Loretta Ogboro-Okor

Today, we mark World Hypertension Day, a global awareness day dedicated to educating people about high blood pressure, often called the “silent killer” because many people do not know they have it until serious complications occur. This year’s theme by the World Health Organization is “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Defeat the Silent Killer.” According to the WHO, about 1.4 billion people worldwide are living with hypertension, while only about one in four people with the condition have it under control. Hypertension remains one of the leading causes of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death globally. In Nigeria, experts say hypertension is becoming a growing public health concern. Recent studies show that about one in three Nigerian adults is living with high blood pressure, while many cases remain undiagnosed because symptoms may not appear early. World Hypertension Day serves as an important reminder for everyone to check their blood pressure regularly. A simple blood pressure check can help detect problems early and prevent severe complications. Doctors advise people to maintain a healthy lifestyle by reducing salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and taking prescribed medications consistently. Young people are also encouraged not to ignore their health. Hypertension is no longer seen only among older adults, as stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles are increasing the risk among younger populations. Regular medical checkups, healthy living, and awareness can help save lives. On this World Hypertension Day, let us all remember the importance of knowing our numbers, protecting our hearts, and encouraging our families and communities to take blood pressure checks seriously. Early detection and proper treatment can make a huge difference in living a longer and healthier life. Loretta Health Initiative (LHI) aims at promoting healthy living. To learn more about us, visit . You can also email us [email protected]. Let'

International Day of the Boy Child is a special day set aside to celebrate boys, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and encourage society to support their growth into responsible and confident men. The day reminds us that boys also need love, guidance, protection, education, and opportunities to thrive in life. The day was established in 2018 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a gender activist from Trinidad and Tobago. It was created to focus on the wellbeing of boys and to encourage positive conversations about their mental health, education, character, and future. Since then, May 16 has been observed in different parts of the world as a day to inspire boys to become kind, respectful, and productive members of society. International Day of the Boy Child is important because many boys grow up facing pressure, emotional struggles, violence, poor mentorship, and limited support systems. Some are taught to hide their feelings instead of speaking up when they are hurting. This day encourages parents, teachers, leaders, and communities to listen to boys, guide them properly, and help them build strong values and healthy lifestyles. Moving forward, more attention should be given to the education, mental health, safety, and personal development of boys. Families and communities must teach boys respect, empathy, discipline, and responsibility while also creating safe spaces where they can express themselves without fear. Governments, schools, and organizations should continue investing in programmes that empower boys with skills, mentorship, and opportunities for a brighter future. Strong minds, kind hearts, and bright futures begin with how we raise and support the boy child today. Loretta Health Initiative (LHI) aims at promoting healthy living. To learn more about us, visit . You can also email us [email protected]. Let's prioritize our health, make informed choices, and embrace the journey towards a healthier and happier life! Don't forget to hit the follow button to receive daily health tips, inspiration, and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. #edostatehealthinedostatehands #healthylife

Did you know… eating too fast can trick your brain into overeating because your body needs about 20 minutes to feel full? When you eat quickly, your stomach doesn’t have enough time to tell your brain that it is already full. The signal that says “I’ve had enough food” is not immediate, it takes time to travel and be understood. So, while you are still eating fast, your brain may think you are still hungry even when your body has already had enough. This can make you eat more food than you actually need. Eating too quickly also makes it easier to miss the natural signs of satisfaction, like feeling comfortably full or no longer interested in food. Instead, you may only notice fullness when you are already too full. That is why people who eat slowly often eat less without trying. Taking your time helps your brain and stomach stay in sync, so you stop eating at the right moment. Loretta Health Initiative (LHI) aims at promoting healthy living. To learn more about us, visit . You can also email us [email protected]. Let's prioritize our health, make informed choices, and embrace the journey towards a healthier and happier life! Don't forget to hit the follow button to receive daily health tips, inspiration, and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. #edostatehealthinedostatehands #healthylifestyle #healthiswealth

International Nurses Day is a moment to recognise the incredible work nurses do every day across hospitals, clinics, communities, and emergency settings. They are often the first to respond when people are sick and the last to leave when care is still needed. Nurses provide more than medical support. They offer comfort, patience, and reassurance in some of life’s most difficult moments. Their care helps patients feel seen, safe, and supported, even in times of fear or uncertainty. In many places, nurses work long hours under pressure, often with limited resources, yet they continue to show up with dedication and compassion. Their strength keeps healthcare systems running and saves countless lives. On International Nurses Day, we celebrate their sacrifice, commitment, and humanity. It is also a reminder that nurses deserve respect, better working conditions, and continuous support. To every nurse around the world: your work matters deeply, and your impact is felt far beyond the walls of any hospital. Loretta Health Initiative (LHI) aims at promoting healthy living. To learn more about us, visit . You can also email us [email protected]. Let's prioritize our health, make informed choices, and embrace the journey towards a healthier and happier life! Don't forget to hit the follow button to receive daily health tips, inspiration, and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. #edostatehealthinedostatehands #healthylifestyle #healthiswealth

World Lupus Day 2026 is marked globally on May 10 under the theme “Make Lupus Visible”, a call to bring attention to a condition that is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and largely invisible to the public eye. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, affecting organs such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. It is not contagious, but it can be life-threatening and long-term, with symptoms that vary widely from person to person. Globally, lupus affects an estimated at least 5 million people worldwide, according to the World Lupus Federation. Despite this large number, awareness remains low. A recent global survey released ahead of World Lupus Day 2026 found that 58% of people still know very little or nothing about lupus, highlighting a major gap in public understanding and the urgent need to “make lupus visible.” In many cases, lupus is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic other conditions and can appear and disappear over time. Common signs include extreme fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and unexplained fevers. Even when symptoms are present, diagnosis can take years, leaving many patients untreated or misunderstood for long periods. This delay contributes to emotional, physical, and financial strain on patients and families. In Africa, including Nigeria, lupus is believed to be underdiagnosed due to limited awareness, lack of specialized rheumatology services, and misdiagnosis as more common illnesses. While exact national figures are limited, studies and clinical reports show that autoimmune diseases like lupus are present but often go unrecorded or are detected late. This makes awareness campaigns even more critical in countries like Nigeria, where early detection can significantly improve outcomes. The theme “Make Lupus Visible” emphasizes the need to break stigma and misinformation. Many people with lupus look healthy on the outside but struggle daily with pain, fatigue, and organ complications.

May 8 marks World Ovarian Cancer Day, a global call to raise awareness, improve early detection, and ensure #NoWomanLeftBehind meaning no woman should be deprived of information, diagnosis, or treatment because of where she lives or her economic status. Ovarian cancer remains one of the most deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. According to global estimates, there were about 314,000 new cases and over 200,000 deaths globally in recent years, with numbers expected to rise if access to diagnosis and treatment does not improve, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In the United States alone, projections for 2026 show about 21,010 new cases and 12,450 deaths, underscoring that the disease remains a serious threat even in well-resourced health systems. Experts further warn that without stronger global action, ovarian cancer cases could rise by more than 50% by 2050, while deaths could increase by nearly 70%, particularly affecting underserved regions where women face delays in diagnosis and limited access to care. Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, but its exact cause is often unknown. However, several risk factors can increase a woman’s likelihood of developing it. These include increasing age (especially after menopause), a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, never having been pregnant, endometriosis, and, in some cases, long-term hormone therapy. Still, many women diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors. One of the biggest challenges is that symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for common conditions. Women are advised to watch out for persistent symptoms such as ongoing bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly when eating, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits. When these symptoms are new, frequent, and last for weeks, they should not be ignored. Because these signs are often overlooked, many cases are diagnosed late, which reduces survival chances. Early detection, however, significantly improves outcomes.

Did you know sitting for more than 8 hours a day can be as harmful as smoking for your health? 🪑🚫 When you sit for long hours without movement, your body slows down. Blood circulation becomes weaker, fewer calories are burned, and your muscles become less active. Over time, this can increase the risk of weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even early death. Long periods of sitting can also affect posture, weaken bones and muscles, and reduce how well your body controls blood sugar and fat levels. That’s why health experts encourage standing up, stretching, or walking around every 30–60 minutes, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Small movements throughout the day can make a big difference for your health. Loretta Health Initiative (LHI) aims at promoting healthy living. To learn more about us, visit . You can also email us [email protected]. Let's prioritize our health, make informed choices, and embrace the journey towards a healthier and happier life! Don't forget to hit the follow button to receive daily health tips, inspiration, and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. #edostatehealthinedostatehands #healthylifestyle #healthiswealth

World Asthma Day 2026 comes at a critical time for global health, with this year’s theme: “Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – still an urgent need.” It is a reminder that asthma is not just a mild condition, but a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways and can become life-threatening when not properly controlled. Globally, asthma affects more than 260 million people, and it causes over 450,000 deaths every year, according to global health estimates and WHO-related data. Despite the availability of effective treatments, many of these deaths are preventable. The major gap is not knowledge, but access, especially to anti-inflammatory inhalers like inhaled corticosteroids, which treat the root inflammation in the lungs rather than just relieving symptoms. The World Health Organization has also highlighted that most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where diagnosis and access to essential inhalers remain limited. In many of these settings, patients rely only on quick-relief inhalers or go without treatment entirely, which increases the risk of severe attacks, hospital admissions, and avoidable deaths. In Nigeria, asthma is also a significant public health concern. Government health data indicates thousands of asthma-related deaths, reflecting gaps in early diagnosis, continuous care, and access to affordable inhaled medications. For many families, the cost and availability of inhalers remain a barrier, even though these medicines are essential for long-term control and survival. This year’s theme strongly emphasizes that anti-inflammatory inhalers should not be a privilege for a few, but a basic part of healthcare for everyone living with asthma. These inhalers reduce inflammation, prevent attacks, and improve quality of life . Health systems, governments, and global partners are being urged to make them affordable, available, and accessible at all levels of care. As we mark World Asthma Day 2026, the message is clear: no one should struggle to breathe simply because they cannot access the right medicine.

World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day is observed every year on May 3rd to raise awareness about ankylosing spondylitis, a long-term inflammatory condition that mainly affects the spine and joints where the spine connects to the pelvis. Over time, it can cause stiffness and pain, and in some cases, it may limit movement if not properly managed. It often starts in early adulthood and can progress slowly, which is why many people may not notice it immediately. One of the common symptoms is persistent lower back pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest. The pain may improve with movement but worsen after inactivity. Some people may also experience pain in the hips, shoulders, or other joints. In more advanced cases, the spine may become less flexible, affecting posture. Other symptoms can include fatigue, eye inflammation, and reduced range of motion. If someone notices these signs, especially ongoing back pain at a young age, it is important to seek medical attention early. Doctors may use physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging like X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the condition. Early diagnosis helps in managing the disease more effectively. Treatment usually involves medications to reduce inflammation and pain, along with regular exercise and physiotherapy to maintain flexibility. Lifestyle changes such as staying active, maintaining good posture, and avoiding smoking can also help slow progression and improve quality of life. Loretta Health Initiative (LHI) aims at promoting healthy living. To learn more about us, visit . You can also email us [email protected]. Let's prioritize our health, make informed choices, and embrace the journey towards a healthier and happier life! Don't forget to hit the follow button to receive daily health tips, inspiration, and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. #edostatehealthinedostatehands #healthylifestyle #healthiswealth

EDO STATE DIASPORA AGENCY (EDSDA) DG FELICITATES WITH WORKERS ON MAY DAY 2026 ‎ ‎_BENIN CITY_ The Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. (Mrs.) Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, felicitate with workers in Edo State, across Nigeria, and in the Diaspora on the occasion of the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration... ‎ ‎ ©️ ‎Edo State Diaspora Agency (EDSDA) Media ‎May 1, 2026 ‎

April marks International Cesarean Awareness Month a time to talk openly about one of the most common ways babies are safely delivered around the world: the Cesarean section (C-section). A C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It is usually done when a vaginal birth may be risky for the mother or baby such as in cases of prolonged labour, fetal distress, breech position, multiple pregnancies, or certain health complications. Despite how common it is, C-sections are still surrounded by stigma and misinformation in many communities. Some women are made to feel like they have “failed” if they didn’t give birth vaginally. But medically, that belief is wrong. A safe delivery, whether vaginal or surgical is what truly matters. No mother should feel judged for how her baby enters the world. This awareness month also highlights an important reality: access to safe C-sections saves lives. In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, delays in accessing emergency surgical care can lead to preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring timely access to obstetric care remains critical. Like any surgery, C-sections come with risks such as infection, longer recovery time, and complications in future pregnancies. But when medically indicated and properly performed, it is a life-saving procedure for both mother and child. International Cesarean Awareness Month is ultimately about education, respect, and empathy reminding us that every safe birth story matters, regardless of how it happens. Loretta Health Initiative (LHI) aims at promoting healthy living. To learn more about us, visit . You can also email us [email protected]. Let's prioritize our health, make informed choices, and embrace the journey towards a healthier and happier life! Don't forget to hit the follow button to receive daily health tips, inspiration, and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. #edostatehealthinedostatehands #healthylifestyle #healthiswealth

It’s World Immunization Week, a reminder that vaccines are one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect lives. Globally, progress has been strong but not complete. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, about 85% of infants worldwide received essential vaccines in 2024, protecting them from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. Yet, around 14.3 million children received no vaccines at all, leaving them at serious risk of preventable diseases. In Nigeria, the situation shows why this week matters. The country still has between about 1.2 million and 2.2 million “zero-dose” children; meaning they have not received even a single routine vaccine. In response, health authorities recently launched a massive campaign to vaccinate over 100 million children against diseases like measles, rubella, and polio, showing how urgent the need is. Immunization is important because it protects children and adults from deadly diseases before they strike. It reduces hospital visits, prevents disabilities, and saves millions of lives every year. In simple terms, vaccines act like training for your immune system; helping your body recognize and fight infections quickly. But when people are not vaccinated, the dangers are real. Diseases that should be under control can come back and spread fast. Outbreaks of illnesses like measles, polio, and diphtheria can lead to severe complications, long-term disability, or even death - especially in children. Low immunization also puts entire communities at risk, not just individuals. Vaccines don’t just protect you - they protect everyone around you. Staying immunized is one of the easiest ways to stay safe and keep your community healthy. Loretta Health Initiative (LHI) aims at promoting healthy living. To learn more about us, visit . You can also email us [email protected]. Let's prioritize our health, make informed choices, and embrace the journey towards a healthier and happier life! Don't forget to hit the follow button to receive daily health tips, inspiration, and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.