dennis kibet

<h1>Everyone has some belly fat, even people who have flat abs.</h1>

That is normal. But too much belly fat can affect your health in a way that other fat does not.

Some of your fat is right under your&nbsp;skin. Other fat is deeper inside, around your&nbsp;heart, lungs, liver and other organs.

It is that deeper fat called visceral fat that may be the bigger problem, even for thin people.

You need some visceral fat. It provides cushioning around your organs.

But if you have too much of it, you may be more likely to get&nbsp;high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia and certain cancers including breast and colon cancer.

If you have a lot of excess fat around your waistline, even if you’re not very heavy, then you should take some steps to get rid of it.

Anything above 40 inches (102 cm) in men and 35 inches (88 cm) in women, is known as&nbsp;abdominal obesity.

There are actually a few proven strategies that have been shown to <a href="http://pulse.ng/womens-health/weight-loss-exactly-how-many-almonds-you-should-eat-per-day-to-blast-belly-fat-id5866377.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">target the fat in the belly area </a>more than other areas of the body.

Here are five evidence-based ways to lose belly fat.

<h2>1. Don’t eat too much sugar and avoid sugar-sweetened drinks</h2>

Studies show that it has uniquely harmful effects on metabolic health.

Numerous studies have shown that excess sugar, mostly due to the large amounts of fructose, can lead to increased accumulation of fat in the belly.

It increases belly fat and liver fat, which leads to insulin resistance and a host of metabolic problems.

Make a decision to minimize the amount of sugar in your diet, and consider completely eliminating sugary drinks.

This includes sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices and various high-sugar sports drinks.

If you want to cut back on refined sugar, then you must start reading labels. Even foods marketed as health foods can contain huge amounts of sugar.

<h2>2. Include more proteins in your diet</h2>

Protein is the most important macro-nutrient when it comes to losing weight.

It has been shown to reduce cravings by 60%, boost metabolism by 80-100 calories per day and help you eat up to 441 fewer calories per day.

If weight loss is your goal, then adding protein is perhaps the single most effective change you can do to your diet.

Make an effort to increase your intake of high-protein foods such as whole eggs, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, meat, dairy products and some whole grains.

These are the best protein sources in the diet.

If you struggle with getting enough protein in your diet, then a quality protein supplement (like whey protein) is a healthy and convenient way to boost your total intake.

Carb restriction is a very effective way to lose fat.

When people cut carbs, their appetite goes down and they lose weight.

Low-carb diets also lead to quick reductions in water weight, which gives people near instant results.

A major difference on the scale is often seen within a few days.

There are also studies comparing low-carb and low-fat diets, showing that low-carb diets specifically target the fat in the belly, and around the organs and liver.

Just avoiding the refined carbs (white breads, pastas, etc) should be sufficient, especially if you keep your protein high.

However, if you need to lose weight fast, then consider dropping your carbs down to 50 grams per day.

<h2>4. Eat foods that are rich in fiber</h2>

Dietary fiber is mostly indigestible plant matter.

It is often claimed that eating plenty of fiber can help with weight loss.

This is true, but it’s important to keep in mind that not all fiber is created equal.

It seems to be mostly the soluble and viscous fibers that have an effect on your weight.

These are fibers that bind water and form a thick gel that “sits” in the gut.

This gel can dramatically slow the movement of food through your stomach and small bowel, and slow down the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

The end result is a prolonged feeling of fullness and reduced appetite.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/5-reasons-women-find-sex-painful/36gkj90" rel="noopener noreferrer">Here's why you experience pain while having sex</a>

Exercise is important for various reasons.

It is among the best things you can do if you want to live a long, healthy life and avoid disease and effectively reducing belly fat.

Aerobic exercise (like walking, running, swimming, etc) has been shown to cause major reductions in belly fat.

Another study found that exercise completely prevented people from re-gaining abdominal fat after weight loss, implying that exercise is particularly important during weight maintenance.

Exercise also leads to reduced inflammation, blood sugar levels and all the other metabolic abnormalities that are associated with central obesity.

Eating fruits can be fabulous way to lose weight and belly fat.

Low on calories and packed with nutrients, they also keep your belly full for a long time.

Whether it is for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or anytime in between your meals,&nbsp;you can enjoy those delicious fruits anywhere.

These include avocados, blueberries, apples, grapefruits and lemons.

However, while buying fruits, stay away from canned ones as they contain sugar syrups and are high in energy density.

The best fruits for your health are the natural ones, so it is always good if you use fresh fruits only.

Too much of visceral fat may lead to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia and certain cancers including breast and colon cancer.

6 effective ways to lose belly fat

<h1>The Kenyan Senate has been petitioned to legalise marijuana, popularly known as bhang.</h1>

Nyamira Senator and 2017 presidential candidate Kennedy Mong’are surprised his colleagues in the chambers during the debate when he confessed as having previously been a bhang smoker and criticised those against the petition.

“Strict regulations do not help. It is abused because of laws criminalising it. The problem with Kenyans is living in denial,” Mong’are argued.

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1994 lists bhang as a banned substance.

<a href="http://www.plive.co.ke/news/drug-barons-us-attorney-confirms-akasha-brothers-in-custody-reveals-their-extensive-global-drug-operations-id6162322.html" id="78e1376c-94c6-591e-bcec-acf613d1d058">The law states that possession or personal use of the drug is criminal.</a>

Ogot, argues in part that the plant - scientifically known as Cannabis Sativa – has multiple documented benefits.

He says the medicinal and industrial uses of the plant, upon its legalisation, will be of 'great social and economic gains'.

“Research has indicated that bhang can be used for medicinal purposes to cure diseases. It is disease resistant and can be replanted several times a year without use of pesticides,” Mr Ogot argued in the petition.

Crimes and controversies over the plant, he said, are due to its prohibition, adding that if legalised, it can be one of the cash crops and contribute to improving people’s living standards besides boosting the country’s revenue.

Section 3 (2) (a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act lists cannabis as a banned substance.

Ogot wants marijuana expunged from the list and a new law legislated to establish a regulatory body – the Cannabis Sativa Board of Kenya (CSBK) to govern its use.

<a href="http://www.plive.co.ke/news/drug-trafficking-baron-arrested-in-a-mombasa-airport-with-drugs-worth-sh10m-meant-for-dubai-id6159739.html" id="940240e0-e8f0-5792-b811-eafff7092700">Those serving jail terms for offences related to the drug including possession, cultivation, transportation, sale or use will have to be set free</a> if the law-makers agree to process the petition, into law.

Ogot cites several US states and at least 25 countries had decriminalised the use of cannabis in his petition.

The proposal by Mr Gwada Ogot, a researcher, which seeks to decriminalise and legalise the drug, is already before the Senate.

Senate petitioned to legalise bhang as presidential candidate confesses to smoking drug

<h1>Apparently Yola shared a post revealing that Prezzo’s manhood is small as she laughed the matter off on her Instagram page…talk about bitter exes.</h1>

The Nairobi Diaries actress went on to add that she was going for anger management classes…which she clearly needs!

Anyway, her post attracted a lot of comments from fans who joined in the conversation to shame the rapper for having cheated on Yola.

Things however got interesting when Prezzo decided to clap back by asking the lady why she had his name tattooed on her if all along she felt that it was too small. In a sarcastic post, Prezzo wrote to say…

This takes us back to the day the two got inked as a way to celebrate of their love. They both shared a video showing off the tattoos and Prezzo was heard saying,

So assuming… their love became bitter after Michelle Yola spotted Prezzo hanging out with Huddah the other day?

Also read: <a href="http://www.plive.co.ke/entertainment/prezzo-10-hot-women-the-rapper-has-dated-one-of-them-is-a-politicians-daughter-id6187367.html" id="5c779353-492a-503f-b61e-6e9fe4578759">10 Hot women Prezzo has dated. One of them is a politician's daughter</a>

Well, the two will keep spilling their  secrets now that they are in bad terms, but why are we even shocked? I think we are getting used to this already and their drama is getting a bit too old for the showbiz business.

In case you though it was over, Prezzo and Michelle Yola are back at it AGAIN and this time around they are washing their dirty linen in public.

Former lovers embroiled in a bitter fight after Michelle claimed that Prezzo had a tiny transformer

<h1>Among those summoned include; Wema, Sepetu, Idris sultan, Vanessa Mdee, Ray-C, DJ Romy, TID, Director Joan, Babu wa Kitaa and Tunda a video vixen known from Diamond and Rayvanny’s  rendition of ‘Salome’.</h1>

<a href="http://www.plive.co.ke/entertainment/huddah-monroe-socialite-taunts-tanzanian-celebrities-as-her-friend-and-business-partner-is-arrested-over-illegal-drugs-id6193269.html" id="1b14349b-3340-5685-a125-4946f8132988">Huddah Monroe taunts Tanzanian celebrities as her friend and business partner is arrested over illegal drugs</a>

Director Joan, T.I.D, DJ Romy and Tunda were able to secure their freedom while Wema spent a week in prison.

Thankfully, the Bongo actress whose house was found with a roll of marijuana and rizzler <a href="http://millardayo.com/wm09/" id="fd370446-de22-5455-b395-0cf3bed01c1a">has managed to secure her freedom.</a>

Today, she appeared before a judge at Kitutu law courts in Dar Es Salaam. She has been released on a bond of 5 million Tshs and on 22 February she will be back for her drug test to indicate whether she has tested positively for drugs or not

Check out her release and the warm welcome she got <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQSms0AAR4E/?taken-by=plivekenya" id="1ff9a792-7143-5ff5-bfe7-8e50a0d7d10e">here:</a>

Last week, Tanzanian celebrities and Instagram models were called upon for questioning over drug possession and trafficking.

After a week in prison, actress welcomed like a rock star by a huge crowd after her release (Photos)

<h1>Kenya has been put on high alert following an outbreak of the avian influenza commonly known as Bird Flu in neighbouring Uganda.</h1>

According to the Business Daily, Chief Veterinary Officer Juma Ngeiywa has directed all public health and veterinary officers at Busia and Malaba border posts to remain on high alert to ensure no imports of poultry products are allowed in until the situation in Uganda has normalised.

“Permits issued to chicks, eggs, poultry meat and breeding chicken importers will have to be reviewed to safeguard spread of Bird Flu to Kenya,” Dr Ngeiya said.

Kenyan poultry traders have been sourcing eggs, hatched day-old chicks and poultry meat from Uganda, earning huge profits as it is far much cheaper compared to Kenyan poultry products.

Kenya Poultry Farmers Association chairperson Muthoni Kariuki welcomed the ban, saying subsidies provided to Ugandan Poultry Farmers had given them undue advantage to make more profits than them in Kenya.

The Kenya Veterinary Association has at the same timeurged the public not to touch or eat wild birds or other animals that are found dead following the outbreak of bird flu in Uganda along the shores of Lake Victoria near Entebbe.

In a statement, the Association’s National Chairman Samuel Kahariri indicated that any cases of mass bird deaths, animal, both domestic and wild must be promptly reported to the nearest veterinary authority.

He recommended that law enforcement agencies must be extra vigilant to curb the illegal movement of poultry and their products in Kenya.

“The National Government must come in strongly and put in a strong animal disease surveillance system particularly in the hot spots” he said.

He outlined further measures which include the procurement of the requisite protective clothing, disinfectants among other key equipment to avert possible infection and deaths of the veterinary doctors.

“The veterinary doctors and the poultry farming community must be extra vigilant to enhance early warning system,” he stated.

He indicated that county governments need to build their capacities to deal with the looming danger.

<a href="http://pulse.ng/health/in-uganda-bird-flu-detected-in-entebbe-kampala-id6055017.html" id="0d49c26a-8635-509a-822e-6928790fea5c">Uganda on Sunday said it had detected bird flu among migratory birds</a> in two spots, one near Entebbe, on the banks of Lake Victoria, and another in the Masaka district about 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Kampala.

Five domestic ducks and a hen in Masaka were also infected, leading authorities to call for all poultry to be kept inside to avoid further contagion from migratory birds, a statement from the Ugandan Agriculture Ministry said.

In the statement, Christopher Kibazanga, Minister for agriculture, animals and fisheries, said local wildlife authorities on January 2 had reported the "mass death of wild birds, seen by fishermen at Lutembe beach at the shores of Lake Victoria near Entebbe".

Acting General Health Services Director in Uganda Anthony Mbonye, however, allayed fears of people contracting the Avian Flu, saying the probability of bird-to-human infection was low.

“Any infected person will show influenza-like symptoms-coughs, muscle-aches, headaches and diarrhoea. It can be mild, but also very lethal as it attacks the lungs and the kidneys,” he said.

Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.

These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred.

The outbreak has forced Kenya to ban the importation of live birds and chicken products from Uganda.

Kenya bans poultry products from Uganda following outbreak

With the Kenyan elections barely seven months away, politicians are pulling all strings to ensure that all potential voters are registered and have the requisite numbers to guarantee victory in the upcoming polls.

Vocal Mombasa Women Representative, Mishi Mboko has urged women across the country to deny their husbands conjugal rights until they register as voters.

The second and last Mass Voter Registration began on Monday and will continue until February 14 in readiness for the <a href="http://pulse.ng/world/african-politics-4-key-elections-to-watch-out-for-in-2017-id5914137.html" id="c9adb5aa-574f-5b65-b82b-33ae8cb64b85">general elections scheduled to take place on August 8</a>.

Mboko, an opposition MP, said women should realise that sex is a powerful weapon that should now be used to bring about change in the country.

“This is the strategy you should adopt. It is the best. Deny them sex until they show you their voter's card," she said at a public event at the Jommo Kenyatta showground in Mombasa.

She said it had reached a point where they will have to resort to denying sex to their spouses in order to ensure they garner the maximum amount of votes needed to oust the ruling Jubilee Party from power.

Her sentiments echoed another woman legislature; Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi who earlier last year called on women to deny men conjugal rights and food until they register as voters during the first Mass Registration exercise.

She also urged pastors not to allow followers in their churches unless they produce their national identity and voters cards.

“Women who also do not get listed should also not be given money to buy food or for any other use,” the MP added.

Last week, the Governor of Vihiga County, Moses Akaranga declared residents without voter cards would not be served by the county government.

“Anyone coming to seek services from the county departments will first have to show us that he is registered as a voter,” Akaranga said.

He further directed county officers to ensure the directive is adhered to by checking on locals who seek services at the county’s offices.

He however excluded those seeking medical attention from the directive.

Earlier this month, the Murang’a Business Owners’ Association said no one will be served alcohol across the county if they do not have a voter’s card.

The chairman of the association, James Waweru, said they want to be active participants in the voter registration process hence the move.

He said they will demand to see a voter's card from anybody entering hotels and bars and no one will be allowed to drink without showing they are registered voters.

“Just like you cannot drive without a driving licence, then you cannot drink without a voter’s card,” Waweru added.

He also urged public service vehicles and boda boda operators, to follow their suit to ensure all eligible voters are registered.

The Coast Parliamentary Group had also earlier this month suggested that the voter registration exercise be extended to funerals, weddings and palm wine drinking joints.

The group’s chairman Gunga Mwinga said this would help the commission to gather more voters ahead of the August elections.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is targeting to enlist 6.1 million new voters to take part in the August elections.

Mishi Mboko (Mombasa Women Representative Mishi Mboko (above) has urged women across the country to deny their husbands conjugal rights until they register as voters

Politicians are pulling all strings to ensure that all potential voters are registered and have the requisite numbers to guarantee victory in the upcoming polls.

No sex, alcohol and public services until one registers as voter

The Monday launch of the second Mass Voter Registration (MVR) in Kenya has officially set the stage for an epic and titanic battle that will determine who will become the <a href="http://pulse.ng/world/african-politics-4-key-elections-to-watch-out-for-in-2017-id5914137.html" id="012401c4-cd48-5e98-89a1-88dcbf2b56c8">President come the general elections slated for August 8 </a>later this year.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto under the Jubilee Party are seeking re-election pitting them against a formidable but crowded opposition that has yet to pick a sole candidate among themselves with elections barely seven months away.

The opposition Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Senator Moses Wetang’ula have recently been joined by another former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi.

Mudavadi, the chief architect behind the formation of yet another coalition outfit National Super Alliance (NASA), was this month given the title of “Luhya spokesperson" in an attempt aimed at consolidating the vote rich Western region.

However his entry has received a lukewarm reception by supporters of Wetang’ula, another political supremo from Western, giving credibility to the long held myth that the Luhya community can never be solidly united under one leader heading into a general election.

The tribal factor and ethnic superiority numbers in various strongholds of these leaders will once again play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the elections.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga while urging his supporters to turn out in large numbers, said that these elections will be won during the voter registration exercise which ends on February 14.

“The coming elections will be won in the next 30 days. No sleeping, no taking alcohol until we have all the numbers. It will be a do-or-die for us,” said Raila, who will be taking a fourth stab at the presidency in August.

President Kenyatta last week kicked off his re-election bid by launching an ambitious five-million member recruitment drive and tasked over 10,000 Jubilee Party aspirants to lead the recruitment as well as registration of voters.

During the last elections in 2013, Kenya had a total of 14.3 million registered voters out of which 12.3 million cast their ballot on polling day.

President Kenyatta garnered 6.1 million of these representing 50.07 percent of the total vote thereby avoiding a runoff with his closest challenger Raila who received 5.3 million (43.3 percent).

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is targeting to enlist 6.1 million new voters to take part in the August elections, a critical figure which can tilt the outcome of the presidency to either side.

Already the IEBC has 15.9 million registered voters in its data base and it seeks to hit the over 20 million mark – the largest ever voter base in the country’s history.

Of the 9.1 million unregistered voters, the IEBC is targeting 6.7 million voters that the opposing political sides are keen to bring to their side within the next 30 days and eventually clinch power for the next five years.

IEBC national outlook on targeted voters

<ul><li>Rift Valley – 4.97 million</li><li>Eastern – 3.34 million</li><li>Nyanza – 3.09 million</li><li>Central – 3.08 million</li><li>Nairobi – 2.69 million</li><li>Western – 2.36 million</li><li>Coast - 2.03 million</li><li>North Eastern – 488, 060</li></ul>

A total of 7793 Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits will be distributed by the IEBC across 1450 wards in the country’s 290 constituencies.

The IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba allayed fears over allegations of skewed distribution of the kits to favour certain strongholds.

"We have used a fair and the most equitable formula to distribute the BVR kits to each county assembly ward," Chiloba said before the start of the exercise.

According to the distribution, North Rift region will get 918 followed by Central Rift 676, Lower Eastern 651, Nyanza Central 529 and Nyanza South 501 kits.

The IEBC will further conduct voter verification between May 10 and June 9, a process that will ensure that those who died after registration are removed from the final voter register.

Uhuru Ruto rally (President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto wave to their supporters in the run up to the 2013 general elections at Uhuru Park, Nairobi

The launch of the second Mass Voter Registration in Kenya has officially set the stage for an epic and titanic battle that will determine who will become President in August.

Crucial game of numbers that will determine presidential outcome

Regular exercising is vital to a healthy lifestyle. If you have something to work out with at home you can train whenever you want.

To pick the right type of equipment, you have to decide how you want to work out and what your aims are.

There are two basic sorts of exercises: aerobic (cardio) and strength training (lifting weights).

Cardio equipment is equipment that increases your heart rate and respiration to promote cardiovascular health.

For cardio training, there are many models available to meet your needs.

<ul><li>Exercise bikes or recumbent bikes</li><li>Rowing machines</li><li>​Treadmills</li><li>​Elliptical trainers</li><li>​Stair steppers or tread climbers</li><li>Cross trainers</li><li>​Pedal exercisers</li></ul>

Strength equipment is equipment that helps you strengthen your muscles and bones for an overall healthier body.

For strength training, there are multiple models that incorporate many upper body, core, and lower body workouts into a single unit, including:

<ul><li>Functional trainers</li><li>Power cages and racks</li><li>Ankle weights</li><li>Exercise mat</li><li>Hand weights (Dumbbells, weighted bands)</li><li>Resistance bands and tubing</li></ul>

If your primary goal is to lose fat than buy a cardio machine if you want to put on muscle, then get a strength training equipment.

However, to get superb results, getting both is the best option (in case you can afford).

One of the first things you need to do is figure out how much you are willing to spend on your exercise equipment.

So although you may want to avoid spending a lot of money, you don’t always want to go for the cheapest option either.

Avoid buying low-quality and ultra cheap pieces of equipment that broke after few usage or do not work smoothly.

Pick a little bit more expensive products with a long warranty and, at least, 4-star reviews.

A well-working equipment is going to make your <a href="http://pulse.ng/wellness/fit-fam-do-you-have-fitness-goals-for-2017-get-inspired-to-id6024582.html" id="c005c648-3685-5268-abc8-f3016c782f40">home workouts enjoyable and efficient</a> for long years.

Another concern people have when buying fitness equipment is space. Does your home have enough space to warrant a piece of fitness equipment?

You might be surprised at how much you can do with very little space.

Thanks to modern innovations in fitness equipment design, most fitness equipment can now fit into smaller spaces that they would not have been able to decades ago.

Take some measurements of the place you plan to put your equipment and keep these measurements with you when you are shopping.

You will be able to compare the specifications of the machine to the measurements of the space you have available.

When you purchase workout equipment, there’s a good chance that there will be some assembly required.

You may be able to find equipment that is easy to assemble but if something is a little more complicated, you may have to find someone that can help you put it together.

This is just one more thing to keep in mind before deciding on a piece of equipment.

Always check and review the customer reviews and the length of the warranty.

<ul><li>You can research features and specifications all day long but how can you know if a product is durable and built to last?</li><li>How will you be able to know if a machine is easy to assemble?</li><li>How will you be able to decide if you truly are getting the best piece of equipment for the money you’re spending?</li></ul>

Questions like these and many others can be answered by researching customer reviews online.

By spending a little bit of time reading reviews from people who have purchased and used a piece of equipment that you are considering, you will be able to gain a lot of valuable information that will help you make an informed decision.

Fitness equipment at home (If you have something to work out with at home you can train whenever you want

One does not need to go to the gym wasting time and money.

Simple steps on how to choose the right one

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) typically occurs within one month of a traumatic event. It lasts at least three days and can persist for up to one month.

It is a psychological condition that can develop after exposure, and as a response, to a stressful event.Traumatic events may vary hugely and are specific to the individual.

They include serious accidents, natural disasters, violent assaults and rarer events such as terrorist incidents. It can also result from sexual assault, following rape or child sexual abuse.

The trauma can be ongoing such as in the cases of domestic violence or recurring sexual abuse.

<a href="http://pulse.ng/womens-health/health-tips-could-serious-stress-put-you-at-risk-for-eye-disease-id5915826.html" id="eff08b8a-f541-57fb-ac3b-ef9bbfd871a0">People experiencing acute traumatic stress</a> may be injured as a result of the event, or they may be witnesses to the traumatic event.

Approximately 6 to 33 percent of people who experience a traumatic event develop ASD. This rate varies based on the nature of the traumatic situation.

People suffering from ASD may have the following symptoms:

<ul><li>Feeling numb, detached, or being emotionally unresponsive</li><li>A reduced awareness of your surroundings</li><li>Derealisation, which occurs when your environment seems strange or unreal to you</li><li>Depersonalization, which occurs when your thoughts or emotions don’t seem real or don’t seem like they belong to you</li><li>Dissociative amnesia, which occurs when you cannot remember one or more important aspects of the traumatic event</li><li>Re-experiencing the traumatic event over and over</li><li>Having recurring nightmares</li><li>Acting or feeling as if the event is happening again</li><li>Staying away from activities, places or people that are reminders of the traumatic experience</li><li>Avoiding friends and family</li><li>Losing interest in activities one used to enjoy</li><li>Experiencing difficulty having loving feelings</li><li>Getting angry easily</li><li>Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep</li><li>Fearing harm from others</li><li>Experiencing sudden attacks of dizziness, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath</li><li>Having fears of dying</li></ul>

Some people who have an acute stress reaction will find their symptoms persist for longer than one month. It may be necessary to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

There may be another explanation for your symptoms. Some people with long-term symptoms may need to be assessed to see if post-traumatic stress disorder is a possibility.

Although alcohol may apparently give short-term relief of symptoms it can be damaging.

Drinking alcohol to 'calm nerves' may lead to problems with low mood, worse anxiety and problem drinking and is not recommended.

The symptoms of ASD may cause you distress or disrupt important aspects of your life, such as your social or work settings.