Month: May 2023

Hubbly for Swag or Umswenko?

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Smoking hubbly has become increasingly popular over the years, especially among young people. It seems fashionable to smoke hookah pipes at parties, social gatherings and even for relaxing. Although many people may consider this swag or umswenko, the dangers of hubbly cannot be ignored. Hubbly can cause serious health risks.

Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about smoking hubbly:

Myth: Hubbly is a healthier alternative to cigarettes.

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, hubbly smoke contains the same harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. In fact, hubbly smoke can cause more damage to the lungs and airways than cigarettes. This is because hubbly is usually smoked over prolonged periods, as one mixture or popularly referred to as “kop”, can last between 30 to 45 minutes.

Myth: Hubbly is not addictive.

Fact: Hubbly smoke contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine is a chemical found in tobacco, which increases dopamine (“feel-good chemical”) levels in the brain. Smoking nicotine gives you a temporary feeling of pleasure, which makes it easier for you to become addicted. The more nicotine builds up in your body, the more dependent you become. This can ultimately lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Myth: Second-hand smoke from hubbly is harmless.

Fact: Being in a room with people who are smoking hubbly puts you at the same risk as the people who are smoking as you are also inhaling the hubbly smoke.

Myth: Hubbly doesn’t have long-term side effects.

Fact: The long-term effects of smoking hubbly are an increased risk of respiratory illness, such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema (which causes shortness of breath). Smoking hubbly can also expose you to the risk of developing certain types of cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, and lungs. Other long-term effects of smoking hubbly are pre-mature aging of the skin, and issues with fertility and pregnancy.

In conclusion, smoking hubbly is dangerous, addictive and can lead to serious long-term problems with your health. It also poses a health risk to the people around you. Although it might seem like a cool and fashionable way to unwind and have fun, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to reduce or eliminate smoking hubbly.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

The Importance Behind International Day of Action for Women’s Health

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

What is the day of action for women’s health?

The Day of Action for Women’s Health (also known as International Women’s Health Day) is celebrated on the 28th of May each year, women, and health organizations globally to educate people about women’s health and rights. The main objective of the day is to raise awareness of the issues related to women’s health and wellbeing like sexual reproductive health and health in general.

These include women’s rights to their bodies, body, my choice, to health, as well as to equality and non-discrimination. So why Is the day important?

It advocates for sexual reproductive health.

This day gives women more information about sexual and reproductive rights and control over their reproductive health. It encompasses the right to positive and healthy relationships, and health services that are accessible, safe, and equitable. Each year, women and health organizations can focus on topics affecting women that are left uncovered. Such examples include access to quality healthcare, HIV/AIDS and how it affects women, access to contraceptives, access to safe and legal terminations, how governments can do more to ensure women are safe, and so on. Some of these topics are usually considered taboo. But we can have open and honest conversations on this day.

It educates on the different life stages of women.

We understand that different life stages of women connect to various aspects of their sexual and reproductive health — this includes the menstrual cycle, the ability to become pregnant, safe sex practices to avoid sexually transmitted infections and chronic health issues (such as polycystic ovary syndrome), and the menopausal transition. Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health helps in preventing unwanted and high-risk pregnancies, such knowledge, as well as prenatal and postnatal care, saves women’s lives daily because not many women are aware of such information.

It’s essential to improve the overall wellbeing of women.

 Improved health for women can also help to strengthen their own agency and empowerment. Healthy women and girls are more able to actively participate in society and take collective action to advance their own interests, taking up spaces, increasing self-esteem to become the best version of themselves, and making them aware that they oversee their bodies and decide what can and cannot happen to it.

Remember that empowering women and girls to make informed choices when it comes to their bodies is one of the most effective pathways to improve health outcomes as well as to reach their full potential.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message,  an  Instagram message , a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How to Practice Safe Sex With Your Partner

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Safe sex is any sexual contact that protects you and your sexual partner against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. It doesn’t involve the exchange of body fluids like semen, vaginal fluids, or blood with anyone you have sex with.

Negotiate condom use with your partner before you have sex

Using condoms (both male and female condoms) protects both parties from sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV infection. Negotiating condom use as soon as you are both ready to have sex empowers both parties to be in control of the sexual encounter, and is the greatest expression of caring in the relationship.

Get tested for STIs.

If you have an STI or suspect that you might have one, get tested. You can do this by going to your nearest clinic for a test and it is free. Remember to avoid sexual contact until you receive medical advice that you are no longer infectious. It is also a good idea to test for STIs regularly and before you have unprotected sex in the relationship to protect each other from any unknown infections you might pass on unknowingly.

Have sex when you’re ready.

If someone is pressuring you to have sex or makes you feel uncomfortable, tell them. By law, sex must be consensual, which also means respecting others’ decisions when they say ‘no’ or if they are too out of it to give consent. Remember that any sex without consent is rape.

No sex when you’re under the influence.

Avoid sex if you are affected by drugs and alcohol. It can cloud your judgment and you might do things you later regret.

Contraceptives.

Use other types of contraception in addition to a condom to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

It’s a good idea to avoid sex if your sexual partner:

has a discharge, sores, cuts, ulcers, blisters, warts, or rashes around their genitals, mouth, or anus.

has unhealed or inflamed piercings in their mouth or genitals.

Sex should be enjoyable. Safer sex means sexual contact when you and your partner are ready. Any form of sex needs to be consensual, and you should feel respected and protected.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

When is it “safe” to have Sex After a Termination of Pregnancy?

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

If you recently had an abortion, you might be wondering when it is “safe” to have sex again. How long must you wait after an abortion before having sex? Do surgical abortions have different waiting periods than pill-based abortions? Well, there may be certain emotional considerations for sex after an abortion in addition to physical ones.

Regardless of whether an abortion was performed surgically or medically, you can begin having sexual relations again as soon as you feel ready. Due to a very small risk of infection, some medical professionals may advise you to wait to resume sexual activity. However, current studies suggest that this is not medically necessary, therefore the ultimate decision on whether you feel physically and psychologically ready to have sex is yours. You may discover that, while you are physically OK, you require a little more time to become emotionally ready. Being emotionally ready for sex is just as crucial as being physically ready, so give yourself as much time as you need to get back to your normal sex life.

The likelihood of pregnancy is another factor to consider before resuming sexual activity. Even if you haven’t started your period yet, ovulation can occur soon after an abortion. If you do not want to become pregnant, it is critical that you use condoms or another kind of birth control. Only condoms can protect you from sexually transmitted illnesses such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Consult your healthcare provider about birth control choices or use condoms to avoid pregnancy because you can become pregnant soon after having an abortion, even if you are still bleeding. However, if there were complications with the procedure, or infection during or before the abortion, it is advised that you wait until your body has recovered completely, or wait until the doctor gives the green light, before engaging in sexual activity. Additionally, using contraception is crucial to prevent another unintended pregnancy.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How Men Can Contribute to Gender Equality

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Gender equality is an important human right, which is vital for both men and women. They should work together in trying to champion the issue of inequality. Old traditions and cultures have played a major role in promoting and advancing it. Many positions in the past were held by men simply because of the above-mentioned ideas. Let’s further explore different ways in which men can contribute to gender equality.

Recognise how cultural and religious norms have played a role

Most religions and customs overpower women even in this 21st century. They have beliefs that seek to suggest that men are always greater than women. Women should be understood and not be deprived of opportunities as they are also important people in society. Once traditions, cultures, and societies are motivated by gender equality, women, mental health, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence will be championed as many men will learn numerous ways to understand and see women as valuable and grant them more opportunities like men

Recognising these stereotypes and challenging them in everyday life is an important step in building more equitable relationships between men and women in their private spaces and in the workplace and ultimately in society.

Actively listen to women’s perspectives

Women are the experts on their own life experiences so men should seek out opportunities to hear women’s stories and take their concerns seriously without interrupting or trying to make them feel less of themselves. Amplify women’s voices, acknowledge their experiences, and take on the role of educating other men in a way that inspires trust and respect.

Contest Prejudice

It is true that men are privileged in many societies even today, however, they are duty-bound to challenge sexism. They should engage more on issues revolving around gender balance in the workplace. Promote gender equality and speak about sexist behaviours. Include women also in talks in communities and grant them opportunities in powerful positions and take a political stand.

Have women in Leadership

Men have more knowledge than women in leadership as they have been deprived of leadership opportunities for a while in the past. The responsibility men can fulfill is to support women in leadership. Advocate for women and represent them in decision-making and their positions. Men tend to not celebrate women’s achievements, however, celebrating them may boost their self-esteem, and confidence and create opportunities for advanced careers. Even in the working environment, it can create a more balanced working environment with harmony also making it a point that men are not biased.

Split Domestic Responsibilities

Both men and women go to work nowadays. In the past women were not allowed to go and look for employment but, now they work. Household chores and domestic responsibilities should be shared, in that way, women can pursue their desired careers and get better opportunities outside their homes. Men will get a great opportunity to bond with the children. The children will learn a lot about sharing responsibilities and will grow up in a very good family unit where both parents live together and share responsibilities.

Teach and Guide Women

Mentoring and teaching women in their professional and personal lives. This involves recognising women in the workplace and supporting them in a professional setting. Create opportunities for growth and development so that women are visible. Mentor women for strategic positions, in that regard women will be placed in positions in the workplace. Nowadays women are found in strategic positions; hence you can still count several of them. Barrier limitation can contribute a lot to gender inequality.

For gender equality to be achieved, it is important to increase awareness that it is a societal issue and should engage both men and women working hand in hand to transform the world into a place where they can thrive both equally.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How To Turn Skill Into Profit

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Turning a skill into profit is a great way to make some money and build a business. Whether you’re an expert or have a natural talent for something, you can use it to your advantage to make an income. The thought of starting a business can be overwhelming but, you can use your passion to earn some bucks with these simple steps:

Step 1: Identity what you are good at.

Think about your passion and what you do best. Focus on this and use it to your advantage. Whether it’s cooking, writing, painting, cleaning, making crafts, or something else you can use to make money.

Step 2: Test out the idea!

Now that you have identified what you are good at, it’s time to do some research. Identify where you think your skill is in most demand and to whom you will be selling your skill. Once you have identified this, test out your idea. Speak to the people you have identified as your target market and find out if they need your skill or services. This will also help you refine your idea according to what is needed most by the community.

Step 3: Get organised.

You have identified your skill and done your market research. Now it’s time to identify what you will need to make money from the idea. What resources do you need? How will you get the resources? How will you present your skill to the public? Make sure you have a plan in place to help you stay on track.

Step 4: Use the right pricing model.

Finding a good pricing model requires thorough market research. A pricing model is based on the value of your product or service to customers. It is important to understand what your customers need and how much they are willing to pay for it. Also, consider how much your competitors are charging for similar products and services and the cost of production and distribution to make sure your prices are profitable. Remember, you can always adjust your pricing over time.

Step 5: Promote yourself.

Get the word out about the services or products you are offering. You can use tools like social media and post adverts in community groups. You can also consider making posters and distributing them and talking to people about what you are offering and how they can purchase them. Make sure you’re targeting the right audience.

Step 6: Set goals.

Determine what success looks like for you and set goals accordingly. This will help you stay focused and motivated.

Step 7: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you need assistance, don’t be afraid to ask for it. There are many resources available to help you succeed. You can also join networks of people who are in the same industry as you. This will give insight into how they are succeeding in the industry.

Turning your skill into profit can take time and effort, but it’s worth it. With the right approach and the right attitude, you can make your skill work for you. It’s important to be patient and consistent. It takes time to build a successful business, so don’t expect to become an overnight success. Focus on providing quality services or products and building relationships with customers.

You’ve got this!

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How To Make Your CV Stand Out

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

In today’s economical job marketplace, it is important to make your Curriculum Vitae stand out from the crowd. Employers have limited time to view thousands of CVs. It is important to impress employers within 6 to 10 seconds. This article will express techniques, skills, and tips that will support you to have a professional and attractive CV, furthermore, increase your chances of employment opportunities. These are some of the tips to help your CV stand out from the rest.

Shape Your CV According to the Occupation

One of the most crucial methods to make your CV stand out is to shape it according to the job you are applying for. This means modifying your CV to match the job requirements and highlighting the skills techniques, experiences, and profiles that are most relevant to the position.

First and foremost, begin by carefully reading the employment description and identifying the key skills and requirements. Ensure that your CV speaks to those skills and experiences, keywords, and phrases from the job advertisement.

Use a Professional Style

Make sure your CV can be easy to read and grabs the employer’s attention visually. Use a professional font and presentation, and make sure that the design is consistent throughout the document. Use bullet points and clear headings to organise the information and make it easy for employers to scan quickly. Prevent using complicated designs or graphics that can disturb the content of your CV.

Highlight Your Accomplishments

Employers want to see what you have accomplished in your previous jobs, however, if you have no experience, it is important to mention that you are a fast learner by avoiding saying that you lack what they are looking for in an advertised post. It is advisable to mention the skills and responsibilities they are looking for. You can also include how you will contribute to the organisation or the enterprise with your skills and competencies.

 Related Keywords

Nowadays we live in a society where technology is taking over, this includes systems that can easily detect the most relevant CV. Mentioning the keywords in the job advert makes your CV stand out and put you in a very good standing. The employers are pleased to see the key roles, skills, and responsibilities they are looking for. The keywords may be including skills, systems, software, or hardware you can operate.

Profile yourself

No one wants to miss a marvelous opportunity of being employed by his/her agency or organisation of choice. First and foremost, include your personality, the language you are fluent in, and what you are passionate about furthermore express your personality in writing. In other words, this reflects you. Please make sure you avoid slang or improper language. This is a summary of you as an individual.

 Referencing

References are very important as they provide evidence that can be traced to back you up, especially from previous employers, educators, lecturers, or supervisors, and managers. Make sure your references are people who really have your back and are the people who will not make you miss opportunities for employment; in other words, they should be reliable.

Do not be afraid to ask a friend or someone you can trust to check your CV for you. If you followed the above-mentioned strategies, you might end up in your designated job and making your dreams come true. Good luck with your job hunting Choma.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

5 Entrepreneur Career Paths

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Entrepreneurship is taking an idea or product and turning it into a profitable business. Not everyone is cut out for the hard work and devotion required to start a business. It takes someone that is highly motivated, who is a risk-taker who has a goal in mind, and who makes many sacrifices to get there. Here are a few jobs to think about:

  1. Social media manager

Social media managers are responsible for overseeing the social media of a company or brand. They may create and implement campaigns to increase brand exposure with customers via social media. This job is great for entrepreneurs as it provides valuable social media skills and general marketing experience.

  1. Public relations manager

Public relations (PR) managers oversee a company’s public image. They may do this by managing how the company is portrayed to the public, communicating with the media, and completing other projects promoting a positive view of the business. Experience in a PR position can provide entrepreneurs with insight into how to manage the public image of their own companies in the future.

  1. Financial adviser

Financial advisers guide people who want to invest and grow their finances. They assess their client’s financial needs and make decisions on their behalf to help them meet financial goals. A job as a financial adviser can equip aspiring entrepreneurs with communication, problem-solving, and financial management skills.

  1. Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and oversee the execution of marketing strategies for brands and businesses. These professionals are primarily concerned with how they can implement marketing tactics to attract new clients and retain current customers. Entrepreneurs must develop strong marketing strategies to advertise their businesses, so a job as a marketing manager is a great way to gain experience in professional marketing.

  1. Web developer

Web developers create a website design, layout, and functionality. They use programming languages, like HTML and CSS, to develop user-friendly web pages based on the client’s requirements. Nearly every company relies on technology to run and advance its business. Working as a web developer can offer a chance to obtain valuable technology skills that can translate into your career as an entrepreneur.

Most entrepreneurs are forced to work long hours so a work-life balance can be very challenging for someone starting their own venture. It is one of the hardest things about being an entrepreneur but if you are determined nothing is impossible.

Wishing you all the best Choma as you find your career path (heart emoji).

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

 

More About Gender Equality

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Gender equality is, first and foremost, a human right. It implies that women, men, boys, and girls of all classes and races participate as equals and have equal value. They enjoy equal access to resources, freedoms, and opportunities to exercise control.

Do we need gender equality?

Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and gender-based discrimination violates that right. Gender inequality begins in childhood and is currently restricting the lifelong potential of children worldwide, greatly impacting girls.

Why is it necessary?

Gender equality protects women and girls from abuse. It is necessary for economic growth. Societies that treat men and women equally are safer and healthier. It’s also important as it empowers women and men to make more positive decisions about their own sexual reproductive health. Gender equality has the potential to improve decision-making on topics such as marriage age, birth timing, contraception use, and changing harmful behaviors (such as female genital cutting).

Are we unequal as a society?

It’s important to recognise that gender inequality exists; women are generally excluded or disadvantaged in terms of decision-making and access to economic and social resources. As a result, empowering women is a vital component of fostering gender equality, with a focus on detecting and redressing power imbalances and allowing women more responsibility to manage their own lives.

Does this mean men and women are the same?

Gender equality and women’s empowerment don’t mean that men and women become the same; rather, it means that men’s and women’s access to opportunities and life changes is not based on or limited by their gender.

Women have the right to live with dignity, safety, and security. Women’s and girls’ empowerment is the key to achieving development and decreasing poverty. Women who are healthy, educated, and self-sufficient contribute to the health and wealth of entire families, communities, and nations.

How will you be contributing to gender equality in your community? Comment down below

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How To Deal With A Friendship Breakup

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Romantic breakups are difficult but, the pain of friendship breakups can sometimes be underrated.

Friendships are often built on love, trust, and mutual support. When these foundations crumble, it can be a devastating experience. Friendship breakups leave us feeling hurt, alone and confused.

Here are some tips to help you deal with a friendship breakup:

Reflect on what went wrong:

A lot of reasons can cause a friendship to end. Whether it’s a disagreement, a change in life circumstances, or that you just grew apart. Try to think about what caused the breakup and whether there’s anything you could have done differently. If there is something you and your friend can talk through and fix, don’t feel afraid to reach out.

It’s important to take responsibility for your part in the situation and to learn from it for future friendships. However, friendships sometimes end because of toxic behaviour or unhealthy dynamics; in those cases, it might be necessary to step away.

Acknowledge and accept the loss:

It’s natural to feel a range of emotions when a friendship ends. Allow yourself to feel your emotions and grieve the friendship. This can be difficult, especially if you’ve been friends for a long time. Remember that it’s okay to feel sad and it’s a normal part of the healing process.

Set boundaries:

It’s important to set boundaries to help your healing process. This could mean taking some time off social media or limiting contact with the person who was your friend. It’s okay to take some time out to heal and move on.

Focus on self-care:

Breakups can take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. It’s important to focus on self-care to help you heal. Surround yourself with positivity. Spend more time with people who care about you and make you feel good. Focus on your hobbies, interests, and goals. Do more of the things that make you happy and help you feel good about yourself.

Find new friends:

After taking the time to grieve and reflect on the friendship, it’s time to make new friends. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make new connections. With a little bit of time and effort, you can move on and create new, fulfilling relationships.

Remember that time heals all wounds. It might be hard to see this through the hurt and sense of loss you are feeling, but you will eventually heal and be able to move on from the breakup. Although friendship breakups are painful, they are a natural part of life. Acknowledge the loss and reflect on what went wrong because every life experience can teach us valuable lessons, even the difficult ones.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).