World Lupus Day is marked every year on May 10th. In fact in the USA, the month of May is recognized as the lupus awareness month. To promote awareness for lupus, purple is the designated color for the month and the cause. In simple terms, lupus is an auto-immune disease whereby the body’s own immune system attacks its own tissues and even organs. Symptoms may vary and escalate without warning! Because there is no known cure for lupus, it is a chronic illness that one must learn to manage and undergo treatment for, in a cycle of flare ups and remissions. The exact cause of lupus remains unclear, but researchers believe that a number of factors such as hormones and genes, in some rare cases certain drugs may trigger lupus, as well as the environment, may have a role to play. While any race may develop lupus, it is more…
After months of the prolonged disruption of normal everyday life, following the COVID Pandemic, cases of sexual and gender-based violence are on the rise. Sadly, a large share of these cases shall never be aired on television, or covered in the dailies, even though some of these cases result in the unfortunate death of the victims. As a nation, we’re left in shock. Angry whilst searching for clues that we missed and wondering can we really save our loved ones from being the next statistic? This past week on YouTube channel Sheila Lives Out Loud, a conversation highlighting abuse and gender-based violence was shared featuring renowned psychologist and relationship guru Dr. Chris Hart and the Executive Director of Healthcare Assistance Kenya Fanis Lisiagali. The conversation featured excerpts from a previous series on the channel focusing on the psychology of abuse, to help audiences better understand the markers of an abusive…
Recently, beloved gospel star and media personality Kambua, shared a heartbreaking statement on her Instagram account, of the loss of her newborn baby. Thousands of messages poured in from friends and fans, offering prayers and love, in a shared outpouring of grief and loss. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and when this happens, we must all rally behind the grieving families, whilst being sensitive to their loss and heartache. Vivian Gaiko is a young Kenyan mother and wife who set up the Empower Mama Foundation to help mothers and families who’ve experienced this trauma, after losing her newborn daughter. Upon the loss of a baby, many families are often rushed through the process of this loss, which affects the way they grieve and heal, and from Vivian’s experience, she knew she couldn’t stand by and let other families go through the same thing.Empower Mama Foundation is an organization…
You’re Not Overweight, You’re Stressed! Did you know that stress is the silent cause of rapid weight gain in most people? It’s a complex dynamic, which is evidenced by the need to eat huge amounts of food and the less likelihood of engaging in activities in some people. It is commonly referred to as ‘stress eating.’ In the event of life triggers- for instance death, relationship drama or financial pressure, some people seek solace in food. Lots and lots of mindless munching of comfort food- usually, junk food. Knowing that so many suffer from stress-eating, how can one overcome it? First things first, you have to let go of things that are beyond your control. Carrying burdens in your heart and mind that at that point can’t be changed is doing yourself more harm than good. Have a positive mindset, accept things as they are, be at peace with yourself…
Let’s paint the town red but, don’t forget to get him a gift too! If you’ve got a headache from going store to store trying to find the perfect gift to give to your husband, boyfriend, brother, father or that male colleague, relax! We’ve compiled a list of gifts that are anything but cliché or common! All the best as you choose something stellar for him! Coffee maker – make his every single morning a refreshing one with a cup of freshly brewed coffee! Beard oil – After the No Shave November, we’re still crazy about the beard gang. Gift him this hydrating oil to soften up wayward bristles and also ensure healthy beard growth too. A customized shaver – Whether he is a clean shaver, a stubble shaver or full beard guy, we love them all! A multi-tool/ multipurpose pocket knife – You never know when he will need…
Dealing With Depression Depression is a mental disorder brought by excessive stress. Being depressed affects how you feel, how you think and how you connect with others. It is marked by elevated levels of sadness, loss of interest in activities and leads to detachment from the society (friends and relatives). It can also lead to emotional, psychological and physical problems hence decreasing one’s ability to function. Depression varies. It can be severe or mild. The signs and symptoms of depression include: Feeling extremely sad all the time Increased or decreased appetite Lack of sleep or oversleeping Fatigue Feelings of unworthiness Difficulty in making decisions, concentration and even thinking Getting distracted easily Comparing yourself to others Emotional breakdown Suicidal thoughts Fortunately, one can overcome depression, but first the willingness must first come from you. Having a positive mindset when you are going through hardships is what will help you overcome…
Cancer awareness is growing with each passing year. The best defence is always offence, and when dealing with cancer going for screening regularly ensures that we are aware and are able to find out problems that may be in the making sooner than later. Testing is part of prevention and both males and females should make screening a regular habit. You can self-examine or go to the nearest cancer-screening centre. You can screen yourself for breast cancer while in the shower, in front of a mirror or even while lying down by using the pads of your fingers to move around your breasts in circular motion from the outside to the centre. Focus on looking for lumps, hardened knots or unusual thickening. If you are not comfortable with self-examination, you can pop in to any of these centres and get checked by a professional. The Nairobi Hospital –Argwings Kodhek Rd…
A man who is well put together generally finds life a bit smoother. In this day and age, there is no excuse for a hopelessly rugged look that calls to mind images of a caveman. In an era of social media, reasonable vanity has also become mainstream, even for men.So, what maketh a well-groomed man? Here, you’ll find a few simple tips that will help you navigate the world of male upkeep. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise Please say it with me. We cannot emphasize this enough. Find your signature scent Your scent should be a subtle part of your overall presence. It also increases your attractiveness; we all like people who smell good. Develop your style sense, and build on it A good tailored fit, clean, pressed clothes, and quality shoes. Trust me, shoes are important. Add a statement piece like a quality timepiece to emphasize your individuality. Know your…
I’m Hannah a food and lifestyle blogger and among other things an advocate of healthy food, which doesn’t necessary have to be boring, dull, tasteless or expensive, but do not confuse me for a fanatic either, I’m just a girl who loves food that is exciting to my eyes and taste buds but most importantly adds value into my body. Food is a topic very close to my heart and because of this I found myself blogging to inspire people to see food in a fun, nutritious and vibrant way, after all eating is one repetitive activity we do every day and one of the greatest joys in life- especially when food is well cooked and also a pleasure to the eye. Let’s be honest, in comparison, most of us have allowed ourselves to be trapped in cultural norms of how some of our food should be made, which, if following…
You spend the most time with her, yet you are most cruel to her. You look at her in the mirror, first thing every morning, devouring her self-esteem in much the same way as a predator does its prey. You sneer at her melanin skin, and the scars she bears. So you slather on layers