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August 2017

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Date Posted: August 29, 2017
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5 Benefits of Massage Therapy in Pregnancy

Prenatal massages have become a debatable topic these days. While some advocate their importance, others consider them as harm in the growth of a baby. But, let’s make it clear that if done properly, there are a lot of benefits of massage therapy in pregnancy.

If done gently, massage in pregnancy can reap great benefits on the baby. Here are some reasons on why a momma to be should definitely go for massage therapies.

Increased Circulation:

Similar to the regular massages, prenatal massages also improve circulation rate and increase the blood flow to nominal levels. The escalated circulation levels do not only decrease swelling, but also reduces the tingling and numbness in the body that accompany pregnancy.

Getting gentle massages regularly during the last months of pregnancy are highly recommended. Most of the women feel swelling in their feet and legs, and this is where massages kick in to relax them.

Better Respiration:

When women are pregnant, there are a number of factors that can lead to the deterioration of breathing quality. The growth of the baby displaces the organs in the belly, restricting the movements of lungs and diaphragm. This sudden congestion can lead to the decrease in breathing. Getting a regular massage will help improve breathing, relieving the tension caused due to postural changes and organs displacement.

Eases Musculoskeletal Discomfort:

With the growth of the baby, there are a number of postural changes that take place in the body. These pile up into a number of problems that only increase as the pregnancy progresses. To address the intense muscular pain, spasms and discomfort, massage therapy becomes a need of the time.

Due to the soothing pressure in muscles, the build-up tension is released. Expert massage therapists should be contacted during such time for superficial massage work to relieve stress in those muscles. Pregnant women can also buy a massage chair to get some comfort at home.

Massage chair: credits

Improved Digestion:

Another downside of the pregnancy is that it slows down the digestive system. On the other hand, if the digestion is slow-paced, it can lead to a number of problems including bloating, heartburn, and gall bladder disease etc.

All the symptoms and digestion problems can easily be solved if pregnant women start taking proper massage therapy. Getting a proper massage does not only help in fast digestion, but it also puts an end to all the problems that accompany indigestion. It would be best for all the pre-mommies to get regular massages, because indigestion in pregnancy is definitely a big discomfort.

Reduces Stress:

Among all the other discomforts that a massage therapy has on the body, prenatal stress is greatest of them all. Pregnancy is very stressful; managing regular routine, erratic hormones, fear of becoming a parent and the changes taking place in the body can have a toll on pregnant women.

Instead of wreaking havoc on your body and baby, getting a prenatal massage is the best way to relax an over-processing mind. A good massage takes away a lot of stress, and this is what exactly pregnant women want at this stage.

Author Bio:

Sara is a psychologist by profession and she loves massage therapies. She enjoys home-based work and traveling. She is obsessed with massage chair therapies and other relaxing techniques. She regularly posts at https://mymassagechairs.com/.

Date Posted: August 25, 2017
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The Kenyan plastic ban in perspective.

This article is a cross post.

It is now official that plastic carrier bags will be a thing of the past come Monday 28th August, 2017. The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has been sending people text messages to prepare them for the upcoming ban. As the ban nears, it is interesting to ponder what this looks like for our country.

  • Remember back in school when some students would use plastic bags to carry books? Yes, there were some children who came from families that prioritized buying the bare necessities like food, clothing and shelter. Backpacks then qualified as wants in the hierarchy of needs.
  • Every time we go to a ‘mama mboga’ vegetable vendor in the estate, we are looking for convenience. We know the one who washes our vegetables the cleanest and cuts them the thinnest. Our favorite plastic bags used for the wet ready-made vegetables will now be a thing of the past. It will be interesting to observe the alternatives that people will turn to in their absence. In essence, we will feel the pinch for the first month, then get alternatives soon after.
  • Ever heard  of the ‘Kadogo’ economy? Well, let me school you a little. There are some hoods that are used to buying everything in small quantities. From sugar, flour and even cooking fat. The people that, as cliche as it may sound- live on less than a dollar a day. Most of the shops operating in these hoods rely heavily on small plastic bags that they use to measure a little of everything, sufficient for that one meal.
  • If you have been in Kenya lately, you must by now be familiar with the overnight celebrity- Githeri man, who by just standing on line to vote, holding a snack of maize and beans in a transparent plastic bag, his fortunes changed. That was a good comic relief for Kenyans and a grass to grace story- I have digressed. My point is plastic bags are used by small scale food vendors in mostly, the informal settlements. It will also be very interesting to see how this plays out.
  • The examples I have outlined above, are from the lower part of the economic pyramid. This is not t imply that only poor people will be affected by the ban. Now, to balance that narrative, at the supermarkets, the main packaging material is plastic bags. Outlets like Nakumatt have started facing out plastics with bio-degradable options.
  • That also includes the greatest benefactors of the plastics trade. The manufacturers of plastic bags. According to Quartz, there are have over 30 plastic bag manufacturers with a combined investment worth of over $77.3 million (Kenyan shillings 5.8 billion). This industry employs up to 9000 people, both directly or indirectly.

Rwanda was successful in their ban on plastic bags in 2008, earning them the title of ‘the cleanest city in Africa’. The environment conservation would be the greatest benefit from this ban. Such is life, always full of paradoxes. One thing leads to pros and cons in equal measure. Banning the plastic bags will provide a reprieve for the environment, yet it also means loss of livelihoods. What do you think is a lesser evil in your view. Let’s engage in the comments.

Some comic relief: Maybe this is a time to start being creative. Avoid the 2 Million shillings fine or jail term. 

Benefits of Argan Oil
Date Posted: August 21, 2017
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Five Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin and Hair

Benefits of Argan Oil

Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan Oil is extremely beneficial for the human body; in short, it is a natural reserve of Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Both the vitamins are substantial for the positive growth of humans, and coming from the natural source that already has a lot of benefits is cherry on top. Argan Oil is the first name that pops up when you think about something that has a horde of benefits on hair and skin.

So, if you were unaware till yet, here are five amazing benefits of Argan Oil for hair and skin:

Gets Rid of Dandruff & Dry Hair:

Argan Oil is a natural moisturizer for skin. When it comes to hair, it is the capability to moisturize your scalp in a way that you get rid of any visible flakes that might be itchy to your skin or destroy your hair. With antioxidants and Vitamin E, Argan Oil reduces inflammation and dryness that leaves your hair brittle and dull.

Instead of investing in products that are going to cost you a fortune, and even then you aren’t sure if you will ever get shiny hair, buy pure Argan Oil. Just with four or five drops and proper massage on the head, you can get straight, shiny and hair full of life.

Did you know you there is also shampoo made of Argan oil? While many people turn to anti-dandruff shampoos, these can further dry out the scalp and leave it in worse condition. Argan oil shampoo will both moisturize and hydrate the scalp, hair strands, and follicles.

Skin Moisturizer:

Argan Oil moisturizes your skin; hydrates and softens it. Give your skin a natural boost with the shine that is ever-lasting, no matter what type of skin you have. It proves to be a good face mask, and applying it every night before you sleep reap excellent results.

You can use it all over the body, including face and neck, because it has skin healing properties. Gently rub around your face and neck, as you would any lotion, and leave it overnight. The end results will definitely please you.

Argan Oil

Argan Oil

 

End ‘Split Ends’:

Not only will Argan Oil give volume to your hair, but it has the power to eliminate dead-ends and split-ends of your hair. You won’t have to worry about the hair growth that is halted by split ends. Moreover, it tames the frizz hair and soothes down flyaways.

The best way to garner more benefits is to use Argan Oil as a leave-in conditioner. It will do wonders to your hair, practically solving all the problems that you ever had.

Anti-Aging:

Argan Oil is not only an effective moisturizer, but it has the ability to cope aging and get rid of wrinkles. It gives a youthful glow, restores the elasticity and makes skin plumper. It means that you won’t get a sloppy skin, even when your age points otherwise. A few drops to massage on your face and don’t worry about prominent aging affects anymore.

Hair Loss:

If you are facing post-pregnancy weight loss, or just another side-effect of taking medications, worry no more. Other than supporting you from all the problems that are taking glow from your hair, Argan Oil also helps in covering your head with hair. It helps hair grow faster in the shortest period of time. No side-effects and as good as any other treatment or product out there, what more do you want?

Featured image

Author bio:

Sania is a student of accounts and finance. She enjoys shopping, trying out skincare remedies and blogging about anything that is related to beauty and self-care. Her love for pets, tea and travelling is eternal. She ritually posts at The Smart Women Blog.

Date Posted: August 12, 2017
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The joke is on us Kenyans

Featured image courtesy.

I still hear the gunshots in Kawangware. I live next to Kawangware, my hood is inhabited mostly by people of a different tribe than I am. Maybe that’s the reason there are no protests. Just because I am safe in the house doesn’t mean all is well. One thing I ask Kenyans, must lives be lost every election year? Some of those considered as ‘collateral damage’ are children who did not even line up to vote.

The leaders who people are supposedly ‘dying’ for are now silent. What happened to the right to picket? The government seems to have turned a blind eye on the killings. I keep forgetting that the police are Government. That’s why they are using live bullets on civilians. After all, these ammunition have to be used up because they were bought right?

Helicopters are everywhere surveilling. I tune in to Citizen TV, only to see the wedding show. Bills must be paid right? Nonsense! I change the channels; NTV has the Catholic Bishops press conference. Perhaps too late to preach unity when all along you openly took political sides? We have been reduced to house captives relying on hashtags for our news. Hashtag #StopKisumuKillings

I hear more gunshots.

We are OK so long as we remain indoors right? That’s why we stocked our fridges with supplies. We anticipated this. We prepared for the violence, and then we sat in our houses and fought on social media. The irony is that our leaders, who we are seemingly fighting for, still shake hands; even though they have dissenting opinions.

The joke is on us Kenyans.

Those who go to the streets, live in the slums. Some of them are edged on by our very own hateful posts. Some of these people slept outdoors because the police teargassed their houses. Some of them are being attacked by the military in their shanties. Some of their children are being shot while in their houses. Surely, where did human dignity go to?

I grieve for my people.

Don’t get it twisted. They are not my people because I belong to a tribe. I have lived in the slum. I have family and friends in the slum. I know how things go when it gets sour.

Then I remember last night before I went to bed, my grandmother called me at 11pm, amidst all the screaming, some of jubilation, some of mourning. “Are you safe? Pray for us, things are not good here”. The police who are supposed to be protecting civilian lives are now terrorizing the very lives they are mandated to protect, even in the villages. Let people grieve in peace.

I fear for my people.

Lastly, I have seen the God card being pulled. This week I have witnessed vitriol from both sides of the political divide. Don’t pull God into your posts. My God is not party to confusion, neither is he a God of division. So please, don’t use God’s name or scripture in vain.

This post is because of the likes of the late 8 year old Stephan George from Mathare Area 2, even as CS Matiang’i calls reports of innocent deaths on social media lies. These are the criminal elements that the government is neutralizing.

We are simply dancing to an orchestra, one that comes every five years. This too shall pass. Soon we shall put our tribal cards back safely in our pockets- till next election. Just remember, the joke is on us.