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I keep wondering whether this picture is AI made or real. If real, the decorator must be meticulous

🦷 “When Mouth Problems Speak Louder Than Words: What Your Oral Health Says About You” Introduction: When was the last time you paid attention to your mouth—not just for a selfie, but really paid attention? Many people treat oral hygiene like a separate department in the health store, but your mouth might be trying to tell you what’s going on in your body. Bleeding gums, dry mouth, bad breath, and loose teeth might be more than dental issues—they could be early warning signs of something bigger. 1. Gum Disease and Your Heart—A Hidden Link Studies show a strong connection between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease. The bacteria that cause inflamed gums can enter your bloodstream and trigger inflammation in your arteries, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke. If your gums bleed often when you brush, it’s worth more than just switching toothbrushes—it could mean your heart is at risk too. 2. Bad Breath Isn’t Always About What You Ate Garlic and onions aside, persistent bad breath (halitosis) can be a sign of underlying health issues. It could indicate diabetes (especially if it smells fruity), acid reflux, liver disease, or even kidney problems. Don’t just reach for mints—find the root cause. 3. Oral Health and Brain Function—More Connected Than You Think Did you know that oral bacteria have been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s? While research is ongoing, poor oral hygiene may contribute to cognitive decline. The inflammation that starts in the mouth can travel and possibly affect brain function. 4. Loose Teeth and Bone Health If your teeth suddenly start shifting or loosening, it could indicate bone loss—not just in your jaw, but possibly throughout your body. This might point to osteoporosis or nutritional deficiencies, especially in women. 5. Habits That Hurt Without You Knowing Chewing ice: It might feel satisfying but it weakens enamel. Over-brushing: Hard bristles or aggressive brushing can erode gum lines. Skipping flossing: Brushing alone only cleans 60% of your teeth. Constant snacking: Sugar isn’t the only culprit—frequent snacking feeds bacteria all day. Conclusion: Your Mouth Is a Messenger Your oral health is a silent communicator of your body’s internal state. Don’t ignore the signs. Regular dental visits, proper hygiene, and paying attention to changes in your mouth can help prevent not only tooth decay but potentially serious systemic diseases. Remember: Healthy mouth, healthy body. 🪥❤️

Pastor Abel Damina Claims Offerings Are Spent by Men, Not God Pastor Abel Damina Provokes Debate by Claiming Offerings Are Spent by Men, Not God In a bold declaration that challenges traditional church doctrine, Pastor Abel Damina has asserted that church offerings and tithes are not intended for divine use but are spent by men. The founder of Abel Damina Ministries International (ADMI) has reignited controversy within Christian circles with comments made during a recent sermon that quickly went viral. Damina’s statement was straightforward and provocative: “No offering goes to heaven; men spend it every time we gather offerings. All the offerings we give to God go to men.” This assertion questions the widely held belief among many believers that their contributions are directly sent to heaven or used solely for divine purposes. The preacher is known for his unconventional views and outspoken attitude toward mainstream Christian teachings. Previously, he has sparked debates by suggesting that practices such as smoking and drinking are not sins in Christianity, further illustrating his willingness to challenge orthodox doctrines. During the sermon, Damina also criticized pastors who manipulate congregations by promising that tithing will open the doors of heaven. He pointed out that these doors have been open since Jesus’ resurrection, and that such claims are mere psychological tactics: “The doors have never been closed; they are just working on people’s minds,” he said. Addressing the backlash over his stance on tithing, Damina accused some pastors of hypocrisy. “Some say I’m evil because I say you shouldn’t pay tithe, that I and my children should pay tithe,” he explained. “They only talk like that to keep collecting money from people. If they stopped, they wouldn’t get anything,” he added. He further alleged that many clergy demanding tithes from their followers do not practice what they preach. “Most of these pastors are greedy; they collect from everyone but don’t pay anyone,” he claimed. Damina’s transparency and critical attitude have endeared him to some skeptics while infuriating traditionalists within the church. This outspoken stance has stirred a wider conversation about transparency, the true purpose of tithes and offerings, and the integrity of certain religious leaders. With his provocative comments, Damina continues to challenge believers to think critically about longstanding religious practices and teachings. #gisthub

Too Much Seasoning, Too Little Health: The Silent Danger in Your Kitchen” Let’s talk about something sitting quietly in almost every Nigerian kitchen seasoning cubes. You know them well. The “flavour masters.” The small but mighty cubes that transform a basic pot of soup into something your neighbours will smell three compounds away. But here’s the not-so-sweet truth: those little blocks of magic could be slowly damaging your health, one delicious bite at a time. 1. Seasoning Cubes Are Sodium Bombs in Disguise Seasoning cubes are more than just spices. They’re loaded with salt (sodium) and MSG (monosodium glutamate). Yes, they taste amazing, but too much sodium can silently harm your heart and kidneys. Tired all the time? Swollen feet? High blood pressure at a young age? Your seasoning habit could be one of the hidden culprits. 2. “But I Don’t Even Add Salt!” That Doesn’t Mean You’re Safe This is where most people miss it. You don’t need to sprinkle salt for your sodium levels to be too high. Just one or two cubes per meal might already exceed the recommended daily limit. And when you combine that with salty snacks, suya, white bread, and processed foods… your body is overloaded before you even realize it. 3. Your Kidneys Are Not Indestructible Your kidneys work hard every day to filter your blood and manage your body’s salt balance. But constantly forcing them to process excess sodium? That’s like making them work overtime every single day with no rest. Over time, fatigue, swelling, and even kidney failure can sneak in. And once those symptoms show up, treatment is often expensive and stressful. 4. MSG Reactions Are Real — Even if You Haven’t Noticed Yet Some people are sensitive to MSG and don’t even realize it. It can cause headaches, sweating, tingling, a fast heartbeat, anxiety, or a general “off” feeling after eating. So if you’ve ever finished a tasty meal and felt strangely uncomfortable afterward… it might be your body quietly protesting. 5. How to Keep Your Food Tasty and Safe Don’t worry no one’s asking you to eat bland meals. There are plenty of ways to keep your food rich and flavourful without overloading on cubes: ✅ Use real ingredients: onions, garlic, ginger, local herbs, curry, thyme, scent leaf, turmeric, uziza… all packed with natural flavour. ✅ Cut down gradually: Instead of 3 cubes, try 1. Your taste buds will adjust over time. ✅ Taste first, cube later: Most times, the food is already well-seasoned. ✅ Educate with love: Help others around you (mama, aunty, house help) understand this. It’s not criticism, it’s care. 🍲 Final Word: Let Your Food Heal, Not Harm You deserve to enjoy delicious meals — but not at the cost of your health. That sweet stew, that rich jollof, that smoky native soup — let it be both enjoyable and safe. Because life is already hard enough — your food shouldn’t be what slowly breaks you down.

Hey Fam (@ PLWSCD) Copied! Don’t Be Like Me – Take Your Malaria Prophylaxis Seriously I haven’t been in excellent health lately, hence the pause in my writing, but I’m much better today. Ironically, a friend suggested I write about malaria prophylaxis on Friday, and by Saturday night, malaria showed up as if to remind me, “Hey, you haven’t done anything in a while to prevent me!” 😅 Let’s talk malaria prophylaxis because it matters, especially for people living with sickle cell disease (PLWSCD). What is Malaria Prophylaxis? Malaria prophylaxis refers to preventive measures, especially medications, taken to reduce the risk of contracting malaria. While it doesn’t offer 100% protection, it significantly lowers your chances of infection, which is particularly crucial in malaria-endemic areas. Why is it Vital for People Living with SCD? PLWSCD face higher risks of severe malaria complications such as: Life-threatening anemia Cerebral malaria Acute chest syndrome Malaria accelerates the destruction of red blood cells (both sickled and normal), leading to haemolysis; something that already occurs more frequently in sickle cell patients. It’s like adding salt to an already open wound. This can trigger a crisis, cause a drastic drop in haemoglobin, and further worsen anemia. Malaria also impairs the bone marrow’s ability to produce new red blood cells, making recovery even more difficult. That’s why malaria in PLWSCD is far more than just "a fever"; it’s a serious threat. The Benefits of Prophylaxis Consistent malaria prophylaxis can: Reduce malaria infections Minimize sickle cell crises Improve haemoglobin levels Lower the need for blood transfusions Decrease hospitalizations Recommended Prophylactic Options 🔹 Proguanil (Paludrine) Common first-line option for PLWSCD Taken daily 🔹 Fansidar (Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine) Taken monthly Useful in areas with drug resistance So, learn from my moment of forgetfulness: don’t slack on your malaria prevention routine. With grasses growing fast and stagnant water creating mosquito breeding grounds this season, it’s even more important to stay vigilant. Most blood transfusions in PLWSCD are triggered by malaria. Let’s protect ourselves, stay consistent with prophylaxis, and reduce unnecessary crises. Don’t be like me, be better. #liveyourlifenotyourgenotype #plwscd Chika Okeke ✍️

🔥 June 12: Nigerians Hit the Streets, Demand Real Democracy! Today isn’t just Democracy Day it’s a day of bold voices, peaceful protests, and a rising demand for real change in Nigeria. From Lagos to Abuja, Nigerians have taken to the streets, led by the fearless Take-It-Back Movement, civil society groups, and everyday citizens tired of the silence. Their message? “Enough is enough!" Despite tight police presence, protest leaders insist they won’t be silenced. They’ve written to the police not for permission but for protection, standing on their right to peaceful assembly. Even more powerful? Fifteen top civil society organizations have teamed up, choosing a single protest ground to make their voices louder and harder to ignore. This unity sends a clear message: the people are watching. Meanwhile, armed security surrounds the National Assembly as President Tinubu delivers his Democracy Day speech inside, celebration; outside, agitation. One protester put it best: > “We’re not just celebrating democracy—we’re fighting for it.” So, what side of history will you be on? 💬 Drop your thoughts below. Is Nigeria truly a democracy or just playing the part? 📌 Follow Gist Hub here on YuSocial for raw updates, street reactions, and more.