Frankly Dedoyin

  In this article, the issues raised about misinformation about cancer is continued. Recall that this article is an attempt to further identify these myths and provide you the current thoughts shared by experts in the field on oncology. Consuming sweeteners can cause cancer This is another common misinformation   we hear. Food additives like sweeteners are used in many fast moving consumer goods (FCMG) as an alternative sugar. On the other hand, isn’t it true how some of the large food companies either willfully or ignorantly put out information to mislead the general public for commercial purposes. As more data about the dangers of sugar in relation to diabetes and obesity; one of such information for instance; is that their products are sugar-free. Naturally, members of the public are thrilled by such advertisement due to their promised health benefits. Some of the artificial sweeteners that come to mind include saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, ...

Literally, what can be more fascinating than a scientifically unproven fallacy or myth? If you are a movie buff, you would applaud the level of critical thinking that goes into movie production – putting in the visual effects, screenwriting, editing among others. Can you imagine some persons already inhabit a planet that does not support life as we speak? Or people can actually surf on current made by a Tsunami? In the Nigerian movie industry, typically it is not uncommon to find the character of the chief priest play the role of a detective with the aid of a ‘God of justice’. He gives the suspects of a crime an unknown liquid X to drink and almost poetically the culprit foams at the mouth and drops down. Yes, we are amazed as though it is all real. It’s exactly as incredulous as it sounds. Right? This is why it is called ‘Make-Believe’ Don’t we see a lot of health-related information being peddled by media scientist from educational institution, street hawkers and native medicin...

I recall reading some time ago an African Writers' Series novel 'Changes' authored by Ata Ama Aidoo. One of the sub-themes of the novel was on the issue of rape: Was it possible to rape one's wife? I asked a few people thereafter and observed their answers were split along the boundaries of the diverse African cultural values and religious doctrines on marriage. Rape has been described as the psychological extension of a dominant - submissive sex-role stereotype culture. And oftentimes, isn't it true that our culture determine what we interpret as normal. In a socio-centric milieu such as Nigeria, rape is nearly reported every day in the dailies and the incidence are growing at an unbelievably astronomical level. In spite of this, there are still many unreported cases. It is estimated that as high as 67 - 84 % of cases of rape and other sexually related violence are unreported due to their sensitivity. This makes it even difficult to gather e...

The topic of sexual violence still remains largely ignored even in this age. Sadly, like every public health challenge, denial only worsens its menace. It carries patriarchal, misogynist and gender bias undertones. It thus becomes pertinent to acknowledge the scourge of sexual violence in our national and cultural life. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes sex violence as " any sexual act or any attempt to obtain sexual act , unwanted sexual comments or advances , acts to traffic or otherwise directed , against a person's sexuality using coercion by any person regardless of their relationship with the victim in any setting including but not limited to home and work ." The root causes of sexual violence are complex and like many other crimes, it may not be completely explicable or understood by a single factor. However, one of the most underscored factors associated with sexual violence is the subjection of culture. It is noteworthy that the diversity...

Traditional medicine (TM) or native medicine is an essential aspect of the rich cultural heritage across the globe that has survived many generations, focusing on the indigenous way of preventing, diagnosing and managing diseases. Amongst the most widely known and globally practiced forms of native medicine are: Ayurveda; Unani; Tibetan medicine; Traditional Chinese Medicine and African Traditional Medicine. In Africa, native medicine arguably accounts for up to 80% of the health care delivery according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). These, therefore underscores the global relevance and increasing recognition of traditional medicine as a veritable tool in addressing Man’s health needs. In a bid to accommodate the worldwide diversity of cultures and their indigenous mode of traditional medicine practices, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined traditional medicine as: “the sum total of all the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and expe...