SMILE AND THE POSITIVE EFFECTS

Smile is a facial expression formed primarily by flexing the muscles at the sides of the mouth. Just like in Duchene smile where contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes is made, is also part of a smile. Again smile results to laughter in extension.

When a glowing smile is given to you by someone, the response has been a reciprocal smile? When you smile back in reciprocal sincerely a new impact comes into you which more of happiness. Yes, genuine smiles whether from friends or total strangers are infectious because communicates with your inner-self, evoking a sweet and relieving feelings into you.

Sincerely speaking, smiles that come from a sincere heart for sure indicate a positive emotion, such as amusement, happiness, satisfaction and pleasure. Without a doubt, a smile is naturally inbuilt in. This is expressible by all including newborn babies who are naïve. The message passed through smile talks more about personal behavioural patterns exhibited by the person who gives the smile.

Thos who smile more so do themselves well than harm. The benefits therein include; an augmented confidence and happiness and a reduction of stressful feelings that most times shows by frowning.

THE HELP OF SMILES

A smile helps increase confidence, self-esteem, and good working spirit. At an extreme feeling of life at an endpoint, a smile gives hope and courage. Remember, though, those feelings are usually preceded by thoughts. So, hard though it may be, why not try to dwell on positive, pleasant things whenever possible?

Try as much as possible to do all that will bring you smile than engaging in things that would rather arrogate your anger. Angry augment, fault-finding, shouting at the slightest mistake of someone is one of them and following bitter issues to extreme. These go much farther in driving smile and laughter from one, thereby leaving the person bitterness, face full wrinkle, and old age as the end point.

Also, do not wait for others to smile at you first. Take the initiative; add a little happiness to someone else’s day. Yes, see your smile for what it really is a divine gift that enriches you and the people who see it.

TOWARDS A BETTER ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA 

The Electoral process is a system through which the people of a given state choose or Elect those that will represent them in government positions. It involves the formation of an electoral body responsible for the conduct of elections, registration of the electorate forming and joining of political parties, the nomination of a candidate by the parties, political campaigns, elections of the candidate, collation of results, declarations of results etc. 

In Nigeria, the electoral process has been surrounded by different challenges which have crippled the system. In a nascent democracy, the electoral process holds sways. This is because it is where the people's choice is estimated respected. It is disheartening that in Nigeria, the electoral process is relegated to the background as a result of corruption. Corruption is at its peak in Nigeria. During the nomination of candidates in different political parties, people no longer look at the credibility of the candidates. They only consider how many candidates can offer them. This has seriously affected the process. 

Tribalism is another serious challenge to the electoral process in Nigeria. Meritocracy has been pushed to the mud as far as electoral process is concerned in Nigeria. In as such as the person contesting is from this “tribe or that tribe” he goes. 

Another problem of the electoral process in Nigeria is “God Fathers” this problem has eaten deep in the society that if a candidate is not anointed by any Godfather from the party, he/ she will not get there no matter the qualification. Once the candidate is chosen by any so-called God-Father, he/she is considered an  automatic winner of the post irrespective of who the person is. 

The insincerity of heart  among the personnel of the electoral  body is another challenge to the electoral process in Nigeria some staff of the independent electoral Commission (INEC) are not sincere  in discharging their constitutional duties. Many at times, they assist Politician in manipulating election results. 

Another serious problem of the electoral process in Nigeria is insecurity. The level of insecurity in Nigeria is very high that if urgent steps are not taken to remedy the situation, it will cripple the entire system. Many people have lost their lives and properties worth billions of Naira have been destroyed as a result of different crisis such as kidnapping, Boko Haram, menace, Niger Delta Avengers, Herdsmen attack to mention only but a few. So many people have been living with fears of the unknown as a result, the electoral process has been affected. 

There are other challenges but space may not permit me to state them all. So the question is, what do we do to remedy these ugly situations in Nigeria? I think for every problem there is certainly a situation. There are many ways in which we could remedy the situation or totally overhaul the electoral process  in Nigeria. 

One of these ways is that Families, schools, Religious bodies should try as much as possible to instil values and morals to their wards. This will go a long way towards stamping out moral decadence in our society. 

Furthermore, the issues of tribalism, ethnicity and sectionalism should be totally pushed to the back. The people should be re-oriented on the need for nationalism. There should be a selection of candidates based on merits no matter where the person is coming from. 

Also, the entire nation should rise up and say “No' to God –fathorism”. The government should promulgate a law on “God-fatherism”. Anyone caught perpetuating such act should be severely punished according to the law.

Security should be the concern of all and sundry Everybody in Nigeria must be security conscious. Also, those involving in such dastardly acts should refrain from them. They should embrace peace and dialogue, knowing fully well that peace is a panacea to development. 

Again, electoral materials should be adequate secured and the personnel  should be properly trained especially in handling the electronic  devices and also adequate security should be provided for the staff of the electoral body (INEC) to carry  out their civic responsibilities  effectively .

In conclusion, I foresee a very standardised electoral process in Nigeria only if our electoral system is properly put in place. When the electoral process is totally overhauled in the way acceptable to all, there will be room for a lasting democracy in Nigeria. 

THE ISSUE OF PROFESSIONALISM IN TEACHING

A profession is a defined field of study or occupation characterised by high level of education. The basic features of a profession include; a defined field of study and high level of education, admission into a practice is limited to only qualified persons, a defined code of professional conduct, the use of clearly defined sanctions for non-compliance with professional ethics. The teaching profession seems to be lacking in the above features which give rise to the question of whether teaching is actually a profession or an area of general practice in Nigeria. The issue of professionalism in teaching has been a controversial one. 

The inability of successive governments in Nigeria to match the trend in educational development with an equal and relevant development in teachers training has negatively affected teaching service as a profession. This has led to the continued short supply of trained teachers which the multiplier effect includes unrestrained access to the teaching field by untrained persons, the use of pilot training programmes as qualifying training for teachers at the basic level of education, the admission of persons without any formal teachers training background as teachers in the formal school system. The teaching profession has suffered a lot of damage over the years. 

The low morale of trained teachers due to poor economic prospects associated with the profession has led to many trained teachers abandoning their profession to another field with higher economic prospects. These conditions portray the teaching profession as one that is less concern with quality and more with numerical strength, even though the numerical strength of entrants into the profession does not guarantee the quality of performance. It is a truism that our educational system needs a kind of surgery because it has been ill for a long time. According to Arabi, c.o (2000), the teaching field is clearly the wheel that propels the development of education”. 

Therefore, teachers have to meet and reflect on certain basic conditions of professionalism to ensure the exclusion of untrained persons from the teaching profession and the Teachers Registration Council (TRC) should live up to expectation by monitoring and controlling professional activities in the teaching field as only this can restore teachers credibility as professionals. 

THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

Children are important  in every home and society, Every newly married couple  looks toward to having children. Children belong both to their families and to the society at large. Parents, government and non-government organisations work together to ensure that children are trained to be useful to themselves and their society.

However, ignorance, poverty, greed and many other factors have made some parents bad at caring for their children such children may become prey to bad people in the society. For example, some children may be sexually abused as they hawk their parent's goods on the street while others ,may even be killed by hoodlums, those who survived the hardship or lack of care are usually affected  emotionally, so they live in fear  and do not do well in their studies.   , some may grow up to become a nuisance to society.  

All these problems and much more led to the signing of a treaty on the Rights of the child. The United Nations Convention on the right of the child stresses that the right of the child should be protected and enforced.   

The rights of the child are many, parents, as well as the society in general, should Endeavour to uphold these right so that we can have children who are physically morally, educationally and spiritually sound.

First is the right to provision:  children have the right to a good standard of living and good health care as well as access to good education and services , the right to play  and recreation. secondly, children have the right to protection from all forms of abuse, including sexual and mistreatment, they  have the right to be accepted,  treated well without any  form  of discrimination they  should not be engaged in any form of hard labour .

Thirdly, children have the right to participate in their immediate communities and engage in programme and services such as youth activities and cultural activities, they should  be involved in decision-making .

Parents, as well as schools and religious organisation, are to teach children moral values. It is the responsibility of parents to bring their children up to know and obey God. They should guide and counsel children on what to do, as children depend on their parents for guidance. 

Children, on the other hand, have responsibilities to their parents, guardians  and society, these  includes running errands and helping to perform household chores for example  sweep and tidy the house,  wash dishes & clothes .

Children must be obedient to their parents. They should talk their advice and counselling so as to be useful members of their families and society. Children should always report to their parents or guardians when something bad happens to them. 

All societies have laws that must be obeyed; children should be good citizens by obeying the laws of their society because   they are the leaders of the future.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING; MODERN DAY SLAVERY

Human trafficking is the forcing of individual or group of individual especially women and children into sexual or labour exploitation. It is both a human rights violation and it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. It is important to note that the trafficking of person is not limited to cases in which victims are transported across the borders to provide force labour. Internal trafficking occurs domestically in every nation, as domestic servitude, unsafe agricultural labour, sweatshop labour, housemaids, etc. Human trafficking is the most abominable violation of a human right which has in existed in a variety of forms, for thousands of years. Perhaps not many crimes are ghastly as trading in human misery.

Under the United Nation Convention against transnational organized crime, “Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of a threat  or use of force or other forms of coercion , audition, fraud, deception, giving or receiving payments or benefits without the consent of a person for the purpose of exploitation. Human traffickers use the following means to trap their victims; false Job promises with the lucrative working condition and a fat salary, a scholarship to school abroad, fraudulent marriages, employment opportunities abroad etc.  

The activities of these traffickers have become a reoccurring decimal and have painted the country in a bad light before the international communities. Those. who have been arrested for human trafficking have given different reasons why they went into the business, such reasons include poverty, unemployment, ignorance, bad company etc. 

Despite how genuine their reason may be human traffickers' must be adequately punished to discourage others, the police and immigration department must be well equipped to tackle human trafficking. The citizens must be educated, Therefore; the federal, state and local government, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), should mount an intensive media campaign to expose the effect of human trafficking and the need for people to live within their reach. 

THE POSITIVE CHANGE

Change according to Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary “is to become different” to make a different in life, you need to change. It is often said that change is constant. Therefore, it has no time limit. No time is too late to make a change, but for you to make a change in life you Have to change the way you think, select what you watch and the type of books you read because you are as good as what you read and watch. John lock said, “Education begins with a gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish it”. 

The greatest illiterate is not the one who did not go to school but the one who stopped getting better after school. If you refuse to get better your life will become bitter. So, learn with your brain and not with your emotion, life is dynamic. You can't experience speed while on the spot. Progress is impossible without change. If you don't change you don't grow. According to Winston Churchill, “to improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”. Becoming better is a function of habit. 

What you do habitually will erupt eventually. Your time for change begins now. 

INDECENT DRESSING 

Indecent dressing is a social malady in the society today, especially by the youths. It simply means deliberate exposure of one' body to the public. 

This practice does not conform  to the norms and values of the society. Particularly the African society. This practice is now so common in public places like churches and offices. 

Indecent dressing is the major cause of the various assault and sexual harassment recorded in the society, over time. In the name of fashion, ladies dress half naked to functions. For instance, Nigerian ladies derive pleasure in wearing mini-skirts, bumper shorts,  armless tops etc. Innocent boys have been subject to arrests along with hooligans because of this  bills. Boys nowadays fix hairs, pierce ears, making them look like hardened  criminals, so one cannot really blame the police for arresting  them.

To say the least, these unfortunate societal ill has now eaten deep into both young and old. It is also common amongst artists especially while they are on stage. This is another cause for indecency in dressing amongst youths as most of them see these characters as role models and mentors. 

Major factors contributing to this societal problem include the society, peer groups and parents. Reasonably parents are not to be a part of this problem but nowadays parents encourage their offspring by buying them this kind of clothes or recommend them to their children to attend parties. 

There are various ways in which indecent dressing can be reduced in our society at least to a minimum level. Parents should dress decently and  art as role ,models to their children, religious institution should always promote the culture of   decent dressing, dress code should be introduced in higher institutions and given to all students, the mass media should do more to promote decency in dressing among youths and there should be formation of campus brigades to check the dressing patterns of students, by so doing the issue of indecent dressing will be reduced to the barest minimum. It is often said,” dress the way you want to be addressed”. 

CULTISM 

Cultism is a ritual practice done by different groups of people whose activities are exclusively meant for its member and are done in secret. Everything about it operations is carried out at odd hours of the day. 

Cultism has become a major social problem in Nigeria especially in our schools. The youth are easy prey to the activities of these cult groups. Activities of these cult groups include initiation, ritual killing, rape, drug abuse, examination malpractice, armed robbery, etc. 

BRIEF HISTORY OF CULTISM IN NIGERIA 

Cultism in Nigeria has been traced to the pirate confraternity (sea dogs) founded at the Nigerian's premier university, (University of Ibadan) by professor Wole Soyinka and his friends in 1952. Their mission was not to kill, rather fight colonisation to find a lasting solution to the problems of tribalism and elitism to fight against the unacceptable convention of dress etiquettes and behaviour etc. Their discussions were done open and are based on dialogue. But today cult members have killed many people both within and outside our higher institution. 

CAUSES OF CULTISM 

1. Faulty upbringing 

2. Poor social life 

3. Peer group influence 

4. Social-emotional and psychological pressure 

5. Drug abuse and addictions. 

6. Social injustice resulting from bad leadership. 

EFFECT OF CULTISM 

1. The use and abuse of hard drugs

2. Murder and ritual killing

3. The use of firearms to intimidate and frustrated member of the public 

4. Breakdown of social values 

5. Increase in school drops out 

SOLUTION TO CULTISM 

1. Parents should train their children with the fear of God 

2. Parent should constantly monitor the behaviour of their children and the type of friends they keep 

3. The law enforcement agencies should prosecute confirmed cultist within a specific time limit

4. Government should ban every form of cultism both within and outside our schools. 

5. Schools authorities especially the private schools should be bold enough to dismiss any student or teacher found to be a cult member 

6. Government should ensure that those cultist granted amnesty are rehabilitated and engaged in  skill acquisition programme 

DISEASES OF THE TEETH 

There are many diseases that affect the normal functioning of the teeth. Some of this include:

1. CAVITIES: these are holes formed in a tooth as a result of the breaking of the enamel. This is the most common tooth disease suffered by children who do not have a regulated intake of sugar or food that contains more of sugar.

2. GINGIVITIES: in the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up causing the gum to become inflamed and to easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums are irritated but the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. When this disease is left untreated it leads to periodontitis. 

3. PORIODONTITIS: this is the aftermaths of gingivitis. The gum is badly affected as it turns red and inflamed which causes a painful sensation while brushing and chewing. The inner layer of the gum is being weakened and bone pull away from debits and can become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacterial as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. As the diseases progress, the pocket depth and more gum tissues and bones are destroyed. When this happens, the teeth are no  longer anchored in place. Then becomes loose and holt  loses occurs. This gum disease  is the leading cause of tooth loss in the adult. This disease is also prone to happen to people who take hard drugs. 

CAUSES OF TEETH DISEASE 

- Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum,  usually caused by a bacterial infection 

- Smoking 

- Chewing of tobacco 

- Excessive intake of sugar 

SYMPTOMS OF TEETH DISEASE 

- Fowl smell breath that does not go away  after you brush your teeth 

- Painful sensation during chewing 

- Gum turns red, tender or swollen 

- Gum bleeds when brushing or flosses your teeth. 

PREVENTION OF TEETH DISEASE

- Avoid the excessive intake of sugar 

- Always end a meal with fibrous fruits

- Brush at least twice daily. 

- It is advisable to go for a regular check-up or dental exam with your dentist. 

BENEFITS OF ORANGE PEELS 

Orange peels are packed with nutrients and beneficial compounds that will do your body a whole lot of good. Apart from the loaded close of vitamin C that will get to obtain from oranges, the peels have the ability to cleanse the lungs and help us fight the toxins that may irritate the tissues in the lungs. Orange peels are naturally loaded with histamine (Suppressing compound). This is quite useful for those who have sleeping disorders. You can either use it in their fresh or dried form. The dried orange peels last longer than the fresh peels.  Other benefits from orange peels include.

Support against respiratory distress orange peels have cleansing effect; they help  break down and expel congestion. They contain enzymes, fibre, vitamin C which is an immunity booster that helps to prevent cold and flu. 

Helps to improve the skin : orange peels can be dried and made into  powder. The powder is turned into a paste by adding honey and yoghurt . 

Thus can be applied on the face and neck for about twenty minutes before rinsing it. This help gets rid if dark spot and block harmful ultraviolet rays. 

For whitening of the teeth: orange peels contain d. limonene, this is a compound that helps reduce the stains on the teeth. Stains gotten from smoking can be removed by rubbing the inside of an orange peel over the teeth for about three minutes rinse your mouth afterwards. Alternatively use the orange peel paste. 

For preventing itchy scalp: Adding the orange peel to homemade   shampoo will give your hair a nice citrus smell, it will also help to prevent itchy scalp. 

Aid digestion: taking orange peel tea aids digestion. orange peel tea can be made by adding dried orange peels into a cup of boiled water, you can add honey to it tea is ready. 

Assist in weight loss: if you are keen on shedding some weight you can take orange peel tea often especially tea made from organic orange peels. How to make the tea; dry the peels obtained from organic oranges, add a tablespoon of it to a cup of hot water, then cover it for about ten minutes, honey could be added to sweeten the tea. 

Although the taste of the peels is somewhat bitter but the benefits can't be over emphasised. 

FAILURE IS NOT AN OBSTACLE, 

BUT A CHALLENGE

Have you ever felt life a failure? Most students have at one time or another, but I have understood that there is a district difference between failure and being a failed, we have all failed, but we can only be a failure when we realise that we failed and can't get up and keep going. 

Everyone has a dream of being successful, no one would want to fail or be a failure. Just as they say “if wishes were horses, beggars will ride on them” no one is destined to fail. God had a perfect plan for us. He is not a God of failure. Therefore, failure is sometimes necessary for success. “Thomas Edison” the inventor of the incandescent light bulb, as well as 1,092 patient items tried many ways and many times before he got the formula to make the electric light bulb work. He tried so many times, when he tried and failed, he wasn't  discouraged, he acknowledged the fact that he was  about to find the answer.

“Micheal Faraday” the discoverer of electricity failed for 99 times but he wasn't discouraged too, rather he had more confidence that he would achieve his vision and dream. We have all failed many times, many ways, and in many places but that doesn't make us a failure.

The English novelist “John Creasey” get “753” Scripts rejected before he published “564” books the point is that we shouldn't worry about failing but rather to focus on utilising the chance you are given when you try again.

There are five (5) keys to help you get up from failure; they are 

1. Focus on your aim and plan, and not your mistakes 

2. Forget the past and look forward to the future

3. Learn from your mistakes, put it aside and move on 

4. Don't allow yourself to be controlled by shame, embarrassment e.t.c.

5. Don't give up, instead, focus on getting up.   

KEYS TO UNLOCK YOUR SUCCESS

Success is not defined by how wealthy you are but achieving a purposeful pursuit of your dream. For one to be successful, the following keys must be adhered to:

1. Make God your companion: he is the only one who cannot abandon you on the way Before he formed you, he already knew you and what you will become.

2. Be original: Remember you are not into any competition with anybody. The problem most people have is trying to be like someone else neglecting the God-given potential which is hidden in them.

3. Engage yourself in meaningful activity, don't be idle. To be successful, you must not fold your hands to rest.” A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber and want like an armed man.

4. Be a good thinker; (positive thinking): Develop a positive mental attitude by thinking positively. Thinkers are leaders. Those who think generate ideas that others live on;

5. Invest your time meaningfully: Our time or life on earth is measured with numbers. Time once spent can never be recovered. It is often said that “time is money”, but to me time is life. So, time well spent is a life well lived.

6. Don't be afraid of failure: fear is an imaginary failure is the first lesson well taught. It gives you the opportunity to re-plan. No matter the challenge don't quit, be optimistic, tell yourself I can and stop procrastination

7. Careful planning: Decide on what you want, set achievable goals write them down, develop a detailed plan, give it a deadline and your success is sure.

ADJUST YOUR BODY’S DEMAND

This article is targeted at ameliorating some little natural occurrences that poses difficulties and embarrassments to people, that are unknowing to them – much more controllable by a human without a struggle.

The human body has unique ways of demanding for its need and ensuring its adjustment as well. This solely depends on the way you can effectively control the body system subjecting it to your own desired expectations.

Sneezing

Getting used and tuned to your body’s natural systematic regulation and its activity cycle, is one of the most important strategies for ensuring that the body does not control you, rather you control the body. You should try as much as possible to check and learn your body system and know how to follow it. It is necessary that you have in mind that ‘what you give your body system is actually what it gives you in return.’

These regulations could effectively come in areas like:

1)         Sleeping:

2)         Hungry

3)         Urinating or excreting

4)         Hiccupping, sneezing and yawning

5)         Choking of food intake

SLEEPING:

If you keep a regular sleep pattern as a schedule you will discover easiness, more refreshed and energised body far better than when you sleep the same number of hours at different times. This energy enhancement is achievable not minding the space in time or alteration of your sleep schedule by an hour or two.

There are ways in which you could effect change to sleeplessness which includes keeping to bedtime, not sleeping late. It should be noted that the moment you keep awake half a night, it is necessary that you ensure sleep enough in the afternoon to cover up the gap created. Also ensure that a repeat of such is erased, because the more you keep awake, the more the body gets acclimatised to it.

If you’re getting enough sleep, you should wake up naturally without an alarm. If you need an alarm clock, you may need an earlier bedtime.

Be smart about snoozing. While dozing is a good way to make up for lost sleep, if you have trouble falling asleep at night, napping can make things worse. Limit them to 15 to 20 minutes in the early afternoon.

If you get sleepy way before your bedtime, get off the couch and do something mildly stimulating, such as washing the dishes, calling a friend, or getting clothes ready for the next day. If you give in to the drowsiness, you may wake up later in the night and have trouble getting back to sleep.

Do the following for effective sleep.

1.   Avoid bright light and screens few hours before sleep time.

2.  Try as much as possible to be exposed to direct sunlight into your home or workspace as possible. Expose yourself to bright sunlight in the morning.

3.     Say no to late-night television which suppresses melatonin in the body thereby waking up the body system.

4.    Avoid reading with dim light before sleeping in the night.

5.    During sleep, ensure the room is a little dark, noiseless and cool.

6.     Avoid heavy meal, drinking at night, limit caffeine, and nicotine intake (Kola nut).

7.         Ensure good position, comfortable bed and beddings before sleeping.

8.         Remember your regular exercises strongly during the day, this drives away insomnia and sleep apnea, also metabolism elevates body temperature, and stimulates hormones such as cortisol.

9.         Do away with excessive thinking that could result in a hangover.

10.       Forget every activity of the day and ensure endues sleep if finding it difficult to sleep.

HUNGRY

Once the body gets acclimatised with a particular time for a meal, you have for long giving to it, so it would continue. That is to mean if you are used to feeding the body around 7am every day, ensure that it is maintained.

Remember that you should try as much as possible to eat on time as you also try to eat good food too. Do not wait until you are so hungry before looking for what to eat.

Late feeding results in less food intake, stomach ache after a meal, indigestion, and hollow hunger. Whatever you give to the body as regulation is what it takes, so when you eat late your body system adjusts to the time and when deviated from the initial regulation, it results in the problem to the body. Maintain a particular time frame, and if peradventure you are to eat late, ensure that you soften your tummy first with things like water, juice or soft fruits like the banana before your meal proper.

One can only deviate from the stipulated time when you want to make a change. But ensure that it is gradual, not suddenly impacted.

URINATING OR EXCRETING

There is one thing about our body, what you feed it with what it should make use of, so it maintains. If you are used to going to the toilet every 6am, for sure when it gets to that time, it will remind you that the time is up and if you do not go then it becomes a discomfort to you. The same applies to urinating but with a little difference. In that, in the case of urine, some factors can act on it, such as much intake of water, drinks and juicy fruits. If not, it sticks to the time you feed it with.

If you tend to stop it persistently, at first, it would resist and force you to hark to the urge, but if you continue to press down on it, with time it will adjust to your time. Also, know that a continued persistence could lead to a situation where one could not pass excreta for more than two or three days, yet it is normal.

HICCUPPING, SNEEZING AND YAWNING

This syndrome follows your input as it also sticks to its way. In the case of hiccupping, the dryness of the oesophagus could be responsible. Strong and hard food, forceful food or drink intake could be responsible, while that of sneezing which is your body's way of removing irritants from your nose or throat. This is an involuntary and powerful expulsion of air come as a result of sickness, cold, and dusty environment. Drink much water to quell the squash of sneezing down. To some people, alcohol intake especially those who are allergic to it could experience this choke. But that of Yawning results mostly from tiredness and when one feels sleepy or hungry but most times when you watch while another person is yawning, you follow suit. 

Even at this, one could still regulate the frequency of the occurrence.

CHOKING OF FOOD INTAKE

When the food particles, water or drink we take that go into the body through the oesophagus missed its track sometimes causes discomfort to people to the point of embarrassment, even to the public. If this takes place it becomes very hurtful and choking to one. Many at times, our food intake especial those that are volatile like stew, some food drinks and other gumming food like pancake among others, cause choke for people and sometimes uncontrollable create pains, if not well managed.

The best way in which one can control miss-moved food items outside the oesophagus is being careful while taking meals. Peradventure it occurs, on noticing the movement towards the wrong channel, all you need to do is to hold your breath for 5 to 7 seconds and forcefully cough and relax, that will clear the way of the particles and will for sure save you embarrassment especially in the public.

When the breath is held to a standstill, the particle automatically stops movement and by the time you clear the throat through coughing, you definitely push it out of the track and become free.

VISIONARY AWARENESS OF THE SPIRITUAL HOME

Many kept pondering about what happens and the nature of the spiritual realm. The questions about who lives there and how they lived in there kept coming to people’s ears.

In the time past many decades ago, many were of different views about this phenomenon that is been tabled now. Many considered the bosom as that which belongs to the Ancestral Spirits belonging to some heroes and heroines of great repute. Paradise as known is envisaged to a serene place where all enjoyable things of no regret are hipped. A lot people that is a place where Angels and good people who died long ago, motionless others see the spirit world as a home for hundreds of millions of deities.

Many people argue that we cannot know anything about the spirit realm because no eyewitness has come from there to tell us about it. But Christian perspectives, the reasoning is indeed incorrect. It should be known that Jesus Christ, our Lord and personal Savior live in heaven, in the spirit realm, before he came down on earth. Which was revealed to Christian leaders of old in the first century: “I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me?” this was direct information from the horse’s mouth just as he told his apostles: “In the house of my Father are many dwelling places.” John 6:38; 14:2.

Father of our Jesus Christ, the creator of heavens and the earth, of course, is God, whose name is Jehovah, and it should explicit to all that heavens is the home of God Almighty. (Psalm 83:18) Therefore, it is very difficult to describe the invisible world better than Almighty God and Jesus Christ could. The scripture has in its revelations given much information about the spirit realm through the faithful ones.

During the time of pondering over these visions, remember that the spirit realm is not material, with things that we can touch or see. Thus, rather than choosing to explain matters to us in spiritual terms, which would be incomprehensible to us, God fashioned the visions to depict spiritual realities in terms that we can comprehend. The visions will help you to understand those who inhabit the spirit realm’s “many dwelling places.

SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

This subject - waste has been defined in various ways such us any unavoidable material resulting from domestic activities or industrial operations for which there is no economic demand and which must be disposed of.  Waste disposal has defined 'wastes as materials which though may no longer be needed here, but may become a feedstock or raw materials elsewhere.

According to the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Solid Waste Management (1977), the term "waste" refers to all the useless unwanted or discarded materials resulting from normal community activities. This is a conceptual definition because uselessness of the waste is in the eye of the beholder. The livelihood of millions of people is dependent upon such "useless and unwanted materials" in which useful materials and energy arc increasingly being recovered. Therefore, wastes are useless, unwanted or discarded materials at a particular place and tone resulting from normal individuals or community activities. It is also a resource in a wrong place. To explain further, what is useless, unwanted and discarded by some people is useful and wanted by others. These unwanted materials are generated from domestic, industrial, commercial and agricultural operations.

From the time of creation, man has always been faced with the problem of how to effectively manage his waste products. Various agencies and organisations are also set up by the governments to ensure sanitation of the environment. And today, proper waste disposal in both rural and urban environment is an index of measuring a good government in Nigeria.

The principle of all waste management programmes is based on good environmental sanitation.    The collection and disposal of waste are therefore one of the important aspects of Environmental Sanitation. It is among the basic steps, which should be taken to ensure a disease free q safe environment in all communities. It is primarily the responsibility of the Environmental Health Technologists, Civil or Sanitary Engineers, Medical Officers of Health, etc.

CLASSIFICATION OF WASTES

Wastes can be classified into three broad headings:

1.         Liquid or Wet Waste:   This generally is called sewage. It includes industrial waste water; excreta which is  faeces and urine; sullage and storm water or rain run-off.

2.     Gaseous wastes:   These are also generally called particular matters that are discharged into the atmosphere such as fumes, dust, smog, smoke, soot, mist, fog, etc.

3.         Solid Wastes:  Solid wastes are also called refuse.  These have the following components:

(a)     Garbage:  This is purifiable or putrescible organic materials that are discarded or remaining as a result storage, preparation and consumption of food. It is in form of waste foods such as yam. plantain and cassava peelings, decaying fruits, orange husks, corn cobs, etc. Il is highly decomposable as it contains moisture. Garbage requires careful handling with frequent removal and adequate disposal because it attracts and breeds Hies, rats and other insects. Il ferments rapidly to produce obnoxious odour.

b)        Rubbish:  This consists of non-putrescible, combustible and non-combustible solid materials that arc discarded such as papers, empty cans, glasses, plastics, rags, disused   tyres,   wood,   etc.     -Rubbish   is   frequently responsible   for   the   creation   of   nuisances   when it becomes scattered by the wind and careless handling.

(c)       Street Sweepings: These consist principally of material worn   from street surfaces, dirt and other material] dropped or worn away from vehicles, leaves, sweepings from sidewalks and bits of waste papers.   They are usually putrescible enough to cause concern as a possible source of fly breeding or odour and may frequently be used for landfills. It creates dust nuisance.

(d)    Ashes/Dust:   Ashes are residues of combustion of solid fuels for heating and cooking, while dust results from street sweepings

(e)        Dead   animals:   Household   animals   as   pets,   birds, rodents, zoo animals, etc. May be knocked down and killed, by moving vehicles.   They decompose and emit offensive odour in the streets.           

(f)        Abandoned vehicles/vessels: These are found at open spaces, stores, etc.

(g)    Construction/Demolition Wastes:   These are made up of disused roofing sheets, broken blocks, rainwater or M sewage pipes, etc.

Industrial Waste: All types of refuse from industrial activities such as chemicals paints, drums, explosives, sludge, etc

Special Wastes: Those refer to wastes from hospitals or clinics - pathological wastes, radioactive wastes, explosives, etc

WAYS OF GETTING FOOD POISONING

1.   MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS AND PARASITES:

Under these contaminants we have the following organisms:

i (a)       Bacteria:    These are .minute and single-celled organisms of different shapes and activities. There are thousands of different types and many perform useful functions such as decomposition of wastes, making of vaccines, etc. Therefore, not ail bacteria are dangerous to health. They could not be seen individually except in thousands or in a clustered form or with the aid of a microscope.

The types that may be spread by food are round and rod-shaped. Some are mobile in fluid and move about by means of hair-like structures. Some could resist heat and become difficult to destroy because oj~ their hard cover capsule while others can produce spores when the condition is unfavourable for growth.

Most food-poisoning bacteria cause symptoms only when eaten in large numbers after multiplication in food. The appearance (taste or smell) does not change. It is only the bacteria that break down the protein in food  so  that   there  is  a  physical  spoilage  leading  to  putrefaction detectable smell that does not usually cause food poisoning.

Bacteria multiply by simple binary fission (division info two) and this takes place under suitable condition (i.e. between 20-30 minutes).

Most of them require air to live actively but some can multiply only in the absence of oxygen.

Harmful microorganisms grow best at the temperature of the body, which is 37T (98.6°F) although, the majority will multiply between I5"C and 45°C. As the temperature increases from 37°C (98.6°F) to 63°C (I45°F) the rate of growth slows down and at a temperature above this bacteria will gradually be killed. The length of time and the temperature required to kill them depend on the type of bacteria and the food involved. They are normally killed in 1-2 minutes in boiling water unless they are able to form spores.

If the temperature of the' food is decreased from 37°C (98.6°F) to 1()°C (50°F) the bacteria will continue to multiply but the rate of multiplication will slow down as the temperature decreases. Bacteria are not killed by low temperature but they are dormant, "his means that they stay alive but stop growing and multiplying. Food poisoning bacteria will not grow at the temperature of the domestic refrigerator, 1-4°C (34-39llF), but some spoilage bacteria are able to grow and multiply slowly. When the foods arc removed from the refrigerator and warmed up, the rale of bacterial growth increases. Pathogenic and spoilage bacteria remain dormant even in frozen food, but as soon as the food is thawed they will start to grow and multiply again.

 (b)      Viruses:

These are very minute micro-organisms causing an outbreak of intestinal illness of a particular pattern, but the investigation of faeces from such incidents has techniques, particles of faeces. So far given inconclusive results, but with improved of gastro-enteritis have been isolated from the People who eat raw shellfish or live in coastal' polluted waters can contract infection in this way Viruses cannot multiply in foods, only in living tissues,; thus if they are agents of food poisoning their spread from hand of human carriers and water to food stuff is important,

They are destroyed by the temperatures reached in normal cooking methods and so viral food poisoning is usually transmitted by food which has not been cooked or has been handled after cooking by a human who is a carrier of the virus. Inadequately cooked shell fish collected from sewage - contaminated waters have caused viral food poisoning.

(c)        Fungi:

These are flow forms of vegetable lives including many microscopic organisms capable of producing superficial and systemic diseases in man. Some fungi produce substances which are poisonous to man and animals e.g. aspergillus flavours growing in groundnuts, peanuts, and other cereals and produces aflatoxin which ca-usc.s hepatitis when consumed.                  l

(d)       Parasites:

Many animal parasites have developed life cycles involving their residence in animals or plants serving as foods for man e.g. tapeworms, flukes and other nematodes. Hazards to human beings from animal parasites especially in the tropics are related much more to the poor standard of personal hygiene.

2.         Naturally Occurring Toxic Contaminants

II has been discovered that some plains and animals may be naturally poisonous to man.

Some of the important and common ones are as

follows:

(a)        Solanine   - found in potatoes

(b)       Cyanide   - found in cassava

(c)       Alkaloid   - in mushroom

(d)          Heavy metals   - in mussels (snail-like seafood) Aflatoxin - in groundnuts

(e)          Aflatoxin   - in groundnut

(f)           Ergot –  found in rye

(g)          Gossypol  -  found in cottonseeds etc

Unintentional Contaminants and Residues

It has been recognised that various chemicals, harmful or otherwise, may be incorporated unintentionally during the production, processing, storage, distribution and consumption of food. Pesticides necessary for the control of insect and fungal pests in agriculture and ectoparasites in animal husbandry may be harmful when improperly used as may some food additives. Excess amounts of certain growth - stimulating drugs and hormones may be found as residues in edible animal tissues and plants. Environmental contaminants also prove health hazards. 'The following are forms of such contaminants:

(a)         Industrial and Household Effluent and Wastes:

The least of industrial and household effluent is formidable. Many of these food chemicals do not enter the food chain and nutrient cycles but may be hazardous to man through environmental pollution. Accidental discharges into rivers or underground waters from industrial sources or illicit disposal of toxic wastes are constant causes of food poisoning. Heavy metals like mercury and lead when settled in the water are led by bacterial actions to more toxic organic form that causes minimal and plumbism respectively,

(b)        Pesticides and Residues:

The use of pesticides in the control of insects and other pests in the production and processing of food cannot be overemphasized. However, some if not properly used could be hazardous to the man, animals and plants.

e)       Adverse Effects of Industrial Food Processing; Processed foods canned in certain types of containers may react with the containers to produce poisons which can cause illness. Preservation of food for the purpose of long distant transport and storage facilities has

been threatening the health of the consumers.

Adulteration of food can in certain circumstances be harmful to health as well as defrauding the consumers as regards the identity or quality of

(d)      Vermin, Domestic Animals and Birds:

Domestic animals should not be allowed to roam in any part of the premises where meat and other foods are kept* handled or prepared. Food premises should also be guarded against infestation of rais, mice and other vermin; remedial action should be taken when necessary. Contamination of food, equipment and utensils with poisoned baits must be avoided. Birds and bats should not near the premises where foods are kept, prepared and or sold.

4.        Deliberate or Intentional Additives

Food additives are chemicals purposely or intentionally added to foods 10 better the products in some way or enhance their use. The main reasons for using food additives are:

.

(a)        To improve the nutritional value of food.

(b)        To enhance flavour

(c)        To maintain appearance, palatability and wholesomeness.

(d)       To control pH level

(e)       To add colour                            ,

(f)       To impart and maintain desired consistency.

In food establishment, additives may be used as:

1)            Preservatives: These are chemicals used for the preservation of certain foods. Such as:

(a)          Sulphur dioxide in the making of sausages, grape juice, mineral    waters, beer, jams, etc.

(b)          Benzoic acid in the making of soft drinks, fruit juice, etc.

(c)           The propionic acid in the making of bread, etc.

(d)          Others like citric acid, vinegar, sodium nitrite, meta-bisulphate, etc.

1.            Flavouring Agents:

These additives add flavour to fo0ds such as Al, magi, Ajinomoto, etc.

for the preparation of soup and stew.

2.            Colouring Agents:

These add colour to food e.g. arsenic, cadmium picric acid, etc. Some

are used in the making of ice cream, pop-corn, soft drinks, bread, etc.

3.         Sweetening Agents:

These add taste to food such as sugar, saccharin, cyclamate, etc. They are used in the making of jam, jelly, cakes, etc.

The illegal use of these additives can mask and disguise the use of faulty processing and handling techniques; deceive the consumers an4 reduce the nutritional value of the food. The use of additives is justified if they can maintain the nutritional quality of food; reduce food wastage and make food attractive to the consumers in a manner, which does not lead to deception. There is no harm when these chemicals are properly used and established standards are not exceeded.

Bacterial Organisms that Cause Food Poisoning and Food Infection

There are a lot of bacterial organisms that cause food poisoning and food infection. The common ones are hereunder discussed:

1.       Salmonella:

Among the organisms of animal or avian origins causing infection in man are salmonella group of organisms. There are about 1,800 known serotypes of these organisms, but only 50 of them occur commonly. The organism is capable of causing diseases in man and animals when taken into the body in sufficient number. All the types included in the genus salmonella are related to food poisoning. Some appear to be restricted to a single host species and are not found in other animals, e.g. Salmonella abortus ^ovis Causing abortion in ewes and salmonella gallina rum, the cause of fowl typhoid.

Conversely, some salmonella type e.g. S. Typhi,  S. paratyphoid A, B and C cause a predominantly febrile illness known as enteric fever. The paratyphoid syndrome tends to be milder than that of typhoid. In the latter, the period of incubation is longer/ a higher temperature is produced, the organisms may be isolated from the blood and sometimes. Urine and the mortality rate are high.

Salmonella may be divided into the following three groups based on host predilections:                                                           

1,            Those primarily 'adapted to man e.g. Typhoid and paratyphoid,

2.         Those primarily adapted to particular animals e.g. Salmonella enteritidis, salmonella Gallinari um, salmonella Dublin, etc.

3.            Those unadapted. These are among the number that attacks man and animals   and do   not show, any host preference e.g. Salmonellosis (Jay James 1978 and Betty and Hobbs et al 1978).

Others,- too responsible for .the cause of food poisoning or gastro enteritis are S, Typhimurium and S. enteritidis. These organisms are viable organisms in man that cause food poisoning by infection i.e, by the invasion of the body. They reach food directly from animal excreta at the time of slaughter; from human excreta or water polluted by sewage; also in the kitchen, they may be transferred from raw food to cooked ones by hands, utensils and other equipment. The illness usually occurs when the organisms are ingested in large numbers, but this is done if contaminated at a suitable temperature that will enhance their growth or multiplication.

Incubation Period-

The incubation period of the infection is within 6-36 hours of eating the contaminated food: although, it may be longer. In many human infections, the affected individuals continue to excrete the organisms for few days or months (that is act as carriers). In the case of S Typhi, the carrier stale can persist for life because they continue to harbour the bacilli in their gal! bladder or kidneys and many excrete them intermittently for many years.

Signs and Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of salmonella food infection are fever, headache, abdominal pains, diarrhoea, vomiting.

Sources:

The stool of animals suffering from the infection, meat and meat products, egg and egg products, poultry, raw milk, etc.

2,        Staphylococcus Aurous:

Staphylococci are small rounded bacteria which gather together in clusters. The strain that is responsible for causing: Food poisoning is staphylococcus aurous that produces poisoning substance in food before it is eaten.             

In man, the main reservoir of staph aurous is the nose. From this source, these organisms find their way to the skin and into suppurating wounds and septic infections such as boils, carbuncles, pimples styes, etc either directly or indirectly. The most common skin source is the arms, hands, and face.  In addition to skin and nasal cavities, staph aurous may be found in the eyes, throat and in the intestinal tract. From these sources, they find their way into air and dust, onto clothing, and in other places from which they may contaminate foods. This organism does not cause food poisoning by itself but it is capable of producing exo-toxin responsible for the illness.

In contrast to the "infection type" of food; poisoning caused by salmonella, this is a "toxin type", i.e., it is due to the ingestion of preformed toxin, not to any action of the organisms themselves upon the patient,

The organisms are readily destroyed by heat, but the toxin is more resistant. This organism causes food poisoning by intoxication and this has a shorter incubation period because of ihc already produced toxin in food.

Incubation Period:

Incubation period is within 1-6 hours of eating the food.

Signs and Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of staphylococcus food poisoning arc diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramps sometimes followed by collapse, nausea, severe vomiting, etc.

Sources:

Staphylococcus aurous is frequently present in the human nose and throat and on the skin of healthy people. It is known as a commensal because it is completely harmless when present in these areas. H is also found in boils, styes, pimples and septic cuts. The food sources arc unpasteurized milk, poultry, custard, etc.

3.         Clostridium Perfringens (Welch):

This species is commonly present in the soil and in the intestines of animals and man. Il can also be found in raw meat, poultry and other foods including .dehydrated products. The organisms produce hard structures called spores which survive for a long time under unfavourable conditions by means of these spores which remain dormant in food, soil and dust. They are anaerobes. Illness occurs after eating food; grossly contaminated by the organisms, which have multiplied from spores that survive cooking.

Clostridium perfringens does not produce toxin when it is multiplying in food stored at a warm temperature, but when that food is oaten the bacteria form spores and at the same time a toxin, which irritates the intestinal wall causing diarrhoea. This is not exactly the same as toxic food poisoning or infective food poisoning but has some characteristics of both. The incubation period is longer than with toxic food poisoning as caused by staphylococcus aurous and shorter than infective food poisoning as caused by salmonella.

Food poisoning due to this organism usually occurs in institutions or sources associated with public functions such as Birthday parties, wedding or marriage and funeral ceremonies. This organism produces toxin in the intestines (enterotoxin). The intoxication due to this organism is caused by food, which has not been properly processed or cooked to destroy the spores.

Incubation Period:

The incubation    period    is   within   8-22   hours   after   consuming   the contaminated food.

Signs and Symptoms:          

The.se arc abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting may be rare.

Sources; The sources arc mea4, poultry, beans, etc.

4. Clostridium Botulinum:

This is the organism that causes botulism. It has some similar characteristics to clostridium perfringens. It I forms spores under an unfavourable condition. It is also an anaerobic spore-bearing bacillus.

Food poisoning by Cl. Botulinum is very rare but at the same time, it is greatly feared because the majority of cases are fatal. The toxin produced by the organism is the most poisonous of all. It has been reported that 1 gramme of the toxin produced is possible to destroy the entire world population.

Botulism has characteristics different from other forms of food poisoning. Its signs and symptoms mainly affect the central nervous system instead of the gastro-intestinal tract. The little effect on the intestine is the reverse of what it is in others. This is constipation and mild fever.

The spores are resistant to heat and survive burning and high temperature.

Incubation Period:

The incubation period is within 24 hours to > days after food intake.

Signs and Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms are a headache, weakness, constipation, paralysis of the throat, double vision (diplopia), drooping of the eye-lid (ptosis), shaking or rolling of the eyeballs side-ways (nystagmus), etc. As the mischief drops, prolapsed of the tongue and inability to swallow may follow; consciousness persists until death.

Note:    Ptomaines:

Are chemical substances formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on decomposed food and appear late in the process of decomposition so that meat or food containing ptomaine is nasty and offensive and would not be eaten by any sane person. The danger of ptomaine food

poisoning is therefore very remote.

5.        Bacillus Cereus:

These are common aerobic sporing organisms normally present in the soil, dust and water. The spores also survive cooking and will subsequently germinate into bacilli under favourable condition grow and produce entero-toxin.

Incubation Period:

The incubation period is within 1-5 hours of consumption of food.

Signs and Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms are diarrhoea, abdominal   pain,   nausea, vomiting are rare, etc.

Source: Sources arc beans, cereals, etc.

6:        Vibrio Parahaemolyticus:

This is a marine organism, which was first insolated during an outbreak of food poisoning in Japan in 1951. The organism grows in sewage polluted coastal waters and a large number of the organizes multiply in seafood such us fish, oysters, clam, crabs, shrimps, etc.

The organism causes food infection and the symptoms have been likened to those of both cholera and dysentery.

Incubation Period: The incubation period is within 10-20 hours after eating raw or inadequately cooked sea-foods.

Signs and Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms are profuse diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, fever, pyrexia, chills, etc.

Sources: The sources are fish, shellfish, etc.

7.         Escherichia Coli:

This is present in the intestinal tract of healthy people and is not always harmless. A few serotypes are enteropathogenic, entero-invasive and entero-toxigenic in young children (usually under two years old) and older adults above 60 years who contract the infection as a traveller's diarrhoea when travelling abroad.

Incubation period:

The incubation period is from 12-24 hours after eating contaminated food.

Signs and Symptoms:

Signs   and   symptoms   are   abdominal   pain,   fever,   diarrhoea   and sometimes vomiting.

8         Vibrio Cholera:

This organism is exclusively an organism of man, multiplying in human intestines. It produces an entero-toxin. This acts on the intestinal epithelium and provokes sustained out-pouring of water and electrolytes, manifested clinically as a profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, collapse etc, -

Incubation Period:

The incubation period is from 1-5 days (usually 2 days).

Sources: Sources arc fish, shellfish, vegetables, water mainly, etc.

9.          Brucella:

This is bacillus responsible for causing undulant fever in man.  Brucella abortus, brucella eliteness and brucella suits are primarily pathogens of cattle, goats and pigs respectively. This organism may be excreted in unpasteurized milk and gives rise to undulant fever or brucellosis in hose who consume contaminated raw milk and milk-products.

10.       Streptococcus:

The group of streptococci generally associated with food poisoning consists of faecal streptococci, especially streptococcus faecal is. Others are streptococcus viridian and streptococcus phones, but this may be treated in the same way as the transmission of typhoid lever or scarlet fever by foods.

Streptococcal food poisoning is caused by streptococcus faecal is strains.

Incubation Period:

The incubation period ranges from 2-22 hours after ingestion of food. The signs and symptoms are the same as food poisoning caused by clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus.

11.      Shigella:

This organism causes bacilliary dysentery, e.g. Shigella clysonteriae, shigella flex inert, shigella boy clip and shigella sonnei.

Incubation Period:

The incubation period is from 1-7 days, usually 1-3 days.

Signs and Symptoms:

Diarrhoea, lever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, etc.

Sources:

Man is a reservoir, but the main sources are contaminated food and water.

Conditions That Favour The Growth Of Bacteria In Food

The following conditions favour the growth of bacteria in food;

1.          Food: Like all living things, bacteria need food.  They will live and multiply in many foodstuffs, particularly those which are high in protein and support their growth, e.g. meat, poultry, meat-products, milk and milk-products, eggs and e^g-products, etc. These foods are called high-risk foods.

:

2.          Temperature:  There  must be a suitable temperature to be maintained  to permit the growth of bacteria.     This is the temperature of the body, which is 37°C (98.6°F). There are three groups of bacteria that are distinguished according to their

temperature requirements:

-

(a)        Psychrophilic  Bacteria     -  These  bacteria  grow  at temperature below 20UC that is about 10°C.  It is known that   some   are able to cause food spoilage at the temperature of a domestic refrigerator (i.e. 4°C).

(b)        Mesophilic Bacteria:   These bacteria thrive best at an optimum temperature range of 37°C (98.6°F), which is the body and kitchen temperature.    They cause food poisoning and are responsible for most food spoilage conditions.

(c)        Thermophilic Bacteria:   These bacteria thrive best at quite a hot temperature i.e. up to 60°C (140°F). This gr6ii# of bacteria is troublesome in food canning.   

3. Water (Moisture): Bacteria cannot multiply on dry foods rather they remain dormant. Since water is essential to life, bacteria require water for survival. Most foods contain sufficient water for bacterial growth but dehydrated products