S is for Survivor: Book reading and Tea Party

I invited my cousin who is also a sickle cell warrior to attend the event with me.  We arrived early for the event and was met at the door by Samira, she welcomed us and we headed in to find our seats. But as it normally is at Nigerian events, there was ‘African time’. 

Whilst waiting, one of the warriors, Zulaha, walked around the room giving the guests a placard to take a picture with. I decided to indulge and participate as well. On it was written #Cellfie and #WSCD here’s a picture of me…

#CellFie and #WSCD (World Sickle Cell Day)

 After waiting for a while, and by then the room was packed, Nura another warrior gave the opening remarks. He talked about the life of a Sickle cell soldier, how they go through the same things we do but not in the same way. Being too happy or too sad can result in a crisis. He mentioned how sometimes people do not understand his pain or think it is exaggerated. 

Then it was time for the reading… Samira chose excerpts from the book that was dubbed as the most crucial part or as I like to say the core of the book.

 

Samira reading S is For Survivor

Sitting in a room filled with “soldiers”, family and friends, care-givers and well-wishers, Samira tells her story in an assured voice. 

Healthier Lifestyle, Happy You.

We all want to be a healthier version of ourselves, but we think it takes a lot of effort, or it is expensive with gym membership, or we never just find the time to do it. 

 Lack of success can usually be attributed to something I like to call 

‘Too much, Too fast’.

Research has shown that to be able to go through a lifestyle change you have to take baby steps. It is just like swimming, you start off at the shallow end of the pool and work your way to the deep end.

With the recent increase of cases of Cancer, Diabetes and Heart problems, we need to start caring more about our health. The public Library of science Medicine study indicates that many could increase their life expectancy by going through simple changes.

Another study also says that exercising, moderate intake of alcohol, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and not smoking can add up to 14 years to your life.

To help us through our transitioning into a healthier lifestyle, I have put together this list as a guide (I am also in the transition period :)

Have a positive mindset that you can do it. 

When we set ourselves up for failure or think we cannot achieve a goal, we almost always never do. Having a positive attitude not only increases the chances of success but also helps build a healthier immune system and boosts overall health.