BRAIDS AND THE AFRICAN WOMAN

Hair braiding is an ancient art the origin of which can be traced back to Egypt as far as 3500BC. Africans braided their hair in those days, in response to their classes, marital status, age grades, traditions, religions, ceremonies and rituals. Both ladies and gentlemen in Africa braided their hair until civilization stepped in and it became more for ladies. African ladies enjoy braiding their hairs right from the olden days to this times. One may want to know the reason behind the love of hair braiding among African ladies; some of them are listed below.

Fashion Trend; Many African ladies love fitting into the latest fashion trend especially when it comes to hair. Different braid styles come up on daily, monthly, or yearly basis, mostly on Christmas periods, and they end up being the fashion trend. Majority of Africans ladies get captivated by such braids and want to look classy and up to date with the hair styles.

Socialization and Association: Braiding of hair is a time-consuming activity which can be boring, but this boredom is eliminated by gossip between the women present at the salon. They gossip about matters that concern the heart, the society, life and for married women, children and husbands. They share ideas and give solution to one another
addressing issues among themselves. Braiding of the hair gives opportunity to women to meet and make new friends also and to strength the bond between friends. 

Hair Growth and maintenance: Science has proven that the African hair would keep growing but due to its natural dryness and brittleness, it is prone to constant breakage making the hair grow slowly and therefore not achieve the desired length of hair. It is widely believed that the braiding of hair increases hair growth which has been proven scientifically to be true because while braiding the hair, blood flows into the scalp and stimulates hair growth. Also, the braiding of the hair reduces breakage, knotting and tangling.

Grooming: The African hair can turn wild and unruly because of its kinky nature and rough look. In order to look decent and neat, African ladies get their hairs braided. This does not just make them look neat but beautiful and presentable boosting their confidence and self esteem. 


STEPHANIE E. HEMEN

Yemi Alade ft Rick Ross – Oh My Gosh (Remix) to be released

Effyzzie Music Group lead act Yemi Alade has teamed up with American hip-hop rapper Rick Ross, to deliver the much-awaited remix of her buzzing single “Oh My Gosh“.

Naija News reports that the official video of the new anthem, which was produced by DJ Coublon is already out. The video of “Oh My Gosh” remix was directed by Ryan Snyder.

The original song showcased Alade, popularly known as ‘Mama Africa’, singing about her supposed dream man with the remix featuring some intermittent moments of trap music.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the song will be on her fourth studio album supposedly titled ‘Woman of Steel,’ slated for release later in the year.

Reports claim the album will reportedly feature acts like Duncan Mighty, Angelique Kidjo, Funke Akindele amongst others.

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

Is Regina Daniels Four Months Pregnant?

A new report obtained by Naija News, has it that Regina Daniels, teen Nollywood actress may already be pregnant for her new lover, Prince Ned Nwoko.


As previously reported by this online medium, Daniels became an internet sensation in recent times over her sudden lavish lifestyle which has now been allegedly traced back to her secret marriage to Nigerian billionaire lawmaker, Ned Nwoko.

Recently, some other celebrities have risen in defense of the young actress,urging the public to stop criticizing her and respect her decision.

However, a report by www.e-nigeriang.com revealed the actress is already four months pregnant for her 59-year old lover.

The news platform, in a report over the weekend, claimed a family source hinted that Regina Daniels is already 4-months pregnant.

The source revealed that, “not only is she pregnant, but for now, Regina Daniels remains Ned Nwoko’s most favourite wife, with unlimited access to his most expensive cars, houses, as well as his private jet which she brandishes all about.

None of Ned’s wives nor concubines are said to have access to his Rolls Royce (valued at over N100 million), his expensive Ferrari, his private jet as well as his latest delivery; a Mercedez Brabus with an Abuja number plate, YAB-486 BH except Regina.”

Furthermore, there are reports that Daniels has already gotten a London apartment from her lover at an undisclosed location ahead of her expected delivery

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

Georgina Onuoha Speaks On Regina Daniels’ Marriage To Ned Nwoko

Former actress, Georgina Onuoha, yesterday took to her social media platform to speak on Regina Daniels‘ marriage to Ned Nwoko.

In her post she stated that Nigerians in their reaction to the teen actress’s marriage to the billionaire politician has been tagging her to Daniel’s post and sending her messages calling for her reaction towards the controversial marriage.

In her reaction to the actress’s marriage she wrote; “Ok everyone, please stop sending me DMs and tags about this young woman. I don’t know her nor have I met her.”

“No one has made you nor I a judge over her or her decisions even though my name is Georgina and not Regina. The last time I checked, I did not go to a law school neither was I appointed a judge.”

“It’s her life, her business and her propagation. When those before her are busy flaunting private jet and fake plastic ass, most of you did not cry wolf.”

“She has made her choice with the endorsement of her mother behind her to be a teen bride or adult bride, so let her be. Most of her senior colleagues are busy sleeping with old politicians, pastors , fly to Dubai to sleep with old wrinkled Arabic men and married men and you all go hail them as slay queens. You endorse bad behavior as hard work.”

“Islam permits more wives and she has made her choice. While I don’t and will never endorse teen marriage as a parent and mother, I wish her best of luck in all her endeavors.
In my days, some followed yahoo and 419 boys for extra stretch limousines, where are they today? Some teen brides have go on to make something out of themselves by pursuing academics.”

“What is morally corrupt is the Nigerian society that celebrates immorality and go agog with it with impunity.”

“So please, don’t DM me or tag me on such nonsense.”

“Her life and choice. I don’t pay her bills and will encourage her to equally pursue education regardless.”

“So please people address the problems facing our nation and let Regina deal with her private life.”

“If you dm me again I will block you. I am not her mother nor judge. Let her Be. Lets encourage education, empowerment of our youths. Books not boobs, Pens and not penis for young girls and boys. So before you tear her down, go tear down all the slay queens you hail and criminal politicians you revere and shameless pastors you worship. Regina is not your problem.Your corrupt politicians are [your] problems.”

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U 

Like learning any new skill, mastering the art of walking in high heels takes patience, practice, and a few practical measures which include wearing the proper shoe size. However, you will be surprised to hear that most women wear shoes that are too small, which further help to damage their feet. It is imperative to know that wearing proper shoe size would help improve your overall outlook.

If you are new to wearing heels, I recommend starting with a lower heel, thicker heel (wedge), and a little bit wider toe box. This increases your stability, and then as you become more comfortable, you can start increasing the height of that heel a little bit higher and going for a narrower, classic stiletto heel. Not every woman can risk wearing stilettos and those who manage to risk it, end up not staying long in it as they become uncomfortable in. Even though stilettos are fashionable and can be worn any time depending on the occasion, there are factors to bear in mind when thinking of wearing stilettos.

• Size Matters
First, you want to make sure your heels (or any shoe, for that matter) are the proper size. If they are too big, your foot will slide around awkwardly. Too small and your foot will feel cramped, which will make walking painful. For the best fit, get your foot sized frequently. "Your foot size changes over the years, even as much as one full size, especially after having kids," Have your feet sized once a year, and do it if you have never had it done. . ..
Many people think they are a wide or vice versa, and they are not, so definitely do that before you shop. Wearing the right sizes of shoes that fits perfectly well, gives you a high level of confidence. This goes without saying.

• Pace Yourself
If you have never walked in high heels before, do not start out learning with 5-inch stilettos that is a recipe for pain and maybe even injury. "Try something smaller, like a 2-inch heel or wedge to get used to the feeling. You can always work your way up to your most killer heels while you are Conscious of the Rest of Your Body. Adhering to this will help you maintain a steady step which makes you stand out any time you are out.

• Slow It Down
You don’t need to walk too fast or run in heels, no matter how long you have been in the heel business; there is still a need to take your time when you are walking in them. "Wearing heels naturally makes your stride shorter, so you’ll need to take more steps than usual. Don’t expect to be able to walk as fast as you normally do in high heels."

You can agree with me that you can only wear heels comfortably on leveled surface, which means you must not make the mistake of wearing heels if it isn’t comfortable enough for you. Taking your time when walking in stilettoes will help you achieve the cat walk which most women long for.

BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

TIPS ON HOW TO ACCESSORIES ON YOUR OUTFITS

Accessories can extend your wardrobe and help you achieve multiple
looks from one simple staple item.
When it comes to accessories, choosing the wrong ones to accentuate your outfit can lead to an intervention from the fashion police. Our rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings all play an important part in defining our style and completing a trendy look.


However, with such an array of accessories to choose from, it can often feel overwhelming deciding how to choose the best accessories to highlight your features and outfit. To make sure your final touches will make and not break your look, here are our four tips to avoid any fashion accessory missteps.


SKIN TONE: It is just as important to choose jewelry that not only matches your outfit but will complement your skin tone. A cool skin tone looks best with red, purple and blue gemstones like garnet, amethyst and topaz and matches perfectly with white metals like silver or white gold. A warmer skin tone is highlighted best by shades of yellow, orange and green. If this is you, choose stones such as citrine, moonstone and emerald set in yellow metals like gold or copper.

CONTEXT AND OCCASION: While we do live in a time where style rules are far less conventional than they were in the past, you still need to pay close attention to context and occasion when choosing accessories for work, big rings and a myriad of bracelets might make it hard to type. Similarly, you need to keep in mind how an accessory will draw attention to certain body parts and if that will be appropriate for the occasion.


SCALE: You need to consider size when pairing your fashion accessories with your outfit. If you are wearing loud prints, it is best to keep your accessories understated and minimal. The same goes for ruffles, sequined or other embellished garments. You want your pieces to accentuate the outfit not compete for attention. Another thing to keep in mind is the scale and shape of your handbag as well as your body type. If you are tall and thin, choose slouchy bags like hobos. Short women should stay clear of handbags with long straps, and hourglass women look beautiful with medium sized structured bags that balance out their curves. Accessories can extend your wardrobe and help you achieve multiple looks from one simple staple item.


COLOR: The next thing to consider is the color of your outfit. While it is always good to experiment to find the colors that work best for you, don’t use more than three colors in your whole ensemble. If you want to play it safe, opt for colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. These colors work very well together and match each other on the same level of light and darkness.




BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

Woman Who Accused R Kelly Of Sexual Assault Wins Civil Lawsuit

A woman who accused legendary singer, R. Kelly of sexual assault has won a civil lawsuit against the singer.

Report has it that the woman in question had accused the singer of sexually assaulting her when she was a child in 1990s.

According to the Sun-Times the presiding judge of the court where she had filed the lawsuit issued a default judgement after the singer failed to appear at the Cook County court to face the charges.

The woman’s legal team had claimed that R. Kelly and his lawyers failed to appear in the court since the suit was filed in late February.

The lawsuit was filed against the singer shortly after Kelly was arrested on 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The plaintiff’s attorney’s wrote in their motion for default judgment, “Robert Sylvester Kelly has failed and refused to file an appearance or answer to the Complaint even though [he is] required to do so,”.

However, R. Kelly’s criminal defense attorney, Steve Greenberg stated that he was not involved with the civil case.

Also, Kelly’s publicist told the news outlet that Kelly’s team simply doesn’t care about the complaint: “The lawsuit means nothing to us,” Darrell Johnson said.

The accuser who is seeking $50,000 in damages is expected to appear in court next month to detail the alleged abuse.

The judge will determine how much the accuser will be paid by R. Kelly.

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

ONE EARLY SIGN AND SYMPTOM OF DIABETES IN WOMEN YOU MUST KNOW

 Diabetes often strikes women differently due to a number of reasons, primary among them being the hormonal variations between men and women. Diabetes is one of the biggest lifestyle diseases we see today. In just 25 years, the global incidence of diabetes has doubled, according to the World Health Organization.

ONE SYMPTOM OF DIABETES IN WOMEN
While many signs and symptoms of diabetes are common in men and women, women experience certain unique symptoms. These are: Vaginal And Oral Infections; Overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans causes vaginal and oral yeast infections called “thrush.” High levels of glucose in the blood are favorable for the growth of this yeast. Vaginal infections are accompanied by symptoms like soreness, itching, vaginal discharge and pain during sex. When the infection is oral, a cottage cheese-like coating is seen on the tongue and the inside of the mouth.

Urinary Tract Infections; The risk of UTIs is higher in women with diabetes. UTIs occur when bacteria gain access to the urinary tract, where they colonize and cause infection. Signs and symptoms include painful urination, burning sensation while urination, fever and cloudy (sometimes bloody) urine. High blood glucose levels, poor circulation and the inability of immune cells to effectively fight bacteria are all causes of UTIs poor Sexual Health: High levels of blood sugar often cause a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This is a condition in which nerves lose their ability to effectively transmit signals between the organs and brain. This can lead to partial or complete loss of sensation in parts of the body including hands, legs and feet. As the vagina is an organ with a rich network of nerves making it one of the most sensitive organs of the female body. Neuropathy may significantly affect sensation in the vagina, leading to a lower sexual drive in women.


STEPHANIE ERDOO HEMEN

MAN UNITED LOST TO MANCHESTER CITY IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURE.

Manchester United fell to defeat against Man City on a pivotal night in the Premier League as the visitors returned to the top of the division with a 2-0 win.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side started the game well at Old Trafford but were unable to find a way through against Pep Guardiola's team.

City took the lead early in the second-half after a brilliant move down the right hand side which saw Bernardo Silva cut inside and fire past David de Gea at the near post. Jesse Lingard almost equalized immediately but failed to connect with a cross at the back post.

United were made to pay for their complacency and went two goals behind when Leroy Sane smashed a brilliant effort in at the near-post but De Gea should have done better again.

KHADIJAH YAKUBU AJIYA

Burna Boy finally reacts to Naira Marley's 'Yahoo Yahoo'

Burna Boy finally reacts to Naira Marley's 'Yahoo Yahoo' is not a crime statement Burna Boy, Naira Marley, Yahoo Yahoo

Nigerian singer Burna Boy has reacted to Naira Marley’s controversial statement about internet fraud also known as Yahoo Yahoo.

Recall Marley came under massive heat after he took to IG to share a post stating that Yahoo Yahoo is not a Crime, going further to thank Yahoo Boys.


Reacting to the very controversial post, Burna said everyone in the country needs to get their priorities straight, adding that he would like his kids and grandchildren to grow and see Nigeria the way the western world is seen.

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

Tyga Drops $10 Million Lawsuit Against Birdman, Lil Wayne

American rapper, Micheal Ray Stevenson, professionally known as Tyga, has reportedly dropped his lawsuit against Birdman and Lil Wayne.

Recall that Tyga had claimed that they owed him a huge amount of money.

He revealed that he was owned by Birdman and Lil Wayne a sum of $1 million in unpaid royalties for his Careless World and Hotel California albums.

Following the breach of the deal between them, Tyga decided to file a lawsuit against them and demanded for $10 million in damages.

According to Blast, the American rapper has dropped the $10 million lawsuit against the rapper and has decided to close the case finally.

The Complex further claimed that Birdman and Tyga are working towards a settlement.

More report into the story revealed that Tyga decided to close the lawsuit after Birdman claimed that Tyga actually owned Cash Money instead of the other way around.

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

‘Yahoo Boys Make Money Go Round’ In Nigeria – Naira Marley

Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, says internet fraudsters (Yahoo boys) are crucial to the circulation of money in the Nigerian economy.


Naija News reports that Naira Marley made this comment during an Instagram live session on Tuesday.

During the session, Naira Marley urged Nigerians to pray for internet fraudsters (Yahoo boys) “as they are crucial to the circulation of money in the economy.”


“All you guys, all the money in your pockets, all the money you spend, you think it’s the government that is making the money go round? You better sit down and pray for yahoo boys. If dem stop yahoo, the money would not pass you guys,” he said.

“The money will go like this, from Obasanjo to Tinubu, from Tinubu to Mr Japa, you think me I need Yahoo? I make money from my music,” the ‘Japa’ crooner said.

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER KOLA

Garcinia Kola popularly called Bitter Kola is a bitter traditional fruit common in the West Africa and it is generally considered medicinal with no specified side effects.

Bitter Kola is eaten mostly by the elderly people because of their belief that it could prolong life. Imperatively, researchers in modern science have revealed that bitter kola contains chemical compounds that will help the breakdown of glycogen in the liver and has other medicinal uses which account for its longevity property in man.

History has it that Garcinia kola is a species of flowering plant in the clusiaceae or Guttiferae family. It is found in Benin, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Gabon, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. This natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. 

HERE ARE SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER KOLA

BITTER KOLA HELPS TO COMBAT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES; Bitter kola has also be deduced to be a potent antibiotic that could be effective in the treatment of HIV and AIDS due to its antibacterial, detoxification, and cleansing properties

HELP TO BOOST IMMUME SYSTEM; Bitter kola provide the immune system with all the needed supports in order to protect one from attacks of harmful toxins and effective immune response against strange particles. This high amount of antioxidants found in bitter kola does not only help fight bacteria and other illnesses, it also helps the body to increase its immunity levels.And when the immunity level of the body is increased, it becomes strong enough to fight against any foreign contaminant.

HELPS CURE IMPOTENCE; With bitter kola impotent is an history because studies have shown that when it comes to the improvement of sexual performance, especially among men, bitter kola is King among all other suggested herbs. Bitter Kola does not only increase sex drive, it also improves the sexual performance of men who consume it. Research indicate that for the seed to be effective, it is advisable for the seed to be chewed some minutes before the intercourse. It has also been confirmed that bitter kola helps to increase sperm counts and promote male fertility, which can be useful for those of you out there looking into adding a little one to your family. Not only that, but bitter kola can actually help to boost libido in men as well. It’s a potent aphrodisiac and studies have shown it can actually temporarily boost testosterone levels.

BITTER KOLA HELPS STAYING  AWAKE; One of the things bitter kola is commonly abused of is its intake to prevent sleep which is possible because of its rich caffeine content, and when it’s taken regularly and in excess can at a point cause insomnia including other related problems such as stomach irritation, nervousness, restlessness, and more.

BY STEPHANIE E. HEMEN

VARIOUS KINDS OF COMFY FLATS

Flats have certainly earned their place as a wardrobe essential for work. They look professional and polished when paired with a power suit but are also stylish when worn with pants or jeans. If your office is more casual. Most importantly, flats are the ultimate comfy work shoe, whether you’re commuting on foot or standing when you’re on the job.
To help you wade through all the options of various shapes and styles, check out this collection of the best flats for work. Regardless of your office dress code or your own personal style,you’re sure to find a pair of comfortable yet sophisticated flats are that perfect for you

  BEST OVERALL FLATS

If you’ve ever wished you could wear your favorite slippers to work, these ballet flats might just be the next best thing. Made of a soft, pliable leather, they are extremely comfortable yet still stylish enough to wear to the office. The sole is slightly padded, so they’re perfect if you walk to work or spend a lot of time on your feet.

FLATS FOR WIDER FEET

If you’re one of the many women with wide feet, you may sometimes get shoe envy when you see co-workers wearing cute, narrow flats that you just know would leave you with feet full of blisters. These flats from Chinese Laundry are a pretty alternative to ballet flats, which are often too tight for wide feet. The pointed toe gives them a sleek, stylish look, but they’re versatile enough to be worn with basically anything.

BRITTANY FLATS
If you’re looking for a basic, comfortable flat, you can’t go wrong with these stylish and versatile Brittany flats.

BEST DAY TO NIGHT FLATS

If you like your shoes to serve double-duty as both day and evening wear, you’ll love these flats with a pointy-toe and sleek T-strap. sophisticated and fun for a night out, but also comfortable enough to wear for a long work day. The strap also guarantees that they’ll securely stay on your feet.

BEST MULES FLATS
If you love the comfort and convenience of a slip-on mule shoe, Mules are a solid choice. Unlike some mule flats, they stay put, so you don’t have to worry about them sliding off. Stylish and versatile, these flats will not only complete your professional look at the office but will also get you tons of compliments when you wear them to an after-work happy hour.


TRAVEL BALLET FLATS
These flats prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style in exchange for comfort. Whether you travel a lot for business or walk to work, your feet will feel relaxed and cozy in these shoes and there’s no need to carry another pair of shoes to change into once you reach your destination. They also extremely easy to slip on and off when going through airport security. Versatile and comfortable, they can be worn all day without any foot aches and can easily be dressed up or down. With so many colors and patterns to choose from, you’re sure to find a pair
that suits your style and wardrobe needs.

STEPHANIE E. HEMEN

THE ABAYA TREND

Abayas have become very trendy these days for modest fashion. They are the symbol of grace, elegance and modesty. Gone are the days when people associate Abaya with Muslim women, these days, non Muslim women wear different pattern and styles of Abaya in order to get that outstanding and beautiful look. Because of its increasing popularity, many fashion designers include Abaya in their collections. Basically, Abaya designs are the combination of unique ideas, colors and latest designs. These days, women love to wear them in different colors which give a graceful and elegant impression to their personality. Abayas are worn in different ways and with several types of accessories. Now the question is which Abaya designs/patterns are popular and how do women wear them?


KAFTAN ABAYA STYLE WITH FRONT KNOTS
The Most popular Abaya is Kaftan Abaya style with front knot. As we all know, the Kaftan has been around and is considered as the most popular Abaya style. Kaftans are designed with beautiful embroidery neatly done along neck cuffs and other visible places. Basically, Kaftan Abaya style is designed in double shirts. The neck line of
Abaya is particularly given more focus as the outcome of its finishing give a radiant look.

MULTIPLE FOLDS ABAYA DESIGN
Many Muslim women prefer to wear multiple folds Abaya in order to add elegance to their look. In this style, Abaya is designed with multiple folds which are fastened with mental brooch in the front side. This beautiful style of Abaya comes in so many colors such as pink, lilac, blue, red and so on. This style can be worn anywhere especially when it is well accessorized. 

ABAYA STYLE WITH OPEN SLEEVES
Another popular design is the open or loosed sleeves. If you want to look impressive and stylish, try this style of Abaya with a beautiful hijab to accessorize it. This design is usually designed carefully and stylishly from the neck down to the knee and then the loosed sleeves. Depending on the color, the sleeves are often designed with silver
sequins. There are the unique styles of Abayas that are worn with any color of long sleeves shirts depending on the color of the Abaya. They are very stylish, and they give the classy look. This kind of Abaya is said to be unique because they can be worn anywhere. For example, it can be worn casually for the casual outing with flat slippers, simple earrings and a small bag, and can also be worn for occasions with a simply tied head-gear and a matching shoe and bag with accessories. This style is highly fashionable and quite different from the regular ones. After discussing some common styles of Abaya, it is easy to conclude that if you want to wear Abaya for your next beautiful event, you should decide first which style of Abaya you want to rock for you to stand out. If you decide to opt for any of the above styles, be rest assured that you will definitely add style to your personality. 

BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

FIRST NIGHT TURNED SOUR

This is real life and it is filled with shocking stories. No one is to be trusted and if for any reason, you must trust anyone, ensure they have passed several tests and can be trusted. That is not to say good people don’t fail tests, but it becomes painful, shameful and heart breaking when we betray the trust of those who hold us dear to their hearts. 

When we do this, we have helped in not only destroying the trust people have for us but also the trust they have for others. It is natural to want to believe everyone is the same especially after experiencing several betrayals from friends and loved ones. Whether you have experienced betrayal or not, the mere thought of betrayal can kill you before the actual death. Read the story of a woman whose trust, love or may be foolishness almost cost her marriage.

It was my wedding day and we had fulfilled all righteousness required for us by the church and the tradition. I had danced vigorously at the reception just so my flexible husband will not undo me. This got me too tired but to my greatest surprise, my husband wasn’t. When we finally got to our hotel room and all I wanted to do was just to shower, cuddle up a bit with my Anthony and then go to bed. My husband wanted otherwise. He was bent on (I, himself, our chief bridesmaid and groomsman going out to have few drinks before we finally retiring to our hotel room). The bar my husband wanted was not even close to our hotel room. I decided to make him see reasons why he should let us stay in our hotel room to celebrate the union, but he was adamant. 

Our groom’s man left us in the hotel after receiving a call that required him to leave urgently, but Anthony was still bent on us going out for a few drinks. In order not to disobey, I decided to go with him for the drinks. I usually don’t drink but my Chief bride’s maid and my husband persuaded me to try my first bottle and I didn’t only end at first but proceeded to until I saw myself taking the sixth bottle and all I knew after wards was that everything seemed like a
dream around me.

I saw myself as the chief bride’s maid, not the bride anymore. When I woke up in the morning, I knew everything was wrong. I was all alone in bed and my husband was nowhere to be found. I played back the turns of events of previous night (the ones I could remember, at least) and my heart sank. I jumped out of my bed to my chief’s room which was just the next room to ours. Shockingly, I saw my husband and chief in the act. They were obviously too drunk that they forgot to bolt the door. They jumped as soon as they realized I was in the room. My head spun. My wicked chief ran out before I could get hold of her.

Then I found the note she left by the lamp stand. It revealed how she had been wondering how it would feel to have a taste of a newly married man on his wedding night. So she had it all mapped out. My chief bride’s maid had been nursing the intention of sleeping with my husband. She also revealed how she got her chance when we got back to the hotel after having the drinks. She said she saw how I wanted to sleep but my husband wanted a piece of the pie even in his drunk state and she decided to help my husband and I by giving him what he wanted.

But the only thing she hated was that my husband kept muttering my name while at it! This happened few weeks ago. My husband is very sorry about the experience, but I am yet to forgive him because I believe he planned the event of that night well in advance. Otherwise, why did he insist we all go out? Why did he persuade me to drink? I have moved out of our apartment and am staying with a friend in an undisclosed area. I cannot imagine my best friend tasting my man on our first night of being married.

On a second thought, it was my fault; I shouldn’t have allowed her position as my chief bride’s maid exceeds the wedding venue. What was I even thinking when I allowed her to follow my husband and I to our hotel room when we should have said our goodbyes from the reception venue? Little things don’t seem to count until they turn out to be mistakes. I would have said it won’t happen next time, but I don’t pray to remarry even though my husband messed up big time due to my silly mistake. It’s a pity I had to pay for my foolishness this way.

BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

SIX CRUCIAL TIPS THAT WILL SAVE YOU FROM COMMITTING A FASHION BLUNDER

It does not in any way feel good to fall a victim of fashion blunder. Unfortunately, even the fashionistas amongst us fall victim sometimes without even knowing it. If you do not want to slip into the pitfall of fashion, here is the good news: keep these six tips in mind and be rest assured that you are less likely to fall victim of the fashion blunders.

BEING STUCK IN THE PAST,
This is about one of the most common fashion mistake women make. Most women in their thirties, forties and fifties are being stuck in one specific period of their lives and refusing to acknowledge the fact that their bodies/lifestyle or simply fashion has changed. Some are stuck in their teens, refusing to let go of spaghetti and skimpy dresses. Some are clinging to a certain image of themselves not fully realizing they need to readjust their focus and maybe experiment with different shapes and cuts and there are even some that favor a certain period and its fashion, refusing to go with the flow. Women that are guilty of this mistake have over the years denied themselves from looking their best.

IMPROPER FIT
Next on the list of worst fashion mistake is, of course, wearing clothes that do not fit right! Too large or too small, it does not really matter; the point is that both can make you look bad. Do not hide in the folds of your baggy outfit and do not try to squeeze yourself into something just for the sake of being able to say, “I’m a size so-and-so”. Your outfit needs to have shape and structure, it needs to show off your best parts and flatter your curves. If you are on the big side, it is advisable to wear something that will suit your big structure. Do not try to fit yourself into something suitable for a slim person; that is an absolute fashion blunder.

BLING OVERLOAD
Playing up your outfit with a couple of carefully chosen pieces of jewelry is a definite DO. Women who have a talent for mixing and matching are always capable of pulling off a new trend perfectly. Over-doing it however, is downright one of the worst fashion mistakes out there and probably something you will want to make sure to avoid, unless you really have a knack for keeping the Christmas spirit strong all year long. Looking like a Christmas tree is never a good way to go.

BLACK AND BROWN
New Year, new trend, new fashion rules yet years come and go, rules are broken and the one about black and brown not being colors you would want to block remains. And for good reason, if you may add these two colors, it should be in a pattern but you should never ever pair your black shoes with a brown bag and vice versa. Your black shoes should be simply paired with a black bag.

WEARING TOO MUCH MAKE UP
Wearing too much makeup often rates high whenever worst fashion mistakes are being discussed. Most women still do not understand that less is more; some think applying too much make up would make them beautiful and attractive, not knowing how unattractive they look with too much make up application. You sometimes see things like mascara running, lip gloss melting into breast cleavage, layers upon layers of foundation threatening to do something most cosmetic companies do not even think about testing them on. This is a terrible fashion blunder, and no woman who understands fashion ethics should be found guilty of this crime.

SHOWING TOO MUCH
Showing too much of anything does not make you look sexy! Furthermore, it is one of the worst fashions in the world of fashion. Sure, we can turn a blind eye but only if you are younger than 20, which is generally considered a perfect age to invest in a few tops that reveals your belly button. You must learn that showing it does not at all guarantee you attention, at least not any positive attention. If you must reveal, it should be a part while the rest are totally covered. For example, if you intend to expose your cleavage, then you must ensure that you do not wear a short dress to reveal your thighs so there will not be too much of revealed.

BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

Being an anxious lover

If you are an anxious lover who has trouble
expressing your needs, working to be direct and openly express yourself will not be easy, but it’s necessary to create the relationship you want as it’s been said “if we don’t value our needs, others may not either.”

To achieve lasting love you have to tune into
your deepest needs and longings, and be able to honestly communicate them with your partner in a non-attacking and non-demanding way.

Anxious lovers often make demands of their
partners or use ultimatums to control them.

This kind of behavior gives our partner two
options: to rebel or surrender.

As a result, the relationship fills with
resentment rather than your partner willingly
meeting your needs. Learning how to express
yourself in a healthy and honest way is vital to changing the toxic dynamics in your relationship.Our attachment needs and fears are hidden agendas that dictate our behavior but rarely are they truly acknowledged. By intentionally acknowledging our needs, we can actively shape the love in our relationship that we so badly need.

By being an avoidant lover
If you are an avoidant lover, opening up and
being responsive to a needy partner feels like you are being consumed in a tsunami. One of the powerful shifts you can do as a romantic partner is to recognize the primal code of attachment your partner needs instead of dismissing it. Avoidant lovers tend to have a belief that independence is the key to a healthy relationship. This is false, Interdependence is by giving your partner reassurance and taking your space, you can soothe your partner’s insecurity and actually find yourself wanting to spend more time with them.

Avoidant tend to fall in love with anxious
lovers who desperately need reassurance, and
by giving them reassurance that you love them
and want to connect, the less demands or
pressure they’ll put on you to do so. That’ll give you the freedom you desperately desire in your relationship.

Additionally, emotionally distant partners will tell me, “I do all kinds of things to show I care. I fix the house, make a good salary, and solve our problems. Why is it she only complains that we don’t cuddle or talk about things?” Probably because her complaint is telling you what she really needs to feel loved by you.

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

A STARNGER IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE

Home is a place where you find happiness and comfort especially with the right people present. If your home is void of happiness then it is probably because some thing is missing. When you have interesting and caring people around you, then you have no reason not to be happy. How you determine happiness is based on what it means to you. 

I had just finished my Senior Secondary School Two (SSS2) third term examination and like every other student I was happy that I have two months holiday and a year left to be done with secondary school education.My excitement was interrupted by the thought of going home for our third term holiday. I thought to myself “Why the excitement? Unlike the rest of my class mates who have loving parents to make their holiday count. I on the other hand, staying home for holiday was like a whole year of torment. This thought continuously defiled my excitement.

My Dad had taken a second wife after divorcing our Mum and taken custody of my younger sister and I. We were barely 6 and 8 respectively when we realized that our Mum has left us and was never coming back. We dint stop asking our Dad where our Mum went and when she would return, and our Dad’s response was always ‘’Soon”. Three years on, while I was just promoted to JSS3, my sister got admitted into the same boarding school and we still couldn’tsee our Mum to tell her we have gained admission secondary school.

THE STORY

Just as we were about resuming our first year in secondary school, my Dad called my sister and I to inform us of his plan to remarry, according to him, he was not getting any younger and needed a wife to carter for him, my younger sister and I. We asked “where is our Mum”? Then he disclosed to us that our Mum is never going to step her foot into his house again, that they were divorced and never going to get back together. Tears ran down our eyes continuously as we asked him why he hated our Mum so much that forgiveness is not considered as an option. As usual, our Dad ignored our questions and asked us to get ready for school that we were running late. We went to school and never stopped thinking and talking about what our Dad had told us back home. We both wishedhe wasn’t serious about it and would some day bring our Mum back home to us.

Our first term in school was like the worst term for us but we managed to finish well that term despite the emotional blow we had to contend with especially as teenagers. At the end of our first term in school, as usual,Dad sent his driver to come pick us up.While we were driving home, in our usual practice we asked him if our Mum was home but the reply we got immediately changed our countenances after the long grins on our faces from saying our goodbyes to other students hoping to see them when school resumes next term.My bold younger sister who was just 13years old at that time asked the driver “Are you sure my Mum isn’t back yet? Did you check every section of the house before leaving?” the driver trying to be mature said to us “Don’t worry everything you need, will be made available to you at home”. At this point we thought he wanted our Mum’s presence to be a surprise to us so we stopped the question and answer section as we looked forward to getting home.

On arrival, we noticed the back door was opened. My younger sister said to me “I told you daddy’s driver was lying, the back door is opened and only mum opens the kitchen back down when ever she is going to stay in the kitchen cooking for long”. So I asked her to come with me and we rushed through the back door with the intention of gripping our mum.We haven’t held her in a while; the smell of her breath was beginning to fade away from our memories after so many years of not setting our eyes on her. Just as we rushed into the kitchen, we got the shock of our lives. It was a strange woman who was apparently dressed like she own the kitchen. Our mum use to wear fitted blouses and trousers while cooking in the kitchen and this lady was dressed in same manner which got us confused. As smart as my little sister, she immediately asked; “Who are you and what are you doing in our Mum’s kitchen?” The lady answered and said “Wow! I presume you guys are Alhaji Abdullahi’s children, such beautiful kids, come and hug your new mummy” we immediately looked at each other wondering what she meant by “new mummy”. When she saw the looks on our faces, she said “the earlier you manner less kids accept me as your new mummy, the better for you”.“Our mum would never speak to us in such manner i said to my sister “as we hurriedly left the kitchen and ran upstairs to our room. We remained there until our Dad returned home from work that day. “Whowas that lady in the kitchen?” my sister thought aloud, “Where could mummy be? Why has she abandoned us? Doesn’t she love us any more? All these thoughts clouded my head while we remained in our room. Our dad was surprised not to see us downstairs in the living room watching our usual evening program when he returned, so immediately rushed to our room to find out how we were doing and we told him all that had happened earlier. To our greatest surprise, he promised us it wouldn’t happen again if only we would take Aunty Aisha as our new mum. “Dad!You stock to your plan of getting another wife? I asked“how do you expect us to live with another woman not to talk of calling her “Mummy’’? It cannot happen, we can not dad, you have to bring back our mum” we exclaimed as we both left the room.

The few weeks we spent at home were weeks of torments. Our dad would leave the house very early and would return late at night. He never cared to know what happened to us while he was away. As soon as he leaves for work, Aunty Aisha would treat us as equal to slaves, she would give us food once in a day and tell us not to report to our dad or face her wrath the next day. We would wash her cloths and the toilets, grind pepper on stone and walk miles to the market to buy what we already had at home. We admired other kids when we see them being treated with love and care by their parents, all we did was only to wish we were in their shoes. She became Aunty Aisha the Devil to us. We made calendar our friend as we stood in front of it every day calculating how many days we had left before resumption. We became a shadow of ourselves due to the ill-treatment from Aunty Aisha,it was written all over us so much so that our neighbors and whoever came close to us could see. But our father was too far to notice that his second wife had turned us (his children) into house maids and strangers in our father’s house.We were malnourished and out rightly suffering, the regular beating we received and bruises from it were horrible, we did not need to have bad dreams, our night mares were experienced in the day. We cried every other day and resuming school was our prayer point every morning.

We finally resumed and wished we never had to return home since there was nothing to return home to except suffering and bitterness. I am preparing for my senior secondary school examination and all my years in school have been hell and nothing but hell. We are much older now and can talk to our dad even though she never let him believe us “How nonchalant some fathers can be when it comes to the affairs of their children”. All I pray is to become a Medical Doctor which has always been my dream and take full responsibility of my kid sister while we hope to see our mum someday. Again I thought to myself “Why on earth would a woman forget her children? No matter how difficult a man appears to be in the case of divorce, taking full custody of your children should be what a woman who is faced with such situation must fight for because you never can tell who the next woman who is coming to take your place is. A woman’s love for her children should be strong enough to withstand any storm notwithstanding.

Note: the story is based on a true life story of a very close friend of mine Halima Abdullahi thanks for sharing your story.



BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

Drake and Niniola: greatest acknowledgement or fleeting fame

Is it that Drake and Niniola have something going on between them or is it just a rumour that people started when Drake requested for her song? All these rumours started when the world-renowned rapper from Canada, Aubrey Drake Graham, known better as Drake, requested for the Nigerian songstress, Niniola Apata's song. It is incredible how a simple request of her tune during a radio show in the UK could be quickly interpreted as intentions to date her.

It should be noted that Noniola was excited and very happy when a while back, Drake followed her on Instagram. She took to social media to celebrate the fact that the artist followed her. The lady commented with excitement:“Imagine waking up in the morning to find out Drake just followed you. This Isolo girl! I followed back immediately. @champagnepapi welcome!

Fans cannot hold back as the international artist seems to be sending certain vibes the Nigerian girl's way. On the other hand, Maradona hit-maker cannot hold back her excitement. Even before she could compose herself from the excitement of being followed by the superstar, he went ahead to request for her song on BB1 Xtra in London, on a radio show that he co-hosted with Tiffany Calver.

The request of Maradona by Niniola saw the lady star from Nigeria take to social media and write the following: “When your new best friend, @champagnepapi, starts to watch your back while co-hosting the show with @tiffanycalver on @bbc1xtra
While celebrating with her, the sister Teni hinted that she and her famous sister would soon be flying to Los Angeles to meet with Drake. Could this be a sign that she would be Drake girlfriend in future or is it a sign of a musical collaboration soon to come? Either way, fans cannot help but speculate and wait for things to unfold. It would be great either way, a romantic or musical release
Apparently, Drake is Niniola's recent best big fan. By all indication, he loves her music. Going by him liking Niniola Instagram and following her, it is clear that the world famous star finds her music cool. As it is, he may not be the only musician from North America liking her song as Timbaland has also been recently seen jamming her Maradona tune. Apart from the popular Niniola Maradona song which has gathered over 6 million views and become a hit with almost every person that hears it, the beautiful songstress has worked on other tunes as well. 

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

MAKE YOUR BATHROOM MORE ATTRACTIVE

When it comes to interior design, you don’t have to go down some complicated path, just keep it as simple as possible. Interestingly, simple things in life turn out to be the best of things. This also applies to figuring out how to make your bathroom more attractive. Just because there are lots of advice out there, doesn’t mean that you must apply everything to one room in your home

Another reason for staying simple is that it’s cheaper and doesn’t make your bathroom look too congested least you feel you are having your bath in a cupboard. There are some great ways to enhance the beauty of your bathroom with minimal effort, and it is amazing how a few changes can make a big difference in your bathroom. Completely change the look of your bathroom and have your family and guests appreciate a fresh new look without having to change the entire room.

REGULAR CLEANING: No matter your busy schedule; endeavor to make out time to always wash your bathroom, make sure it is free from all forms of stains both on the wall, floor and sink especially after brushing your teeth. You will give germs opportunity to dwell in your bathroom if it is not regularly and properly cleaned. One thing is cleaning and the other is cleaning properly. In order to have a sparkling clean look, you can use a glass cleaner or furniture polish on your bath screen such as mirrors. Wipe off water on the floor of your bathroom after every shower you can also get a chemical for your tiles to retain/restore its sparkle.


KEEP AWAY PRIVATE ITEMS: Some things are meant for your eyes only; it doesn’t tell well of you when guests walk round your bathroom and find sanitary pads or personal items on the sink or floor of your bathroom. Clear everything apart from a few essential items that you make use of all the time. Make your bathroom less clustered for more space; it is wise to get a small basket that you can keep in a corner or under the sink for your dirt and any used/finished item. Ensure that the basket doesn’t find its way out to obstruct free movement around your bathroom. Don’t make it a habit to leave dirt in your bin basket for a long time before disposing it so you don’t cause your bathroom to have awful smell and become a no-go area for visitors.


LIGHTING: Bathroom lights can make a whole difference to the look of your bathroom. Often, if our bathroom looks terrible, it is either because the lights are horrible or there are no lights at all. A bright light will give your bathroom a bright and amazing look. Having a simple light dropping from the ceiling won’t be a bad idea. The whole idea is to make your bathroom more radiant, expose dark areas by giving enough light.


PAINTING: Not all paint should be used in the bathroom; there are specific paints for bathroom that can further enhance the beauty of your bathroom after adhering to the above instructions. Don’t hurry to paint your bathroom because you feel it is not important and shouldn’t be paid any attention. Your bathroom is as important as other parts of your home and must be taken care of. No one wants to hurry out of a cozy room, make your bathroom very attractive and no one who goes in will hurry out. A beautifully painted bathroom will help your bathroom to be warm and cozy at all times.

BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

Don Jazzy Speaks On Getting Married

Popular Nigerian music producer, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy has made a statement to address the questions that have been on the lips of many, bordering on his marital status.

The popular music icon has revealed that he is not under any pressure to tie the knot soon.

The Mavin Records boss revealed this during a chat with Saturday Beats, he added that he is in a relationship but has lots of work to do on himself before taking the crucial decision.

In his words, Don Jazzy Said; “I don’t bring up issues about my relationship status on purpose. People always talk about it.

“It is not difficult to find a wife; there are many beautiful women out there. It is not like I am ready; I am not the perfect version of what I would like to be to my wife and family.

“I want to work on myself until I am ready. By the time I am ready, if someone still wants to be with me, that would be great.

“It is not like I am looking for a wife and cannot find one. There are lots of nice and beautiful ladies out there. I don’t think I am there yet. I am not in a hurry.

“If time passes and nobody wants to marry me, then so be it but for now, I don’t feel I have worked on myself enough.

“I don’t want a scenario where I would get married and my music or business would take me away and the next thing would be that my wife would start complaining that I am hardly around. Then people would start saying he doesn’t care about his family. I don’t need that type of talk in my life.

“Let me be on my own, whenever I am ready, I am ready. I have a girlfriend; I have had different girlfriends in the last 10 years. I can’t just be single; I never said I was celibate. The relationship can break, she can leave me and go, and it is possible.

“My other ex-girlfriends left me, they didn’t break my heart, they just moved on, some of them are married now, if they were still waiting for me, they won’t be married by now.

“People have their personal agendas and it is understandable. For me, I am not in a hurry.”

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

Davido To Stay Away From Phone For One Month

Popular Nigerian singer and multiple award winner, Davido, has declared that he will be taking a month break from his phone and social media.

The DMW boss added that his reason for the action was to focus on the completion of his forthcoming album.

The singer said this through a video shared on Instagram and gave an alternative on how he can be reached during this period.

“For everybody that has been trying to reach me on my phone, WhatsApp or Whatsoever, I have decided to go phone-less for the next month just so I can finish my album and focus on things I need to focus on,” Davido said.

“So If you’re trying to reach me, call Lati” (His Personal Assistant).

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

FOUR TYPES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

1. Small business entrepreneurship

In today’s world, the majority of businesses are still small businesses.

They are mostly barely profitable, but they make profits only to make a living and support their families. Such businesses lack the scale to attract venture capital and they are funded via friends/family or small business loans.

Examples of small business entrepreneurship include hairdressers, grocery stores, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, consultants, etc.



2. Scalable Startup Entrepreneurship 

In this type of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs start their company believing that their vision can change the world. Their funding comes from venture capitalists and they hire the best employees. Finding a scalable and repeatable
business model is their goal. Once they find it,
further funding from venture capitalists is required for growing their business.

Scalable startups only make up a small proportion of all businesses due to the risk capital and outsize returns.

Examples of scalable startup entrepreneurship include Facebook, Instagram, Online shopping for electronics, etc.



3. Large Company Entrepreneurship

Large companies through sustaining innovation, offering new products that are variants around their core products. New products are developed in order to meet with changing customer needs and advanced technology. Often, companies do this by partnering with or buying innovative companies.

Examples of large company entrepreneurship include Google, Microsoft, Samsung, etc.



4. Social Entrepreneurship 

Social entrepreneurship is where an entrepreneur creates products and services to solve social needs and problems. Their only goal is to make the world a better place and not to make profits or acquire wealth. They can be non-profit, profit or hybrid. Eg syringes.

Importance of Entrepreneurship

Haven’t we all wondered at least once in our lives why entrepreneurship is so appealing to the majority? Why is it so important?

Entrepreneurs create jobs: Entrepreneurs, in addition to employing themselves, also create a number of job opportunities with their business venture. And as their businesses grow, more job opportunities are created,
thereby reducing unemployment.

Entrepreneurs create change: When an entrepreneur makes a product in the hopes of solving a problem or when they explore a new idea, it brings a change into the world. Their ambitions and ideas thus improve the world.

Entrepreneurs give to the society: It is a common notion that the rich are greedy, but it is mostly wrong. The more money they make, the more in taxes they pay which in turn funds social services. Some entrepreneurs as we
know, like Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, are the biggest donors to charities and non-profits.

BY SHAMSIYA BARA’U AHMED

COMMON CAUSES OF BACK PAIN AND POSSIBLE TREATMENTS.

Individuals over the age of 50 are likely to suffer from pain related to degeneration of the joints in the spine. My mother has complained several times of back ache and I sometimes wonder what the cause could be. The pains, from the look on her face could be severe, so much so that I began to imagine what she could be going through as an old aged man. My mother’s condition led me to read up about the causes of back pain and what can be done to alleviate the condition.

From my readings I learnt that the common causes of back pain in adults include nerve irritation, lumber radiculopathy, bone encroachment, conditions of the bone and joints, inflammation of the joints of the spine, osteoarthritis, and various uncommon bone disorders, tumours, infections and pressure from structures near to the spine.
Please, see below for the explanations of all these technical/medical terms. I did not understand them myself until I read up further from
www.medicene.Net.
Lumbar strain.


A lumbar strain is a stretch injury to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles of the low back. The stretching incident results in microscopic tears of varying degrees in these tissues. Lumbar strain is considered one of the most common causes of low back pain. The injury can occur because of overuse, improper use, or trauma. Soft-tissue injury is commonly classified as "acute" if it has been present for days or weeks. If the strain lasts longer than three months, it is referred to as "chronic." Lumbar strain most often occurs mostly after 40s, but it can happen at any age. The condition is characterized by localized discomfort in the low back area with onset after an event that mechanically stressed the lumbar tissues. The severity of the injury ranges from mild to severe, depending on the degree of strain and resulting spasms of the muscles of the low back. The diagnosis of lumbar strain is based on the history of injury, the location of the pain, and exclusion of nervous system injury. Usually, X-ray testing is only helpful to exclude bone abnormalities. The treatment of lumbar strain consists of resting the back (to avoid injury), medications to relieve pain and muscle spasm, local heat applications, massage, and eventual (after the acute episode resolves) reconditioning exercises to strengthen the low back and abdominal muscles.

Nerve irritation
The nerves of the lumbar spine can be irritated by mechanical pressure (impingement) by bone or other tissues, or from disease, anywhere along their paths, from their roots at the spinal cord to the skin surface. These conditions include lumbar disc disease, bone encroachment, and inflammation of the nerves caused by a viral infection.
Lumbar radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy is nerve irritation that is caused by damage to the discs between the vertebrae. Damage to the disc occurs because of degeneration of the outer ring of the disc, traumatic injury, or both. As a result, the central softer portion of the disc can rupture through the outer ring of the disc and abut the spinal cord or its nerves as they exit the bony spinal column. This rupture is what causes the commonly recognized "sciatica" pain of a herniated disc that shoots from the low back and buttock down the leg. Sciatica can be preceded by a history of localized low-back aching or it can follow a "popping" sensation and be accompanied by numbness and tingling. The pain commonly increases with movements at the waist and can increase with coughing or sneezing. In more severe instances, sciatica can be accompanied by incontinence of the bladder and/or bowels.


Bone encroachment
Any condition that results in movement or growth of the vertebrae of the lumbar spine can limit the space (encroachment) for the adjacent spinal cord and nerves. Causes of bone encroachment of the spinal nerves include foramina narrowing (narrowing of the portal through which the spinal nerve passes from the spinal column, out of the spinal canal to the body, commonly as a result of arthritis), spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra relative to another), and spinal stenosis (compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord by bony spurs or other soft tissues in the spinal canal). Spinal-nerve compression in these conditions can lead to sciatica pain that radiates down the lower extremities. Spinal stenosis can cause lower extremity pains that worsen with walking and are relieved by resting. Treatment of these afflictions varies, depending on their severity, and ranges from rest, and exercises to epidural cortisone injections and surgical decompression by removing the bone that is compressing the nervous tissue. (Source: www.medicineNet).

Possible Treatment for back pain
Back pain makes it hard to stand or sit straight. Stretching and exercising the lower back can reduce the pain. Although there are several treatments for alleviating back pain, recent researches reveal that the following methods can work well to relieve back pain.


Change sleeping position: Some people develop back pain from their sleeping position. Changing your sleeping position can take some of the strain off your back and ease the pain. If you sleep on your side, draw your legs up slightly towards your chest and put a pillow between your legs. If you sleep on your back, placing a pillow under your knees will help maintain the normal curve of your lower back. Create time to relax: A lot of people don’t find time to relax. But when dealing with somebody with back aches, relaxation is a crucial part of easing the pain because muscle tension caused by worrying about your condition can make things worse.


Always Exercise: Exercise is very important whether you are suffering from back pain or not. You should try to address the causes of your back pain to prevent further episode. Common causes include being overweight, poor posture and stress. Regular exercise and being active on a daily basis will help keep your back strong and healthy. Activities such as walking, and swimming are popular choices. The important thing is to choose an enjoyable activity that you can benefit from without feeling pain. The exercise should be to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture.


Surgery: Surgery for back pain is usually recommended when all other
treatments have failed to work.



BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU