what happened last night (Tuesday night); it’s never happened to the host nation,” Collins has told ITWeb Africa.

“In the absence of any logical explanation for what happened to Brazil last night (Tuesday night), perhaps the Germans have just moved the game on,” Collins said.

Tablet and smartphone technology being used by European football teams’ strategists and coaching staff is becoming more common sight in leagues such as Germany’s Bundesliga, according to Collins.

For instance, video streaming on tablets is even used by these strategists to help players on the pitch analyse which direction certain goalkeepers typically dive in penalty shootout situations, Collins said.

“So, conceivably with this kind of technology and with the European leagues being so much richer than the South American, African, and Asian leagues, they’re now able to employ all these people, and all this software to create a situation where, you know, the players are told to get into certain positions and certain parts of the pitch, because that’s more effective,” Collins told ITWeb Africa.

“If somebody’s added computer software to the way that people play football and if the coaches can get that message across, then, yes, it’s conceivable that high technology makes seem like Germany is better than teams like Brazil.”

However, Collins said, “I still think football revolves around innate, instinctive skill.”

And SAP agrees its technology can only go so far.

“Of course we’d like to believe that the German team's recent success at the world cup has also been helped by the power of data software support. At the end of the day; though, it is still the players who score,” Laures noted.

“The software is intended to help customise each player’s training, as it objectively helps identify individual strengths and weaknesses,” Laures said.

Regardless of whether technology helps sports teams or not, it is being used increasingly more in sport, especially as big sponsorship deals put more pressure on teams to perform.

Former South African cricket coach Bob Woolmer was regarded as a pioneer in using video analysis to prepare for games in the 1990s. Other top coaches, such as South Africa’s 2007 rugby world cup winning coach Jake White, has also been known for using video analysis.

Technology’s use in sport is therefore opening up unique business opportunities for technology companies.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), global sports revenues have been predicted to grow to $145.3 billion by 2015.

And as the stakes in global sport grow bigger, the application of technology in big games such as Sunday’s FIFA world cup final between Argentina and Germany could mean the difference between fans’ jubilation and despair.

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2 weeks after his death, Arisekola-Alao's first wife dies in a fatal auto-crash.

One of the wives of late popular Ibadan businessman, Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao, who died two weeks ago in a UK hospital, has also died. Jelilat Arisekola-Alao, the eldest wife of Arisekola died exactly two weeks after his passing, in a fatal auto accident at Eyenkorin, near Ilorin, Kwara State on Tuesday July 1st. She was 62.

Late Mrs Arisekola, who has since been buried, was survived by two children.

So Painful A Loss!!!

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