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I recently came across a heart-wrenching story of a man who fell victim to a devastating betrayal by someone he deeply trusted. After this, he faced a devastating downward spiral: humiliation, financial ruin, and a profound sense of injustice. Like many of us would, he succumbed to anger and bitterness. But as time passed, he developed mycosis, a debilitating fungal disease. Despite seeking medical attention, he struggled to find relief. This persisted until he met a counsellor who helped him realize the key to his true healing.. Through their sessions, he came realised that letting go of his hurt and resentment was essential to reclaiming his health and well-being. Why am I sharing this? Numerous studies have revealed a profound link between mental and physical health. In fact, research has shown that many people become physically sick and bedridden due to underlying emotional and psychological distress. Specifically, negative thought patterns such as regrets, guilt, resentment, inferiority, and others have been identified as major contributors to illnesses in this age. A physician once wrote that “the modern soul is sick to such an extent that the organs pain“. This is serious to the point that some physicians, who know this secret not only prescribes medicine to their patients but also verses from the Scripture and inspirational books. The results? Outstanding! So, I ask. Why can’t you be your own first doctor by letting go of all your mistakes, worries, fears, resentments and their siblings? Do you know the sad part? Whatever it is that is causing the sleepless night will no longer matter if your health fails. If it is your past mistakes, it is in the past and it cannot be fixed. Did someone offend you, and you’ve held a grudge against them? Do you realize the person might not even know, so you’re the one suffering? Your worries and fears? They might never happen. Do you know the good part? Your past should remain in the past and shouldn’t have control over you. You are in the present, and so should be the boss and in control. Also, nobody, I repeat, nobody is worth being sick for. Please, let go of the pain. You were raped? So sorry to know. You’re not alone, many people shake off their pains and are doing great for their lives. Please, move on. You were cheated, oh, the world is full of cheaters. Please move on, good people will come your way in the future. Don’t give up on people. When you’re willing to let go, you’ll begin to see a bigger picture right ahead. You owe yourself the right to be happy and healthy. Choose God, choose forgiveness. Your health will thank you. If you ever need someone to talk to, remember that you have a friend who genuinely cares – I do! Feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll reach out to you. I love you!

When I was a child, my father taught us that the laws in Scripture aren’t just about God; they’re for our good. One of the examples he gave was: God doesn’t have a farm to steal from, so He didn’t command us not to steal because He’s afraid of losing His property. Instead, whoever steals and is caught faces consequences. Over time, I’ve seen the truth in my father’s words, and similarly, I’ve come to realize that this principle also applies to our struggles with anxious thoughts and worry. And so, the Scripture warns us against worry. Let’s have real talk today about – WORRY. What do Scientists say about it? We all do it. Some of us wear worry like a badge of honour, as though being constantly stressed means we care more or are more responsible. But here’s the truth, worry has never been, and will never be your friend. It’s that uninvited guest that overstays its welcome, eats all your snacks, and leaves you drained. See, I used to think worry only caused issues like high blood pressure or hypertension – until I found in Norman Vincent Peale’s book “The Power of Positive Thinking” that worry may also cause ulcer. I was surprised, and so I conducted further research that revealed to me the hidden ways worry infiltrates not just the mind but also our physical health, including the stomach. We often assume worrying is productive, and may help fix our problems. But guess what? Worry never solved a single thing. Instead, it leaves us with sleepless nights, a racing heart, and, at one point may cause ulcer. Now, I’m no doctor, but I’ve learned enough to know that when you’re constantly anxious, your body goes into overdrive. Your stress hormones spike, your stomach churns, and before you know it, you’re dealing with acid reflux or even worse – a full-blown ulcer. Let me paint you a picture: Imagine pouring acid on a surface over and over again. What happens? It corrodes. Now imagine your stomach lining is that surface. When we worry, our brain signals our body to release more stomach acid. This acid is meant to digest food, but when there’s too much and it lingers too long, it starts to attack the very organ it’s meant to protect. The result? Pain, discomfort, and a reminder that worry doesn’t just affect your mind—it attacks your body too. Let me share some of the ways stress and anxiety may contribute to or exacerbate the development of ulcers. According to a 2022 study, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects four million people worldwide every year. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori – a gram-negative bacterium) infection is indeed a well-known cause of peptic ulcers. But it has been reported that psychological factors such as stress and anxiety may act as additional triggers, especially in individuals already predisposed to ulcers due to other risk factors. Chronic worry and stress have been reported by several studies to exacerbate existing conditions or contribute to the onset of ulcers (Read more here 1, 2). While stress alone may not directly cause ulcers, it can increase stomach acid production and lead to behaviors (like increased NSAID use) that are associated with ulcer development. Chronic stress can impair the body’s ability to heal, potentially complicating existing ulcer conditions. Stress may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections like H. pylori, which is known to cause ulcers. Here’s the kicker: most of the things we worry about never happen. That meeting you’re dreading? It’ll go fine. That bill you’re stressed over? You’ll figure it out. The child(ren) stressing you? Everybody will be alright. That future you’re agonizing about? God’s already there, working it out for your good. Remember the question of Jesus in Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Think about that. Not a single hour. Instead, we lose hours – hours we could’ve spent smiling, enjoying good food, and laughing with loved ones. So, what can you do about whatever wants to stress you? Talk to Someone: See a trusted friend, a mentor, a therapist, or God in prayer – don’t bottle it up. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Worry magnifies the problem; action shrinks it. Practice Gratitude: It’s hard to worry when you’re counting your blessings. Practice journaling. Take Care of Your Health: Drink water, eat balanced meals, and rest. Your body needs love too. Remember Who’s in Control: Cast your cares on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Friend, life is too short to let worry steal your peace and damage your health. You deserve better than that. So the next time worry tries to move in, kick it out! You’ve got a purpose to fulfill, and ulcers should have no place in your story. Your health is important to God, as well as the lives He has called you to serve. Stay strong, stay peaceful, and remember – you’re not alone in this journey. So, whenever you’re tempted to worry, remember that high blood pressure and ulcers are not your friend. Love always! References https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9342757/ https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/pn.38.3.0021a https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12461190/

I saw a thread that went viral some months ago. A medical professional posted that lifestyle modification is key in combating several disease conditions. I saw people’s reactions to this post, and I was baffled. She was right, after all. Over the years, I’ve learned the impact of lifestyle choices on our bodies, and I’ve been applying that knowledge to my own life. My journey towards better health and wellness has taught me that small, sustainable changes can add up to make a big difference. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing the power of lifestyle modification with you. By making intentional choices about how we live our daily lives, we can take control of our health, boost our energy, and cultivate a deeper sense of happiness and fulfilment. I’d love to share some essential lifestyle modifications that have worked for me and can work for you, too. First off, we cannot over-emphasize the need to eat an adequate diet. It is a common saying that we are what we eat, and sadly, this is so. Drees, a Professor of Medicine, explained that “The food we eat should bring us both health and happiness.” Our food can as well be our medicine, of course, that is if we eat right. I know it’s hard to resist those tasty treats but trust me, your body will thank you for fueling it with whole, nutritious foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains. If possible, make your meals at home. It is most times cheaper and healthier. Next, exercise! I’m not saying you need to become a marathon runner or gym enthusiast (unless that’s your thing!), but incorporating some form of physical activity into your daily routine can work wonders for your body and mind. Even a short walk or some light stretching can make a big difference. You may choose to do some 10 minutes of jogging in your compound in the evening or a 5-minute jogging before bathing every morning while you listen to your favourite podcast or audio Bible. If you stay consistent, you’ll be surprised at how many minutes you’ve done in a month. Now, let’s talk stress. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the struggle of life, especially in a country like ours. And I can imagine if you’re based in Lagos, I understand that living with stress is like the norm, but it’s so important to take a step back, breathe, and relax. There is this statement in my language that reads, “The life of work is longer than that of man”. Make time to relax and pick up a magazine or book to read. Listen to music; this works for me a lot. Find what works for you and make it a habit. Another point is sleep. Sleep is also super important, friend! Getting a good night’s sleep helps your body repair and rejuvenate itself. I also learned recently that memories are formed during deep sleep. Establish a bedtime routine to signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Also, please keep away from your gadget when it’s close to bedtime; it helps you sleep faster. Lastly, choose happiness. Do the things that make you happy, definitely not against the laws of the Lord! But whether it’s painting, playing music, or simply reading a book, prioritise activities that bring you joy and make your heart sing. Remember, small changes can add up to make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. Start with one or two modifications and see how your body and mind respond. God wants you to be in good health, take care of you! Photo Credit: AI References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9616445/

Was I ageing, or was the world changing? This question crossed my mind when a friend shared a story. I was stunned by what I heard: a young person diagnosed with diabetes. As I listened, unease settled in. Was I really ageing that fast, or was the world around me changing at an alarming rate? I understand that several factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle, influence our bodies. But as I looked around, I saw more and more young people struggling with health issues that were once rare in their age group. Obesity, hypertension, mental health concerns – the list goes on. It dawned on me that the world was indeed changing and fast. As I delved deeper into this question, I noticed the subtle yet significant shifts in our lifestyles. We spend more time indoors, glued to our screens, and engaging less with nature. Our diets have become increasingly processed, and our stress levels have skyrocketed. It’s no no wonder that health conditions that were once typically associated with older adults or rare in youth are now being diagnosed or observed frequently in younger populations. But we can choose to refuse to accept this as the new norm. I believe that we can take control of our health and well-being by making intentional choices. It starts with small changes: taking a daily walk, cooking a home meal, or making time to rest and sleep deeply. These habits may seem insignificant, but they can transform our lives tremendously. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But I know that it is possible. So, am I ageing, or is the world changing? I say it’s a bit of both. But more importantly, I say it’s time for us to take action. Let’s make a pact to prioritize our health. We have just one life to live, remember? And if you are a Gen Z  and tempted to say, “Na something, go kill a man,” remember the pain and waste of resources that sickness comes with. Also, remember that your loved ones will be involved if illness strikes. A life of vitality is worth more than a viral joke. Health is wealth; don’t gamble with yours. “Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering.” – 3 John 1-2 (TPT) We are a wise generation who understands that our health is required to carry out our divine assignment. This is where we belong!