Health Promotion Edition: Ebola Virus

Hi Readers,

Happy Monday! How is everyone doing? I believe all is well with you all. Well, I am back again but this post will focus on health. I'm sure that virtually all of you are aware of the disease outbreak in West Africa caused by the Ebola virus. 

After a conversation with a friend yesterday, I got the motivation to put some information together for people who have little or no understanding on this issue. This post will not focus on the political aspect or the responsibility of the government. Rather, it will create awareness, educate and address myths/misconceptions about this virus. 

What is Ebola? 

"Ebola virus disease (also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is a rare and deadly disease. The disease is native to several African countries and is caused by infection with one of the ebola viruses (Ebola, Sudan, Bundibugyo, or Taï Forest virus). It is spread by direct contact with a sick person’s blood or body fluids. It is also spread by contact with contaminated objects or infected animals".

What are the symptoms?

They include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Skin rash, red eyes, and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients. Also, symptoms might be similar to malaria, typhoid fever, etc. Symptoms only appear from 2-21 days of exposure.

Myth 1: Can I have Ebola by touching or hugging anyone?

• No, The virus only spread through direct contact with sick person's blood or body fluids (such as urine, excrete, pus, saliva, vaginal secretion, etc). It can also follow contact with infected animals and contaminated objects. However, avoid touching or hugging someone who has the virus or showing signs

Myth 2: Will showering with salt-water help?

• No, salt-water bath has nothing to do with the virus. On the other hand, it can even put you at risk (might even cause death) if the salt content in the water is high.

Myth 3: Can I use hand-sanitizers in preventing Ebola?

• No! As I stated above, Ebola is a virus & hand-sanitizers are anti-septics (they reduce the chance of bacteria infection or contamination). So, rubbing hand-sanitizers or installing it in your office will do you no good. However, making sure you do the necessary prevention (See below)

How can it be prevented?

Follow the guidelines in the picture 

via tlcafrica.com

Remember, YOUR “AGBO” (traditional herbs) WON’T  HEAL YOU!

I hope you found this post highly educative. God will continue to protect us from all evil & disease. No sickness & disease shall come near our households in Jesus name (Amen)

Disclaimer: this information is compiled from the center for disease control and prevention (CDC). For more information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/

Have a great week

Stay Blessed!

YASM LAX 2014 Convention: "Ignite & Recharge"

Hi Readers,

Happy New Month of August! I decree that God will restore and perfect all that concern you and I in Jesus name (Amen). I believe everyone is doing well. One new thing I'm trying to do is to write at least one blog post once a month. Is it possible? Of course it is #smiles

This new blog post will be about my experience during the last convention. I will be sharing with you what I learnt from my recent trip to Los Angeles, CA last month. I attended the 6th annual convention of Young Adult & Singles Ministry (YASM) of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), North America (click here for more information http://rccgnayasm.org/) . The theme for the convention was "Ignite & Recharge". The event took place in Radisson hotel, LA from July 10-12. While, this was my first time of attending YASM convention but I can say it won't be my last. This is because I loved every bit of the convention & met amazing people #smiles. 

I have various things that made this convention very memorable from day 1 to the last day. It was an awesome experience (from the word, worship, sport, Black tie event, etc).
Outreach Event (Day 1): The outreach event was done through Union Rescue Mission (click here Union Rescue Mission). I had the opportunity to be one of the people that fed the homeless people ice cream & cold water because it's hot. Did I say homeless people in LA? Yes, I did! I was surprised as well to know homelessness is everywhere. I got to see the part of Los Angeles where the media never show. This volunteer experience made me realize how blessed I am to have cold water in the summer or to be able to turn on the A/C whenever I want. Little things which some of us take for granted are well appreciated by other. I was able to have more clarification in my future path (soon to be reviled). I truly know the best is yet to come.

Image via urm.org

Worship: The worship experience throughout the program was awesome. YASM choir ministration was great as well as the worship concert with Cobhams Asuquo. However, I still can't get over the anointing and power felt through Jonathan Nelson (click the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVZJ3_J-dh0).

In addition, the ministration from numerous man of God such as Pastor Peter Balogun (Guest ministration from Nigeria), Pastor James Fadele, Pastor Dare Adeboye, Pastor Leke Adeboye, etc. will not be forgotten. Here are the few insights & quotes from those ministration.

• The only source of ignition is through salvation in Christ Jesus.
• For every child of God  that expect to be ignited & recharged, there is a season of preparation. Such a person can either be the source of the ignition or can be ignited from the fire. However, he/she cannot be a source of ignition unless he/she is ignited.
• Every child of God need to constantly recharge himself/herself so that he/she won't run out of the fire
• Through constant fellowship with God, prayer, praise & worship as well as surrounding one's self with the people who are connected to the source are ways to get ignited (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

Question to self

1. Are I making an impact in the lives around you? 
2. Am I surrounded with people that have the fire?
3. Am I still connected to the source of the ignition (i.e, is my salvation still sure)?

There is a need for young people in this generation to follow their passion in order to be involved in the ministry. The passion for things of God needs to grow stronger because it creates fire & open doors for achievement (Acts 2:1). Passion also increases willpower and energizes one for excellence.

“A passionate person with limited talent will outperform a passive person who possesses greater talent.” John. C. Maxwell

My favorite quote from the convention: “Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.” Norman Cousins

I implore  you to support Union Rescue Mission or a similar ministry God has laid in your heart either monetary, in prayer or whatever way you can. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 25:42-45, NLT

 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

For more information & updates, please visit

RCCGNA Singles Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rccgnasingles/
or like RCCGNA-YASM TV https://www.facebook.com/RCCGYASMTV

Have a great day
Stay Blessed!