World Sickle Cell Day.

I was excited to wake up today and discover that today the 19th of June, is world sickle cell day. 

Sickle Cell Anaemia is often described as the 'silent disease', due to lack of knowledge about it. You may or may not know, I am a Scientist in training. Physiology modules which I have taken have given me the confidence to write this blog post.

Raising awareness about Sickle cell Anaemia is important in order to minimise it's impact on future generations. There is no cure for this disease, it is only Medically managed. Sickle cell is prominent amongst individuals of African/ Carribean descent. It is increasing in occurrence in the UK due to the diversity of ethnicities we have.

So what is Sickle Cell? 

Its is a disease of the blood, in particular the red blood cells; in which they 'sickle' or form a crescent shape. 

What does Haemoglobin have to do with it?

Red blood cells contain a quaternary (four subunit) protein called Haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the substance oxygen binds to, then transports it to the respiring body cells and organs. Out of the four subunits there is a further division into Alpha-globin and Beta-globin. There are two A-globins and two B-globin assembled into the final haemoglobin structure. 

So what could possibly go wrong? 

A mutation occurs. Proteins are formed from amino acids. Amino acids must be in the correct order (Primary structure). This is because they have properties e.g. carrying a negative charge, allowing it to interact with other amino acids by form of for example attraction or repulsion; just like a magnet. So when everything is going smoothly, amino acids interact appropriately, correct folding occurs, Haemoglobin is assembled perfectly and can transport oxygen. 

An Amino acid substitution, can occur, for example a Valine to Glutamate on position/codon 7 in the chain. Valine has no charge, but glutamate carries a charge. CRISIS. Clumping or aggregates start to occur. 

Haemoglobin becomes inefficient in carrying oxygen. This leads to many physiological problems for an individual affected such as difficulty in breathing, quick tiredness and weak bones.

Whats the difference between an affected person and a carrier?

Okay ill try to explain this as simply as possible. 

Protein= Haemoglobin. Symbol=Hb/ H

Genotype 1 (gene inherited) = Normal. Symbol = A

Genotype 2 (gene inherited) = Sickle cell trait. Symbol = S

We always inherit two genes, one from our mother and one from our father. 

Sickle cell is a recessive gene, meaning for you to have sickle cell you have to inherit two sickle cell traits i.e. SS. 

Those who are carriers do NOT have the disease. They are AS, but have the risk of passing it on to their children.

Those with genotype AA are normal and unaffected.

Why should carriers be worried?

Let me place this chart for you. This is a cross between two carriers (AS) and the possible genotypes their children will inherit.

For more visual effect:

Ofcourse, there is a chance that sickle cell carriers don't have children with sickle cell. It is very possible, however the chances are on the low side. (One out of four)

Other possibilities:

Two sickle cell affected mating will unfortunately always give rise to sickle cell children. 

Those without sickle cell cannot have children with sickle cell. EXCEPT, if their partner is a carrier but even then they simply pass on the trait.

So it is now our responsibility, to make sure we know our blood types and that of our partner. In situations where both partners are carriers, or affected, genetic counselling can occur. Both parties can make informed decisions about reproducing.

I can't help but think about genetic engineering and the evolution of so called 'designer babies'. Scientists are proposing that soon, they may be able to genetically modify babies to become, smarter, more beautiful and in simple terms have more desirable traits. 

A lot of people are against it. But in my opinion, if these designer babies could be modified to be more healthy, then they should give it a go. Especially in life threatening diseases such as Sickle cell anaemia. Just my two pence piece.

Anyway, I hope you have learnt a thing or two from this blog post. Apologies if it was overly complex.

Thank you for reading! 

Peace & Chunks

X

Let's Talk: Celibacy, Abstinence & Reasons why I wait.

Sex sex sex 

Our world is filled with sex 

How to do it, how to get better..

Whilst there is practicality in finding out what you like and don't like, there is also beauty in waiting. 

This is something we're not necessarily taught in social media

Valuing your body, holding back a little, intimacy with the absolute right person. 

We're taught it's okay to sleep with several people so we can find out our G Spot, learn the moves that make us cum quick

But what about patience 

What about understanding the fact that not every new guy we meet deserves access to our naked body. 

No one is perfect, and decisions to either hold back or not don't make you better/ worse than anyone.

To my virgins:

Please don't be discouraged 

If he leaves you because of sex, then he probably wasn't worth it in the first place.

To my non Virgin celibates:

Keep on going 

You left that life for a reason 

Never forget it

This video was so personal for me, because it is something I have struggled with and still struggle with to an extent on a day to day basis. Something i've realised is celibacy requires discipline for all practical purposes. It is also a physical battle, which requires an even stronger force to combat it, this being the spiritual. Hence why I was preaching a little in the video lol. Its a gradual process, have a listen to some of the tips I offer in the video below!

Hope you enjoy this video ! I kept it as real as possible. Thanks for reading !  #Peace&Chunks 

What's trending? The Wests are expecting a baby, Caitlyn Jenner & the end for Nicki+Meek

We are half way through the year!! Hooray! The first of June has brought not one, not two but three surprise packages in the world of celebrity. 

 

                     Neeky Millaj

Firstly, in the early hours of this morning, speculation began with the status of Rap artists Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill's relationship. 

Early spring, news first broke out of their alleged relationship. Speculation about their engagement even broke out. Everywhere, people were screaming relationship goals! Well not anymore as it seems. The engagement rumours have been shut down. Both Nicki and Meek took to Instagram to fire a few shots, which were clearly aimed at eachother.

Meek had me rolling though. Who knew bosses could hurt like this ? Sad times. Hope they can work it out in the end! 

                     The Wests

The second of the news arrived in the this afternoon. North west: Kim and Kanye's daughter is going to be a big sister ! Following a few interviews, we learnt that Kim was still having a few difficulties conceiving even after her first child. 

Above: Kim on the Jimmy Kimmel Show

And to her happiness she's going to be a mummy to a new bundle of joy! Congrats to the Wests !

                     Caitlyn Jenner

Thirdly, the news with the most buzz, Bruce Jenner has finally become the woman of his dreams. Say hello to Caitlyn Jenner ! 

She sure has a way of upstaging people! Not sure if Kim would be happy about both news coming out on the same day lol. His/ her family seem to be supportive of her/ him. His daughter Kendall tweeted 'be free now little bird'. How lovely. 

This world is truly amazing. 

Thank you for reading! 

Peace & Chunks ❤️

Curvy Girl Diaries - Spring LookBook 2015

It's that time again! New Season, new Look Book. 

'A Curvy girl, is not necessarily plus size; but retains ratio in her body' - MoChunks 

The aim of these look books are to showcase fashion and styling for the girls the fashion industry has forgotten. The girls who are under size 12 (Twigaays) and over (Chunkaays) but have amazing curvature in their body. 

This Look book's theme was 'Nature in Contast'. This was inspired by British weather, which is never constant causing total chaos in nature. However, this chaos was turned into beautiful fashion looks. 

I had the privilege of working with a group of talented people. 

@_Preziosa of Precious Touch hair and beauty. Follow them at @PreciousTouch_

Make up artistry and Styling was done by myself @mo_chunkaay and Fashion Blogger @ElizabethAkerele. 

Working from my mood board, I managed to purchase clothing from many retailers. 

I was very privileged to have donations from two designers.

@RaeKing of House of King UK (@HKUK), designed and made a customised jacket for one of the looks which turned out beautifully! Give them a follow ! 

Amie Touray of BeLondon Fashion (@Be_London_) also provided contemporary African print. She's an amazing designer and beyond professional.

Message from Amie:

Be-London is a contemporary African fashion brand that aims to give a unique and distinctive look. We have a diverse range of products from dresses to suits for men, women and children so there's something for everybody. We are really pleased to work with 'The Mo Chunks show' and so we are offering 20% your first order with promo code MOCHUNKS15. Happy Shopping!

Here are the details of the products featured in this look book. 

http://belondonfashion.com/shop/skirts-womens/african-skirts-6/

http://belondonfashion.com/shop/skirts-womens/midi-skirt-baby-blue/

http://belondonfashion.com/shop/trousers/african-print-clothing-brown-harem-pants/​

All Jewellery And Clutches Were Provided by @ElizabethAkerele of Teas.Closet (@tea_closet). This gorgeous piece as well as others seen in the video will be up for sale in June. Visit her blog here for more information : http://www.teascloset.blogspot.co.uk/

Last but certainly not least, Photography was done by @Mr.Toluloluwa of Sure Moments (@SureMomentsPhotography), whilst I did videography. 

Hope you enjoyed the video ! Until Next time, Peace & Chunks ! 

Requested video: It's exam season!! How to revise| Beating Anxiety &Fear of failure :(

Requested video: It's exam season!! How to revise| Beating Anxiety & Fear of failure :(

I'm gonna focus on GCSEs and A Levels BUT all these techniques are carrying me through as I'm now in university. All you have to do is decide the level of intensity you wanna go away and implement it into your revision. 

I have no power of my own, all I have achieved is through God, all glory be to him! 

I managed to get 4 A*s and 6As in me GCSEs and then 3As and a B in A level. Sad times my first B. We will live. So if you want to be a serious student, a Real G, G for Graduant! Then my dear you have come to the right place!!

Soooo Here's what you're not Gonna do: Twitter, Tyrone, Time wasting. (Watch the vid)

If you're doing these things stop, just stop right now. 

Here what you are gonna do: 

Procrastination: beat it by making a calendar and seeing how much time you don't have ! 

Immediately start installing appropriate revision schedules, 4-5 hours daily. Make sure there is enough time before exams. 

I said I'd focus on revision tips for this blog post, for those who might have left thing a little too late. 

Revision technique:

Step 1: Read from text books and revision guides. This reminds you of your course overview. Scheme read the questions or objectives to make sure you understand that portion well. If any objectives were missed, go back and read the relevant text. 

Step 2: Start to digest text by using posters, flip cards, little stories and images in your head. My poster booklet is from Wilkonsons, and cannot be more than £3. For your GCSEs and A Levels I reckon purchasing 2-3. For Uni just 1 will do, as you have less subjects.  Make your posters colourful! Make the images meaningful, as you will remember them more. 

Good tip, this is why step one is so important, try to read a page and rewrite from memory. Oh Ma ha so ri eh (it will stick in your head lol). Any bits you have missed out, go back and fill it in. I normally either re write the text to perfection or narrate the paragraph to myself until I get it right. 

Step 3: Practice questions in your text books and revision guides and write them down in detail. 

Step 4: Now for the fun bit, real exam practise, don't be scared to go farrrr back. The more papers you practice the better! 

These are all the things that need to go in your time table, which I suggested you make. Make sure you schedule things appropriately. Having lots of subjects, especially at GCSE level, can mean very long  days. But like I said in the video, you need to endure small pain, for life time of happiness. 

Make sure you take regular breaks though! Maybe a 15 minute break every hour or 30 minute break every 2 hours. Whichever you see fit.

D- istractions, I'm putting an emphasis on the D for a reason. Please forget the tyrones, the bolajis and the kwames for now. STAY focused.

A lot of you have insomnia: use it well revise instead of talking to mandem- no shade. Take away and minimise distractions !!

Social media: All my social media is gone in the month of my exams. I deactivate Twitter , delete apps such as Instagram which can't be deactivated. Also, things like snapchat which take up unnecessary time!

Revision is hard work BUT one or two months of pain is okay. You have a Longggg summer ahead of you to do whatever you want! Think of it like that, whenever you feel like falling asleep or giving up for the day. 

GCSE ands alevels do matter. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Fear of failure: as long as you have put the work in you will get the grades OUT. Do your job and let God do his! 

Our Natural Hair Experience!

Our Natural hair Experience

From the left: YouTubers LoveisinthehairNolye, MoChunks Show (myself)

KelechiCeri and ChiakaValentina

Really happy i got the opportunity to collaborate with these gorgeous ladies. From the video you'll see that going natural is one heck of a journey. We all share our experiences, from how family reacted, to comments at work and in a school environment. 

Something we all had in common, was that our natural hair has not been considered professional, an idea which stems way back when slaves first arrived in the western world. In order to be accepted in a cooperate sector, we had to adapt the European look. 

This has been masked in modern day, people believe relaxers were made to ensure hair is 'manageable'. Manageable for who though? Even our first lady Michelle Obama, only wears her hair straight. Very Sad. We were doing just fine with our hair back in Africa until the white man had something to say about it. Rather than fight back, we conformed. 

Remember these? No matter how hard we tried, I never looked like the girl on the box lol.

As harsh as it sounds it is the truth. However, as stated in the video the relaxer industry is depleting drastically. The natural hair movement has begun. This could be the generation that reverses, the cycle us black females (sometimes males) have found ourselves in. 

One thing we forgot to mention in this video, are the men in our lives. How do they react to this natural hair movement? I think in general, a few of our black men are still sceptical. They are so used to seeing their mothers, sisters and other female family members relaxing their hair to the straight form. This is all they know, so they believe it is better. It is important to no just educate our young girls, but our men also. The mentality that straighter is better, has to change, sooner or later.

Hope you guys enjoyed the video and thank you for reading this post, till next time..

Peace & Chunks !

Real Scoop With Big Tipper

I was very excited to hear big tipper was hosting a show in Leicester, where i go to university. I took the opportunity to interview him on his success so far as a comedian. Here is the video as posted on my YouTube Channel:

I was pleasantly surprised to find that, although he is very well known, Tipper is beyond humble. He kept referencing God and his family life. Even in times of trouble, for example when he was naughty in school and got sent to Nigeria, he did not stay defeated. He came back, found his talent in comedy and made a new life for himself. 

Tipper performing hit single - Aunty

Tipper on set of Aunty Video Shoot

Dont sleep on big tipper. He gets booked almost every week. And from his latest video (Which i unknowingly featured in) he received a call from the MOBOs. I really wonder what was going on there. We'll just have to wait and see.

Doesn't tipper look like he's thinking 'Im hearing you have big breast' in this picture lol. Love it!

Shout out to tipper for this interview. 

Thank you for reading:

Peace & Chunks x