The Nation Newspaper

Category: Online Special

  • World Youth Skills Day: seven free online courses to equip you with valuable skills

    There are so many free resources online that can truly bring an edge to your job search. They would help equip you with skills to help in a job interview and function well in your workplace.

    With online courses, anyone from any part of the world can gain knowledge in any field of interest for free or almost. All you need is a computer; laptop, tablet or Smartphone – internet connection, commitment and a self-made schedule. You can even get a certificate on completing the course.

    The following courses would give you a competitive advantage over other candidates in a job interview:

    1. Public speaking

    This course offered by the University of Washington through the platform of Coursera is part of a four course Public Speaking Specialization.The coursework consists of about an hour of lecture per week, readings, and quizzes. Skills to learn through the class include confidence and presentation planning. Full access to the course requires paid membership, but completion of the four course sequence will unlock a specialization that can be added to your LinkedIn profile or CV.

    2. Better cover letter and resume = Better Job

    Lynda.com (run by LinkedIn) is an online course provider that offers 30 days of free access to their multitude of courses. The particular class we are interested in is in the Writing Resumes and Cover Letters section. This course is designed for college graduates, but many of the lessons are useful at other career points.

    3. Digital marketing

    Google Online Marketing Challenge is a program for college students at any level to gain real world marketing experience assisting a participating nonprofit with their online ad campaigns.The students work under a faculty member and ideally build a relationship with the client and provide a Post-Campaign Analysis at the end of the program.

    4. Copywriting

    Writing of any kind needs to be clear and concise with a strong voice. Copy Hackers can help you take the prose you construct for pay to the next level. In their introductory page, they offer free ebooks that offer how to write newsletters that get read and a guide for “Conversion Marketers” to achieve marketable copy.

    READ ALSO: Lawmaker to youths: Stop depending only on your certificates

    5. Microsoft Word

    LinkedIn offers 30 days free access to their 10k+ classes taught by experts in the field. They have multiple courses on Microsoft Word that can get you inserting charts and using macros, no matter which version of Word you are using. LinkedIn helpfully points out that many employers find this a valuable resource and will reimburse you for expenses in this area.

    6. PhotoShop

    TUTS+ is a good choice for the top site to learn the ins and outs of Adobe Photoshop online for free. They do offer paid content as well, but the freebies offered here will get you well on your way being Photoshop proficient. With how-to tutorials and reviews of new effects packages, this site will keep you abreast of best practices in the field of photo manipulation.

    7. SEO and/or Google Analytics

    A lot of people are currently making their living writing for the internet and anything that you write for the internet needs to be cognizant of search engine optimization and that is a field that is CONSTANTLY changing. A good way to stay abreast of best practices as they now stand is to read a blog that posts daily on the topic.

    Search Engine Journal is a blog that runs regular webinars on new topics and sponsor a weekly podcast, the Search Engine Nerds.

  • 10 social media tools every business owner should have

    By Praise Olowe

    Social media marketing is a powerful way for businesses of all sizes to reach customers. It is important to know that your customers are already interacting with brands through social media, and if you’re not speaking directly to them through social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, you’re missing out.

    Here is looking at a few strategies that can help you build your market on Social Media

    1. Hootsuite
    Hootsuite is a special tool that helps you schedule your post. The tool also comes with a special feature that includes including Composer, an image editor that lets you resize and adjust photos. One sweet thing about Hootsuite is that it also helps you schedule on other social media accounts. All you need do is create a Hootsuite account today and you are just ready to go.

    2. Adview
    Ad view is a tool used for monitoring and responding to comments on your Instagram or Facebook ads.
    The Adview dashboard makes it easier to keep track of comments that require action, versus attempting customer service via Instagram’s notification feed.

    3. Panoramiq
    Panoramiq helps you to keep track of trending hashtags and your competitor. This tool takes the stress out of that by taking care of the logistics. Its easy-to-navigate dashboard lets you track and compare the performance of multiple hashtags and competitors at once.

    Read Also; 5 hidden tricks your Android phone can do

    4. Chute
    Reposting user-generated content can be a great way to engage with your audience and populate your feed social proof of your brand in action. But looking for the right content is time-consuming.
    Chute helps you build and organize a content library based on tags, locations, and image-recognition technology. And it clears usage rights for you, too.

    5. Hootsuite Analytics

    Analytics has access to real-time Instagram data. Hootsuite’s analytics dashboard goes above and beyond Instagram Insights, offering historical data, comparative analysis, customizable reports, and more. You can also monitor your accounts response time, and rank comments by positive or negative sentiment.
    In addition to account metrics, Hootsuite Analytics also offers social listening tools that can track tags, mentions, keywords, and competitors.

    6. Adobe Lightroom CC app
    Adobe Lightroom CC app helps you to edit photos professionally. It helps you make sophisticated edits, from removing unwanted logos or imperfections, to adjusting background colours to coordinate with your brand’s style.

    7. VSCO
    VSCO is a photo editing tool. This tool is specifically special thanks to its popular “film-like” presets and editing tools. Users of VSCO have access to video colouring and editing tools, which are useful for both video posts and Instagram Stories.

    8. Snapseed
    Snapseed is a tool developed by Google. It offers a smooth workflow and several easy-to-use tools that help creators edit for mobile.

    9. PromoRepublic
    This tool offers a gallery of more than 100,000 templates and images for events, or everyday purposes. Its customization and editing tools make it easy to add branding and customize details.

    10. Canva
    Canva offers a large library of Instagram Stories and post templates that can be customized accordingly. Canva is great for designing infographics too.

  • Ten ways to get a lady say yes to your proposal

    It is one thing to find that person you love and it is another thing to make that person say YES to your marriage proposal.

    It is the dream of every woman to hear this question from her man, will you marry me? Love is a strong word, feelings that brings two persons together to become one.

    Finding the perfect marriage proposal idea might be hard for some lovers especially when making plans to spent the rest of your life with the person you love.

    Below are proposal tips that can make you end up with your dream lover:

    Read Also: Why Nigerian men delay marriage proposals

    1. Propose by hiding the ring inside of a box of her favorite snacks.

    2. Propose by telling her it is over between the two of you.

    3. Propose by hiring a skywriter to write Will You Marry Me in the sky.

    4. Propose by attaching the engagement ring to your dog’s collar and letting him bring it to her.

    5. Propose by putting her ring in the bottom of her champagne glass at a restaurant.

    6. Propose by writing the message in Christmas lights.

    7. Propose by inviting her with another lady for a date.

    8. Propose by paying her a surprise visit to her office.

    9. Propose by arranging with the police to arrest you for a crime.

    10. Propose by having your child (or younger sibling or cousin) ask the question for you.

  • 10 ways to identify fake people

    By Praise Olowe

     

    It can be really difficult to determine the difference between someone who is genuinely nice and someone who is faking.

    Have you ever got the feeling that a person you were friends with or even dating had a hidden agenda or simply couldn’t care less about your thoughts and opinions?
    Pay attention to these tell-tales to know if your relationships are worth seriously investing in:

    * They’re quick to show off

    Being proud of your hard-earned accomplishments is one thing but showing off all of the time is a clear sign of a fake person. Genuine people are humble and most of the time, uninterested in constant bragging.

    *They’re only nice if there’s something in it for them

    A surefire sign of a fake person is one who only shows kindness when it benefits them. Genuine people are nice and helpful no matter the circumstances.

    * They only respect those in positions of power

    When it comes to respect, most would agree that everyone is deserving of this sentiment. Yet, fake people have a tendency to solely respect people in power. Watch out for people who aren’t respectful of everyone around them. If not, they may be faking it.

    *They are only around when it’s convenient for them

    You might never hear from that friend on the street again until they need something from you. They might call and ask you for a favour. They hardly go the extra mile for people.

    *They pretend not to be upset about things

    Anyone who says they never get mad or angry at anything or anyone is full of it. Of course, everyone gets mad at something. Fake people are deep under covers. Their plan is to make people think they are something they are not. Come on now, everyone gets mad sometimes.

    Read Also: 10 important tips for dating in your 30s

    *They put in extreme effort to build relationships

    While genuine people don’t have to put in extreme efforts to grow their circle of friends, fake people may try hard to earn the affection of others. Friendship and other kinds of relationships come naturally to those who are truly interested

    *They seek attention

    It’s okay to crave the spotlight every now and then, however, one sign of fake people is that they constantly seek attention. In comparison, an authentic person likely knows when to let others shine.

    *They gossip

    While a quick gossip session can be tempting from time to time, it’s one activity that can help you spot fake people. Honest people are more willing to openly share their opinions while fake people may keep their comments limited to a whisper.

    *They put others down to look good

    Only those who lack real merits feel the need to criticize others to keep up appearances. Sincere individuals would rather admire and compliment others, while fakers may be quick to put others down in name of making themselves look better.

    * They make promises they can’t keep

    A genuine person will do their best to live up to promises and commitments but a fake person may talk the talk without walking the walk. Fake people easily make commitments but rarely follow through on them.

  • How to protect kids from kidnappers (1)

    ALL parents want to keep their children safe. In the wake of the death of a seven-year-old girl who vanished on her mile-long walk home from school, many mums and dads are feeling more anxious than ever about how to protect their kids.

    Clint Van Zandt, a former FBI profiler and hostage negotiator, has prepared these tips to help parents train their children to avoid dangerous situations and escape a kidnapper. Van Zandt also makes a free DVD, “Protecting Children from Predators,”

    10 safety tips every child should know

    1. Do not get into any car unless your parents personally tell you to do so. Also, stay away from anyone who follows you on foot or in a car. You do not need and should not go near a car to talk to the people inside.
    2. Adults and other people who need help should not be asking a child for help; they should be asking other adults. Adults should not be asking you for directions or to look for a “lost puppy,” or telling you that your mother or father is in trouble and that they will take you to them.
    3. Quickly get away from anyone who tries to take you somewhere. Yell or scream, “This person is not my father (or mother).”
    4. You should use the “buddy system” and never go places alone. Always ask your parents’ permission to leave the yard/play area or to go over to someone’s home, and especially always ask permission before you go into someone’s home.
    5. Never, never hitchhike! Do not try to get a ride with people unless your parents have told you it’s OK to do so.
    6. People should not ask you to keep a special secret. If they do, tell your parents or teacher. Also, tell anyone who wants to take your picture, “No,” and quickly tell your parents or teacher.
    7. No one should touch you on the parts of the body covered by your bathing suit, nor should you touch anyone else in those areas. Your body is special and private.
    8. You can be assertive and you have the right to say “No” to someone, including adults and even relatives or friends who try to take you somewhere against your will, touch you or make you feel uncomfortable in ANY WAY.
    9. NOTE: Many parents use a special code word that only the child knows to convey a message should someone other than a parent ask a child to accompany them anywhere.
    10. THE YELL: Practise a “special” yell. It is low, loud and long. It tells the person trying to hurt the child, “I know what to do! I’m not an easy victim!” It tells everyone within the sound of the child’s voice, “I need help!” It gets the child going, it breaks the “spell.” A child should not panic and freeze, thereby becoming immobile in an emergency. When you yell you take a deep breath, thereby getting oxygen and energy to your brain and muscles. Your own yell can give you courage and get your feet moving when you need to run away.

    School bus stop safety issues

    1. Parents should ensure that if possible, an adult waits with children at school bus stops (not always possible with one-parent families or where both parents work), but something could be worked out with all parents of children at the bus stop to be there on a rotating basis.
    2. Know the path your child takes to and from home to the school bus stop.
    3. Tell your children to avoid short cuts through woods, alleys, parks, or other areas where they could be alone.
    4. Identify safe houses along the way that your child could run to or into for help if needed.
    5. Insure your child does not have his or her name on a backpack, etc., as this would enable a potential abductor to call out to the child by name.
    • Continued next week
    • Source: https://www.today.com

  • Six ways to win over your crush

    Increased heartbeat, sweaty palms, short breaths, skipping heartbeat and butterflies in the tummy. Sound familiar? These are probably what you feel when you see your crush coming and the feelings won’t just go away!

    So what are you going to do about it? Continue to struggle with the butterflies?

    I have an idea. How about you just win your crush over?

    Scared? Skeptical? Take a deep breath and try these tips to win your crush over:

    *Make a move: When I say make a move I mean put yourself out there. Come out from within the shadows and make yourself visible to your crush. Chances are that if you keep lurking in the shadows watching your crush’s every move that is where you will remain.  Talk to your crush, invite her to an event, say hi to him from time to time. That way, you don’t remain invincible to your crush but catch your crush’s attention.

    *Be attentive: Just because you have finally gotten your crush’s attention doesn’t mean you should become insensitive at the expense of your crush. Listen to what he or she says. Make mental notes and act accordingly. For example, if your crush mentions that he likes dark chocolate, it would create an impression if you get him dark chocolate the next time you see him. If your crush says she forgets to lock her windows on her way out, it would be very thoughtful to remind her to.

    *Maintain eye contact: So I know between the restless butterflies in your stomach and the skipping heartbeat, you are probably too shy to look at your crush. I tell you however, DO NOT look down or away when talking to your crush.

    Maintain an eye contact with them to show your level of interest and confidence. Nobody wants to feel like a bother. Looking down would most likely give your crush the impression that you would rather be elsewhere.

    *Do not be possessive: Being in contact with your crush does not give you the right to become possessive of him or her. Give your crush his/her space. Please do not overwhelm your crush with calls and texts in the name of being caring especially if your crush is not a fan of it.

    Also, do not go about questioning why your crush was talking with another boy or girl as the case may be.  It’s really disgusting. It shows high levels of insecurity and immaturity.

    *Be natural: I know the tendency to over impress your crush exists but you must not take it over board so as not to come off as a fake person. The more you want to impress, the more likely you are to exaggerate things you have done and things you can do.

    This can make you come off as proud and be a hindrance to winning your crush over. Whatever you do, be natural; never fake it.

    *Be bold about your feelings: For heaven’s sake do not wallow in silence; confess your feelings! Let your crush know what you feel if not, even though you might make an impression to your crush, he/she might think you are not serious about him/her.

    Then all the moves you have made will  likely be in vain when John the bolder guy, confesses his feelings to her.

    Warm regards,

    Kehinde Oluwafisayo Matthew

     

  • Meet Sanwo-Olu’s Commissioner-designates

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday transmitted a list of Commissioner-designates and Special Advisers to the House of Assembly for ratification.

    The list contains 25 persons due to assume duty as Commissioners and Special Advisers upon ratification by the Assembly.

    Here are a quick bio-data on the names in the list:

    1. Mr. Rabiu Olowo Onaolapo

    Rabio according to his twitter and Linkedln handle profile is a Certified Fraud Examiner, Experienced Chief Audit Executive, Adjunct Professor and Authorised Trainer of The ACFE in West Africa, an anti-fraud organisation and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education.

    1. Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo

    Folashade is an educationist with more than 20-year experience in the sector. She is a principal consultant/CEO at Leading Learning Limited, a company she founded herself in 2014.

    1. Prof. Akin Abayomi

    Prof. Emeritus Abayomi is a specialist in Internal Medicine, Oncology, Environmental Health and Biosecurity. Akin studied at the Royal Medical College of Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital in the University of London where he attained his first graduate degree in Medicine and progressing to obtain fellowships from both Royal College of Medicine in the United Kingdom and the College of Medicine of South Africa.

    1. Dr. Idris Salako

    Idris is the Managing partner at Adesanya Salako and Associates. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and a member at the Town Planning Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC).

    1. Mr. Tunji Bello

    Bello, according to his profile on Bloomberg served as worked with various companies like First Bank of Nigeria, Concord Press Nigeria Ltd., St. Petersburg Times, Florida USA, to mention just a few.

    The former commissioner and immediate Secretary to the State Government (SSG) had various publications to his credit ranging from business to politics.

    He is a member of the following bodies: Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Society of International Law, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Union of Journalist, and Civil Liberty Organisation.

    1. Mr. Gbenga Omotoso

    Gbenga is an award-winning journalist and Editor of The Nation Newspaper.

    1. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka

    She is a barrister turned politician. She is also the Assistant Legal Adviser, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State.

    1. Mrs. Bolaji Dada

    Dada is the former Vice-Chairman of Apapa Local Government, a position she held twice. She is a 1991 graduate of the Lagos State University graduate of Industrial Chemistry with a Masters in Corporate Governance from the Leeds Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.

    1. Mr. Lere Odusote

    Olalere is an acknowledged power sector expert responsible for creating partnership strategies that guide new business and infrastructure development.

    He has a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan and an MBA in Investment Management and Information from Pace University, New York.

    Read also: Sanwo-Olu picks Omotoso, 24 others for commissioner, adviser

    1. Dr. Frederic Oladeinde

    Oladeinde is the Head of Corporate and Investment Planning Department of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). He joined LAMATA in 2008 as Technical Adviser and head of Transport Planning.

    He holds a Ph. D. degree in Transport Planning from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in the United Kingdom.

    He began his career as a transport consultant in Oscar Faber Consulting in London, United Kingdom before joining the Department for Transport, UK as a Senior Transport Planning Adviser where he was responsible for advising the British government on the impact of various transport policies.

    1. Mr. Gbolahan Lawal

    Lawal is the immediate past Commissioner of Housing and a former Commissioner of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Lagos State. A seasoned security & development practitioner and socio-entrepreneur, he has deep understanding for political economy of development, especially in low and medium-income economies.

    1. Ms. Adekemi Ajayi

    Ajayi is a Chartered Accountant.

    1. Dr. Wale Ahmed

    Dr. Ahmed is a Medical doctor and a member, Nigerian Medical Association, Society for International Relations & Diplomacy and Nigerian Red Cross Society.

    He is a one-time Commissioner for Special Duties and Assembly member who sponsored the motion for free treatment of accident victims within the first 24 hours.

    1. Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN)

    He is a first-class litigator. In recognition of his excellence in this regard the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Hon. Justice Aloma Mukhtar GCON conferred Mr. M.J. Onigbanjo with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on 23rd September 2013.

    1. Mr. Hakeem Fahm

    Fahm is an ICT specialist and a former Commissioner for The Ministry of Science and Technology. He is also a Network Infrastructure Director.

    1. Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle

    Mrs. Ponnle is an accomplished Consultant, Executive Coach and Organisational Psychologist. She has a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Ibadan and a M.Sc. in Organisational Psychology from the University of London.

    She has over 22 years’ experience in various fields having worked in companies such as Arthur Andersen (now KPMG International) and British American Tobacco.

    With a combined experience in Human Capital development of over 14 years, Ponnle has worked extensively with leaders and teams in both private and public sectors with focus in the area of learning and development, leadership and team development, diversity and inclusion and change management.

    18. Mr. Segun Dawodu

    Dawodu is a former Commissioner of Sports in Lagos.

    19. Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf

    Uzamat is a Pharmacist, Politician and the immediate past Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Lagos State

    She had her primary education at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Ile Ife from 1980-1986. On completion she gained admission into the Seventh Day Adventist Grammar school Ile Ife between 1987-1992 after which she was admitted to University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos for her B.Pharm graduating in the year 2006.

    20. Mr. Sam Egube

    Egube is the Board Chairman of CeLD Innovations Limited. He is an engineer with significant banking experience.

    He is also an author and socially smart entrepreneur whose carrier runs through a significant number of local and international institutions.

    His banking sojourn as management staff and consultant cuts through top Nigerian banks including, United Bank for Africa Plc, NNB International Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and Diamond Bank Plc.

    21rincess Aderemi Adebowale

    Princess Adebowale, founder of Remindales Healthcare Agency, is a one-time freelance journalist and politician. She is a former aspirant of the Epe Federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

    22. Mr. Tunbosun Alake

    Tunbosun is General Manager, IT & Innovation at Filmhouse Cinemas Nigeria. He is a media executive with experience building Online streaming platforms, passionate about data.

    23. Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo

    Ayantayo is a crime and fictional writer turned politician. A graduate of Mass communications from the University of Lagos, Ayantayo has been writing from an early age.

    Source: Taiwo Obe

  • Six things you shouldn’t do while charging your phone

    Many phone users tend to complain that their device’s batteries discharge quickly. They also typically blame the product manufacturer for this issue; however, the manufacturer isn’t always at fault. Here are some five mistakes that users typically make when charging their phones.

    Waiting for the Battery to reach low levels before charging

    Avoid waiting for your battery to reach a critically low level before charging. The effect of this on your phone battery is not immediate, but over time it begins to manifest and it eventually stresses out your phone battery (yes, batteries get stressed too) and shortens the battery life. Think of your battery as a human body, you really don’t need to wait until you’re about to die before you rest and eat to recharge yourself.

    Keeping your phone case on while charging

    Your phone typically emits heat when charging. To avoid exposing your device to ambient temperatures, it’s advisable to remove the phone case while charging your phone so that the heat emitted from your phone while charging can escape. This way you can prevent your device from becoming hotter and potentially overheating when charging. Charging your battery at uncomfortable temperatures can permanently damage battery capacity.

    Read Also: How to make your bank reverse your money

    Charging your phone in the wrong places

    You should mind where you charge your phone, because not doing so can negatively affect your battery capacity. Phones have a temperature range they can function normally and charging your phone in a hot area can raise the temperature and stress the battery out. Also, charging your phone in especially low temperature areas, like in front of an air conditioner, can also cause problems for your battery that will eventually affect its optimum performance.

    Charging your phone overnight

    The least you’ll sleep throughout the night is most likely going to be between 5 to 8 hours, your smartphone battery typically only needs 2 to 3 hours to fully charge. Charging your phone overnight, constantly stresses your phone battery each night. Sooner than later, your phone is likely to have battery problems. In addition, the temperature rises when the battery is overcharged, so apart from shortening battery life, it can also threaten user’s safety in the event it quickly heats up and explodes. It’s better to charge your phone before you sleep and switch it off while sleeping to preserve the battery till the next day.

    Plugging whatever charger fits

    This especially applies to smartphones. Most smartphones use a micro USB for its chargers and for this reasons most people tend to switch and swap chargers since it fits into and works on their phones. However, this is not appropriate and in the long run it can negatively affect your phone battery. The fact that most smartphones have the same micro USB doesn’t mean all chargers and phones are compatible. Some chargers function differently and that difference can be detrimental to your device if care is not taken.

    Using cheap chargers

    You can find a number of manufacturers offering top-grade chargers. No wonder these chargers are cheaper than the original ones. However, there are some that don’t include any safety mechanism against overcharging and continuous fluctuations. Unfortunately, if there is an adapter failure, it can damage the battery as well as a phone. So, act smart and stick to the original charger.

  • Sixteen things most people do wrongly

    The fact is that no matter how we try to do things carefully or rightly, there are still some mistakes that we never know we make.

    Such mistakes are often made in the toilet, bathroom, shower, etc.

    Flushing the toilet while the lid is open

    Most people do not actually take note of this error without knowing that the lid is meant to be closed while flushing in order to keep the gross particles in the toilet and out of air.

    A Microbiologist from the University of Arizona, Charles Gerba said that fecal matters and urine can fly as far as six feet away from the toilet bowl during each flush.

    Rubbing your body aggressively with towel

    It is better to pat your body dry to maintain the lipids, proteins and fatty acids that protect your skin from irritation and could be removed if you rub your body aggressively with a towel.

    Not rinsing your body well

    Many, especially the male gender, do not rinse their body well which could lead to irritation and blocked pores that can cause acne (pimples).

    Throwing wet wipes into the toilet

    Many people have the mindset that wipes are flushable being ignorant of the harm it causes by blocking sewage systems.

    According to research conducted by Consumer Reports, some personal cleansing wipes still could not break down in the water after ten minutes compared to regular toilet paper which disintegrate within seconds.

    Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, band aids and dental floss are toiletries that should also not be flushed down the toilet.

    Sitting on water closet for too long

    It is true that the neat toilet is a conducive and quiet place to read, chat, scroll through social media, etc which most people do.

    Sitting on that ceramics seat for more than ten minutes puts a lot of pressure on the veins of the lower rectum which can cause hemorrhoids (piles).

    Just know that the toilet is not for your ‘me’ time.

    Piling your hair on your head as you shampoo

    Have you ever wondered why your hair gets tangled when shampooing? Well, it is simply because you pile your hair on top of your head while shampooing.

    It is advised that it is best to shampoo your hair in its natural positions to get a better locks.

    Pooing too hard

    It is advised not to force out strong, hard, stubborn, large and constipated poo-poo.

    It is better to increase your intake of water and fiber, engage in exercise regularly and try squatting for a few seconds which will reduce the pressure on the veins down there that boost the risk of hemorrhoids.

    Not rinsing your bar soap in between use

    This error is common.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pathogenic organisms may be hiding out on bar soap during and after use.

    To be on the safer side, you should rinse the bar soap before and after use in order to rinse off the germs.

    Placing toilet brush back into its hold immediately after use

    Let the brush get dry completely in order not to aid in breeding of toilet germs and moisture.

    Don’t peek at your poo-poo

    As gross as it may sound, it is very necessary to see what comes out of your butt because it reveals some things about your health.

    Cleaning your ear with cotton swabs

    Research has it that, it’s important to realize nothing should be placed inside the ear to remove dirt and debris.

    This is dangerous and could cause hearing loss or a damaged ear canal or eardrum.

    Chewing and talking help you move the wax from your inner ear outward. So limit your swabbing to just the external crevices of your ear and not your ear canal.

    Sponging your body too hard

    Washing your body with your hands is better and safer than aggressively sponging your body too hard.  Doing the latter, will only aid in removing the skin’s natural protective barrier.

    Washing your private part back to front

    The private part should be carefully washed from front to back and not back to front in order to prevent bacteria from entering the penis and vagina which causes deadly infections.

    Keeping your toothbrush too close to the toilet

    The American Dental Association advised that toothbrush should be stored separately in an upright position in a dry area to prevent the bacteria that seeks for refuge in toothbrush.

    Your toothbrush should be kept about four feet away from the toilet and sink.

    Forgetting to clean your toothbrush 

    It is important to clean your toothbrush regularly before and after use, soak your toothbrush in a cup of vinegar for about 30 minutes and it needs to be changed every three months.

    Using hot water to wash your hands

    Why waste resources and time using hot water to wash your hands when studies shows that cold water can reduce the level of bacteria hot water does in your hands.

    It is left for you to scrub rinse and dry their hands properly.

    Hot water dries your skin more than cold and lukewarm water does.

    Additional information from:

    https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-loss/causes

    https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/toilet-mistakes/

    https://www.rd.com/health/bathroom-mistakes-you-never-knew-you-made/

  • HOW TO CHECK WAEC RESULTS

    If you were one of the candidates that participated in the 2019 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), you would have been aware by now that results are out and they are available online.

    Checking the result is very simple. Remember the smart identity card used during the exams? Well the result checker pin and serial number contained on it are all that is needed.

    Read Also: BREAKING: WAEC releases 2019 May/June 2019 results

    All you need to do is:

    1. Go to https://www.waecdirect.org. which is the WAEC result checking portal.

    2. Enter your WAEC Examination Number in the required column.

    3. Select your Examination Year which is 2019.

    4. Select your Examination Type which is “school candidate result”.

    5. Then enter the Card Serial Number.

    6. Enter the Card PIN afterwards.

    7. Finally, click “Submit” button to get your 2019 WAEC Result.