The Nation Newspaper

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  • Eight ways to avoid pick pockets

    Eight ways to avoid pick pockets

    Pickpockets are thieves that specialise in robbing people when they’re not paying attention. Avoiding pickpockets presents a challenge since the thieves do their best to blend in with their environments and go unnoticed.

    The best way to prevent falling victim to them is to be just as crafty. Making careful choices about how much money you carry and where you carry it can help deter theft and, failing that, minimize your losses.

    Here are the 8 ways to avoid pick pockets:

    1. Avoid every form of distraction

    Most pickpockets operate within an area they are familiar with. They are usually there before you.

    So, ensure you do not get caught or lost in their different gimmicks meant to put you off guard. Look away from any form of drama that is being displayed at the bus stop.

    You can decide to move slightly away from the immediate point of the drama.

    2. Be protective of your personal effects.

    You must guard your belongings jealously when standing at a bus stop. If you are a lady, holding your bag tightly to your chest is your best bet.

    For the guys, you can do the same if you have a briefcase or backpack with you. If not, make sure your wallet and phone are inside your side pockets with your hands placed inside your pockets as well.

    3. Avoid putting things in your back pocket

    The idea that pickpockets can lift valuables out of your back pocket has some truth to it. Many pickpockets tend to come from behind, out of your line of sight. Skilled ones are light-fingered enough to snatch your wallet without your notice, more so if you have big pockets.

    4. Minimise your valuables

    Keep in mind, a modest traveller is a safe traveller. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t travel with valuables, like your laptop or tablet. You can’t get these items stolen if you don’t take them with you.

    Before heading out, make a checklist of what you absolutely need for the day. Do not take any non-essentials. Not only does this minimize the chances of those items being stolen, they also help you travel light.

    5. Portion your money

    As an addition to wearing more protective clothes, another thing you can do is store your money and valuables in multiple safe spots. In case the worst happens and a pickpocket manages to steal something, at least you’ve partitioned your valuables so you haven’t lost everything.

    Read Also: FEC deliberations to run into day-two over “far-reaching” decisions

    6. Refrain from showing off your things

    One way to mark yourself as a target is to show off your valuables in public. Pickpockets are typically more likely to steal from you if they believe you’re carrying something worth stealing.

    Refrain from using your phone or camera while walking around, especially in unfamiliar territory. Leave non-essentials, like jewelry and extra money, behind to avoid losing them. Even if your things aren’t that valuable, pickpockets may see you as a mark anyway. Some thieves can be more daring still and may just take your jewelry (including piercings) and run. Stay alert.

    7. Don’t stand too long at the bus stop.

    This may sound strange as no sane person would want to stand too long at the bus stop.

    It may happen as a result of unforeseen circumstances but ensure you board a bus as soon as possible and leave the bus stop.

    8. Avoid drawing attention to your cash.

    Whenever possible, refrain from counting it where others can see. When you divide and hide your money before heading out, memorize how much you have. Keep a mental tally from then to minimize the need to recount what you have left as you spend it.

  • Eight highest-paying courses in Nigeria

    Eight highest-paying courses in Nigeria

    If you believe that some courses are irrelevant in Nigeria, I will not disagree. Some even argue that even before the internet existed, these courses were what they are now. They aren’t just feasible. The spread of digitisation and technical innovation has made some fields more demanding. Yes, everyday discoveries tend  to relinquish the importance of so many fields in schools. Notwithstanding, some courses are still performing exceptionally well in the labour market—both profitable and useful.

    Here is a list of the highest-paying courses in Nigeria, which you may consider anytime:

    1. Graphic Design

    With the advancement of technology, graphic design is now a powerful medium for media, advertising, and corporate communication. It’s a method of producing visually appealing designs for a certain need. Currently, graphic designers are among the most sought-after people in advertising agencies, media organisations and design companies. You don’t have to contemplate; the future is bright, and technology has come to stay — it will only continue to improve. Studying graphic design gives you an edge, and you don’t have to wait until you finish the entire course before making a living. There are many tools available online to practice it. The yearly average salary of an outstanding graphic designer is N1.7 to N3.4 million.

    2. Medicine

    We cannot deny that as humans, we must take medication if the necessity arises at any time in our life. Medicine is highly regarded across the world. Even in Nigeria, you cannot be idle; you’ll find a place to work because it is very demanding. Becoming a medical professional and being excellent at it requires rigorous work. But never doubt the reward of this profession;  you can decide to be a specialist rather than just a doctor working with organisations, hospitals, and clinic centres. Don’t limit your thinking to what you see around you; this is a high-paying course in Nigeria and it is relevant anywhere in the world. As a specialist, you can earn an average of N1 million to N3.5 million annually.

    3. Law

    Law is a course you’ll never regret studying. It is prestigious and exposes one to different high-earning opportunities. You can’t deny that lawyers are very well respected in Nigeria; one of the reasons is their crucial role in society. On average, good lawyers earn between N1.6 to N15 million yearly. If you want to study law, you must be very determined and be ready to put in the work. The aim of studying it should not be “I want to be a lawyer” — rather a question of “what kind of lawyer do you want to be?” You must consider the niche you’ll want to carve using the profession. What would distinguish you from every other lawyer?

     4. Petroleum Engineering

    As a Nigerian, you should know petroleum is a very lucrative business. This course will enable you to understand every hydrocarbon-related activity, such as crude oil, gas, and other properties. In this sector, the salary structure is very encouraging; you can work for national and international companies.  The growing need for energy has placed petroleum engineering as one of the most important and highest-paying courses in Nigeria. You can work as a drilling engineer, reservoir and production engineer. You can earn between N1.7 to N10 million per annum as a petroleum engineer.

    5. Estate Management

    If you are interested in real estate, this course is for you. It will equip you to understand the legal use of land and how to manage and develop it. The real estate industry thrives very well in Nigeria; individuals, companies, and corporations hire estate experts to manage or sell their properties. You can be an adviser and investor in estate development. The average yearly earnings for a smart estate manager are around N1.3 million.

    6. Computer Science

    Computer science has proven to be one of the highest-paying courses over the years. This field is useful for every sector, even personally — the knowledge you get from it can shape how you handle tasks. You can be a software developer, data analyst, or anything concerning computational principles. You can specialise in artificial intelligence, numerical analysis, programming languages and database systems. The benefits of the course are enormous; you can work in technological companies and financial institutions and even create your own startup. In this digital age, computer scientists will continue to be relevant. Computer scientists earn N850,000 to N1.6 million per annum.

    Read Also: Tinubu returns to Nigeria on Wednesday, says Presidency

    7. Electrical Engineering

    If you’re interested in electrical control systems, power maintenance, and how telecommunications work, you should opt for this course. This is a field that can always be noticed because electrical power is a necessity.  Electrical engineering is a course that would prepare you to work for companies in power generation and distribution, construction, transport networks, renewable energy, etc. You can dedicate your life to this field without regret or doubt. Your prowess will get you better opportunities after graduation. Electrical engineers tend to earn between N1.3 to N2.8 million per annum.

    8. Information Technology

    Technology has posed the need to have skilled professionals in companies and organisations. It has made information technology one of the courses that receive the highest pay. It entails knowledge and skills in developing and managing computer systems and networks. These are areas employers are looking for to foster the growth of their firms in meeting and competing well in the world of technological development. This course can equip you to get employment if you aim to be a software developer, database administrator, cyber security and Information Technology manager — the course is a good starting point. Per annum, you can earn between N1.5 to N1.7 million.

  • Three things most men consider before asking a lady out

    Three things most men consider before asking a lady out

    1. PHYSICAL ATTRACTION:

    Ladies with captivating facial features, unique body shapes, heights, skin tones, and overall physique possess an irresistible allure that can quickly seize men’s attention and leave a lasting impression on their minds.

    These attributes often ignite the spark that compels men to step forward and ask these enchanting ladies out on dates, setting the stage for potentially meaningful and lasting relationships.

    2. ALTITUDE:

    A lady who exudes positive energy and radiates good vibes has a talent for capturing men’s attention and turning heads.

    Read Also: Group urges FG to hasten action on WACA for riverine communities’ development

    lady who has a supportive nature, confidence, and a fun-loving spirit creates an irresistible allure that draws men in like a magnet.

    It is their infectious positivity and genuine charm that leave a lasting impression, making them irresistible companions.

    3. DRESSING SENSE:

    Men are often attracted to women who make an effort to look their best.

    How a woman presents herself, including her clothes, hairstyle, and makeup, can speak volumes about her personality and leave a lasting impression on a man.

    Whether it’s a stunning sundress, a sizzling evening outfit with heels, or a relaxed casual look, the outfits a woman chooses can significantly impact a man’s interest in her.

  • Five famous persons who died on birthdays

    Five famous persons who died on birthdays

    Death is inevitable but because life always surprises us and never follows a particular pattern. Sometimes called ‘birthday-perisher’, there are a few people for whom life, very strangely and coincidentally, came full circle as they share their birthday and ‘deathday’.

    These personalities, whose lives encapsulate both beginning and ending within the span of a single date, are rare.

    From poets and actors to cultural icons and political leaders, their dual anniversaries serve as a reminder of the brevity and brilliance of human existence. Let us however, explore the lives of some of these popular individuals, who shared the rare distinction of entering and departing this world on their birthday.

    Here are five famous people who were born and died on the same day:

    William Shakespeare

    Popular for his plays and poetry and one of the greatest writers in the English language, William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 and passed away on April 23, 1616, what is thought to be his 52nd birthday.

    Also known as ‘The Bard’, William Shakespeare couldn’t have written a more poetic circle of life for himself and although the exact cause of his death is unknown—he was said to be in high spirits and “perfect health” just weeks before his passing—an entry in the diary of John Ward, a vicar in the town where Shakespeare was both born and died, claimed that, “Shakespeare, Drayton, and Ben Jonson had a merry meeting and it seems drank too hard, for Shakespeare died of a fever there contracted.”

    Scholars, because they’re not 100% sure if William Shakespeare’s birthday was on April 23, have debated that he allegedly died after a night of heavy drinking during his birthday celebrations.

    Read Also: Tinubu set to commission three critical gas projects

    Sidney Bechet

    Jazz lovers will definitely be familiar Sidney Bechet.

    As a soprano saxophonist and musician, Bechet played a prominent role in creating the style that would differentiate jazz and basically helped to create a whole new musical genre.

    Born on May 14, 1897, the Jazz musician, Bechet died on his 62nd birthday from lung cancer on May 14, 1959.

    Ingrid Bergman

    Three-time Oscar winner and one of the biggest stars in the history of cinema, Ingrid Bergman, who was born on August 29, 1915, died of breast cancer on August 29, 1982 on her 67th birthday.

    The beautiful actress who gave several memorable performances including the classic film ‘Casablanca’ where she played the leading lady, Ilsa Lund.

    Bergman is also celebrated for her roles (for which she was awarded numerous awards) in ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ (1943), ‘Gaslight’ (1944), ‘The Bells of St. Mary’s’ (1945) and ‘Joan of Arc’ (1948). She also starred in three films with the ‘master of suspense’ director, Alfred Hitchcock.

    Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr

    Congressman and son of four-term United States President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Roosevelt Jr an American lawyer, politician served as the United States Congressman from New York from 1949 to 1955.

    Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. served three terms in the U.S. Congress and two in Presidential administrations. Aside from serving in politics, he was also a businessman who worked in the automotive car industry.

    Born on August 17, 1914, Roosevelt Jr. passed away on August 17, 1988 from lung cancer at age 74.

    Betty Friedan

    Betty Friedan, a feminist activist and writer, who co-founded the National Organization for Women, was a leading figure in the women’s movement in the United States and the author of the groundbreaking ‘The Feminine Mystique’.

    She was born on February 4, 1921 and died of congestive heart failure at her home in Washington, D.C. on February 4, 2006; her 85th birthday.

  • 10 ways to tell if a guy no longer fancies you

    10 ways to tell if a guy no longer fancies you

    When a guy who was once very attentive and affectionate suddenly backs off and creates distance between the two of you, it is only natural to wonder why. There are a lot of theories out there on how to tell if a guy is losing interest in you.

    Women are naturally wired to love by the things they hear and, this is why when a guy says nice things to a lady, depending on her emotional state of mind at the time, she can fall hopelessly in love with him. She then goes on to build fantasies with this said guy and the sparkles between them are very evident. Even when she sees the red flags, she ignores and pays no heed to it because her senses have been so blinded by what she feels for her man. Then, somewhere along the line, she observes that her man is no longer the man she knew him for. He no longer does the things he does for her or even spends as much time as he should with her. Her head tells her the guy has begun to withdraw from her but her heart tells her he’s probably awestruck by his love for her so he needs time to digest it.

    Here are the 10 ways to tell if a guy no longer fancies you:

    1. HE SLOWS DOWN ON KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH YOU.

    Men are wired naturally to be hunters. They go after what catches their fancy and, even after they’ve had it within their grip, they find it very very difficult to let go. Notice how he always comes up with excuses as to why he can’t keep in touch with you; lame stuff that you know doesn’t even make an atom of sense. From gradually slowing down on keeping in touch, he stops TOTALLY! At this point, you find yourself making efforts to reach him but, he’ll claim he had loads of stuff to do that has kept him away and, should you dare complain, you’ll automatically be tagged the nagging type. If a guy truly loves you and means to be with you, nothing will stop him from that.

    2. HE IGNORES YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

    A lot of people might not want to agree with this but, when a guy can completely ignore you on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram but you see him very active and commenting or reacting to other people’s posts, girl, you mean nothing more than a pinch of salt to him. And, should you take the bold step of trying to drop a comment on his page, you’ll get ignored as well. There’s nothing worse than being in the same space with someone yet, they act like you don’t exist.

    3. HE DOESN’T WANT TO BE SEEN CLOSE TO YOU BUT WILL GLADLY FLIRT WITH ANOTHER GIRL.

    This, right here, is self explanatory. When a guy truly loves you, he’ll do just about anything to prove to the world that he loves you and is proud to be associated with you. When he dreads having a conversation with you because he doesn’t want those around him to think you’re an item, that’s a huge red flag. Guys are naturally expressive; especially when it has to do with the woman they love so, if he’s not doing this for you, BACK OFF!

    4. HE IGNORES EVERY FIXED APPOINTMENT YOU BOTH HAVE AND HE HAS A LEGIT EXCUSE FOR IT.

    No man who truly loves a woman will stand her up and feel very comfortable with it. He will apologize for it and make up for it almost immediately. When you notice that your man stops keeping to appointments and/or meet-ups and you have to be the one to call to find out why he had to stand you up, you don’t need to be told that he doesn’t feel you anymore. Genuine love for your partner is like something great that you’re addicted to. No matter how hard you try, you can’t go a day without it. When a man truly means to be with you, every minute spent with you means a whole lot to him.

    5. HE BEGINS TO SEE YOU AS A BOTHER OR BEING OVERLY DEPENDENT ON HIM.

    Men love to feel like the men in da hood. They love to be in charge; not bossy and assertive per se. They love to care for and protect their women. They love to get things for their women; depending on what they can afford. When you start to observe that your man has slowed down in showing you affection like you used to and, when you try to double up affection on your own end so he doesn’t feel let down but, he still isn’t cool with it, then, you’ve stopped meaning that much to him. Each time you try to keep in touch through whatever means, he kicks against it and sees it as a bother.

    6. HE DEMANDS FOR SPACE.

    If you truly mean anything to your man, the last thing he’ll want to do is be away from you. Men love to keep close to themselves what they adore. When your man suddenly wakes up and asks for some sort of distance between you two, then, it’s pretty obvious that you’ve become as irritating to him as ever. When a guy needs “space”, he has stylishly broken up with you without your knowledge; except you’re smart enough to decode it.

    7. HE TREATS YOU VERY CASUALLY.

    You notice that all of a sudden, your man has begun to see you as a “hello, hi” kinda person and it doesn’t bother him one bit. You greet him, it’s a problem. You try to be all mushy and romantic like you’ve always been to him, he gives you this look that suggests you’re overstepping your boundaries. This is a clear indication that you both no longer operate on the same space cos, a lot of water has passed under the bridge.

    8. HE DOESN’T SUPPORT YOU 

    He is no longer interested in your dreams, aspirations, and needs. He doesn’t support you in your important decisions in both personal and professional life. Moreover, you may feel that you can no longer look up to him or trust him in planning your goals or celebrating your achievements.

    9. HE DOESN’T GO EXTRA MILE 

    If your partner does the bare minimum to keep things going between you two, it’s a red flag in your relationship. He doesn’t want to go the extra mile to make you feel special, spend time with you, or keep the relationship exciting. You may feel that the relationship has become one-sided.

    10. HE HAS STOPPED ASKING QUESTIONS

    When your partner asks you questions, it helps them understand and know you better—how things are at work and with friends and family or how you are dealing with a specific situation. When he stops asking questions, it may show that he is not interested in checking on you and would like to keep to himself.

  • Five things to know about Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction

    Five things to know about Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction

    The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is a huge effort to connect two big cities along the country’s southern coast to make it easier for people and goods to transit.

    This project will make the region better connected, help businesses grow, and make transportation smoother.

    The highway will be like a main road for trade and business, linking Lagos, a busy city in the west, to Calabar, a lively port city in the east.

    Embarking on this huge project will foster new opportunities for communities and businesses, making a big difference to Nigeria‘s economy and society.

    Read Also: FG opens Port Harcourt-Aba railway to passengers

    Here are five facts about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway you should know:

    Nigeria’s largest infrastructure project is the 700-kilometer Highway.

    1. Size

    The Highway is Nigeria’s largest infrastructure project which is 700-kilometer in size.

    2. Cost

    The construction of the highway will require a cost of N15 trillion, translating to N4 billion per kilometer.

    3. Construction

    The highway’s construction will progress in stages over an anticipated eight-year period. The initial phase will consist of a 47.47-kilometer dual carriageway featuring five lanes on each side, complemented by a central train track.

    4. Route

    The extensive highway project is set to link Lagos with Cross River, traversing through several states including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. Additionally, it will incorporate two spurs branching out towards the northern states.

    5. Purpose

    The ambitious highway project aims to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth along Nigeria’s coastline, facilitating seamless links between key urban centers, ports, and economic hubs. Moreover, it is anticipated to unlock additional premium land and beachfront areas while alleviating congestion in Lekki, potentially reducing travel time from Lagos to Calabar from 12 hours to 7 hours.

  • Five alternatives to DSTV/GOTV in Nigeria

    Five alternatives to DSTV/GOTV in Nigeria

    Broadcasting company, Multichoice, on Wednesday, April 17, increased the prices of its offerings in Nigeria four months after its last increment.

    The new prices will take effect from May 1, 2024.

    With the latest price hike, the DStv Premium package increased from N29,500 to N37,000. Similarly, the DStv Compact+ went up from N19,800 to N25,000 while the Compact package increased from N12,500 to N15,700.

    The Confam package moved from N7,400 to N9,300. The Yanga package moved up from 4,200 to N5,100 while the Padi package increased from N2,950 to N3,600. HDPVR was increased from N4,000 to N5,000, the Access Fees package from N4,000 to N5,000, and XtraView moved from N4,000 to N5,000.

    Gotv Supa+ package moved from N12,500 to N15,700, Supa package from N7,600 to N9,600, and Max package from N5,700 to N7,200.

    While the Jolli package was increased from N3,950 to N4,850, the Jinja package moved from N2,700 to N3,300, and the Smallie package from N1,300 to N1,575.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: MultiChoice announces new prices for DSTV, GOtv packages

    Following the subscription increase, Nigerians are looking for better alternatives to MultiChoice.

    Here are alternatives to DSTV and GOTV

    StarTimes

    The company, a major player in the Asian country’s Pay-TV market, has a considerable market share in some African countries, including Nigeria and Kenya.

    Startimes has channels that include news, music, movies, and football channels, including exclusive rights to some football content.

    SLTV  

    SLTV is a premier satellite television company based in Nigeria. This direct-to-home satellite TV platform is operated by Metro Digital Limited.

    SLTV has over 50 HD channels with 10 Sports channels that show live football matches from the Premier League, Champions League, Laliga, Seria A, and UEL among others with a monthly subscription ranging from N5,000 and N2,500.

    Android TV Box

    Android TV Box is entertainment equipment that is connected to a TV set that allows you to enjoy your favourite films, videos, series, live programmes, and games.

    Amazon Fire Stick

    Amazon Fire Stick is a streaming device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and gives you access to a variety of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max.

    You don’t need to pay a monthly fee to use the Fire TV Stick itself, but Prime membership increases its value.

    IPTV

    The advent of IPTV or Internet Protocol Television has also provided another option for consumers of live TV and on-demand content across multiple devices and has become a necessity for many households as it offers a plethora of foreign and live local channels and streaming services without the constraints of traditional cable or satellite setups.

    This service however requires a strong internet service.

    “For as little as N1,000 I now have access to thousands of channels made possible through IPTV” a user disclosed.

  • Five best English-speaking African countries in 2023

    Five best English-speaking African countries in 2023

    Amongst the thousands of languages spoken around the world, the English stands out as one which is highly accepted considering the number of people who speak this particular language and also because of the role the language plays in cross-border communication, international diplomacy and how it aids conversations around the world no matter your country of origin.

    English is the official language of about 53 countries around the world and is also used as the lingua franca of some of these countries. Its proficiency has become an important skill to acquire in today’s world as it bridges linguistic gaps, helps to access information, and pursue opportunities.

    Based on the latest United Nations estimates, the current population of Africa is over 1 billion and in Africa about 130 million people speak English. While it’s an official or secondary language in 27 out of 54 countries on the continent, the proficiency levels among them vary.

    A 2023 English Proficiency Index (EPI) published by EF Education First, an international education company that specialises in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs, and cultural exchange, scrutinized the English-speaking proficiency of nations globally where African countries secured spots across different proficiency levels.

    The countries in the ranking have its data coming from the assessments of 2.1 million adults across 113 countries where they are categorized into five tiers of proficiency: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low.

    Read Also: UNICEF, NGE and DAME join forces for Nigerian children

    Amongst the 113 countries that were ranked globally only 22 African countries ranked in the entire exercise with South Africa topping the chart.

    South Africa has the highest English proficiency in Africa, landing in the ‘Very high proficiency’ category at number 9 alongside nations like the Netherlands, Singapore, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Portugal.

    Following South-Africa is Kenya at number 19, under the ‘High proficiency’ category followed closely by Nigeria at number 27 still under the ‘high proficiency’ category.

    Securing its spot at number 34 under the ‘Moderate proficiency’ category is Ghana followed by Uganda at number 47 still under the moderate proficiency category.

    Below are the 5 best English speaking countries in Africa:

    Rank        Country        Global ranking       Score

    1.           South Africa                 9                 605
    2.              Kenya                      19                 584
    3.              Nigeria                     27                 562
    4.              Ghana                      34                 537
    5.               Uganda                   47                 529

    Other African nations include: Tunisia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Morocco, Algeria, Madagascar, Egypt, Malawi, Cameroon, Senegal, Angola, Benin, Somalia, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Libya and the Democratic Republic of Congo across different proficiencies from moderate to very low proficiency.

  • Nine ways to aid at-home acid reflux

    Nine ways to aid at-home acid reflux

    When acid reflux produces chronic symptoms, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder or GERD.

    Symptoms of GERD can include:

    – heartburn: pain in the upper abdomen and chest — is the most common symptom of GERD

    – regurgitation or stomach contents coming back up through your oesophagus and into your throat or mouth, which may cause you to taste food or stomach acid

    – chest pain

    – nausea

    – problems swallowing or pain while swallowing

    – symptoms of complications in the mouth, throat, or lungs, such as chronic cough or hoarseness.

    Three conditions that contribute to acid reflux are poor clearance of food or acid from the oesophagus, too much acid in the stomach, and delayed stomach emptying.

    If not treated, GERD can lead to more serious health problems. In some cases, you might need medicines or surgery. However, many people can improve their symptoms of GERD through self-care and lifestyle changes.

    How to get rid of acid reflux

    If you’ve been having repeated episodes of heartburn or any other symptoms of acid reflux, you might try the following:

    1. Eat sparingly and slowly:

    When the stomach is very full, there can be more reflux into the esophagus. If it fits into your schedule, you may want to try what is sometimes called “grazing”, eating small meals more frequently rather than three large meals daily.

    2. Avoid certain foods:

    People with acid reflux were once instructed to eliminate all but the blandest foods from their diets. But that’s no longer the case. We’ve evolved from the days when you couldn’t eat anything.

    But there are still some foods that are more likely than others to trigger reflux, including mint, fatty foods, spicy food, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate, and alcohol.

    If you eat any of these foods regularly, you might try eliminating them to see if doing so controls your reflux, and then try adding them back one by one.

    3. Don’t drink carbonated beverages:

    They make you burp, which sends acid into the oesophagus. Drink flat water instead of sparkling water.

    4. Stay up after eating:

    When you’re standing, or even sitting, gravity alone helps keep acid in the stomach, where it belongs. Finish eating three hours before you go to bed. This means no naps right after lunch, and no late suppers or midnight snacks.

    5. Don’t move too fast:

    Avoid vigorous exercise for a couple of hours after eating. An after-dinner stroll is fine, but a more strenuous workout, especially if it involves bending over, can send acid into your oesophagus.

    6. Sleep on an incline:

    Ideally, your head should be six to eight inches higher than your feet. You can achieve this by using extra-tall bed risers on the legs supporting the head of your bed. If your sleeping partner objects to this change, try using a foam wedge support for your upper body. Don’t try to create a wedge by stacking pillows. They won’t provide the uniform support you need.

    Read Also: Tems diagnosed with ‘reflux laryngitis’, postpones shows

    7. Lose weight if it’s advised:

    Increased weight spreads the muscular structure that supports the lower oesophagal sphincter, decreasing the pressure that holds the sphincter closed. This leads to reflux and heartburn.

    8. If you smoke, quit:

    Nicotine may relax the lower oesophagal sphincter.

    9. Check your medications:

    Some including postmenopausal estrogen, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory painkillers can relax the sphincter, while others particularly bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), or risedronate (Actonel), which are taken to increase bone density can irritate the oesophagus.

  • Graça Machel: Meet woman who became First Lady of two different countries

    Graça Machel: Meet woman who became First Lady of two different countries

    Graça Simbine Machel is the only woman to have become the First Lady of two different countries – Mozambique and South Africa.

    She is only person in history to have been the first spouse to two different democratically elected African leaders.

    Machel was born on October 17, 1945, in Mozambique. Her journey is one of resilience, activism, and an unwavering commitment to education and social justice.

    She excelled in school; earning a scholarship to attend the University of Lisbon in Portugal where she studied German. She developed a love of languages and today is fluent in her native Xitsonga, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, and English.

    Her father died three weeks before her birth and left an instruction that she must be educated through high school — a will that was carried out by her older siblings.

    After completing high school, the Methodist church granted her a scholarship to study at Lisbon University, Portugal. And she chose to major in languages.

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    Due to surveillance from the Portuguese secret police, she was forced to abandon her education and fled to Switzerland.

    In 1973, she returned to Tanzania and joined the FRELIMO where she met her first husband, Samora Machel – the first president of Mozambique.

    On June 25, 1975, Mozambique gained independence and Samora Machel was made the first president of the new country.

    When he was sworn in as the president of Mozambique, Samora Machel was a widower as his wife, Josina, had died of leukaemia in 1971.

    In September of 1975, Graça married Samora Machel and became the first lady of the country. She combined this position with her cabinet portfolio as Education minister till 1986.

    Samora Machel died in a plane crash on October 19, 1986, and this made Graca to resign her post as minister.

    Machel became acquainted with Nelson Mandela after his release from prison on Robben Island.

    They developed a close relationship and were married on July 18, 1988 (Mandela’s 80th birthday). Mandela was President of South Africa and Graca became the First Lady. She assumed the position of the First Lady of South Africa at age 52.

    After Mandela’s death in 2013, Graca Mandela continued to be active in national and international efforts to help children and the less fortunate. 

    She is a founding member of “The Elders” an independent group of former global leaders formed in 2007 by Nelson Mandela to work together for peace and human rights. 

    Graca Mandela is also the Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, Chancellor of the African Leadership University, President of the School for Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, and an active leader in numerous other educational and charitable organizations.