Two medical experts in Lagos on Thursday advised men who are trying to impregnate their wives to eat healthy as this may help increase fertility chances.

They said  in separate interviews that what goes into the stomachs of many men could help their wives conceive faster.

Mr John Adigwe who works at Solmon Conception Diet Consultancy, Lagos, said research showed that only women take cautions to eat food that could boost their fertility and men should also take such precautions. “These days there are many men out there struggling to impregnate their wives, not knowing that the food they eat, most times, has a direct impact on the effectiveness of their sperm. “Research shows that eating poor diet and regular intake of alcohol, for instance, can lower the quality and quantity of sperm and make conception more difficult. “Since infertility is nearly as much as a man’s issue as a woman’s, about a third of fertility problems can be traced to men too. “Men often did not think their own habits could influence the chances of conception, and were reluctant to seek medical advice when struggling with infertility. “Men usually rely on women to seek medical advice but they don’t know that they both need it. “Men’s diet should be a bit as balanced, varied, and nutritious as their partner’s, a healthy diet including plenty of fish, vegetables, fruits and whole grains gives more active and healthy sperm. “They should also consume fiber-rich foods, healthy monounsaturated fats, and moderate amounts of lean protein. “Eat food that are rich in zinc, omega 3 and fatty acids as they increase testosterone , sperm counts and improve sexual organ function. “Citrus fruits, tomatoes and berries which are rich in Vitamin C boost sperm quality. “Carrots, red pepper, apricots are rich in Vitamin .A and they keep sperm from sluggishness,” he said. Also a Sex therapist, Dr Aminu Kazeem, of Energy for Sex Clinic, Lagos, advised anyone trying to start a family to adopt a healthy lifestyle in the hope of increasing the chances of success. “Nutritious foods, healthy diets, exercises can help boost fertility.” He also advised them to visit gynaecologist for proper conception check. (NAN)

Sokoto records 23 cases of meningitis, hosts first military hospital

The first military hospital in Sokoto state has been opened just as the state recorded over 23 cases of cerebrospinal meningitis.

However, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Balarabe Kakale explained that the ministry had intensified effort to ensure there was no repeat of epidemic in the state this year.

It would be recalled that over 10,000 cases of meningitis was recorded in the state last year.

“But this year we have taken adequate measures to prevent epidemic in the state. Our health workers are put on red alert. We have provided hospitals with enough drugs which will be given freely to patients. We have also intensified sensitization campaigns against meningitis and other diseases,” he said

Kakale who was speaking at the official opening of the military hospital for the public, said the hospital was located in the state after a competitive bidding with other states.

He said that the hospital would treat diseases of military importance among them meningitis, malaria and measles as well as conduct routine immunization.

The commissioner added that their services are affordable as admission in the hospital is free.

While assuring that the state government would extend its free healthcare services to pregnant women and children to the hospital, he thanked the Nigerian Army for establishing the hospital in the state.

In his remarks, the Commander, Military Hospital, Sokoto, Lt Col. Igwe Amara said they had moved out of the barrack so that general public would access their services.

He said that the hospital when fully functional would be a centre for research and would treat all diseases in the country and beyond.

The Chief Medical Director of Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Dr. Nuhu Maishanu said the hospital is a great relief for them as it would reduce the inflow of patients to their hospital.

The representative of UNICEF, Madam Aye Aye described the hospital as a milestone in health service delivery in the state, reassuring their support to the state government in the area of health.