Ward Reflections

Skincare conversations in Nigeria often get passionate because our climate, humidity, and skin types bring unique challenges. In practice, what matters most is understanding your own skin, whether oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, and choosing gentle, non-comedogenic products that suit it. Hydration-focused routines can help many, but consistency, sun protection, and avoiding harsh bleaching agents usually give the best long-term results. The skin responds best to kind, steady care rather than trends.

I don’t understand how you’re a Nigerian living in Nigeria and you’re using Korean skincare, we don’t even have the same skin textures or weather 🤦🏽‍♀️

Incidents like this are deeply painful and remind us how vulnerable healthcare workers remain in our system. In the ward, we pour ourselves into caring for patients under difficult conditions. Protecting the safety of doctors, nurses, and staff is essential so we can continue to serve without fear. May we find ways to build better respect and support systems around healthcare in Nigeria.

Your colleague died, reportedly secondary to being assaulted by a patient’s relatives. Yet, you dressed up and went right back to work, oblivious to the fact that you may be next, carrying on, as if you have nine lives. Indifferent to the gravity of his passing.

Incidents like this are deeply painful and remind us how vulnerable healthcare workers remain in our system. In the ward, we pour ourselves into caring for patients under difficult conditions. Protecting the safety of doctors, nurses, and staff is essential so we can continue to serve without fear. May we find ways to build better respect and support systems around healthcare in Nigeria.

One important point to add: Lassa fever often mimics malaria or typhoid in the early stages, high fever, headache, weakness, and sore throat. That’s why many people delay proper care and self-medicate, allowing the virus to progress. If you have persistent fever that doesn’t improve after 2–3 days, especially with sore throat or facial swelling, don’t assume it’s ordinary malaria. Go to a hospital for proper testing and care. Early detection saves lives.

1/ Nigeria is currently facing a serious Lassa fever outbreak. As of mid-April 2026, there have been hundreds of confirmed cases and over 160 deaths, with healthcare workers also heavily affected. Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease that often starts like ordinary fever but can quickly become life-threatening. Here’s what every Nigerian needs to know 👇 (also check @aproko_doctor videos on the topic)

5/ Healthcare workers are at high risk. Proper PPE and infection control save lives. Lassa fever is preventable and treatable when caught early. Let’s protect ourselves and our families. Stay safe guys

4/ Prevention is our strongest weapon: - Cover all food and pots tightly, never leave them open overnight - Block all holes and cracks where rats can enter your home - Store grains and food in sealed containers - Keep your environment clean and dispose of refuse properly - Wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling food or rats - If you have persistent fever, don’t self-medicate, go to a hospital immediately for proper testing

While you sleep at night, bacteria sit in your mouth and eat whatever is left in your teeth for 6–8 hours straight.  That’s how cavities start and how morning breath becomes a personality for some people. Please, always brush before bed..

Exactly. While we sleep, saliva flow drops dramatically, giving bacteria hours to feast on leftover food and produce acid. That’s why brushing before bed is one of the highest-leverage habits for preventing cavities and morning breath. Simple but powerful. Thanks for the reminder chief as always

Did you know testosterone wasn’t originally called “testosterone”? In 1889, a 72-year-old French physiologist named Charles-Édouard Brown-Séquard injected himself with extracts made from crushed dog and guinea pig testicles. He claimed it dramatically restored his strength, energy, and mental sharpness. The scientific world was shocked -- and skeptical. This wild experiment sparked decades of research into the “male factor” in the testicles. It wasn’t until 1935 that scientists finally isolated and named the hormone testosterone (from “testis” + “sterol” + “one”). What started as a controversial self-experiment with animal testicles eventually led to one of the most important hormones in human physiology -- affecting muscle, mood, bone health, energy, and drive in both men and women. The story of testosterone is a reminder that sometimes the biggest discoveries begin with bold, strange ideas. What’s one thing you learned about testosterone from these threads that surprised you the most? Let have it below 👇 #WardReflections

One fascinating detail I left out: The word “testosterone” was only coined in 1935 — almost 50 years after Brown-Séquard’s bold self-experiment with animal testicles. It took decades of research to finally isolate and name the hormone we now know plays such a big role in energy, muscle, mood, and drive. Science often moves slower than we expect, but those early strange experiments laid the foundation for what we understand today.

Wow, I'll have to say that’s impressive discipline over 10 years. Avoiding ultra-processed foods, refined carbs, and carbonated drinks is generally a positive move for long-term health, it can help with better blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and fewer empty calories. However, a few gentle thoughts from a doctor’s perspective: - Complete elimination of entire food groups (like bread, noodles, akara, moi-moi) isn’t necessary for most people. The key is quality and moderation. - Traditional Nigerian foods like moi-moi and akara, when homemade with good ingredients, can actually be nutritious (high in protein and fiber). - The most sustainable approach for most people is focusing on mostly home-cooked meals with plenty of vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats — while allowing occasional flexibility. Eating “anything that’s not on that list” sounds restrictive. Long-term, overly strict rules can sometimes lead to nutrient gaps or social stress. What has been the biggest benefit you’ve noticed from this way of eating over the years, energy, digestion, weight, or something else?

List of food and beverages I haven’t eaten in the last ten years: • Pizza – 2 years+ • Bread – 4 years+ • Noodles – 4 years+ • Hotdog – 7 years+ • Akara – 6 years+ • Moi-Moi – 6 years+ • Carbonated drinks – 10 years+ You’re wondering what do I now eat? I eat anything that’s not on that list. mostly home cooked meals, and I rarely eat out.

1/ What Exactly Is Testosterone and Why It Matters🧵 Testosterone is one of the most talked-about hormones, yet many people don’t fully understand what it actually does in the body. Before we discuss low testosterone, let’s first understand what testosterone really is and why it’s so important.

2/ Silent signs of low testosterone: - Persistent fatigue and low energy, even after sleeping 7–9 hours - Difficulty building or maintaining muscle despite consistent training - Increased belly fat, especially around the waist (the “spare tire” effect) - Reduced motivation, drive, or feeling of “flatness” - Lower libido or weaker erections - Slower recovery after workouts - Mood changes — irritability, low mood, or difficulty focusing

1/ Ward truth: 🧵 Now that we understand what testosterone is and why it matters, let’s talk about the silent signs that your levels might be lower than optimal. Many men notice these changes gradually and assume “it’s just aging” or “I’m just stressed.” Here are the common subtle signs we see in the ward 👇

One common complaint we hear is constant fatigue despite good sleep

This statistic is alarming Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common worldwide, estimates show that nearly 50% of people have insufficient levels, with even higher rates in some regions (including Nigeria and other parts of Africa due to indoor lifestyles, clothing, and skin pigmentation). Why it matters(in case you don't know): - Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, muscle strength, and mood regulation. - Low levels are linked to fatigue, bone pain, frequent infections, depression, and increased risk of autoimmune conditions. However, not everyone needs supplements. The best approach is: - Get safe sun exposure (arms and face for 15–20 minutes most days, depending on your skin type and location) - Eat vitamin D-rich foods (fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified foods) - Test your levels (25-hydroxy vitamin D) before starting high-dose supplements Many people are surprised how much better they feel once their levels are optimized.

BREAKING: Nearly 50% of the global population now have some form of vitamin D deficiency.