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Revealed Secrets of Maintaining Good Eye Health

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Secrets of Maintaining Good Eye Health
Secrets of Maintaining Good Eye Health
  1. Eat for Good Vision

Protecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related v

ision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts, studies show. Regular consumption of these foods could lead to good eye health:

  • Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards
  • Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
  • Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources
  • Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices
  1. Quit Smoking

Smoking makes you more likely to get cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you’ve tried to quit smoking before and started smoking again, keep trying. The more times you try to quit smoking, the more likely you are to succeed.

  1. Wear Sunglasses

The right kind of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Too much UV exposure makes you more likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration.

  1. Use Safety Eyewear

If you work with hazardous or airborne materials on the job or at home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles every time.

Certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Wear eye protection (such as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses) to shield your eyes.

  1. Look Away From the Computer Screen

Staring at a computer screen for too long can cause:

  • Eyestrain
  • Blurry vision
  • Trouble focusing at a distance
  • Dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Neck, back, and shoulder pain
  1. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Everyone, even young children, should get their eyes examined regularly. It helps you protect your sight and see your best.

Amazing health benefits of Watermelon

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health benefits of Watermelon
health benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon is by far, one of the most powerful, body-healing fruits out there! The amazing health benefits of watermelon cover everything from your brain all the way to the cells in your feet.

The best time to indulge in this fresh, succulent, juicy melon is summertime, when they are in season and deliver an array of nutrients, vitamin and minerals.

Watermelon is incredibly hydrating (up to 92% water!) and is naturally low-fat. Make this melon a part of your daily diet and you will reap amazing benefits that range from improving cardiovascular health to nourishing your eyes and revving up your immune system.

8 Benefits

  1. Cardiovascular & Bone Health: The lycopene in watermelon is especially important for our cardiovascular health and is now being recognized as an important factor in promoting bone health. Consuming large amounts of watermelon has also been correlated with improved cardiovascular function because it improves blood flow via vasodilation (relaxation of blood pressure). Dietary lycopene (from foods like watermelon or tomatoes) reduces oxidative stress which normally reduces the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts (the two major bone cells involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis) – this means stronger bones for those consuming lycopene-rich foods. Watermelon is also rich in potassium which helps to retain calcium in your body, resulting in stronger bones and joints.
  2. Reduces Body Fat: The citrulline in watermelon has been shown to reduce the accumulation of fat in our fat cells. Citrulline is an amino acid which converts into arginine with help from the kidneys. When our bodies absorb citrulline it can take the step of converting into arginine if so required. Citrulline, when consumed, has the ability to (through a series of steps) block the activity of TNAP (tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) which makes our fat cells create less fat, and thus helps prevent over-accumulation of body fat.
  3. Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Support: Watermelon is rich in phenolic compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids. The carotenoid lycopene in watermelon is particularly beneficial in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals. The tripterpenoid cucurbitacin E is also present in watermelon, which provides anti-inflammatory support by blocking activity of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes which normally lead to increased inflammatory support. Make sure you pick ripe watermelons, because they contain higher amounts of these beneficial phenolic compounds.
  4. Diuretic & Kidney Support: Watermelon is a natural diuretic which helps increase the flow of urine, but does not strain the kidneys (unlike alcohol and caffeine). Watermelons help the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids.
  5. Muscle & Nerve Support: Rich in potassium, watermelon is a great natural electrolyte and thus helps regulate the action of nerves and muscles in our body. Potassium determines the degree and frequency with which our muscles contract, and controls the excitation of nerves in our body.
  1. Alkaline-forming: Watermelons have an alkaline-forming effect in the body when fully ripe. Eating lots of alkaline-forming foods (fresh, ripe, fruit and vegetables) can help reduce your risk of developing disease and illness caused by a high-acid diet (namely, meat, eggs and dairy).
  2. Improves Eye Health: Watermelon is a wonderful source of beta-carotene (that rich red hue of watermelon = beta carotene) which is converted in the body to vitamin A. It helps produce the pigments in the retina of the eye and protects against age-related macular degeneration as well as prevents night blindness. Vitamin A also maintains healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, and mucus membranes.
  3. Immune Support, Wound Healing & Prevents Cell Damage:  The vitamin C content in watermelon is astoundingly high. Vitamin C is great at improving our immune system by maintaining the redox integrity of cells and thereby protecting them from reactive oxygen species (which damages our cells and DNA). The role of vitamin C in healing wounds has also been observed in numerous studies because it is essential to the formation of new connective tissue. The enzymes involved in forming collagen (the main component of wound healing) cannot function without vitamin C. If you are suffering from any slow-healing wounds, up your intake of vitamin C heavy fruit.

How much do you know of Alzheimer’s disease?

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Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer’s disease

Today is World Alzheimer’s Disease Day; however, the condition may sound strange to many, as it is not a common health condition in this clime. This article will endeavour to give you needed information on the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. A neurodegenerative type of dementia, the disease starts mild and gets progressively

Causes of Alzheimer’s disease

Like all types of dementia, Alzheimer’s is caused by brain cell death. It is a neurodegenerative disease, which means there is progressive brain cell death that happens over a course of time. The total brain size shrinks with Alzheimer’s – the tissue has progressively fewer nerve cells and connections. While they cannot be seen or tested in the living brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease, postmortem/autopsy will always show tiny inclusions in the nerve tissue, called plaques and tangles:

  • Plaques are found between the dying cells in the brain – from the build-up of a protein called beta-amyloid (you may hear the term “amyloid plaques”).
  • The tangles are within the brain neurons – from a disintegration of another protein, called tau.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

  1. Inability to take in and remember information, e.g:

* Repetitive questions or conversations

* Forgetting events or appointments

* Getting lost on a familiar route.”

  1. Impairments to reasoning and complex tasking:

* Poor understanding of safety risks

* Inability to manage finances

* Poor decision-making ability

  1. Impaired visual, speaking abilities:

* Inability to recognize faces or common objects or to find objects in direct view

* Inability to operate simple implements, or orient clothing to the body.

* Difficulty thinking of common words while speaking, hesitations

* Speech, spelling, and writing errors.

  1. Changes in personality and behavior, for example:

* Out-of-character mood changes, including agitation; less interest, motivation or initiative; apathy; social withdrawal

* Loss of empathy

* Compulsive, obsessive or socially unacceptable behavior.

 

Stages of Alzheimer’s disease

The progression of Alzheimer’s can be broken down into three basic stages:

  1. Preclinical (no signs or symptoms yet)
  2. Mild cognitive impairment
  3. Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association has broken this down further, describing seven stages along a continuum of cognitive decline based on symptom severity – from a state of no impairment, through mild and moderate decline, and eventually reaching “very severe decline.”

Risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease

Some things are more commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease – not seen so often in people without the disorder. These factors may therefore have some direct connection. Some are preventable or modifiable factors (for example, reducing the risk of diabetes or heart disease may in turn cut the risk of dementia). Risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease include:

  1. Unavoidable risk factors
  • Age – the disorder is more likely in older people, and a greater proportion of over-85-year-olds have it than of over-65s.
  • Family history (inheritance of genes) – having Alzheimer’s in the family is associated with higher risk. This is the second biggest risk factor after age.
  • Having a certain gene (the apolipoprotein E or APOE gene) puts a person, depending on their specific genetics; at three to eight times more risk than a person without the gene. Numerous other genes have been found to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Being female (more women than men are affected).
  1. Potentially avoidable or modifiable factors
  • Factors that increase blood vessel (vascular) risk – including diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. (These also increase the risk of stroke, which itself can lead to another type of dementia.)
  • Low educational and occupational attainment.
  • Prior head injury. (While a traumatic brain injury does not necessarily lead to Alzheimer’s, some research links have been drawn, with increasing risk tied to the severity of trauma history.)8
  • Sleep disorders (the breathing problem sleep apnea, for example).
  • Estrogen hormone replacement therapy.

Treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease – the death of brain cells in the dementia cannot be halted or reversed. There is, however, much backing for therapeutic interventions to help people live with Alzheimer’s disease more ably. The Alzheimer’s Association includes the following as important elements of dementia care:

  • Effective management of any conditions occurring alongside the Alzheimer’s.
  • Activities and/or programs of adult day care.
  • Support groups and services.

The Importance of Honey to Pregnant women

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Pregnancy is a state every woman must experience, one time or the other. And a pregnant woman needs extra care with regards to health since there is another life depending on her.

However, treating respiratory ailments in pregnancy could be quite challenging, because not all medicines are suitable for pregnant women. If you are looking for a natural alternative to treat minor illnesses, honey might be a good natural alternative.

3 Roles of Honey in Pregnancy

 1.Relieves Cough: A cough during pregnancy is a critical situation. Treating this minor ailment requires delicate and tender touch. Pregnant women cannot just take any cough syrup or medicines. Honey is good for relieving cough. It is all natural which means it will not cause side effects (unless you are allergic to honey).

 2.Treats Heartburn: Heartburn is very common to pregnant women due to hormonal changes. It takes place when the acidic stomach contents go back into the esophagus. This ailment has the tendency to make the pregnant woman lose appetite. That is why it is essential to deal with it instantaneously. There are different medications available in the pharmacy for this sort of condition. In case you want to try an all natural remedy, take advantage of the organic properties of honey.

The remedy for heartburn is quite simple. Just mix one tablespoon of honey into a glass of milk then drink it when there is a sign of heartburn. Pregnant women usually drink milk to reinforce the food and vitamins taken so it is not really a burden to incorporate honey. Since honey is sweet, it will just act as a sweetener to the milk. Honey and milk mixture offers chemical free heartburn remedy.

3.Cures Sore Throat: In an effort to avoid using medicines that may cause harm to the unborn baby, many pregnant women look for natural remedies for minor health conditions. When you have sore throat, making use of honey as treatment is considered as the safest option. Sore throat is painful. So, the pain should not be prolonged.

There are two options to treat sore throat using honey. First option, mix lemon and honey with a glass of warm water. The mixture should be gargled to help alleviate the pain associated to the ailment. Second option: A pregnant woman with sore throat can directly swallow a spoonful of honey. All natural honey can offer relief without putting the baby’s life in danger.

 

 

 

The wonders of Aloe Vera

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wonders of Aloe Vera
wonders of Aloe Vera

In ancient times, Aloe vera and its extracts were used for medicinal purposes. Today, researchers are discovering more advantages of this versatile plant.

15 health benefits of Aloe Vera

  • Detoxify the body.
  • Hydrates the skin.
  • Boosts the immune system.
  • Stabilizes blood sugar.
  • Soothes arthritis pain.
  • Protects the body from stress.
  • Prevents Kidney stones.
  • Cooling and repairing sunburn skin.
  • Reduces high blood pressure.
  • Strengthens gums and promotes strong and healthy teeth.
  • Heals the Intestines and lubricates the digestive tract.
  • Prevents and treats Candida Infections.
  • Boosts cardiovascular performance and physical endurance.
  • Helpful in curing blisters, insect bites and any allergic reactions, eczema, burns, inflammations, wounds and psoriasis.

How to remedy constipation with Herbs.

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How to remedy constipation with Herbs.
How to remedy constipation with Herbs.

Constipation is uncomfortable and can make life miserable. When you’re feeling weighed down and bloated, you want fast relief. Fortunately, you may be able to use natural remedies to relieve your constipation.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is defined as having less than three bowel movements per week. It may be chronic, or happen occasionally. Some symptoms include:

  •  hard stools
  •  straining to have a bowel movement
  • feeling as though you are “blocked” or can’t empty your bowels
  • needing help emptying your rectum
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea and bloating

6   Natural remedies for Constipation

It’s pretty easy to find herbal preparations for constipation. In fact, many over-the-counter laxatives contain herbal ingredients. Here are six herbal therapies you may want to consider for your constipation.

  1. Fish Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to play a role in a large number of bodily functions, including digestion. Some studies have shown that omega-3s can be helpful in managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which include constipation. Fish oil, derived either from diet or in supplement form, is a rich source of these fatty acids.
  2. Castor Oil: Castor oil is a yellowish liquid that can be used as a home remedy for constipation because of its laxative property. One study in Nigeria found that oral castor oil helped children with chronic constipation to move their bowels. An upside to castor oil for constipation is that it works quickly. However, it was warned that it shouldn’t be taken at bedtime, due to its quick effects.
  3. Fibre: One of the best known home remedies for constipation is fibre. The recommended dosage — 20 to 35 grams per day — can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fibre is also a convenient constipation remedy since most people already have these items in their homes. Fibre supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) can be used as well.
  4. Lemon juice: The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a stimulant for your digestive system, and can also help flush out toxins and undigested material that may have built up along the walls of the colon. Mixing the juice with water not only lessens the intensity of the lemon flavor, but helps get you the fluids you need to get everything moving normally again.
  5. Herbs: Commonly used bulk-forming herbal laxatives include flaxseed, fenugreek, and barley. If you opt for flaxseed as a constipation remedy, you should remember that flaxseed oil is different from the actual flaxseeds, which are available as whole or crushed seeds; flaxseed oil is not a constipation remedy. Stimulant herbs for constipation include senna, Cascara segrada, and aloe.
  6. Probiotics: Probiotics are the bacteria inside our intestines that promote digestion. Examples of probiotics are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Sacchromyces boulardi, and they are available in supplement form and some foods, such as yogurt. Some studies have shown that probiotics are an effective non-drug cure for constipation. Like fiber, probiotics are relatively easy home cure for constipation because they are available in foods that many families already have in the refrigerator.

Top tips for a healthy pregnancy

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Top tips for a healthy pregnancy
Top tips for a healthy pregnancy

Pregnant mum? Have you realized you can feel wonderful during your pregnancy if you take good care of yourself? Increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy by following these fantastic steps to keep yourself in top condition:

  1. Eat five or six well-balanced meals each day.
  2. Take a prenatal vitamin each day as directed by your obstetrician or midwife.
  3. Drink plenty of fluids — at least eight to 10 glasses a day — avoiding caffeine and artificial coloring.
  4. Don’t drink alcohol.
  5. Don’t smoke or allow yourself to be exposed to secondhand smoke.
  6. Exercise — it’s important for your general health and also can help reduce stress. Take a pregnancy exercise class or walk at least fifteen to twenty minutes every day at a moderate pace. Walk in cool, shaded areas or indoors in order to prevent overheating.
  7. Get adequate sleep — at least eight hours a night. If you’re suffering from sleep disturbances, take naps during the day and see your physician for advice.
  8. Wear comfortable, non-restricting shoes and put your feet up several times a day to prevent fatigue and swelling of the feet, legs, and ankles.
  9. Continue to wear a safety belt while riding in motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the shoulder portion of the restraint should be positioned over the collar bone. The lap portion should be placed under the abdomen as low as possible on the hips and across the upper thighs, never above the abdomen. Also, pregnant women should sit as far from the air bag as possible.
  10. Don’t take over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without first consulting your obstetrician or midwife.

Why your body needs cucumber

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Why your body needs cucumber
Why your body needs cucumber

As the campaign to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables continues, experts on nutrition have advised on the daily intake of a considerable amount of cucumber, owing to its anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-stress content.

Cucumber belongs to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon (the Cucurbitaceae family). Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot summer day can help you stay hydrated.

However, there’s always a reason to eat cucumber all year long. Packed full with vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese, cucumbers can help you avoid nutrient deficiencies that are widespread among those eating a typical African diet.

Cucumbers contain unique polyphenols and other compounds that may help reduce your risk of chronic diseases and much, much more.

9 REASONS TO EAT CUCUMBERS

  1. Protect Your Brain: Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline,fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
  2. Reduce Your Risk of Cancer: Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers. They also contain phytonutrients called cucurbitacins, which also have anti-cancer properties. According to the George Mateljan Foundation.

“Scientists have already determined that several different signaling pathways (for example, the JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways) required for cancer cell development and survival can be blocked by activity of cucurbitacins.”

  1. Fight Inflammation: Cucumbers may help to “cool” the inflammatory response in your body, and animal studies suggest that cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted inflammation, in part by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (including cyclo-oxygenase 2, or COX-2)
  2. Antioxidant Properties: Cucumbers contain numerous antioxidants, including the well-known vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which provide additional benefits.

For instance, quercetin is an antioxidant that many believe prevents histamine release—making quercetin-rich foods “natural antihistamines.” Kaempferol, meanwhile, may help fight cancer and lower your risk of chronic diseases including heart disease.

  1. Freshen Your Breath: Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath.
  2. Manage Stress: Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress.
  3. Support Your Digestive Health: Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. If you struggle with acid reflux, you should know that drinking water can help suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux by temporarily raising stomach pH; it’s possible that water-rich cucumbers may have a similar effect.

Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. This helps food to move through your digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination.

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Cucumbers are very low in calories, yet they make a filling snack (one cup of sliced cucumber contains just 16 calories).The soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion. This helps you to feel full longer and is one reason why fiber-rich foods may help with weight control.
  2. Support Heart Health: Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly.

As an electrolyte, potassium is a positive charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration (about 30 times higher inside than outside your cells) in order to carry out its functions, which includes interacting with sodium to help control nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.

Ophthalmologist, pharmacist disagree on pharmacists’ performance

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The simmering tension which has long existed between pharmacists and medical practitioners in the country almost led to a heated debate between two renowned health professionals during the 2015 edition of Dortemag Ventures’ annual Infectious Disease Forum.

The interactive session which was jointly put together for healthcare practitioners by the company and its Malaysia-based partner, Kotra Pharmaceuticals, was held at Lagos Airport Hotel on 5 August, 2015.

Addressing the audience, Pharm. Cheah Min Loong, chief operating officer of Kotra Pharma gave a visual presentation, during which he made reference to the potency of generic products and the claim by some global companies that such products are inferior to innovator brands.

Some even allude that generics are produced in sub-standard facilities or that they usually take longer hours to produce result. There is quite a lot of misconception going on.

The chief operating officer of the Malaysia Pharmaceutical Company of the Year (2012) which equally has presence in 30 countries across Australia, Asia, Oceania, Africa, Middle East, Europe and South America further stressed that producing generics were not as cheap as had thought.

A recent bioequivalent study has proven that a generic antibiotic has similar rate and extent of bioavailability to the innovator product, and by extension, generic antibiotic will have similar efficacy and safety as innovator,” he disclosed.

Loong further reiterated that the GMP manufacturing process and quality control were valid, which should encourage Nigerian doctors to prescribe quality generic antibiotics without hassles.

However, while applauding the presentation of Mr Loong, Prof. Adebukunola Adefule-Ositele, a consultant with the department of ophthalmology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), declared that it was unfortunate that Nigerian pharmacists were not doing enough.

“Pharmacists in Nigeria are still sleeping and need to wake up from their slumber,” he admonished.”From the analysis we have just seen, we can tell that many researches and clinical trials had gone into this. Kotra Pharma has done well and remains a beacon for Malaysia…Nigerian pharmacists need to wake up. We need to do better than what we are presently doing.”

Apparently miffed by such insinuation of underperformance, pharmacists in the gathering were quick to express their disapproval.

Pharm. Mobolanle Adekoya, LUTH’s deputy director of pharmacy, was particularly vocal in her defence of pharmacists in the country.

“We are not sleeping! I would not sit here and listen to anybody disparage my profession,” she declared, adding that: “In LUTH Pharmacy where I work, we mix our syrup, mist mag, paracetamol, sodium chloride and our materials are sourced locally. We are not sleeping, I make bold to say hospital pharmacists are working. Even UCH in Ibadan works round the clock.”

Recalling how her 31-year exploits in pharmacy practice has seen her formulate products such as Vitamin A cream, KCL injection and sodium chloride in LUTH production unit, Adekoya emphasised that it would be unfair for anybody let alone a professional from the health sector to make pharmacists look like a lazy bunch.

Earlier in the forum, Dr Abieyuwa Emopkae, a consultant paediatrician and medical director of Massey Street Children Hospital, Lagos Island, had disclosed that diagnosis of infectious diseases was fast becoming a challenge in Nigeria.

One reason he adduced for this was what he described as poor management of microbiology laboratories.

 

L-R: Nicholas Yeoh, business development manager of Kotra Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Cheah Min Loong, Kotra’s chief operating officer; Mrs Dorcas Agboola, director of Dortemag Ventures; Pharm. Mobolanle Adekoya, deputy director of pharmacy in LUTH and Pharm. Seye Agboola, chairman of Dortemag Ventures at the event
L-R: Nicholas Yeoh, business development manager of Kotra Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Cheah Min Loong, Kotra’s chief operating officer; Mrs Dorcas Agboola, director of Dortemag Ventures; Pharm. Mobolanle Adekoya, deputy director of pharmacy in LUTH and Pharm. Seye Agboola, chairman of Dortemag Ventures at the event

PCN cautions against harassment of officials

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L-R: Pharm. Ade Popoola, chairman, Board of Fellows; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, PSN president and Pharm. (Hajia) Wosilat Giwa, vice chairman, BOF at the BOF mid-year meeting
L-R: Pharm. Ade Popoola, chairman, Board of Fellows; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, PSN president and Pharm. (Hajia) Wosilat Giwa, vice chairman, BOF at the BOF mid-year meeting

Following persistent threats of attack on its officials in different states of the federation, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has warned the perpetrators to desist from such practice.

Speaking at the 2015 PSN Board of Fellows (BOF) mid-year meeting and dinner, held on 29 July, 2015 at Diplomat Hotel, Maryland, Lagos, Pharm. N.A.E Mohammed, PCN registrar, said patent medicine dealers, in particular, were in the habit of intimidating PCN officials when their requests were not granted.

Mohammed cited two states, Ekiti and Edo, as being more notorious for such act.

“I will say Ekiti, especially, is where you will find the highest level of patent medicine-related activities. It is terrible! But so far, we have got the cooperation of police commissioners and inspector general to boost our inspection team,” he said.

The registrar, who was full of praises for the PCN representatives in its Edo and Ekiti offices, noted that because of their integrity and commitment, the PCN had vowed to protect them.

“Our PCN representative in Ekiti has remained uncompromising. Despite series of threats of spiritual and physical attacks, she continually refuses to yield to the temptation of bribe and intimidation.

“Same thing applies to the representative in Benin who receives death threat daily. I have reassured him too that as an indigene of the state myself, no harm will befall him,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the PSN Board of Fellows took some time to honour some of its members whose commitment and presence had continued to strengthen the Board.83-year-old Pharm. Lawrence Anyafulu led the list of awardees. Others were Chief David Hunponu-Wusu (78), Pharm. Otunba S.O.Babalola Dada (77) and Pharm. Moses Azuike (78).

In the category of early arrival, Pharm. (Otunba) Claudius Aina took the lead, followed closely by Pharm. Elizabeth Odili and Pharm (Mrs) Victoria Ukwu.

Pharm. Yaro Budah was also awarded as the first past PSN president to arrive early at the event.

Earlier at the event, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, PSN president, had urged caution in tackling the perennial issue of open drug market.

According to him, even though pharmacists had spent the last 30 years clamouring for demolition of open drug markets, due process must be followed to achieve the goal.

In his words: “I am not sure if anyone fought this cause more than me during my tenure as secretary and chairman of Lagos PSN. But we know that closing down of open drug market can’t just happen like that, especially in a democracy. A friend used to tell me that when you continually drive a car on gear one, it will eventually crash the engine. We need change!”

The PSN Board of Fellows is a body of distinguished pharmacists who have excelled in their various fields of human endeavour with particular reference to the pharmacy profession. Members are elected by the PSN tri-annually, in accordance with the constitution of the Society.

Also in attendance at this year’s mid-year meeting were Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former managing director of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Ade Popoola, group managing director of Reals Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Regina Ezenwa, coordinator of Roses Ministry; Pharm. (Barr.) Chiedu Mordi, unofficial BOF member; Pharm. (Mrs) Bosede Oluwatayo-Omotoyinbo, assistant secretary; and Pharm. Asiwaju Joe Oyewole Olarogun, managing director of Kosemani Pharmacy.

BOSON tasks FG on herbal integration, decries desertification

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imagesGoing by the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s declaration that more than 80 per cent of the world’s population depend on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs, it is incumbent on the Federal Government of Nigeria to expedite action on the integration of natural medicine into the country’s health care delivery system.

This was the stance of botanists across the nation and beyond, who recently assembled at the Department of Botany, University of Lagos, Akoka, for their 23rd International Conference and Exhibition, organised by the Botanical Society of Nigeria (BOSON).

Presenting over 250 abstracts of their latest findings, the plant experts discussed the numerous benefits of medicinal plants over synthetic drugs, the remedial and economical roles of plants in food security and safety, the physiology and ecophysiology of plants, among other issues.

L-R: President of BOSON, prof. Augustine O.Isichei, Department of Botany, OAU; Prof. Dele Olowokudejo, Botany Department, UNILAG; and Prof. Adeyemi Egunyomi, Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, at the conference.
L-R: President of BOSON, prof. Augustine O.Isichei, Department of Botany, OAU; Prof. Dele Olowokudejo, Botany Department, UNILAG; and Prof. Adeyemi Egunyomi, Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, at the conference.

 

.     The herbal practitioners particularly lamented the unnecessary delay in the passage of the Traditional Medicine (TM) Bill which they said had created a window for all sorts of sharp practices in the profession, leading to the discrediting of genuine practitioners and disappearance of plants in the environment.

President of BOSON, Professor Augustine O. Isichei, traced apathy to herbal medicines to as far back as the colonial era, noting that modern health care givers should have had a change in orientation, as herbal remedies had been proven to be efficacious.

“Our colonial system, more or less stigmatised herbal medicine, as they condemned many of our natural products. In the same vein, many orthodox practitioners followed this same argument, thereby condemning our local medicines. What should have been done is to embrace it,” Isichei said.

He further underscored his argument by citing the example of one of the oldest medicines, Aspirin, which he said was derived from a plant called “Aspiria omeria”. He also cited “Erythroxylon coca” as the plant from which cocaine is derived, which has continued to serve as a powerful analgesic against excruciating pains.

The erudite professor of Botany therefore maintained that orthodox practitioners must seek to accommodate herbal practitioners, stressing that without developing and integrating the nation’s rich biodiversified resources into its health care system, the health sector would perpetually remain a consuming sector.

“Our medical schools and medicine experts should always remind our doctors that 25 per cent of our prescribed drugs are derived from plants and they have assumed prominence in medicine. And in many climes like India and China, the proportion is increasing. These plants are our heritage, as we have very many biodiversity, we also have many intangible benefits of plants, for instance, purification of streams, generation of oxygen, carbon sequestration, which protect us from climate change. So apart from plants as source of medicines, foods, we also have these eco system benefits”, he explained.

Addressing participants at the first plenary session titled, “The value of medicinal plants scaled by race and time”, Professor Adeyemi Egunyomi, said the crux of the lecture was to bring back the nation’s values on medicinal plants which were precious to the forefathers and proved more effective with less adverse effects, unlike synthetic drugs.

“However, the challenge this day is that these plants are disappearing around us, and the knowledge of indigenous plants is still with the local people,” Egunyomi said. “So it’s incumbent on government in Africa, especially in Nigeria, to find means of accessing the knowledge of indigenous people on medicinal plants, so that Nigeria which currently uses only 25 per cent of herbal medicines can enjoy more of these resources.”

The plant expert who admitted that BOSON could take baby steps in collaborating with other organisations towards bridging the gap in accessing indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants, however insisted that there must be a bigger driving force, to propel such vision, whether at the state level or federal level, due to the huge capital required.

Reacting to the widespread campaign which linked consumption of herbal medicines to increase in renal failure and other liver diseases, the professor said it was mere misinformation by advocates of pro-western medicines.

“I don’t take synthetic drugs unless it is completely unavoidable. We know the effects of such on the kidney. When medicinal plants are boiled, they are in diluted solution, and their effects may not be as devastating as being canvassed, they are relatively less in toxin than synthetic drugs. That is why people are going back to nature”, he argued.

 

Akanocure Prescribed drugs

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Expertise commercialized by a Purdue-based startup might enhance most cancers therapies by synthesizing and creating anti-cancer chemotherapeutic medication derived from pure origins.

A information launch is accessible at http://otc-prf.org/information/purdue-based-pharmaceutical-startup-participate-american-chemical-society-program

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Red Alert on Suicide

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Red Alert on Suicide
Red Alert on Suicide

Depression carries a high risk of suicidal intention. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very seriously. The best way to minimize the risk of suicide is to know the risk factors and to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Take these signs seriously. Know how to respond to them. It could save someone’s life.

Prevalence of Suicide

Suicide is a potentially preventable public health problem; millions of people attempted suicides, according to the Centers for Disease Control.Men take their lives nearly four times the rate of women, accounting for 79% of suicides.

Suicidal Risk Factors

Risk factors for suicide vary by age, gender, and ethnic group. And risk factors often occur in combinations. Over 90% of people who die by suicide have clinical depression or another diagnosable mental disorder. Many times, people who die by suicide have an alcohol or substance abuse problem. Often they have that problem in combination with other mental disorders.

  • Clinical depression
  • One or more prior suicide attempts
  • Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse
  • Family history of suicide
  • Family violence
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Keeping firearms in the home
  • Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain
  • Incarceration
  • Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others

Warning Signs of Suicide

  • Always talking or thinking about death
  • Clinical depression — deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating — that gets worse
  • Having a “death wish,” tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving fast or running red lights
  • Losing interest in things one used to care about
  • Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
  • Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
  • Saying things like “it would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out”
  • Sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
  • Talking about suicide or killing one’s self
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and Its Defects

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Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and Its Defects
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and Its Defects

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) : is the overall damage done to the child before birth as a result of the mother’s drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) always involves brain damage, impaired growth, and head and face abnormalities.

People with FAS may develop problems with their vision, hearing, memory, attention span, and abilities to learn and communicate. While the defects vary from one person to another, the damage is often permanent.These disorders range from mild to severe. They can be behavioral, physical, related to learning, or all of the above.

Causes of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and Its causes

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, some of that alcohol easily passes across the placenta to the fetus. The body of a developing fetus does not process alcohol the same way as an adult’s. The alcohol is more concentrated in the fetus, and can prevent enough nutrition and oxygen from getting to the fetus’ vital organs.

Damage can be done in the first few weeks of pregnancy when a woman might not yet know that she is pregnant. The risk increases if the mother is a heavy drinker.

According to studies, alcohol use appears to be most harmful during the first three months of pregnancy. However, consumption of alcohol during any time during pregnancy can be harmful.

Symptoms of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

Since foetal alcohol syndrome covers a wide range of problems, there are many possible symptoms. The severity of these symptoms ranges from mild to severe, and can include:

  • a small head
  • a smooth ridge between the upper lip and nose, small eyes, a very thin upper lip, or other abnormal facial features
  • below-average height and weight
  • hyperactivity
  • lack of focus
  • poor coordination
  • delayed development and problems in thinking, speech, movement and social skills
  • poor judgment
  • problems seeing or hearing
  • learning disabilities
  • mental retardation
  • heart problems
  • kidney defects and abnormalities
  • deformed limbs or fingers
  • mood swings

Diagnosing Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

Early diagnosis can increase a positive outcome in the child. Talk to your doctor if you think your child might have FAS. Let your doctor know if you drank while you were pregnant.

A physical exam of the baby may show a heart murmur or other heart problems. As the baby matures, there may be other signs that help confirm the diagnosis, these include:

  • slow rate of growth
  • abnormal facial features or bone growth
  • hearing and vision problems
  • slow language acquisition
  • small head size
  • poor coordination

To diagnose an individual with FAS, the doctor must determine that he or she has abnormal facial features, slower than normal growth, and central nervous system problems. These nervous system problems could be physical or behavioral. They might present as hyperactivity, lack of coordination or focus or learning disabilities.

Treating Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

While FAS is incurable, some symptoms can be treated. The earlier the diagnosis, the more progress is likely to be made.

Special education and social services can help very young children. For example, speech therapists can work with toddlers to help them learn to talk.

Children with FAS will benefit from a stable and loving home. FAS children can be even more sensitive to disruptions in routine than an average child. FAS children are especially likely to develop problems with violence and substance abuse later in life if they are exposed to violence or abuse at home. These children do well with a regular routine, simple rules to follow, and rewards for positive behavior.

Depending on what type of symptoms the FAS child exhibits, he or she may need many doctor or specialist visits. There are no medications that specifically treat FAS. However, several medications may address symptoms. These medications include:

  • antidepressants to treat problems with sadness and negativity
  • stimulants to treat lack of focus, hyperactivity, and other behavioral problems
  • neuroleptics to treat anxiety and aggression
  • anti-anxiety drugs to treat anxiety

Behavioral training may also help FAS children. For instance, friendship training teaches kids social skills for interacting with their peers. Executive function training may improve skills such as self-control, reasoning, and understanding cause and effect. Children with FAS might also need academic help. For example, a math tutor could help a child who struggles in school.

Parents and siblings might also need help in dealing with the challenges this condition can cause. This help can come through talk therapy or support groups. Parents can also receive parental training tailored to the needs of those with FAS children. Parental training teaches you how to best interact with and care for your FAS child.

Some parents and their FAS children seek alternative treatments outside the medical establishment. These include healing practices, such as massage and acupuncture (the placement of thin needles into key body areas). Alternative treatments also include movement techniques, such as exercise or yoga.

Preventing Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

Foetal alcohol syndrome does not occur if the mother refrains from drinking during pregnancy. If you are a woman with a drinking problem who wants to get pregnant, seek help from a health care professional. If you are a light or social drinker, do not drink if you think you might become pregnant anytime soon. Remember, the effects of alcohol can make a mark during the first few weeks of a pregnancy.

 

 

 

 

#10 Ways to Cope with Menopausal Depression and Mood Swings

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It is different strokes for different folks when it comes to menopausal mood swings and attendant challenges as different women of the age have expressed their experiences. From hot flushes to aching joints and sleepless nights, the physical symptoms of the menopause can be crippling, the women told Daily Mail online.

According to Sally Brown, a psychotherapist “ perimenopause can start up to 10 years before periods stop, many women don’t immediately associate the changes in their mood with their hormones”.

She therefore offered ten natural remedies to cope with menopause

  1. 1. Get active – and do it regularly…menopause

Exercise is like a magic bullet for lifting mood and energy levels and improving sleep.

  1. Talk about it

Try to be open up to your partner about what you’re going through and why you may seem more irritable or tearful.

  1. Use mindfulness

Rather than turning your mind into a ‘blank screen’ (an impossible task), mindfulness is about noticing your thoughts and the impact they have on your feelings.

  1. Eat your way to a better mood

Rob Hobson, Head of Nutrition at Healthspan said: ‘Our diet can boost our mood and it also works the other way as our moods can also influence our food choices.

‘Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish have been shown to help with mood especially in the case of depression and deficiencies in folate.

‘Vitamin B12 and magnesium, have also been linked to low mood so try boosting your intake with wholegrains, pulses, eggs, dried apricots, green veggies, nuts and seeds.’

  1. Avoid overthinking – and count your blessings

When you’re depressed or anxious, you can get stuck in the ‘whys’, spending time ruminating and trying to work out why you feel so bad. Simple gratitude exercises like this have been shown to reset your ‘mood thermostat.’

  1. Set small goals

Make a list of things you’ve been putting off, rating them from easiest to hardest, then try to tackle one a week, starting with the easiest tasks.

7.Cut back on the booze

Stick to the healthy drinking limits and try to have regular alcohol-free days every week.

  1. Plan little pleasures – and be kind to yourself

There’s a new buzz phrase in the world of psychology right now: ‘prioritising positivity’.

It’s about having little hits of pleasure throughout the day – a growing number of experts think it could be a solution to society’s rising anxiety levels.

  1. Get some herbal help

Studies have also found a link between low levels of folic acid, a B vitamin that helps regulate the nervous system, and incidences of depression.

Recent research has also focussed on an amino acid called tryptophan (found in turkey, fish, nuts, seeds and pulses), which helps make the happy chemical serotonin.

  1. Remember that less is more

So many of us have got hooked into ‘busy lifestyle syndrome’, thinking that a busy life is a successful one, but then we feeling guilty for not being able to keep up.

Be realistic about you can achieve in one day.

 

Multiple natural functions of Garlic

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Garlic is well known for flavoring dishes, most notably pastas and breads. Beyond cooking, garlic is incredibly good for the body and contains many health benefits.

The Benefits are:

  1. Colon, Stomach, and Rectal Cancer Prevention: Garlic can improve your chances of avoiding these three types of cancer. However, be warned: garlic supplements don’t do the trick, so make sure you’re getting your garlic from the real thing.
  2. Cold Protection: Because of its antioxidant-rich nature, garlic can arm you against colds. Even if you end up catching a cold, adding more garlic to your diet can improve your symptoms and help get the cold moving out of your system.
  3. Regulates Blood Sugar: Diabetics have turned to garlic to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Garlic naturally helps in the production of insulin in the body.
  4. Reduces Acne: While it doesn’t do much good for this internally, rubbing a slice of garlic on your skin can help clear up acne. For best results, do this right before bed and wash it off in the morning.
  5. Hair Growth: This is another external use for garlic. It has been shown to improve growth in places of hair loss on the scalp. Squeeze some garlic over your scalp, and gently massage.
  6. Tick Bite Prevention: Scientists have found that people who regularly include garlic in their diets suffer significantly fewer tick bites than their non-garlic eating counterparts.
  7. Treats High Blood Pressure: People who suffer from highfresh garlic isolated on white blood pressure may find some help in eating garlic.
  8. Psoriasis Treatment: Due to its anti-inflammatory nature, rubbing garlic on skin that’s affected by psoriasis may reduce symptoms. If used often enough, garlic may reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
  9. Tames Cold Sores: Because of the anti-inflammatory properties mentioned above, garlic is also known to get rid of cold sores. Placing a small piece of garlic directly on a cold sore has been shown to reduce the size of the sore.
  10. Splinter Removal: Garlic has been proven to coax splinters out easily. Cut a small piece of garlic and place it directly over a splinter, securing it with a bandage.
  11. Soothe Toothaches: Placing a small sliver of garlic directly on an aching tooth can help soothe the pain.
  12. Fights Allergies: Garlic can help ease the severity of allergies, especially those that affect the airways. Garlic helps reduce inflammation of airways and soothe areas of irritation.
  13. Combats Hip Osteoarthritis: Eating garlic, and related foods such as onions and leeks, can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hip, and slow down its progression.
  14. Prevents Weight Gain: Garlic can help stop weight gain by changing the way fat cells in the body are made.

7 Health Benefits of Ginger

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We’ve all experienced unrelenting nausea at some point or another. At these times, your first instinct may be to turn over the counter medications; however, ginger works as a simple, effective antidote.

For thousands of years, healers prized ginger as food and medicine. This tropical plant, in the same botanical family as turmeric and cardamom, was effectively used to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by illness and seasickness.

“Ginger does well for a bad stomach.” In The Family Herbal from 1814, English physician Robert Thornton noted that “two or three cupfuls for breakfast” will relieve “dyspepsia due to hard drinking.”

Modern research later confirmed that ginger reduces nausea and vomiting from multiple causes: morning sickness, postoperative upset, chemotherapy treatments, and motion sickness.

The studies on whether or not ginger prevents motion sickness are mixed. One study found ginger to be as effective, with fewer side effects, as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Other studies indicated that, when added to antinausea medications, it further reduces nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

 

Six healing effects of ginger:

  1. It reduces pain and inflammation, making it valuable in managing arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
  2. It has a warming effect and stimulates circulation.
  3. It inhibits rhinovirus, which can cause the common cold.
  4. It inhibits such bacteria as Salmonella, which cause diarrhea, and protozoa, such as Trichomonas.
  5. In the intestinal tract, it reduces gas and painful spasms.
  6. It may prevent stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

You can take ginger in whatever form appeals to you.

  • If you’re pregnant: Try it in tea, soup, or capsules — up to 250 milli­grams four times a day. If you chose a carbonated beverage, make sure it’s made from real ginger. You can also nib­ble crystallized ginger.
  • To counter motion sickness: Taking 1 gram of dried, powdered, encapsulated ginger 30 minutes to two hours before travel can help ease travel related nausea.
  • For postoperative nausea: In a recent study on the use of gin­ger to thwart postoperative nausea, the dose was 500 milligrams 30 minutes before surgery and 500 milligrams 2 hours after surgery. Otherwise, ginger is usually not recommended during the seven to ten days leading up to surgery because of its ef­fect on blood clotting. Discuss the use of ginger with your surgeon or anesthesiologist before trying it.

Not all pharmacy schools can afford Pharm.D programme – PANS UNIZIK president

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In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) chapter, Nonso Benedict Nwaneki, shares pertinent views on issues surrounding pharmacy education and practice in Nigeria. Excerpts:

Nonso Benedict Nwaneki-PANS UNIZIK president
Nonso Benedict Nwaneki – PANS UNIZIK president

 Briefly tell us about yourself including your academic background

My name is Nonso Benedict Nwaneki, I am a native of Enugwu-Agidi in Njikoka LGA area of Anambra State. I hold a B.Sc. degree in Zoology from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and I am currently a final year student of the department of pharmacy in the same university.

What prompted your decision to study Pharmacy, after obtaining a degree in Zoology?

My decision to study pharmacy was personally motivated. However, my passion for medicines and love for human lives also made me to go for it.

What are the challenges facing pharmacy students in your school and how can they be surmounted?

There are different kinds of problems facing pharmacy students in my school but the most important one is lack of infrastructure. Although the current vice chancellor, Prof. Joe Ahaneku is gradually solving the problems, there are still so many things needed to be done. The laboratories are not well equipped; the learning environment, especially the classrooms, are not conducive enough for learning and there are not enough hostels for students. Although we are hopeful that with the efforts of the management so far, all these challenges will soon be over.

How would you assess pharmacy profession in Nigeria?

Pharmacy profession in Nigeria is still developing. It has not gained enough experience to be able to stand where it should. It is only in Nigeria that a clinic, especially the private ones can be run without the services of a pharmacist. It is in Nigeria that doctors , nurses and even non-health workers can prescribe and dispense drugs at will. In the developed world, pharmacists are the only authorities on drugs. Here,it is not so.Even patent medicine vendors run pharmacies and sell prescription medicines at will. So, with these challenges, we still have a long way to go in the development of pharmacy practice to global standards.

How about pharmacy education, what are the challenges?

In my own opinion, the challenges can be grouped into infrastructural and academic. Infrastructural challenges include: inadequacy of befitting hostels for students;poor library facilities; dilapidated lecture halls and lack of standard laboratories.Concerning academic challenges, the incessant strikes by ASUU has done more harm than good to pharmacy education in this country. Poor attitude on the part of the lecturers towards the students is another challenge. Lastly,government has failed to make education attractive to students in this country as many drop out of school due to social and psychological reasons.

How do you see the much-publicised Pharm.D programme?

Well, Pharm.D as a programme is a broader B.pharm degree. Students are expected to spend six years and get exposed to more clinical courses.But the truth remains that not all pharmacy schools can afford it.

The national secretariat of the PANS will be relocated to your school this August, how do you feel being the outgoing president of the association in UNIZIK?

I am delighted to be the sitting president that attracted the secretariat to my school. To be sincere, it is a thing of joy and it is the first of its kind.  I believe that by next session, January 2016, when I shall be handing over to a new person, we shall also make sure that the light never goes out.

Where do you see PANS, UNIZIK in the next five years?

I see PANS UNIZIK moving from glory to glory and in the next five years which would be culminating in our tenth anniversary, the faculty should have graduated ten different sets.By then, too, those who have graduated would have become prominent pharmacists, professors, captains of industries and many more. By that time, Pharmanews would beam more light on us (Laughs).

 

Pharm. (Mrs) Bosede Oluwatayo-Omotoyinbo

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Bosede Oluwatayo-Omotoyinbo

Pharm. (Mrs) Bosede Oluwatayo-Omotoyinbo, was a successful civil servant, who recently concluded 35 years of meritorious service in hospital pharmacy practice.

Born in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti State, she obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) degree from the University of Benin, Edo State, in 1980. She started her career as an Intern pharmacist at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, in 1980 and creditably rose through the ranks to become Director of Pharmaceutical Services at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State. She capably held the post for over two decades, until her retirement in June 2015

A dedicated and committed reformer, Oluwatayo-Omotoyinbo has been involved with a number of various professional groups in the pharmaceutical sector. She was former secretary and former vice-chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Ondo State; former secretary of the Nigerian Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists (NAHAP), Ondo State; pioneer secretary, Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPS) Ondo State; chairman, Ondo PSN Disciplinary Committee; chairman, Ondo PSN 2004 Pharmacy Week Planning Committee, to mention but a few.

In recognition of her selfless services, she has received several awards to her abiding credit. They include: Federal Medical Centre, Owo Pioneer of Honour Award 1995; Merit Award as Best Department (Department of Pharmaceutical Services) under her leadership in 1996; Letter of commendation given by the Management of Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State in 2001; Merit Award Winner (MAW) of the PSN Ondo State in 2002; Distinguished Service Award (DSA) of NAHAP National in 2004; Merit Award in recognition of her contributions to the upliftment of Pharmacy Profession by the PSN, Ekiti State Branch in October 2006; Placement on the Roll Call of Honour by NAHAP, Ondo State Branch, in 2007; Fellow of the PSN, 2009; Excellent Service Award by NAHAP, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, June 2012, and several others.

Having gone this far, the entire management and staff of Pharmanews join her colleagues, relations and well-wishers to congratulate her on her successful completion of service.

How I won FIP’s Andre Bedat Award – Prof. Ogunlana

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In this interview with Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis, Prof. (Sir) Lanre Ogunlana, former deputy vice chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) and past president of the PSN (1994–1997), relieved the riveting experiences of his early years, the circumstances of his foray into Pharmacy and his journey to becoming the first African (and the third pharmacist in the world) to win the coveted FIP’s Andre Bedat Award. Excerpts:

Prof. Lanre Ogunlana
Prof. Lanre Ogunlana

What was growing up like for you?

I was born in Lafiaji but grew up in Ita-Faji area of Lagos Island. My father died at the age of 30, when I was only a year and two months old. That left my mother with the burden of looking after four children (which included me). In a nutshell, she became a widow at 28.

Did you grow up with a stepfather?

No, there was nothing of such. My mother did not remarry.She had the support of her parents who stood by her. Her mother looked after us and her father (my grandfather) did the same. My grandfather was particularly devoted to providing items such as clothes for us. He was a tailor of the entire Salvation Army group in Lagos. My mother was a school teacher. She had school certificate but my grandfather decided that she got a higher teacher national certificate from Methodist Girls High School, Lagos. So she took some time off from her teaching career at Tinubu Methodist School.When she returned with a higher qualification, she continued working at Tinubu Methodist as a teacher. I grew up with the other three children in what you can call the ‘last of the Mohicans.’

 

You were reported to have lost your eldest brother at age 10. Is it true?

Yes. An unfortunate incident happened during the Second World War (WWII). At that time,there was usually the blaring of siren whenever German soldiers were suspected to be close to the Lagos port. On hearing the siren, everyone would run and hide in bunkers.

On this particular day, my eldest brother was on the staircase when he heard the siren. He panicked and started running. Unfortunately, the railing on the staircase was missing. He fell on the concrete floor and broke his spine. Regrettably, that was the end of him. Yes, he died at the age of 10, just when he was ready to go to secondary school. We suffered the first loss at that time. But the perseverance and doggedness of my mother and the support of her parents maintained a steady flow of relief.

I still vividly remember how my grandfather carried his lifeless body. That now left only three of us. My eldest brother (formerly second) was successful and took an entrance exams into Kings College in Lagos and was admitted in 1948. He left the college as a house captain.

With all these challenges, how did you manage your education?

My elder brother went to the same school as I did. Unfortunately and fortunately, he took the entrance exams the same day I did and we were both admitted at the same time. As young as I was, I decided it wasn’t right for me to be in the same class with my elder brother.So I told the principal, MrA. B. Oyediran, my dilemma. He was an affable listener. He was surprised because he knew me quite well as a chorister in our church at Tinubu. I told him I wanted to take entrance exam into Kings College so as to avoid being in the same class with my brother. He consented to the idea.

The second thing was that, looking at where I was coming from, I was seeking means to get scholarship to save my mother the stress of paying for my tuition. I explained that to Oyediran and he quite understood. At that time, I was about 10 years old. He said I could go ahead with my plan to enrol at Kings College. But I insisted that I would only go if I could win a full scholarship.

Somehow, I was only able to get tuition scholarship from Kings College in 1949. I was so cross and started crying. When I went to the principal, he told me not to worry because God probably didn’t want me to go there. As it were, I didn’t take the tuition scholarship because I got a full scholarship from Methodist Boys High School. That was how in 1949, I started Year One in Methodist High School. Of course, the only person who knew what happened was Oyediran. That was how I spent my time in the school from 1949 to 1954 (it was a six-year programme). I was a school prefect and held other positions too.

Tell us about your first job

When I finished my school certificate, I got a job in December 1954 and worked alongside Gabriel Olakunle Olusanya (later known as Professor Olusanya), the late Nigerian ambassador to France.We both went to the accountant-general’s office, just six blocks away on Broad Street and sat for the interview. When we were through, the English man asked us when we would like to start. That was how we got the job.

However, the English man said that he didn’t want both of us to work together. He therefore put Olusanya in sub-treasury, while I was in the accountant-general’s office on the third floor. Having stayed there for some time, we both decided to study at the University of Ibadan and started studying together. Unfortunately I felt ill and was admitted into a hospital 1955. It was the late Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti who was the house master in the hospital.The famous first black US-trained neurosurgeon, Prof Latunde Odeku, took care of me until I got well. I was in the hospital for 26 days. As it were, it changed my life.

In what way?

While I was at the hospital, a young man was admitted and being treated for cerebral malaria. One night, he was almost going to throw everybody out of their bed. I was about 19 years old. I stood there looking at him. Odeku ordered some drugs to be given to him but the drugs were not available. He wrote another one, and it was said to be out of stock. Eventually, they got one after so much stress. That was when I told myself ‘Why don’t you look into this profession?’ Because from what I had seen, the doctor wanted to work and showed that he was hardworking. Unfortunately the end product was not there to complement his work.

It was there I decided that I wanted to be a pharmacist. When I left, I told my brother that I didn’t want to study History any longer but will prefer Pharmacy. However I didn’t do Physics in school, only Chemistry and Biology. I started doing Physics and I went to the British Council in Onikan then. We discussed in the family, and my brother told me that if I found a place, I should go and do my A Level. That was because schools would not admit me because I didn’t do Physics.

So what did you do?

With the help of the Methodist Mission and Oyediran again (who was the Nigerian students officer in London), I got a school. In September 1956, I left Nigeria to do A Levels. I went to Birmingham College of Technology. They introduced me to the Methodist Mission abroad, as well as individuals who took care of me. That was how privilege and opportunity were made available. Fortunately I took the opportunity coming from friends, families, church members and the rest who surrounded me. That was how I grew up. To really find out about me, you will have to remember that my exposure was different but mainly focused on the general meaning of people in my life. It is difficult to delineate what influences my circumstances.

It was reported that you had problem settling down. How true?

At completion of the A Levels, I was unable to make it into any university because the competition was tough. But I was determined to go to Nottingham University because it was big. At that time in Britain, the top pharmacists came from the University of London. So I applied there. I was told that they couldn’t take me because they could only accommodate 48 and I wouldn’t make it. A certain Prof Peacocke, professor of natural chemistry, advised me to get a job in the hospital as pharmacist assistant and study more, and from there re-apply for the January admission(the one I earlier applied for was the June admission).

Eventually I had to go to Lancashire where I applied for pharmacy assistant. The lady I met in charge mistook me for a black man she knew and favoured me along with six other people. You know, you have to look at Providence whenever things like this come up. I had to go to Warrington, a town between Liverpool and Manchester. Fortunately I was admitted and given a job. Really, I must admit that fortune really smiled on me. I thank God for that. With the help of my host and Prof Peacocke, I was admitted into Nottingham University in January.

I sometimes say to people that I cannot boast because I know the circumstances in which I found myself.

How did you start your academic career with the University of Ife then?

When I was in my final year in 1962, the University of Ife had just been established. I recall that Prof Saburi Biobaku and some other Nigerian professors came to Nottingham University. On the invitation of the vice chancellor, I was opportune to meet them because I was in the Students’ Union. After the usual pleasantries, Prof Biobaku told me that they would like me to come straight to Ife. He later sent me a letter to see the London office of the University of Ife for a ticket to come home.

And so I returned home with my first degree and aided by the University of Ife. That was how I came across Pharm.Ifeanyi Atueyi for the first time as a student. I was given a job as a demonstrator in 1963. I arrived at the University of Ife, looking younger than some of the people I was supposed to demonstrate to. At that time, there was a department of pharmacy staffed by English people. There were three Nigerians – the late Dr. George Iketubosin, the late Prof Ayodele Tella and I – in Pharmacology. However, the coup of 1966 changed the leadership and I decided to go for my postgraduate programme since I had spent two and a half years.

Fortunately, when Prof. Hezekiah Oluwasanmi, the late Fajuyi’s nomination to the University of Ife in I966 came around, he suddenly developed interest in me. He discussed my interest with Chief Olu Akinkugbe, who was then a member of the university’s council. Apparently they talked about how they could help me realise my dream. However, my class teacher in Form 6, Revd. Oshinulu whose wife was working with the United States Agency for International Development as secretary of African-American Institute, Lagos,recommended me for the African Graduate Fellowship. When I told the duo of Oluwasanmi and Akinkugbe, they told me that they were already discussing how they could help me, too. They however promised to give me leave of absence to help me pursue my goals.

In August 1967, I got my master’s degree with research and was recommended to go for my PhD at Purdue University, United States. I finished my PhD in March 1970 and returned home in April.

 

How will you describe pharmacy practice in your days compare d to now?

Something always determines whether you are right or not. We pursue the practice with a view to perfection. People like Adebowale, people like the old Hunponu-Wusu. These are Nigerians who, at that time, practised and, I mean, you would see them as pharmacists. These are people I am pleased with.

Look at the Nigerian Medicine Stores which was formerly on Tinubu Square.I mean those were people who were seriously devoted to the practice. They were concerned about patients getting better. They concentrated on pursuing the profession and providing the services needed. So there was no doubt, the practice of pharmacy was so unique that pharmacists were loved. I would not say more beyond that.

 What is your view about fake drugs in Nigeria?

You see, when a profession is diluted with all sorts of things, there will be a problem. We had a focus. When you practise a profession, you will begin to look at what you stand for. When you stand for something, it produces necessary direction and development that are essential.

Drug counterfeiting is an issue which, unfortunately, people are just invariably lukewarm about. They also fail to focus on what is essential – quality. When proliferation came up, it was easy to fake. I went to the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) conference some years ago and my colleague and friend told me that there were some Nigerians who came to them saying they wanted to make aspirin, but that they were bent on cutting down on the quality by making 50 milligram and labelling it as 200 milligram. He was so annoyed that he asked them to leave the premises immediately.

That is how they have bastardised the system. This is because they are making the fakes with the genuine. You know all aspirins look alike. You cannot tell which is which correctly. Nigerians leave integrity to pursue profit and deceit.

 Is there any hope of curtailing the problem?

I told you earlier that you cannot teach morals. You can only influence it. You cannot teach values, you can only influence. Both values and morals are God-given. The development of fake drugs cannot be divorced from both morals and values. Any attempt to separate it will prove futile. You are just deceiving yourself.

Unless we change our values and morals to the direction in which morals should hold and maintain a value structure that will encourage sincere and devoted people, we cannot sweep it. So the issue is in ourselves. That is the secret of the whole thing.

What are those subtle challenges facing the profession?

The main challenge facing pharmacy is what you call lack of ‘seriousness of purpose.’ You see, those who are serious and devote their energy into it are doing well. They know where they are going (just like the popular song ‘I know where I am going’).Everybody should play his own part, but do your best. Acknowledge when it is time to go.

When I was the PSN president, I started the ‘President’s Desk’ (a 4-page pharmacy bulletin) and featured it every two month. I did it on my own. I did not use the secretariat or any of the resources.   However, at that time, the idea wasn’t in tune with the profession. I remember a time at the council meeting when somebody moved a motion that I should stop publishing the leaflet. I was alarmed because I wasn’t even using the society’s fund or resources. Fortunately another member from the Eastern part of the country stood up and said that as far as he was concerned, the President’s Desk had helped him to be updated and in tune with the profession. He added that whenever he was invited to an event to speak, he always consulted from the leaflet. At that point, there was no reason for me to talk again.

Obviously there was antagonism. There was a motive and I didn’t know despite being the president. What you experience when you are outside is different. But you must have a system whereby there will be some people who wouldn’t be aggrieved with you. It is difficult nowadays because every individual has his own ideas. You must maintain a group. People call such group the cabal. But they are not to be given such a terrible name because it is a thinking process.

 People have observed how close you are to pharmacists like Prof. Gabriel Osuide and Dr Philip Emafo. What do you have in common?

That is an interesting question. Emafo graduated from the University of London in 1963;Osuide also graduated from the same institution in 1963. I graduated from the University of Nottingham in 1963.

Emafo was made PSN president in 1991 and I took over from him in 1994. Interestingly enough,Osuide was born on 15 March 1935, Emafo born on 15 March 1936. I was born on 16 March 1936. You see?We have so much in common and we know it. I guess most people don’t know. That is why it sounds funny when I say Osuide is my big brother by just one year. And when he clocked 80 years this year, I sent him congratulatory messages. I also say that Phillip (Emafo) is my senior by one day. We joke a lot about these things but the point is just that people wouldn’t know. Fortunately enough, we have come to a particular profession and we know ourselves.

How active are you in Pharmacy-related activities?

I have been involved in the ACPN, industrial pharmacy (NAIP) and several others. As far as I am concerned, there was no discrimination. I used to attend most of their national conferences. When I was the PSN president, I went to the professional bodies of Nigeria, (APBN). I attended their meetings and was appointed second vice president in my first year. In my second year, I was made the 1st vice president. Eventually I became the president of the association from 2000 to 2002. But definitely APBN was different. I had the opportunity to mingle with many professionals. Well, I did a few things there. But since we are more concerned with pharmacy-related activities, let us leave it out.

Were you given some sort of awards or recognition for your selfless services?

As president of the West African Pharmacists Federation (WAPF) from 1981 to 1983, I was fortunate to be one of the few foundation Fellows. However, in 1990, I received a unique award –the Andre Bedat Medal- from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) at the 50th conference in Istanbul, Turkey. That was a dream come true because it was an award given to pharmacists who have distinguished themselves in the field of pharmacy. No African had ever won it. I was the third pharmacist in the world and the first in Africa to win it.

Were you not to be a pharmacist, what other profession would you have considered?

I was going to be a historian. But of course that was gone many years ago.

PCN gets tough on pharmacy practice

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L-R: Pharm. N.A.E. Mohammed, PCN registrar; Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale, chairman, Lagos State PSN; and Dr U.N.O Uwaga, president/chairman of Council, NIM, at the event
L-R: Pharm. N.A.E. Mohammed, PCN registrar; Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale, chairman, Lagos State PSN; and Dr U.N.O Uwaga, president/chairman of Council, NIM, at the event

Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. N. A. E. Mohammed, has stated that it has commenced drastic measures against the activities of pharmacists who subvert the tenets of the profession for their own selfish gratification.

The PCN boss, who was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of Pharmacy Week, held by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos on 14 August, at the Welcome Event Centre, Lagos, disclosed the successful operations of the PCN in Osun and Ekiti States, adding that the Lagos drug market in Idumota would soon be nonexistent.

PCN Pharmacy week
L-R: Pharm. N.A.E. Mohammed, PCN registrar; Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale, chairman, Lagos State PSN; and Dr U.N.O Uwaga, president/chairman of Council, NIM, at the event

 

“We are not saying people should not do business,” said Mohammed. “We are only saying that if you must do business in Nigeria, you must do it rightly and legally, because the health of Nigerians is more paramount than any selfish gain. They are in there to make money, but we are there to ensure compliance to Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP)”.

Mohammed further described the theme of the programme, “Good pharmacy practice: The key to better health outcomes”, as a burning issue which aligns very strongly with his Four-Point Agenda for pharmacy profession in Nigeria. He explained GPP as defined by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) as “the practice of pharmacy that responds to the needs of the people who use the pharmacists’ services to provide optimal, evidence-based care. It focuses on what is done for the patients.”

He emphasised the significance of GPP to the pharmaceutical profession, noting that it resulted from the enduring efforts of the FIP to raise the standards of pharmaceutical services to meet contemporary needs at both hospital and community settings, as well as providing a template of good practice guidelines for member states to adopt.

The PCN registrar equally noted that the gap between the proven efficacy of medicines demonstrated in clinical trials and their actual effectiveness in practiceoften hampered the potential benefits of medicines from being realised.

He consequently stated that to bridge the gap, pharmacists must be more proactive. “Pharmacists should wake up and do their responsibilities, because there are lots of areas where the system needs them in drug formulary and patient monitoring; they need not confine themselves to drugs supply and dispensing alone.”

Also speaking at the event, DrAjiboye Wale Timothy, a clinical pharmacist with Chevron Hospital, made a presentation on the sub-theme, “Using evidence-based data as tool for good pharmacy practice.”

He defined evidence-based medicine as the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient,”noting however that the practice is fraught with several issues, including environmental limitations; egotistical factors; inexperience and inadequate exposure; as well as unavailability of evidence to guide decision-making.

The Chevron clinician urged all stakeholders to embrace evidence-based medicine and systematic research data at all levels of practice, stressing that it had the capacity to boost optimal patient care outcomes.

Appreciating the presence of all members and guests, Lagos PSN chairman, Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale, who was the chief host of the event, validated the choice of the theme,noting that the basis of all pharmaceutical intervention is “Good Pharmacy Practice”.

He further expounded the gains of adopting the concept of Good Pharmacy Practice which he said would guarantee the delivery of best practices from pharmacists at all times to the public.

Olubowale equally disclosed that the event would serve as an avenue for the inauguration of the Council of Merit Award Winners (COMAW) of the Lagos PSN.

“This is a novel idea that we hope will bring together all merit award winners (MAW) of the PSN Lagos, so they can start working together for the betterment of PSN Lagos in particular and the society at large,” he said.

How whole is whole wheat bread?

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It is well-known that white bread is not just deficient in nutrition but also dangerous to health as a result of added chemicals. White bread is processed and bleached wheat flour. In processing, the bran (covering) and the germ (embryo) are removed leaving only the middle layer (endosperm). The removed portions contain 76 per cent of the vitamins and minerals and 97 per cent of the dietary fibre. Virtually all vitamin E is lost. The following are also lost: Calcium 50 per cent, phosphorus 70 per cent, iron 80 per cent, magnesium 98 per cent, manganese 75 per cent, potassium 50 per cent, copper 65 per cent, thiamine 80 per cent, riboflavin 60 per cent, niacin 75 per cent, pantothenic acid 50 per cent, pyridoxine 50 per cent etc.

The removal of 97 per cent of the dietary fibre further creates a big problem for white bread. With little or no fibre in the diet, the colon will be unable to remove waste products from the body. This can lead to cancer of the rectum and colon and Crohn’s disease

The white bread is also treated with benzoyl peroxide. This creates free radicals that cause DNA damage and ageing. This causes a significant decrease in the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme. This enzyme is one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. The chloride oxide which is used as a whitener produces alloxan when it combines with proteins. Alloxan is a poison used to induce diabetes in laboratory animals.

Factors stated above make whole wheat bread a better alternative for consumption. However,   it is only a lesser evil because it has serious health challenges, too. Whole wheat bread has been found to have about the same glycemic index of 71 as white bread. Glycemic index measures how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose. The glycemic load for white bread is 10 while that of whole wheat bread is 9. Glycemic load is a measure that takes into account the amount of carbohydrate in a portion of food together with how quickly it raises blood glucose levels. Therefore, whole wheat bread has no advantage to people, especially diabetics, who want to avoid spikes and crashes in their blood glucose levels.

Foods with high glycemic index and glycemic load result in the production of excess glucose in the blood and this causes more insulin release from the pancreas to move the glucose into the cells and tissues. Insulin resistance occurs when the cells fail to respond to the normal actions of insulin. The cells become resistant to insulin leading to high blood sugar. This leads to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Common complaints of people with insulin resistance are inability to concentrate, poor memory, feeling jittery, agitated, moody, dizziness etc.

Excess sugars in the body also combine with amino acids to form advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). When the quantity of AGEs in the body gets high, they speed up the ageing process. Some of the effects are wrinkles, sagging skin, kidney and nervous system damage, clogged arteries, diabetes, cataracts etc.

Grains are generally acidic. The most acidic grain is wheat, followed by rye, oats and barley. They become more acidic when refined. The human body is naturally alkaline (about pH of 7.4) and it functions best in this pH environment. When there is an acid/alkaline imbalance in our body, especially in the blood, it creates an environment where bacteria, yeast, fungus and mould thrive. Pathogenic microorganisms produce waste or mycotoxins thus polluting our bodies and making them more acidic. That is why acidic foods like wheat bread should not be heavily consumed.

Most grains, including wheat, contain phytic acid which is an ‘anti nutrient’. Phytic acid is a molecule that strongly binds essential minerals like phosphorus, calcium, iron, copper, zinc and magnesium, preventing them from being available to the body. Phytic acid is however less   in whole wheat bread because it resides in the bran and germ which have been removed during the processing for white bread. Blocking of absorption of calcium is a risk factor for osteoporosis and other bone-related problems.

Wheat also contains gluten – a protein with glue-like properties. It is also contained in rye,   barley and other grains. Gluten damages the wall of the digestive tract, causing pain, bloating, and diarrhoea. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that occurs in reaction to gluten. The body’s immune system reacts to gluten and causes damage to the intestine. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it damages the intestines preventing them from absorbing vital nutrients. Gluten intolerance is a classic food allergy marked by skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal reactions to wheat allergy. Gluten may be cancer-causing or promoting.

Mucus is another problem with grains. Grains are mucus-forming and acidic. Eating acidic foods results in mucus buildup causing poor digestion, nasal congestion, lung congestion (as in asthma) and continual throat cleaning.

Although bread has been a popular food for ages, even in the Bible times, what is known about it today does not make it such a healthy food like fruits and vegetables. Therefore, its consumption must be wisely reduced. White bread which is devoid of its vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre is nothing more than starch. Eating it is like consuming worthless chaff.

Contractual terms implied by statute

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With the aim of improving the services of his Port Harcourt hospital, Dr Goodluck decides to acquire vehicles for use as ambulance in emergency cases. He contacts TJ Motors, who specialise in importing cars for sale in Nigeria.   He places an order for two Peugeot 504 Station Wagon vehicles and is promised that they will be delivered in two weeks.

After taking delivery of the cars, Dr Goodluck arranges for them to be repainted and converted for use in ambulance services. Unfortunately, both vehicles break down after working for two months. The mechanic whose service is engaged informs him that the cars are not suited for heavy use. However, the problem can be rectified if certain parts of the vehicles are changed.

Dr Goodluck is very reluctant to spend any more money on the vehicles. He contacts TJ Motors and demands that they take back their station wagons. He claims to be entitled to a full refund of the purchase price, seeing that the vehicles are not suitable for his desired purpose. In response, TJ Motors declare that they were not informed of the purpose for which the vehicles were purchased. As a result, their company is not liable for any breach.

What are the legal effects of the terms of this transaction?

As previously stated, contracts are concluded within a society of people with social and commercial practices which are recognised and accepted as part of the contract. This is done regardless of the fact that there may not be the express inclusion of such terms by the parties. To protect the weaker party (usually the buyer), some terms are enforced by the courts in transactions of sale of goods. These are terms implied by statute.

This case above covers the following legal issues:

  1. The application of terms implied by statute.
  2. Implied terms relating to sale of goods.
  3. The remedy for breach of implied terms.

In 1893, the British Parliament passed the Sale of Goods Act as a documentation of the common law of sale. The Act applies to Nigeria directly as an English statute of general application enacted before 1900. It should be noted that the Western Region of Nigeria enacted its own Sale of Goods Law, the same with Lagos State and Bendel State (now Edo & Delta States). However, the terms of the sale of goods laws are similar to the provisions of the English Act. Some of the terms implied by the statute in Nigeria are:

Implied condition as to title. By section 12(1) of the Act, in any contract for the sale of goods, there is an implied condition on the part of the seller that in the case of a sale, he has a right to sell the goods, and that in the case of an agreement to sell, he will have the right to sell the goods at the time when the property is to pass.

  1. Sale by description. By section 13 of the Act, when goods are sold by description, there is an implied condition that they shall correspond with the description and if the sale is by sample as well as by description, they must correspond with the description as well as the sample.
  2. Fitness for purpose. By section 14(1) of the Act, where the buyer expressly or by implication, makes known to the seller the particular purpose for which the goods are required, so as to show that the buyer relies on the seller’s skill or judgement, there is an implied condition that the goods shall be reasonably fit for such purpose.

In the case of Dr Goodluck and TJ Motors, a couple of vehicles were purchased for use in ambulance services. After only two months of operation, both vehicles ceased to function. The buyer has made a case for the cancellation of the contract on the basis that the goods purchased are not fit for purpose. The sellers, on the other hand, deny liability, claiming that the purpose of the purchase was not communicated to them.

Indeed, it is arguable that if the purpose for which goods are required is not made known, there is no liability. In the case of Ijoma v. Mid Motors, the plaintiff purchased a truck for carrying passengers but could not use it on account of mechanical defects in the vehicle. Subsequently, he sued for breach of contract. His case was dismissed by the court on the ground that there was no evidence that he made known the purpose for which the truck was required.

With due respect to the court, it is contended that a seller for goods such as vehicles must guarantee the fitness of the goods for the purpose of transportation. In the learned opinion of Professor Sagay, “since they were selling an automobile, they must have been aware that it would be required for mobility. Hence, the court should have held that there was a breach of the condition of fitness of purpose.”

Finally, where a breach is established, it is necessary to determine the remedy available to the injured party. In most cases of breach of contract covered by the Sale of Goods Act, the only remedies which will be available are damages. By section 11(1)(c) of the Act, the right to repudiate a contract is severely limited. The breach of any condition can only be treated as a breach of warranty and not a ground for rejecting the goods and treating the contract as repudiated.

 

Principles and cases are drawn from Sagay: Nigerian Law of Contract

 

My Lord Pharmaceutical, Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi

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By Dr (Pharm.) Lolu Ojo

If there is a man who has personalised excellence in Nigeria, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi is the man. A foremost pharmacist and barrister-at-law, the amiable Prince of Ado-Ekiti is the founder and chairman of the first indigenous company to be quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Juli Pharmacy Plc.

Prince Juli is a devout Catholic. He is married to Princess Julia and they are blessed with grown up children, one of whom is a pharmacist. At 75, Prince Juli has seen it all and the milestone age was first celebrated by no less a person than the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammed Buhari. The testimony of President Buhari is significant, considering the fact that the prince is not a politician or a moneybag who sponsors elections; nor is he a contractor or a person seeking favours in the corridors of power. We can, therefore, safely assume that the motivation of the president is to appreciate excellence in a man who has devoted his life to the service of humanity.

Truly, the story of this Icon of Pharmacy can be wrapped up in one word: Excellence. He has lived his life for the community, people and the profession. He has conquered his environment and risen above the ordinary level. Prince has received blessing from all angles (from the physical to the spiritual) and he has been a blessing to numerous others. His choices are always influenced by the factors that will bring the best to the majority of the people. He has sacrificed himself for his beliefs and convictions. The story will be told now and again of a Nigerian who has lived above his polluted environment and achieved excellence in:

Education

Prince Juli finished his secondary education a year earlier than his mates at Aquinas College, Akure and passed in Grade One with five distinctions. He won double scholarships from the Western Region and Federal Government for his Advanced Level education.

In 1965, he graduated from the then University of Ife as a pharmacist, the first of its kind in the annals of pharmacy education in Nigeria. Twenty two years after this unique achievement, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, at the age of 47, walked out of the Law School with the overall best student prize in 1987.

He has shown, quite convincingly, that a pharmacist can hold his head very high at all times and that he is not limited by his choice of career. Today, there are many other pharmacists who have followed the Prince to excel and acquire degrees in other disciplines not related to Pharmacy. The Prince is a prolific writer and consummate reader; he has to his credit, over 40 publications in health and pharmacy, law and education.

Leadership

Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi started very early to exhibit his leadership capabilities. He was the President of the Pharmacy Students Association at the University of Ife and the Vice President of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) in charge of International Affairs. He moved on to become the Secretary for Africa of the World Student Movement in the 60s. In this capacity, he led a delegation of students to Africa including a visit to the then Head of State, General Yakubu, Gowon during the civil war.

He served as the secretary and president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) at different times. His tenure was characterised by so many innovations that have made the PSN the best organised and certainly one of the most respected professional associations in Nigeria. He composed the Pharmacy Anthem which we proudly sing at our events and conferences today.

Prince is the founding secretary-general of the West African Pharmaceutical Federation (now West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists). He is the founding president of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), an organisation providing thought and opinion leadership for the profession of Pharmacy. He also served as the Minister for Health and Social Services of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is the first and only pharmacist to be honoured with such responsibility.

Community Service

Prince has served and is still serving the community in various leadership positions, so numerous to recount fully here. He was the first district governor of Rotary Club in Nigeria (His installation was graced by the then president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who was represented by the vice-president, Dr Alex Ekwueme). His unequalled and unprecedented service and drive led to the creation of another district (District 912) in 1984.

As a lawyer, he attends court regularly as amicus curiae and renders pro-bono services to the needy through his law chambers. He has served his immediate community as the president of Ekitiparapo, a group of leaders in Ekiti State. He has graced so many events and occasions as chairman or guest speaker. He holds court in his office offering succour to the high, the mighty and the ordinary people across the political, religious, professional, ethnic, and class divides.

He is a very versatile multi-linguist, who fluently speaks Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, French, Spanish, and German, to mention a few. Prince Juli is a songster, actor and painter. He is a past president, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce; past president, Alumni Association of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (AANIPSS); past chairman, National Council for Population and Environmental Activities; past chairman, Odu’a Investment Limited.

He has served on the Board of so many companies and corporations, including, National Council for Intergovernmental Relations, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Nigerian Institute of Management, University of Ibadan Governing Board, etc. Currently, he is a director of the MTN foundation.

Career and Entrepreneurship

In 1968, the Prince was offered an automatic employment by Pfizer and deployed to   Lagos office as an Assistant General Manager. Three years later, he established Juli Pharmacy (Nigeria) Limited which later made history as the first indigenous company to list its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The company transformed to Juli PLC which won the President’s Merit Award of the NSE in 1997 and 2004.

In public places, you will see the Prince decked in immaculate white apparel. Physically, he looks much younger than his age. I have asked him repeatedly to give me the ‘ajidewe’ (elixir of youth) that he is using. He told me that it is about contentment. He has a philosophy which is captioned in his often repeated Yoruba phrase: ‘Mi o yo, sugbon ebi o pa mi’ (I am not full, but I am not hungry). With this principle, he approaches life with equanimity. He does not chase after material accumulation and you will not find him in the company of corrupt individuals.

However, beneath the shining white apparel is a load of worries. Worries that have nothing to do with his person, family or specific needs. He is worried that Nigeria is still poor despite the vast resources in her possession. He is worried about the abject and pervasive poverty in the land. He is worried about the youth who are wasting away without jobs and assurance of tomorrow. More importantly, he is worried about the parlous state of the pharmacy profession. He wonders why after all that has been done, Pharmacy is still defined and described in terms that are not enviable. He is worried that organised drug distribution remains a mirage and that the government and the people empowered with the position of trust are not doing enough to make the profession to serve the people.

He has vowed not to stop his activism until some of these points of reservations are adequately addressed. This is one principle that motivated his working tirelessly for the establishment of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy.

What then can we do to celebrate this man of excellence? No amount of material gift can satiate his appetite for goodness. We need to imbibe his principle of the good of the larger community. We must make Nigeria to work. This task is for everybody and should be done by all of us agreeing to be excellent at the basics. We are lucky to have a president who has shown his preparedness to repair the country’s wheel of progress. He must be supported by all and sundry.

At the Pharmacy level, I hereby call on all disciples of the Prince not to rest on their oars and not to be satisfied with their personal successes. Pharmacy is still in the doldrums. We owe it as a responsibility to our people and to the Prince to change the status quo. This charge also applies to the holders of leadership positions in critical institutions like the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria. Excellent service will be the appropriate toast to the MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, the MENTOR-GENERAL of the pharmacy profession, My Lord Pharmaceutical, Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday.

 

Sandoz pledges commitment to providing quality medicines – launches Candesartan for hypertension

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L-R: Dr. O.B. Familoni, consultant physician and cardiologist, OOUTH Sagamu; Dr. Dike Ojji, consultant physician and cardiologist, UATH, Abuja; Prof. D.A. Oke, CMD, LASUTH; Dr. A.C Mbakwem, president, Nigerian Cardiac Society, Pharm. (Mrs) Mobolanle Adekoya, deputy director, Pharmacy Unit, LUTH and Mr Adedeji Idowu, country head, Sandoz, during the Promotional Launch of Candesartan Sandoz, held at Planet One, Ikeja – Lagos on August 19, 2015.
L-R: Dr. O.B. Familoni, consultant physician and cardiologist, OOUTH Sagamu; Dr. Dike Ojji, consultant physician and cardiologist, UATH, Abuja; Prof. D.A. Oke, CMD, LASUTH; Dr. A.C Mbakwem, president, Nigerian Cardiac Society, Pharm. (Mrs) Mobolanle Adekoya, deputy director, Pharmacy Unit, LUTH and Mr Adedeji Idowu, country head, Sandoz, during the Promotional Launch of Candesartan Sandoz, held at Planet One, Ikeja – Lagos on August 19, 2015.

Sandoz, a global generic pharmaceutical company and key part of the Norvatis group, has vowed to continue to ensure that Nigerians and the global community have access to quality medicines.

Country Head of the company, Adedeji Idowu, made the pledge in his opening remarks at a colourful ceremony held at Planet 1, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, recently, to introduce Candesartan, a product, he said was introduced to address the unmet needs in the management of cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure.

The memorable event, chaired by Prof. Wale Oke, chief medical director ofthe Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), was also graced by other leading health professionals, among whom were Dr A. C. Mbakwem, a consultant physician and cardiologist from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); DrDike Ojji, consultant physician and cardiologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH); and DrO. B. Familoni, also a consultant physician and cardiologist from the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH).

The health experts gave educative talks on hypertension and currentmethods of managing it, as well as the use of Candesartan in the management of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.

The Sandoz Country Head said Norvatis and Sandoz were ready to bridge the access divide in the ability of millions of patients to afford medications they have been prescribed, without compromising product quality at a much reduced cost.

He added that the company was determined to ensure access to quality medicines for the greatest number of people.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Wale Oke, reiterated the opinions of the speakers on how crucial it is for physicians to embrace a holistic approach in the management of hypertension and its attendant consequences and co-morbidities.

The highlight of the occasion was the official unveiling of Sandoz Candesartan by the dignitaries at the occasion.

 

GSK partners PSN on pharmacists’ training

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L-R: Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, president,PSN and Pharm. Lekan Asuni, managing director, GSK, during the event
L-R: Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, president,PSN and Pharm. Lekan Asuni, managing director, GSK, during the event

To boost the knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists and build credibility in the pharmaceutical industry, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited has partnered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on an innovative training programme, tagged, Scientific Course for Pharmacists Education (SCOPE).

The partnership agreement for the training programme was signed during a press conference organised by GSK and held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

According to a press statement released by GSK and the PSN, SCOPE is a non-promotional and free online training programme for pharmacists, consisting of nine disease area modules accredited by the US-based Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Speaking at the media conference, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, president of the PSN, said he was delighted that the PSN was collaborating with GSK on the programme, adding that successful completion of SCOPE had become one of the requirements for receiving 10 credit points towards the required 30 credit points under the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) programme of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

The PSN president while acknowledging the contribution of GSK as a strong collaborator of the Society for the past five years, stated that the partnership with GSK on SCOPE would further strengthen PSN’s determination to promote and maintain a high standard of pharmaceutical education in Nigeria.

According to him, SCOPE “facilitates a future grounded on professionalism through new frontiers in quality education updates.”

Also speaking during the press briefing, Pharm. Lekan Asuni, managing director of GSK,stated that signing the SCOPE MoU with the PSN marked a milestone for not only the partners (PSN & GSK) but also for the pharmaceutical industry as a whole.

GSK, he said, considered the education partnership with the PSN as a great opportunity to fulfil its mission of improving the quality of human life.

In his words, “through this innovative programme(SCOPE), we aim to enhance the knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists, and in turn, positively impact the lives of patients in Nigeria.The online platform was chosen to implement the modules because it is more cost effective than face to face training with a wider reach as pharmacists in hard to reach area can benefit. Access to quality education indeed builds credibility in the pharmaceutical industry.”

Also speaking on the SCOPE training initiative at the briefing, Google Nigeria Country Manager, Juliet Ehimuan, explained the vital role of the Internet in professional development across all sectors, adding that it was inspiring to see GSK and PSN driving digital awareness within the pharmaceutical sector.

 

Body language on paper

0

In the last edition, I introduced Handwriting Analysis (Graphology) and its benefit in pharmacy practice particularly as a personality assessment tool which has a wide acceptance in many western countries especially for recruitment processes. This is possible only when we know the parameters to look out for in the handwriting sample and the insight that can be got from them.

Please note that unless you are certified or have some degree of training in this area, you aren’t permitted by law to administer these parameters for the purpose of recruitment, personality assessment tool or psychoanalytical tool. At best, it remains information for ‘personal consumption’.

The objective of this write up is to give you an idea into the world of graphologists. In this edition and next, we shall be discussing on some parameters in handwriting sample and what they reveal about the personality. They include:

  • Baseline
  • Slant
  • Slope
  • Size
  • Shape
  • Space
  • Margin
  • Pressure

Before we start discussion on these parameters, it’s important to note also that except a good handwriting sample is got from a client, the result of the Handwriting Analysis would not be reliable. The basic things needed in a handwriting sample are as follows:

  1. a) The handwriting must be done on an A-4 paper, which must be plain, not ruled.
  2. b) A ball point pen must be used or a biro but not a pencil.
  3. c) The writer must write a story of an event that occurred few days to the day when the handwriting sample is written. It must not be a poem or a write up copied directly from a publication.
  4. d) The writer must write at least a one page report or nearly so.
  5. e) The writer must sign twice at the tail end of the report
  6. f) If the writer writes in cursive, he must ensure that at least one line of the report is done in print. (print writing is the type where the letters are not connected together. Just like the type used in this article).

 

  1. Baseline

bdl

Baseline is an indicator of moral, social control and flexibility. A Steady baseline reveals focus, self-control or high sense of discipline and concentration. The reason this parameter is important is that it’s hard for anyone to deliberately control this aspect of the handwriting because it’s more under the influence of the subconscious than the conscious mind. Therefore insight from the baseline among other things is key in personality assessment.

 

  1. Slant

The slant reveals the degree of emotional expression. You can have right slant, left slant or a handwriting sample with the letters looking rather vertical. Most people with handwriting that slants to the right are rather emotional, sentimental, extroverted, and demonstrative. This also depends on the degree of the slant.

 

A left-slanted handwriting reveals someone who is emotionally withdrawn (left slant). Also shows lack of involvement, restraint, or someone who is self-conscious. It reveals inner rebellion, emotional repression. Most people with left slants are reserved. They would always look before leaping and usually aren’t risk-takers. If the job description needs risk takers, you may need to ask further questions before considering those with left slants.

 

  1. Slope: There are two types as indicated below. You have the downward slope and the upward slope.

bdl3bdl2

Slope generally shows the mood level of individuals. A handwriting sample sloped downwards often times reveal someone who is gloomy, depressed, despondent, melancholic or pessimistic. A handwriting sloped upwards like the sample below shows a strong level of optimism and excitement.

In criminal investigations, this parameter is key, particularly when a murder suspect is writing a report on a murder incident. The handwriting expert observes clearly any area where the handwriting slopes up or down because it gives a strong insight to the mood of the writer at the time. A hotspot is got when a murder suspect’s handwriting slopes up while talking about the death of a loved one for which he is being investigated. The question would be, why would there be excitement (upward slope) when narrating the murder incident? This leads to further probing until the truth is dug out.

We shall continue in the next edition. Remember, every stroke of the pen, says something about a friend.

 

(diptoy20m@yahoo.com)

Disease of the month

2

DOM2

DOM

Managing gastro-intestinal ulcers

Ulcer is a term used to describe a range of diseases in which painful wounds form in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine known as the duodenum.

Serhat Bor, a professor of gastroenterology at the Ege University School of Medicine, Turkey, describes stomach ulcers as open sores that form on the inner lining of the stomach, because of increased gastric acid in the digestive tract.

He notes that when this condition is not detected early, it could lead to severe damages to the stomach.

Another expert, Dr. Funmi Lesi, consultant gastroenterologist with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, further emphasised that diet could heighten or lessen one’s chances of hurting the stomach.

To show the importance of diet, Lesi says a study carried out among 400 medical students who took coffee and kolanuts during their examinations showed that 26.3 per cent of them had symptoms that could lead to ulcers within one month; while another study among 688 residents in Mushin, Lagos, revealed that 15.5 per cent of them had stomach pains after their meals at least once in a month.

 

What exactly is ulcer?

Ulcer is an erosion of the mucous membrane which may be accompanied by inflammation and infection, and may occur at different locations.

The major forms of gastrointestinal ulcers are:

Gastric ulcer: This type of ulcer is found on the lesser curvature of the stomach.

Duodenal ulcer: This type of ulcer usually occurs on the duodenal side of the pyloric region. This is the first part of the small intestine. Excess acid may overflow from the stomach.

Pyloric ulcer: This develops at the point where the muscle ring acts as a valve between the stomach and the duodenum.

Peptic ulcer: This is is a common name for any of the above. The word ‘peptic’ comes from the enzyme, pepsin, which digests protein.

Ulcers average between one-quarter and one-half inch in diameter. As previously mentioned, they develop when digestive juices produced in the stomach, intestines and digestive glands damage the lining of the stomach.

The two important components of digestive juices are hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin. Both substances are critical in the breakdown and digestion of starches, fats, and proteins in food. They play different roles in ulcers.

Pepsin: Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in food. Because the stomach and duodenum are also composed of protein, they are susceptible to the actions of pepsin. Pepsin is, therefore, also an important factor in the formation of ulcers.

Fortunately, the body has a defence system to protect the stomach and intestine against these two powerful substances. The defence system includes:

The mucus layer – which coats the stomach and the duodenum.

Bicarbonate – which the mucus layer secretes. This neutralises the digestive acids. Hormone-like substances called prostaglandins help dilate the blood vessels in the stomach to ensure good blood flow and protect against injury. Prostaglandins are also believed to stimulate bicarbonate and mucus production.

Disrupting any of these defence mechanisms makes the lining of the stomach and intestine susceptible to the actions of acid and pepsin, increasing the risk for ulcers.

 

Causes of ulcer                          

In 1982 two Australian scientists identified H. pylori bacteria as the main cause of stomach ulcers. They showed that inflammation of the stomach, and stomach ulcers, result from an infection of the stomach caused by H. pylori. This discovery was so important that the researchers were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2005. The bacteria appear to trigger ulcers in the following way:

  1. pylori’s corkscrew shape enables it to penetrate the mucus layer of the stomach or duodenum so that it can attach itself to the lining. The surfaces of the cells lining the stomach contain a protein, called decay-accelerating factor, which acts as a receptor for the bacterium.
  2. pylori survives in the highly acidic environment by producing urease, an enzyme that generates ammonia to neutralise the acid.
  3. pylori then produces a number of toxins and factors that can cause inflammation and damage to the stomach and intestinal lining, leading to ulcers in certain individuals.

It also alters certain immune factors that allow it to evade detection by the immune system and cause persistent inflammation – even without invading the mucus membrane.

Even if ulcers do not develop, the bacterium is considered to be a major cause of active chronic inflammation in the stomach (gastritis) and upper part of the small intestine (duodenitis).

  1. pylori is also strongly linked to stomach cancer and possibly other non-intestinal problems.

 

Factors that trigger ulcers in H. pylori carriers

Only around 10 to 15 per cent of people who are infected with H. pylori develop peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori infections, particularly in older people, may not always predict whether there are peptic ulcers. Other variables must also be present to actually trigger ulcers.

These may include:

Genetic factors: Some people harbour strains of H. pylori that contain genes that may make the bacteria more dangerous, and increase the risk for ulcers. How important these genetic factors are in the development of ulcers depends on a person’s ethnicity.

Immune abnormalities: Some experts suggest that certain individuals have abnormalities in their intestinal immune response, which allow the bacteria to injure the lining.

Lifestyle factors: Although lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, drinking coffee, and smoking were long believed to be primary causes of ulcers, it is now thought that they only increase susceptibility to ulcers in some H. pylori carriers.

 

Shift work and other causes of interrupted sleep: People who work the night shift have a significantly higher incidence of ulcers than day workers. Researchers suspect that frequent interruptions of sleep may weaken the immune system’s ability to protect against harmful bacterial substances.

When H. pylori was first identified as the major cause of peptic ulcers, it was found in 90 per cent of people with duodenal ulcers and in about 80 per cent of people with gastric ulcers. As more people are being tested and treated for the bacteria, however, the rate of H. pylori- associated ulcers has declined. Currently, H. pylori are found in about 50 per cent of people with peptic ulcer disease.

Some researchers now believe that duodenal ulcers are not caused by H. pylori, but that the presence of the bacteria simply delays healing. This fact, they say, may explain why up to half of acute duodenal perforation cases show no evidence of H. pylori, and why duodenal ulcers can come back even after H. pylori has been eradicated.

 

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Long-term use of NSAIDs is the second most common cause of ulcers, and the rate of NSAID-caused ulcers is increasing. More than 30 million people take prescription NSAIDs regularly, and more than 30 billion tablets of over-the-counter brands are sold each year in the U.S. alone. The most common NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), although many others are available.

Patients with NSAID-caused ulcers should stop taking these drugs. However, patients who require these medications on a long-term basis can reduce their risk of ulcers by taking drugs in the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) group, such as omeprazole (Prilosec). A new study shows that famotidine (Pepcid – an H2 blocker) can also protect people who are taking low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention, at least in the short-term.

 

Other causes

Certain drugs other than NSAIDs may aggravate ulcers. These include warfarin (Coumadin) – an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding, oral corticosteroids, some chemotherapy drugs, spironolactone and niacin.

Bevacizumab, a drug used to treat colorectal cancer, may increase the risk of GI perforation. Although the benefits of bevacizumab outweigh the risks, GI perforation is very serious. If it occurs, patients must stop taking the drug.

 

Complications

Most people with severe ulcers experience significant pain and sleeplessness, which can have a dramatic and adverse impact on their quality of life.

 

Bleeding and haemorrhage

Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori or NSAIDs can be very serious if they cause haemorrhage or perforate the stomach or duodenum. Up to 15 per cent of people with ulcers experience some degree of bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Ulcers that form where the small intestine joins the stomach can swell and scar, resulting in a narrowing or closing of the intestinal opening. In such cases, the patient will vomit the entire contents of the stomach, and emergency treatment is necessary.

Complications of peptic ulcers cause an estimated 6,500 deaths each year. These figures, however, do not reflect the high number of deaths associated with NSAID use. Ulcers caused by NSAIDs are more likely to bleed than those caused by H. pylori.

Because there are often no GI symptoms from NSAID ulcers until bleeding begins, doctors cannot predict which patients taking these drugs will develop bleeding. The risk for a poor outcome is highest in people who have had long-term bleeding from NSAIDs, blood clotting disorders, low systolic blood pressure, mental instability, or another serious and unstable medical condition. Populations at greatest risk are the elderly and those with other serious conditions, such as heart problems.

 

Risk factors

Peptic ulcer disease affects all age groups, but is rare in children. Men have twice the risk of ulcers as women. The risk of duodenal ulcers tends to rise, beginning around age 25, and continues until age 75. The risk of gastric ulcers peaks at ages 55 – 65.

Peptic ulcers are less common than they once were. Research suggests that ulcer rates have even declined in areas where there is widespread H. pylori infection. The increased use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs may be responsible for this trend.

 

Who is at risk for ulcers from H. pylori?

Although H. pylori infection is common, ulcers in children are very rare, and only a small percentage of infected adults develop ulcers. Some known risk factors include smoking, alcohol use, having a relative with peptic ulcers, being male, and having the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA). Experts do not know of any single factor or group of factors that can determine which infected patients are most likely to develop ulcers.

 

Diagnosis

Peptic ulcers are always suspected in patients with persistent dyspepsia (bloating, belching, and abdominal pain). Symptoms of dyspepsia occur in 20 – 25 per cent of people who live in industrialised nations, but only about 15 – 25 per cent of those with dyspepsia actually have ulcers. A number of steps are needed to accurately diagnose ulcers.

 

Medical and family history

The doctor will ask for a thorough report of a patient’s dyspepsia and other important symptoms, such as weight loss or fatigue, present and past medication use (especially chronic NSAID use), family members with ulcers, and drinking and smoking habits.

 

Ruling out other disorders

In addition to peptic ulcers, a number of conditions, notably gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome, cause dyspepsia. Often, however, no cause can be determined. In such cases, the symptoms are referred to collectively as functional dyspepsia.

Peptic ulcer symptoms, particularly abdominal pain and chest pain, may resemble those of other conditions, such as gallstones or a heart attack. Certain features may help to distinguish these different conditions. However, symptoms often overlap, and it is impossible to make a diagnosis based on symptoms alone. A number of tests are needed.

 

Misdiagnosis of peptic ulcer

The following disorders may be confused with peptic ulcers:

GERD: About half of patients with GERD also have dyspepsia. With GERD or other problems in the oesophagus, the main symptom is usually heartburn, a burning pain that radiates up to the throat. It typically develops after meals and is relieved by antacids. The patient may have difficulty swallowing and may experience regurgitation or acid reflux. Elderly patients with GERD are less likely to have these symptoms, but instead may experience appetite loss, weight loss, anaemia, vomiting, or dysphagia (difficult or painful swallowing).

Heart events: Cardiac pain, such as angina or a heart attack, is more likely to occur with exercise and may radiate to the neck, jaw, or arms. In addition, patients typically have distinct risk factors for heart disease, such as a family history, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity or high cholesterol.

Gallstones: The primary symptom in gallstones is typically a steady gripping or gnawing pain on the right side under the rib cage, which can be quite severe and can radiate to the upper back. Some patients experience pain behind the breast bone. The pain often occurs after a fatty or heavy meal, but gallstones almost never cause dyspepsia.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome can cause dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. It occurs more often in women than in men.

Dyspepsia may also occur with gastritis, stomach cancer, or as a side effect of certain drugs, including NSAIDs, antibiotics, iron, corticosteroids, theophylline, and calcium blockers.

 

Non-invasive tests for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding

The doctor will order tests to detect bleeding. These may include a rectal exam, complete blood count, and faecal occult blood test (FOBT). The FOBT tests for hidden (occult) blood in stools. Typically, the patient is asked to supply up to six stool specimens in a specially prepared package. A small quantity of faeces is smeared on treated paper, which reacts to hydrogen peroxide. If blood is present, the paper turns blue.

Traditional radiology tests have not yet proven valuable for diagnosing ulcers.

 

Tests to detect H. Pylori

Simple blood, breath, and stool tests can now detect H. pylori with a fairly high degree of accuracy. It is not entirely clear, however, which individuals should be screened for H. pylori.

Candidates for screening: Some doctors currently test for H. pylori only in individuals with dyspepsia who also have high-risk conditions, such as: symptoms of ulcers, such as weight loss, anaemia or indications of bleeding.

 

History of active ulcers

Smokers and those who experience regular and persistent pain on an empty stomach may also be good candidates for screening tests. Some doctors argue that testing for H. pylori may be beneficial for patients with dyspepsia who are regular NSAID users. In fact, given the possible risk for stomach cancer in H. pylori-infected people with dyspepsia, some experts now recommend that any patient with dyspepsia lasting longer than 4 weeks should have a blood test for H. pylori. This is a subject of considerable debate, however.

 

Tests for diagnosing H. Pylori

The following tests are used to diagnose H. pylori infection. Testing may also be done after treatment to ensure that the bacteria have been completely eliminated.

Breath test: A simple test called the carbon isotope-urea breath test (UBT) can identify up to 99 per cent of people who have H. pylori. Up to 2 weeks before the test, the patient must stop taking any antibiotics, bismuth-containing medications such as Pepto-Bismol, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). As part of the test, the patient swallows a special substance containing urea (a waste product the body produces as it breaks down protein) that has been treated with carbon atoms. If H. pylori are present, the bacteria convert the urea into carbon dioxide, which is detected and recorded in the patient’s exhaled breath after 10 minutes. This test can also be used to confirm that H. pylori have been fully treated.

Blood tests: Blood tests are used to measure antibodies to H. pylori, and the results are available in minutes. Diagnostic accuracy is reported to be 80 – 90 per cent. One such important test is called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An ELISA test of the urine is also showing promise for diagnosing H. pylori in children.

Stool test: A test to detect the genetic fingerprints of H. pylori in the faeces appears to be as accurate as the breath test for initially detecting the bacteria, and for detecting recurrences after antibiotic therapy. This test can also be used to confirm that the H. pylori infection has been fully treated.

The most accurate way to identify the presence of H. pylori is by taking a tissue biopsy from the lining of the stomach. The only way to do this is with endoscopy. It is an invasive procedure, but it is the most accurate test. However, many patients are treated for H. pylori based on the three non-invasive tests listed above.

 

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure used to evaluate the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum using an endoscope -– a long, thin tube equipped with a tiny video camera. When combined with a biopsy, endoscopy is the most accurate procedure for detecting the presence of peptic ulcers, bleeding, and stomach cancer, or for confirming the presence of H. pylori.

 

Appropriate candidates for endoscopy: Because endoscopy is invasive and expensive, it is unsuitable for screening everyone with dyspepsia. Most individuals with these symptoms are managed effectively without endoscopy. Endoscopy is usually reserved for patients with dyspepsia who also have risk factors for ulcers, stomach cancer, or both.

Risk factors include the following:

“Alarm” symptoms (unexplained weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or anemia). Patients with these symptoms generally have an endoscopy before treatment.

 

Failure to respond to medical treatment of H. pylori, if present

Experts disagree about whether endoscopy should be performed on all patients who do not respond to initial medication, unless there is evidence or suspicion of bleeding or serious complications, because it does not appear to add any useful information about treatment choices. There is also some debate about whether patients under age 45 who have persistent dyspepsia but no alarm symptoms should have an endoscopy.

 

Upper GI Series

An upper GI series was the standard method for diagnosing peptic ulcers until endoscopy and tests for detecting H. pylori were introduced. In an upper GI series, the patient drinks a solution containing barium. X-rays are then taken, which may reveal inflammation, active ulcer craters, or deformities and scarring due to previous ulcers. Endoscopy is more accurate, although it is also more invasive and expensive.

 

Treatment of Peptic Ulcers

Deciding which treatment is best for patients with symptoms of dyspepsia or peptic ulcer disease depends on a number of factors. An endoscopy to identify any ulcers and test for H. pylori probably gives the best guidance for treatment. However, dyspepsia is such a common reason for a doctor’s visit that many people are treated initially based on their symptoms and blood or breath H. pylori test results. This approach (called test and treat) is considered an appropriate option for most patients. Patients who do not have any evidence of bleeding or other alarm symptoms, and who are over age 55 should have an endoscopy performed first.

 

Approach to patients who are not taking NSAIDS

If an endoscopy is performed soon after the patient first visits a doctor for symptoms, treatment is based on the results of the endoscopy:

If an ulcer is seen and the patient is infected with H. pylori, treatment for the infection is started, followed by 4 to 8 weeks of treatment with a proton pump inhibitor. Most patients will improve with this treatment.

If an ulcer is seen but H. pylori is not present, patients are usually treated with proton pump inhibitors for 8 weeks.

If no ulcer is seen and the patient is not infected with H. pylori, the first treatment attempt will usually be with proton pump inhibitors. These patients do not need antibiotics to treat H. pylori. Other possible causes of their symptoms should also be considered.

As mentioned above, most patients who do not have risk factors for additional complications are treated without first having an endoscopy. The decision of which treatment to use is based on the types of symptoms patients have, and on the results of their H. pylori blood or breath tests.

Patients who are not infected with H. pylori are given a diagnosis of functional (non-ulcer) dyspepsia. These patients are most commonly given four to eight weeks of a proton pump inhibitor. If this dose is not effective, occasionally doubling the dose will relieve symptoms. If there is still no symptom relief, patients may have an endoscopy. However, it is unlikely that an ulcer is present. In this group of patients, symptoms may not fully improve.

Patients who test positive for H. pylori infection will receive an antibiotic regimen that eradicates H. pylori. Those who have an ulcer are more likely to respond to such treatment. Unfortunately, because an endoscopy is not performed before treatment in the test and treat strategy, patients who do not have an ulcer are also treated with antibiotics. Even if they are positive for H. pylori, these patients are less likely to have a full response.

When the test and treat approach is used, those who do not respond to treatment, or whose symptoms return relatively quickly, will often need an upper endoscopy.

There is considerable debate about whether to test for H. pylori and treat infected patients who have dyspepsia but no clear evidence of ulcers. Increased risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A number of studies suggest that H. pylori in the intestinal tract protects against GERD, which in severe cases can be a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus. Eliminating H. pylori may also have other adverse effects.

 

Overuse of antibiotics: There is concern that using antibiotics when there is no clear evidence of ulcers will lead to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and increase the risk for side effects. Overuse may also contribute to a growing public health problem -– the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

.

Antibiotic and combination drug regimens for the treatment of H. Pylori

Reported cure rates for H. pylori range from 70 – 90 per cent after antibiotic treatment. The standard treatment regimen uses two antibiotics and a PPI:

PPIs: These drugs include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), and rabeprazole (Aciphex). PPIs are important for all types of peptic ulcers, and are a critical partner in antibiotic regimens. They reduce acidity in the intestinal tract, and increase the ability of antibiotics to destroy H. pylori.

Antibiotics: The standard antibiotics are clarithromycin (Biaxin) and amoxicillin. Some doctors substitute the antibiotic metronidazole (Flagyl) for either clarithromycin or amoxicillin.

Patients typically take this combination treatment for at least 14 days. Many studies, however, suggest that a 7-day treatment may work just as well.

Follow-up: Follow-up testing for the bacteria should be done no sooner than four weeks after therapy is completed. Test results before that time may not be accurate.

In most cases, drug treatment relieves ulcer symptoms. However, symptom relief does not always indicate treatment success, just as persistent dyspepsia does not necessarily mean that treatment has failed. Heartburn and other GERD symptoms can get worse and require acid-suppressing medication.

 

Treatment of NSAID-induced ulcers

If patients are diagnosed with NSAID-caused ulcers or bleeding, they should:

Get tested for H. pylori and, if they are infected, take antibiotics. Possibly use a PPI. Studies suggest that these medications lower the risk for NSAID-caused ulcers, although they do not completely prevent them.

 

Healing existing ulcers: A number of drugs are used to treat NSAID-caused ulcers. PPIs – omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or esomeprazole (Nexium) –are used most often. Other drugs that may be useful include H2 blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC), cimetidine (Tagamet), and ranitidine (Zantac). Sucralfate is another drug used to heal ulcers and reduce the stomach upset caused by NSAIDs.

People with chronic pain may try a number of other medications to minimise the risk of ulcers associated with NSAIDs.

 

Surgery

When a patient comes to the hospital with bleeding ulcers, endoscopy is usually performed. This procedure is critical for the diagnosis, determination of treatment options, and treatment of bleeding ulcers.

In high-risk patients or those with evidence of bleeding, options include watchful waiting with medical treatments or surgery. The first critical steps for massive bleeding are to stabilise the patient and support vital functions with fluid replacement and possibly blood transfusions. People on NSAIDs should stop taking these drugs, if possible.

Depending on the intensity of the bleeding, patients can be released from the hospital within a day or kept in the hospital for up to 3 days after endoscopy. Bleeding stops spontaneously in about 70 – 80 per cent of patients, but about 30 per cent of patients who come to the hospital for bleeding ulcers need surgery. Endoscopy is the surgical procedure most often used for treating bleeding ulcers and patients at high-risk for re-bleeding. It is usually combined with medications, such as epinephrine and intravenous proton pump inhibitors.

Between 10 – 20 per cent of patients require more invasive procedures for bleeding, such as major abdominal surgery.

 

Major abdominal surgery

Major abdominal surgery for bleeding ulcers is now generally performed only when endoscopy fails or is not appropriate. Certain emergencies may require surgical repair, such as when an ulcer perforates the wall of the stomach or intestine, causing sudden intense pain and life-threatening infection.

 

Surgical approaches: The standard major surgical approach (called open surgery) uses a wide abdominal incision and standard surgical instruments. Laparoscopic techniques use small abdominal incisions, through which inserted tubes are that contain miniature cameras and instruments. Laparoscopic techniques are increasingly being used for perforated ulcers. Research finds that laparoscopic surgery for a perforated peptic ulcer is comparable in safety with open surgery, and results in less pain after the procedure.

Major surgical procedures: There are a number of surgical procedures aimed at providing long-term relief of ulcer complications. These include:

Vagotomy: in which the vagus nerve is cut to interrupt messages from the brain that stimulate acid secretion in the stomach. This surgery may impair stomach emptying. A recent variation that cuts only parts of the nerve may reduce this complication.

Antrectomy: in which the lower part of the stomach is removed. This part of the stomach manufactures the hormone responsible for stimulating digestive juices.

Pyloroplasty: which enlarges the opening into the small intestine so that stomach contents can pass into it more easily.

Antrectomy and pyloroplasty are usually performed with vagotomy.

 

Medications

The following drugs are sometimes used to treat peptic ulcers caused by either NSAIDs or H. pylori.

Antacids

Many antacids are available without a prescription, and they are the first drugs recommended to relieve heartburn and mild dyspepsia. Antacids are not effective for preventing or healing ulcers, but they can help in the following ways:

They neutralise stomach acid with various combinations of three basic compounds – magnesium, calcium, or aluminum.

They may protect the stomach by increasing bicarbonate and mucus secretion. (Bicarbonate is an acid-buffering substance.)

It is generally believed that liquid antacids work faster and are more potent than tablets, although some evidence suggests that both forms work equally well.

 

Basic salts used in antacids

There are three basic salts used in antacids:

Magnesium: Magnesium compounds are available in the form of magnesium carbonate, magnesium trisilicate, and, most commonly, magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia). The major side effect of these magnesium compounds is diarrhea.

Calcium: Calcium carbonate (Tums, Titralac, and Alka-2) is a potent and rapid-acting antacid, but it can cause constipation. There have been rare cases of hypercalcaemia (elevated levels of calcium in the blood) in people taking calcium carbonate for long periods of time. Hypercalcemia can lead to kidney failure.

Aluminium: The most common side effect of antacids containing aluminium compounds (Amphogel, Alternagel) is constipation. Maalox and Mylanta are combinations of aluminium and magnesium, which balance the side effects of diarrhoea and constipation. People who take large amounts of antacids containing aluminium may be at risk of calcium loss and osteoporosis. Long-term use also increases the risk of kidney stones. People who have recently experienced GI bleeding should not use aluminium compounds.

Interactions with other drugs: Antacids can reduce the absorption of a number of drugs. Conversely, some antacids increase the potency of certain drugs. The interactions can be avoided by taking other drugs one hour before or hours after taking the antacid.

 

Prevention of ulcers

Lifestyle changes: In the past, it was common practice to tell people with peptic ulcers to consume small, frequent amounts of bland foods. Exhaustive research conducted since that time has shown that a bland diet is not effective in reducing the incidence or recurrence of ulcers, and that eating numerous small meals throughout the day is no more effective than eating three meals a day. Large amounts of food should still be avoided, because stretching the stomach can result in painful symptoms.

Fruits and vegetables: The good news is that a diet rich in fibre may cut the risk of developing ulcers in half and speed the healing of existing ulcers. Fibre found in fruits and vegetables is particularly protective; vitamin A contained in many of these foods may increase the benefit.

Milk: Milk actually encourages the production of acid in the stomach, although moderate amounts (2 – 3 cups a day) appear to do no harm. Certain probiotics, which are “good” bacteria added to yogurt and other fermented milk drinks, may protect the gastrointestinal system.

Coffee and Carbonated Beverages: Coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), soft drinks, and fruit juices with citric acid increase stomach acid production. Although no studies have proven that any of these drinks contribute to ulcers, consuming more than 3 cups of coffee per day may increase susceptibility to H. pylori infection.

Spices and Peppers: Studies conducted on spices and peppers have yielded conflicting results. The rule of thumb is to use these substances moderately, and to avoid them if they irritate the stomach.

Garlic: Some studies suggest that high amounts of garlic may have some protective properties against stomach ulcer, although a recent study concluded that garlic offered no benefits against H. pylori and, in large amounts, can cause considerable GI distress.

Olive Oil: Studies from Spain have shown that phenolic compounds in virgin olive oil may be effective against eight strains of H. pylori, three of which are antibiotic-resistant.

Vitamins: Although no vitamins have been shown to protect against ulcers, H. pylori appears to impair the absorption of vitamin C, which may play a role in the higher risk of stomach ulcer.

Exercise: Some evidence suggests that exercise may help reduce the risk for ulcers in some people.

Stress Relief: Stress relief programmes have not been shown to promote ulcer healing, but they may have other health benefits.

 

Report compiled by Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis with additional information from medicine.com

Bright charts progress path for AHAPN

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L-R: Pharm. Augustine Ezeugwu, PCN Lagos zonal cordinator; Pharm.(Mrs) Bisi Bright, CEO, Livewell Initiative; Pharm. (Mrs) Bolanle Adekoya, deputy director, pharmacy unit, LUTH, during the event
L-R: Pharm. Augustine Ezeugwu, PCN Lagos zonal cordinator; Pharm.(Mrs) Bisi Bright, CEO, Livewell Initiative; Pharm. (Mrs) Bolanle Adekoya, deputy director, pharmacy unit, LUTH, during the event

For members of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) to remain relevant in the health care environment, it is imperative that they embark on roles expansion, innovation of new concepts and collaborative drug therapy management, among other initiatives, Pharm. (Mrs) Bisi Bright, has said.

Bright, who was the keynote speaker at the 2015 AHAPN Day, held at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) on 12 August, 2015, stressed the need for AHAPN members to make their services in the hospitals more beneficial to patients.

Speaking on the topic, “The roles of hospital and administrative pharmacists in achieving optimal health outcome”, Bright, who is the CEO of Livewell Initiative (LWI), urged pharmacists to seek new ways of rendering services to patients, which would include recognising and harnessing the services of other health care team members.

The LWI boss listed areas in which pharmacists can specialise to include immunisation, wellness and public health, disease prevention and management, pharmacoganisms applications, anticoagulation management, medication safety surveillance, cost effectiveness and containment, formulary management and system, to mention the a few.

According to her, pharmacists need to “go into new things within the pharmacy world; they need to be more proactive in providing services and they need to fulfil their roles in medication therapy management (MTM). MTM involves wellness promotion, medication use, collaboration with other members of the health care team, also collaboration with patients to ensure adherence to medication.”

 

Using the share a Coke concept invented by the Coca-Cola Company to explain the wonders of innovation, she charged the audience to think outside the box in order to revamp their practices and adapt to modern methods as practised in advanced climes.

She equally reminded drivers of the health industry to ensure availability of conducive working environment for pharmacists. According to her, this, coupled with the formulation of incentive regulations and policy, as well as periodic motivations by the association, will go a long way in spurring pharmacists towards continuous improvement.

Pharm. Bright also proffered suggestions on the challenge of drug counterfeiting, noting that it is a global challenge with all the typical features of organised crime.

“I think within the area of regulation, pharmacists can assist at the point of care. You should ensure you do proper processing, source for ethical products and keep yourself safe and out of the ambience of substandard products. The primary role of a pharmacist is to ensure safe use of medicines and to monitor medicine supply chain from manufacturing, to supply, procurement, and in the whole process,” she said.

In his own contribution, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, who was represented by Dr Monica Eimunjeze, director, registration and directorate, said the institution had introduced several concepts to curb the activities of counterfeiters.

Orhii, who spoke extensively on the role of NAFDAC in achieving optimal health outcomes, solicited the cooperation of all, for the agency’s efforts to be productive.

He expressed concern over online sales of drugs, describing it as a loophole for fakers, as 50 per cent of drugs sold on the internet are counterfeit.

He urged pharmacists to be on the lookout for drug counterfeiters and report them.

 

 

Onasanya bags Retail Pharmacy Legend Award – As Pharmalliance hosts 7th edition of The Panel

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L-R: THE PANELISTS - Pharm. N.A.E Mohammed, PCN registrar; Pharm. Chris Ehimen, chairman of NETT Pharmacy and Pharm. Bukky George, chief executive officer of HealthPlus Pharmacy &CasaBella Beauty World
L-R: THE PANELISTS – Pharm. N.A.E Mohammed, PCN registrar; Pharm. Chris Ehimen, chairman of NETT Pharmacy and Pharm. Bukky George, chief executive officer of HealthPlus Pharmacy &CasaBella Beauty World
L-R: Pharm. Lere Baale, director  of Business School Netherlands presenting the award to Pharm. (Mrs) Marcelina Onasanya while Pharm. Adeshina Opanubi, coordinator of Pharmalliance looks on
L-R: Pharm. Lere Baale, director of Business School Netherlands presenting the award to Pharm. (Mrs) Marcelina Onasanya while Pharm. Adeshina Opanubi, coordinator of Pharmalliance looks on

In recognition of her laudable contributions to the growth of pharmacy practice in Nigeria, Managing Director of Bola Chemist and Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), Pharm. (Mrs)Marcelina Onasanya, has been honoured with the prestigious Retail Pharmacy Legend Award.

The award ceremony which was part of the 7th edition of The Panel, an annual retail pharmacy business summit organised by Pharmalliance, was held on 11August, 2015 at the Sheraton Hotel and Suites, Ikeja, Lagos.

Extoling her virtues, Pharm. Adeshina Opanubi, coordinator of Pharmalliance, described the 84-year-old matriarch as a beacon of hope for young pharmacists going by her antecedents.

“Her passion for the pharmacy practice is quite remarkable. How many people can believe that she still attends daily to her primary duty at Bola Chemist at such age? For what it is worth, she deserves the award,” he said.

Pharm. Lere Baale, director of the Business School Netherlands and one of the panelists at the 2015 edition of The Panel, was equally full of praises for her.

According to him, Onasanya contributed to the success of his career and the need to uphold professional ethics at all times.

Prior to her establishing Bola Chemist in Lagos Island, Pharm. Marcelina Onasanya had worked with the Yaba Dispensary and was once a treasurer of NAGPP (now ACPN).Aside being a PSN Fellow, Onasanya is also a mother of two registered pharmacists in Nigeria.

Other notable awardees at the two-day summit were Pharm. Bukky George, chief executive officer of HealthPlus Pharmacy &Casa Bella Beauty World (Inspiration Award); Pharm. N.A.E Mohammed, registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (Leadership Award); Pharm. Josephine Ehimen, director of NETT Pharmacy (Partner’s Award); Mr Femi Soremekun, chairman of Biofem Pharmaceuticals (Partner’s Award) and Pharm. Oghene Ochuko Omaruaye, managing director of New Heights Pharmaceuticals (Platinum Award).

Earlier in his keynote address, Mr Bayo Rotimi, managing director of Quest Advisory Services Limited, urged the audience to consistently aim high.

Speaking on the topic, “Strategy Execution: Hallmark of Successful Retail Leaders,” Rotimi lauded MedPlus and HealthPlus pharmacies for blazing the trail in the retail busines.

“Having said that, I think you can do better. There is nothing stopping any serious retail pharmacist from owning a minimum of 100 outlets in Nigeria. The only reason you can’t achieve that is if the market doesn’t exist. But it does exist in this case,” he said.

It would be recalled that MedPlus Limited has 21 chain stores while HealthPlus Limited presently has 40 with additional 48 planned for the year.

PCN registrar, Pharm. N.A.E Mohammed, also shared the belief that retail pharmacists could do better by distinguishing themselves from non-professionals.

“By now, retail pharmacies should have outgrown some certain things such as encroaching on the 200 metres proximity boundary set from the nearest existing pharmacy. Not just that. The last time we visited Ajegunle in Lagos, we met an embarrassing situation where plates used in eating were found littering the floor of a pharmacy. How bad can that be?” he remarked.

The registrar further argued that the 21st century retail pharmacist has no business using scissors to cut Paracetamol as some practitioners still do.

In attendance at this year’s edition of The Panel were Pharm. Ike Onyechi, managing director of Alpha Pharmacy; Dr Cyril Chukwu, a consultant pulmonologist with LUTH; Pharm Olaide Soetan, former product manager of Biofem Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Chris Ehimen, chairman of NETT Pharmacy; Pharm. Ismail Adebayo, immediate past national chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN); and the incumbent, Dr Albert Kelong Alkali.

Pharmalliance, which organised the retail business summit, is an informal network of retail pharmacies that access a common pool of shared resources. These resources include financial services, legal services, insurance services and business development services.

According to the organisers, Pharmalliance is for retail pharmacies registered by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria. It is an alliance of pharmacy businesses and non-pharmacy professionals.

 

ALPS, Sabeccly charge FG on cancer treatment

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As part of activities to mark the 2015 Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Week in Lagos State, the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) in conjunction with Sabeccly Cancer Care, has called on the federal government to come to the aid of indigent citizens, who continue to die daily of the cancer scourge.

The lady pharmacists who took cancer awareness campaign and screening to civil servants and residents of Somolu Local Government Area, on 11 August, 2015, canvassed the inclusion of cancer care in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), arguing that while cancer care requires collaborative efforts, government must play a major role for success to be achieved.

L-R:Pharm. (Mrs) Folake Adeniyi, director of pharmaceutical servicies, Lagos Health service commission; Dr Omolola Salako, CEO, Sabeccly Cancer Care; and Pharm. (Mrs) Ngozi Okoye, vice chairman, Lagos State ALPs, during the occasion
L-R:Pharm. (Mrs) Folake Adeniyi, director of pharmaceutical servicies, Lagos Health service commission; Dr Omolola Salako, CEO, Sabeccly Cancer Care; and Pharm. (Mrs) Ngozi Okoye, vice chairman, Lagos State ALPs, during the occasion

Addressing participants during the campaign, Dr Omolola Salako, executive director, Sabeecly Cancer Care, lamented the prevalence of breast and cervical cancers among women, which she attributed to delayed presentation in the hospitals.

She noted that about 60 per cent of women had one form of breast lump or the other, which could be prevented from degenerating into cancerous growths when patients report early for medical examinations and counselling.

“For early diagnosis of cancer, women from 20 years and above are to practise self breast-examination once in a month, and see a doctor once in three years; while women who are 40 years and above should continue with self breast-examination and see a doctor for mammography annually”, she advised.

Dr Salako also maintained that cervical cancer could be prevented and should be prevented through the practice of safe sex. She listed the ABC of safe sex as Abstinence, Being faithful to one’s partner and Condom use.

She further counselled women to get vaccinated and go for Pap Smear , noting that “It cost less than N20, 000 to prevent cervical cancer and it costs over N500, 000 to treat it. Women should be wise in making the right decision by going for screening, because as they say, prevention is better than cure”.

Explaining reasons for the upsurge in cancer cases despite awareness campaigns, Dr Salako emphasised that there was a gap in awareness creation and the behavioural practices of many women. She equally noted that it was possible that information was not being strategically disseminated, or that some recipients of such information choose to be in denial.

She consequently called for a coordinated cancer information system that reaches people effectively and ensures that they go for screening.

On the role of the government and the NHIS in taming the scourge of cancer, the Sabeecly executive director said:

“It is expected that the NHIS should cover cancer care, we can take initial steps on this. The slogan for NHIS is ‘health care for all’. Health care is not just malaria or diabetes; available statistics are showing increase in cancer, we need to prepare for the burden, prevent preventable cases, in order to check the rate of cancer mortality in the country. As a nation, we are losing whole lots of women to breast and cervical cancer. And until the government takes full responsibility, we can’t win the war against cancer.”

Welcoming the participants earlier, the Lagos State ALPs chairperson, who was represented by the vice chairperson, Mrs Ngozi Okoye, expressed her delight with the turnout of the audience for the health education.

Explaining the vision and mission of ALPs as an interest group of the PSN, she said the ultimate goal is the enhancement of public health, with special focus on women and children. She listed the focus areas of ALPs Lagos activities to include girl-child education, school moral campaigns, HIV counselling and testing (HCT), charity visits and activities, environmental health and hygiene, as well as advocacy for rational drug use.

Okoye also explained ALPS roles in the Pharmacy Week, stating that the annual event of the PSN is often used as an opportunity to create awareness to the public about prevalent health issues and the pharmacists’ roles and contributions. The theme for this year’s edition was ‘Good Pharmacy Practice – The Key to Better Health Outcomes’. However, in consideration of the prevalence of various preventable and manageable health conditions currently ravaging the society, the Association of Lady Pharmacists, Lagos added the sub-theme: “Sensitisation and Health Screening Intervention as tools of Good Pharmacy Practice for better health outcomes”.

Tips for Healthy Living

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Healthy living, to different folks might have different meanings. However from  experts’ perspectives, it means both physical and mental health are proportionate in a person. In many instances, physical and mental health are closely linked, so that a change (good or bad) in one directly affects the other. Consequently, some of the tips will include suggestions for emotional and mental healthy living. Mr Chikat Lekshak, a nutritionist, learnt credence to this subject, urging Nigerians to cultivate the habit of taking food supplements regularly to enhance healthy living. You will find the tips below interesting for your daily upkeep.

Tips:

  • Eat three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); it is important to remember that dinner does not have to be the largest meal.
  • The bulk of food consumption should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products.
  • Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts (with emphasis on beans and nuts).
  • Choose foods that are low in saturatedfats, transfats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars; look at the labels because the first listed items on the labels comprise the highest concentrations of ingredients.
  • Control portion sizes; eat the smallest portion that can satisfy hunger and then stop eating.
  • Snacks are OK in moderation and should consist of items like fruit, whole grains, or nuts to satisfy hunger and not cause excessiveweight gain.
  • Avoid sodas andsugar-enhanced drinks because of the excessive calories in the sodas and sugar drinks; diet drinks may not be a good choice as they make some people hungrier and increase food consumption.
  • Avoid eating a large meal before sleeping to decrease gastroesophageal reflux and weight gain.
  • If a person is angry ordepressed, eating will not solve these situations and may make the underlying problems worse.
  • Avoid rewarding children with sugary snacks; such a pattern may become a lifelong habit for people.
  • Avoid heavy meals in the summer months, especially during hot days.
  • Avegetarian lifestyle has been promoted for a healthy lifestyle and weight loss; vegetarians should check with their physicians to be sure they are getting enough vitaminsminerals, and iron in their food.
  • Cooking foods (above 165 F) destroys most harmful bacteria and other pathogens; if you choose to eat uncooked foods like fruits or vegetables, they should be thoroughly washed with running treated (safe to drink) tap water right before eating.
  • Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats of any type.

 

Tips for special situations:

  • People with diabetes should use the above tips and monitor their glucose levels as directed; try to keep the daily blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
  • People with unusual work schedules (night shifts, college students, military) should try to adhere to a breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine with minimal snacking.
  • People who prepare food should avoid using grease or frying foods in grease.
  • People trying to lose weight (body fat) should avoid all fatty and sugary foods and eat mainly vegetables, fruits, and nuts and markedly reduce his/her intake of meat and dairy products.
  • Seek medical advice early if you cannot control your weight, food intake, or if you have diabetes and cannot control your blood glucose levels.

 

How to care for your Ear

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Ear WaxCould you believe that several attempts made by you to remove wax from your ear were only increasing your risk of developing ear impairment? Otolaryngologists from the American Academy of Otolaryngology have warned on the dangers of using sharp objects in probing the ear. The ear specialists, who have listed a number of things you should never do to your ears, noted that earwax in a moderate amount is healthy and serves as a self-cleaning agent with protective, lubricating, and antibacterial properties, absence of may result in itchy ears.

Having said this, it is important to go through the Do’s and Don’ts list of ear care. Find t hem below:

THE DON’TS

  1. DON’T undergo ear candling to remove ear wax—it doesn’t work.
  2. DON’T…use a Q-tip to clean out your ears. Better yet, remove them entirely from your bathroom medicine cabinet.
  3. DON’T…expose your ears to continuous loud noises. Translation: turn your iPod down, or reduce number of hours on ear piece use.
  4. DON’T…smoke
  5. DON’T…ignore sudden hearing loss
  6. DON’T… use ear plugs if you have wax problems
  7. DON’T…try to remove ear wax on your own
  8. DON’T…use anything smaller than your elbow to clean inside your ears.
  9. DON’T…eat right before you go to bed—eat at least 3 hours before instead.
  10. DON’T…scratch the inside of your ear with a pen or any sharp object.

THE DOS

  1. Use a blow dryer to keep ears dry after water sports.
  2. DO…use nasal saline to keep nasal passageways clear during allergy season to prevent ear and sinus blockage.
  3. DO…apply sunscreen to the back of your ears as the skin there is prone to sun exposure.
  4. DO…use a 50:50 alcohol and vinegar solution as ear drops to evaporate excess water and keep your ears dry if you’re prone to swimmer’s ear.
  5. DO…see a physician if you experience sudden onset hearing loss
  6. DO… cover your ears when exposed to loud noises
  7. DO…have a qualified physician remove ear wax
  8. DO…use hydrogen peroxide or mineral oil to periodically loosen ear wax
  9. DO…use OTC decongestants while flying if prone to ear popping
  10. DO…use mineral or olive oil to drown live insects that get stuck in your ears (& get the dead insect removed by an ENT)

 

 

Proven Ways To Manage Your Stress

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nig nijstressed outResearch from both the experimental and clinical domains confirmed that stress is all about having little or no control over situations. It is interesting to find that stress is not all bad. In fact, stress can increase productivity up to a point at which fatigue, exhaustion, and ill health will occur rapidly. The point at which this happens is different for everyone.

Body changes during a stress reaction

When a person is stressed, there are internal reactions that happen within their body. Changes in body functions allow the person to undergo what is called the fight or flight reaction. This means the body is getting ready to fight if needed or run quickly and “get out of Dodge”.

7 Physical changes that occur during fight or flight response to stress. They are:

  • The persons heart starts to beat faster
  • Blood pressure goes up
  • Breathing becomes quicker, allowing more oxygen to the brain and muscles
  • Blood glucose level rises to give your body more energy to do whatever needs to be done
  • Blood moves away from your gut and into the big muscles of your arms and legs so you can act quickly
  • Blood gets ready to clot quickly should the person start to bleed
  • The person become very alert so that they can think about how to deal with the threat detected.

 

Most times, diabetics don’t fare well with stress, as insulin may not be available for the conversion of extra glucose (sugar). It is not unusual for this to happen during and after hospitalization and at other stressful times.

There are two types of stress

  1. Mental Stress
  2. Physical Stress (injury or Illness) and Diabetes

A person’s reaction to stress may depend on the type of diabetes they have and the kind of stress that is affecting them.

  • Mental stress usually raises the blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes, while it fluctuates the blood glucose level in type 1 diabetics.
  • Physical stress will usually cause higher blood glucose levels in people with either type of diabetes.

It is important to test blood glucose level when stressed to see how stress affects individuals with diabetes. Diabetics should also note that domestic activities can also induce stress. Thus, experts warned on the need for diabetics to be more cautious.

When stress is extreme, distress may set in, problems such as headaches, stomach upset, chest pain and sleeping disorders can occur in addition to the increase in blood pressure and blood glucose.

Effective ways of Managing Stress:

  • Avoid the stressor
  • Say no to requests that will cause more stress
  • Limit time spent with stressful people
  • Limit situations that are stressful. Take the more scenic road instead of the highway to work.
  • Avoid conversation topics that are upsetting.
  • Alter the stressor
  • If a person is causing the stress, try to talk to the person in a caring fashion to help change the situation.
  • Change your own behavior to help or offer compromise to the situation
  • Set limits on your time and tell others what work you need to get done
  • Plan enough time for tasks

7 Smart Principles of Healthy Eating

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Here are seven sound diet principles as proposed by nutritionists that can keep your blood sugars from creeping upward, among other health benefits.

  1. Skip the sugary drinks. No sweet tea. No juice. No soda. No sweetened lemonade. No mocha latte coffee creations. “My number one recommendation to people is: Don’t drink your sugar,” Sugary drinks provide nothing more than empty calories, and they won’t help you feel full. “All the sugary drinks out there are a real risk factor for obesity,” she stresses.
  1. Pull back on portions. You still can eat many of the foods you like, just have smaller amounts of them, adding that this is especially true for starchy foods like white rice, white potatoes, and pasta. Cut out high-calorie, junky snacks, and save your decadent desserts for special occasions. Remember that even healthy foods can lead to weight gain if you eat too much of them, and being overweight is a primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

 

 

  1. Fill up on fiber. Eat plenty of high-fiber foods, including vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains. Fiber helps you feel fuller longer and can help you eat less to avoid weight gain. At least half your plate should be fruits and vegetables that have been steamed or sautéed in healthy fats. Those veggies can be fresh, frozen, or canned. Just skip the canned vegetables with added salt.

 

 

  1. Be choosy about fats. Your diet should have some fat, but opt for the healthiest sources: olive and vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and avocado. Buy low-fat or fat-free dairy products such as reduced-fat cheeses, non-fat or low-fat yogurt, and skim milk.

Assorted fruits

  1. Drink alcohol only in moderation. Men should have no more than two drinks a day, women no more than one. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits of 80-proof.
  1. Choose lean meats. To easily identify lean red meats, look for cuts that have the word “round” or “loin” in their name, such as top round or pork loin. Even with these better-for-you picks, trim all visible fat. Opt for white-meat chicken or turkey without the skin. Adding fish to your diet two to three times a week is part of a diet that can help diabetes prevention. Bake, broil, roast, grill, or saute rather than fry to keep it lean.
  1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. People hydrationoften mistake thirst for hunger, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. “You feel better when you’re hydrated,” “Staying hyrated helps to lower your blood sugar, which you should do anyway.”

 

Super Ways of Eating for Body Types

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body type

Nutrionists, at various times have agreed with the American psychologist, Williams H. Sheldon, on his body type theory, called Somatotypes. The assumption of Somatotype is that there are three body types, and each individual could be any of the three. They are: Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph.

The essence of nutritionists’ alignment with the theory of body type nutrition is that the human body type determines how it processes what the person eats. Though its difficulty or out rightly impossible to change the basic body frame and build, which is mostly determined by genetics, experts advised eating in line with body type, in order to:

Modify and respond to what they eat

Lose, gain, or maintain your weight as you wish to achieve your ideal body weight

Target trouble spots to modify fat and muscle to achieve the body shape you want

Eliminate food cravings

Boost your metabolism and energy

Achieve and maintain optimum health by reducing the challenges and health risks of a body type.

Body Types Categories and Description

Body types otherwise called somatotypes, as earlier mentioned, could be diet based, following Fitness and nutrition advocates guide. Now, its time you know your body type, in case you are yet to, and keep to your diet recommendation, in order to achieve your desired body look.

ECTOMORPHS

Ectomorphs (a.k.a lepacious) have a small bone structure, are naturally long and skinny, and have little muscle mass or body fat. This body type has​​ the following challenges:

Difficulty gaining weight, lean muscle mass, and fat no matter how much they eat

A high metabolism, so they burn off fat easily

A high carbohydrate tolerance, so they absorb and utilize carbs efficiently and there is less to convert to fat

To overcome these challenges and maintain a healthy weight and optimum muscle and fat mass the eating plan recommended for an ectomorph is to eat:

A high-carb, moderate protein and low-fat diet. Suggested nutrient distribution: carbs 50%, protein 30%, and fat 20% of total daily calories

Five to six meals a day of healthy calorie and nutrient-dense carb foods

Enough calories to maintain a normal amount of fat and muscle

An ectomorph can achieve this recommendation by eating a healthy combination of:

Complex carbs of whole grains, fruits, and starchy and non-starchy vegetables

Lean animal protein and legumes

Healthy sources of fats such as flaxseed and olive oils, as well as nuts, seeds, and dairy

To maintain enough fat, go light on aerobic exercise and, to increase your lean muscle mass, include weight training in your exercise plan.

MESOMORPHS

Mesomorphs have a medium build and bone structure. They tend to be muscular, lean, and athletic-looking and have little fat. They have the most ​​desired body type ​​and a healthy, moderate metabolism, but their challenges i​nclude:

Can gain or lose weight, fat, and muscle without much effort depending on what they eat

A tendency to carry weight in the bottom, hips, and thighs if they gain weight

To maintain a lean, muscular body and limit a tendency towards overeating and fat and weight gain, a mesomorph is advised to:

Eat a diet balanced between healthy carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats. Suggested nutrient distribution: carbs 40%, protein 30%, and fat 30% of daily calories

Manage calorie intake to reduce fat gain

To achieve this a mesomorph’s diet can include:

Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, starchy and non starchy vegetables, and fruits

Lean animal protein such as lean meats, fish, skinless poultry, and legumes

Healthy fats from flaxseed and olive oils, nuts, and reduced-fat dairy

Add aerobics, such as running, to burn off any excess fat. Maintain lean muscle with weight training.

ENDOMORPHS

Endomorphs (a.k.a orobo) have a big bone structure and a heavier body mass with lots of poorly defined muscle and body fat. They tend to be round and soft and have the following challenges:

Gain weight easily and have difficulty losing it

A slow metabolism, so they have more difficulty burning fat, and excess calories are more likely to be stored as fat

A tendency to store fat around the belly and upper body, which carries an increased risk for diabetes and heart disease

Poor carbohydrate tolerance, so they don’t absorb and utilize carbs well, increasing the risk for diabetes

To lose fat and weight and tone muscle endomorphs should:

Eat a low-carb, high fiber, high protein, and low-fat diet. The suggested nutrient distribution is carbs 30%, protein 40%, and fat 30% of daily calories.

Pay attention to calorie intake because of the challenge of burning off excess calories and fat.

Endomorphs can achieve this recommendation by:

Choosing complex carbs of whole grains and non-starchy vegetables

Avoiding or limiting simple sugars and refined starches such as white bread, pasta, white rice, potato, and starchy vegetables, such as corn and peas

Eating lots of lean protein, such as lean meats, fish, skinless chicken, legumes, and a small amount of nuts and seeds

Limiting fats to healthy sources, such as flaxseed and olive oils, reduced-fat dairy, and peanut butter, as well as by making low-fat substitutions in favorite recipes

Add high intensity aerobic exercises to mobilize the fat and add weight training to tone muscles as the pounds come off.

Prescription drugs Business in India 2015 – 2020

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Prescription drugs Business in India is anticipated to be price US$ 55.39 billion by 2020, finds a brand new analysis report launched by NOVONOUS. See extra at: http://mrr.cm/okg

supply

7 Real Reasons You’re Always Hungry

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man-eating1It is generally accepted that eating is one of the functions of living things, however, when it is observed that an individual keeps sending down all that comes across his way into his stomach, then there’s more to it. “Hunger is the physiological need for calories, water and salt, and it’s driven by a mix of factors, including your diet, appetite hormones and emotional factors, such as stress,” says Maggie Moon, RD, a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and owner of Everyday Healthy Eating. These 7 things will help explain why your belly’s been growling.

You’re dehydrated

According to the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, dehydration is often masked as feelings of hunger, when really your body just needs fluids.

To prevent this development, you need to increase your fluid intake, starting with a glass of water first thing in the morning.

You’re a restless sleeper

Lack of shuteye on a regular basis makes you ravenous for another reason. After poor sleep, you’re more likely to have serious fatigue and brain fog. Your system, desperate for a shot of energy, triggers cravings for sugar carbs, even if you’re not actually hungry. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, and you’ll get your energy level and hunger hormones back on track.

You load up on starchy carbs

Its observed that simple carbs, the kind found in sugary, white flour foods like pastries, crackers and cookies, spike your blood sugar levels quickly, then leave them plunging soon after. That blood sugar plunge causes intense hunger for more sugary carbs and the cycle continues. Get your carb fix with the complex, filling kind that contains lots of fiber.

You’re a stress case

Again, different individuals have attested to it that stress has a sneakier way of making you voracious. When you’re tense, your system ramps up production of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.

It is also noted that elevated levels of these hormones trick your system into thinking it’s under attack and needs energy, so your appetite starts raging.

You drink too much alcohol

That pre-dinner cocktail or glass of wine meant to whet your appetite before dinner actually does just that, stimulating a feeling of hunger even if your stomach is full, says Moon. According to a study published in the journal Appetite, findings revealed that people were more likely to consume foods higher in calories after drinking alcohol. Since booze dehydrates, it has the tendency to has to trick people into thinking they need food when your body is really calling for water. So watch out for this reaction in your body.

You need to eat more protein

It may sound incredible but studies have also shown that protein has appetite-suppressing effect. Thus, stock-pilling your plate with more protein will reduce your hunger pangs.

You skip meals

Again if you have the habit of ghosting your breakfast and other meals, then you are more likely to increase your hunger hormone “Ghrelin”, which subsequently cause a rise in appetite.

Uncover AFT Prescribed drugs – Our Folks

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Uncover AFT Prescribed drugs.

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AlphaBetic, an effective medication for diabetics -Dr. Ogbera

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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic medical disorder that is assuming pandemic proportions. In 1985, an estimated 100-115 million people were affected, as at Year 2000, this figure rose to 151million and in the Year 2025, an all time high figure of 300million is expected.

The global increase in DM is poised to occur unfortunately more in developing countries like Nigeria. Nigeria like most dev countries is experiencing a rapid epidemiological transition with the burden of NCDs especially DM and Hypertension which are poised to overwhelm the healthcare system that is already overburdened by HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.

In Nigeria, DM related admissions make up 15% of all medical admissions and the commonly documented reasons for DM hospitalizations include poor glycaemic control/hyperglycaemic emergencies and foot ulcers. 1 in 6 cases of DM admissions result in death and the commonest causes of DM deaths are hyperglycaemic emergencies (46%) and DM related foot ulcers (30%).

Although it may take many years for complications of diabetes to show up, in Nigeria, these complications occur at the time of diagnosis of the disease in 25% of this group of people. Although this list is far from complete, the more common complications of uncontrolled blood sugar levels include:

  • Heart disease – stroke, hypertension, heart attack, atherosclerosis
  • Eye problems – blindness, cataracts, glaucoma
  • Kidney disease
  • Neuropathy
  • Gum disease
  • Limb amputation

The management of DM includes life style modification (exercise, adoption of healthy eating habits) and use of glucose lowering medications (oral drugs and insulin injections). Supplementation with vitamins is also a useful adjunct in the management of DM.

ALPHABETIC & DIABETES MELLITUS

People with diabetes have specific nutritional needs which may not be completely fulfilled from the average multivitamin or from diet alone. Managing diabetic nutrition requires a daily dose of balance and replenishment to help restore diabetes-related nutrient deficiencies.

AlphaBetic is a supplement commonly prescribed for persons with diabetes mellitus. AlphaBetic is made up of vitamins E and C, Lutein and Alpha lipoic acid. The important functions of the components of Alpha lipoic acid are as listed below;

Vitamin C: The complications of Diabetes Mellitus are believed to result from hyperglycemia either via the intracellular accumulation of sorbitol or via the glycosylation of proteins or through both of these mechanisms operating in tandem. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial demonstrated that substantial clinical benefits can be expected from an adherence to “tight” glycemic control. Adjunct therapies are proposed for the augmentation of tight glucose control. Among those therapies, strong evidence supported the likely efficacy of vitamin C supplementation.

Studies have shown that Vitamic C supplementation in conjunction with glucose lowering medication improved glycaemic control in persons with DM. Vitamin C is usually devoid of side effects and this makes it a particularly attractive therapeutic adjuvant in the treatment of type 2 DM.

Vitamin E: This important vitamin has been shown to reduce the risk of developing cardiac diseases in people with diabetes mellitus

Lutein: Cataracts and increased susceptibility to frequent and protracted infections may occur in persons with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Researchers have found that lutein is not only a potential candidate for the reduction of susceptibility to infections of diabetic patient but also protects against the development of cataract.

Alphalipoic acid: Alpha lipoic acid is a fatty acid which is used by every cell in the body and serves as an antioxidant that is also effective in the management of diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is damage to nerves that occurs as a result of diabetes. Diabetes is thought to damage nerves as a result of prolonged elevated levels of blood glucose.

Different types of diabetic neuropathy include peripheral neuropathy, focal neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and proximal neuropathy.

The common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include pain, burning, tingling, and numbness of the feet and lower legs.

Autonomic neuropathy causes symptoms related to dysfunction of an organ system, such as urinary incontinence, diarrhoea or constipation, or sexual dysfunction.

Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy is usually done by a clinical exam.

There is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, but treatments are available to manage the symptoms and one of these is alphabetic. The use of alphabetic in the treatment of this DM complication is as a result of the alpha lipoic acid component.

 

By Dr. Anthonia Ogbera, Associate Professor of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos

 

Event Timeline

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Pharm. (Mrs) Bisi Bright, CEO of Livewell Initiative and her team reciting the NGO’s anthem

 

 

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Pharm (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited; Dr. Wale Alabi, project director and Olorogun

 

 

abiodun
Prof. Abiodun Falodun, deputy vice chancellor (academics) presenting
Sir Ike Onyechi, MD, Alpha Pharmacy & Stores , and other Fellows of the WAPCP druing the recent 27th AGM & Scientific Symposium of  the college.
Sir Ike Onyechi, MD, Alpha Pharmacy & Stores , and other Fellows of the WAPCP druing the recent 27th AGM & Scientific Symposium of the college.
Animashaun Tanwa, Gloria Agboola and Ojelabi Jesujoba
Animashaun Tanwa, Gloria Agboola and Ojelabi Jesujoba

UNIBEN approves construction of second Pharmacy building – As PANS honours Atueyi, PharmacyPlus boss, others

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Thunderous ovation reverberated throughout the main auditorium of the University of Benin on 7 July, 2015 as the institution’s deputy vice chancellor (academics), Prof. Abiodun Falodun, announced that the vice chancellor had authorised the erection of another building for the faculty of pharmacy.

L-R: Prof. Azuka Oparah, clinical pharmacy professor, UNIBEN, presenting the PANS Legend award to Pharm (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited during the opening ceremony of Pharmacy Health Week in UNIBEN.

 
Addressing the audience, comprising mainly pharmacy students, during the opening ceremony of the 36th annual pharmacy health week organised by the UNIBEN chapter of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), Falodun explained that it didn’t take much convincing for the school vice chancellor to approve a new structure, complete with laboratory and lecture theatre for the faculty.

L-R: Dr Patrick Igbinaduwa, head of pharmaceutical chemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNIBEN presenting  the Pa. E. A. Osadolor Merit Award to Pharm. Chukwuemeka Obi, chief operating officer of PharmacyPlus Nigeria Limited
L-R: Dr Patrick Igbinaduwa, head of pharmaceutical chemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNIBEN presenting the Pa. E. A. Osadolor Merit Award to Pharm. Chukwuemeka Obi, chief operating officer of PharmacyPlus Nigeria Limited

“It is said that a giant Iroko (tree) begins with a small seed. It is that belief that spurred him to trust that the faculty of pharmacy can also take us (UNIBEN) to a giant height. It is that same belief that made him to appoint me also as deputy vice chancellor,” he said.
The DVC further added, to the delight of the students, that the faculty would soon begin to produce methylated spirit, cotton wool and hydrogen peroxide.
“In fact, as I am talking to you, a committee to oversee the project is in place and headed by Dr Patrick Igbinaduwa, head of pharmaceutical chemistry department,” he announced.
As the students expressed their excitement with deafening applause, the professor quickly added that there were also plans in place to ensure the production of hormonal drugs in the institution.
On the challenges often faced by pharmacy students going for internship, the professor said, “We have also observed that many pharmacy students go through a lot of stress in search for a place to do their internship. We are working on something that should take care of that very soon.”
Earlier in his address on “Self Care In Hypertension and Diabetes – The Role of the Pharmacist”, Prof. Azuka Oparah, a clinical pharmacy professor in UNIBEN had described self-care as the act of taking responsibility for one’s health without professional intervention, but with professional support.
The clinical professor explained that chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes required life-long self care, in addition to professional care in order to achieve the desired clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes.
“If we live long enough, we stand the risk of chronic diseases,” Oparah noted, adding that “chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are the major causes of death and disability worldwide. Many studies have demonstrated that a large proportion of patients are not aware of their high blood pressure.”
According to the don, the 1994 WHO resolution recognises the key role of pharmacists and further emphasises their responsibility to provide informed and objective advice on medicines and their use, to promote the concept of pharmaceutical care, and to actively participate in illness prevention and health promotion.
“After all, the mission of the profession of pharmacy is to improve or maintain public health through ensuring safe, effective, and appropriate use of medications,” he stressed.

The opening ceremony of the event was graced by a large number of eminent personalities, including Pharm (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited; who delivered the keynote address, Pharm (Mrs) Caroline Olumese, deputy director/head of department, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); and Pharm Chris Iyare, chairman, Edo State branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).
Others were Pharm. Chukwuemeka Obi, chief operating officer of PharmacyPlus Nigeria Limited; Pharm. (Dr) Mrs Tawa Idubor, PSN national financial secretary; Pharm. Tunde Akanmu, managing director, Monic-Tee Pharm; Pharm. Aloysius Anieke, pharmacist-in-charge of Philip Andy Je Pharmacy; Dr Collins Aireminen, department of pharmaceutics & pharmaceutical technonolgy (UNIBEN); and Prof. Ehijie Enato, lecturer, UNIBEN’s faculty of pharmacy.
Towards the end of the programme, seven distinguished pharmacists were honoured by the PANS executives with two categories of awards – the Pharmacy Legend Award, and the Pa E. A. Osadolor Merit Award – in recognition of their innovative contributions to pharmaceutical excellence.
Recipients of the awards were: Pharm (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi and Pharm. Aloysius Anieke (Pharmacy Legend Award); Pharm. Chukwuemeka Obi, Pharm Chris Iyare, Dr Collins Aireminen, Prof. Ehijie Enato and Dr Patrick Igbinaduwa (Pa E. A. Osadolor Merit Award).

How studying Pharmacy became a blessing to me – Prof. Obiorah

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Former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Benin, Professor Bona Obiorah is a distinguished pharmacist. His illustrious career has seen him serve as president of the West African Pharmaceutical Federation (now West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists). He was also a chairman of Edo State PSN and, remarkably, the first black professor of Pharmaceutical Technology in Africa. In this interview with ADEBAYO FOLORUNSHO-FRANCIS, the professor recounts the ups and downs of the journey so far. Excerpts:

What was your early education like?
My primary education was at St. Mathew’s Catholic School, Amawbia in old Onitsha Province. I left there in standard five in 1954 to attend Government College Umuahia. At Umuahia, I was in the experimental class that wrote WASC in class four. After WASC I had a stint of nine months in Shell BP as a clerk. Thereafter, I proceeded to the old Nigerian College, Enugu, for my A-levels in Physics, Chemistry and Biology which I successfully completed in June 1961.

How did you find yourself at Nigerian College?
Well, I think that is a story for another day. After my WASC, my passion was to study Agriculture at the University of Ibadan. I wrote the entrance examination and was admitted to the university. But the issue of Eastern Nigeria Government Scholarship cropped up and when I checked the list I found that I had been awarded a scholarship to study Pharmacy. That was the first time I was hearing of such a course.
I travelled to Enugu to find out what was going on. I was told that my name appeared under Pharmacy because that was an area of need for the regional government. I needed a scholarship and accepted to study Pharmacy at the University of Ife (now OAU). The letter of admission was for a three-year B.Pharm degree. On arrival at the university, the letter of offer was withdrawn and replaced with a three-year diploma offer.

What was the reason?
The reason was that the staffing situation was inadequate for a Pharmacy degree. Some of us went over to the University of Ibadan and enrolled for Medicine, but a good number took the matter philosophically and enrolled for the diploma programme.

What happened next?
At the end of the diploma programme in June 1964, we were enlisted in the register of pharmacists, which paved way for me to join the Eastern Nigerian Civil Service as a pharmacist. Quite unexpectedly, those of us who graduated in 1964 with diploma were invited back to Ife to do a one year top-up programme in October 1966. Thus, by June 1967, we had got the B.Pharm degree. At the end of the programme, those of us who bagged second class honours upper degree were offered appointments as Assistant Lecturers in Ife; but I could not take up the appointment.

Why?
Because of the Nigerian Civil War. Still, I was allowed to take up the offer in April 1970 at the end of the war. That was the start of my long and rewarding career in academia.

Rewarding, in what sense?
I was sponsored to the UK for a PhD programme by the university in September 1970. I spent about three and half years at the University of London and bagged my PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology in February 1974. I rose quickly through the ranks in Ife and subsequently at the University of Benin (Uniben) and became a full professor of Pharmaceutical Technology in 1981.

In retrospect, can you confidently say studying Pharmacy was a good decision for you?
Looking back, it was providential that I read Pharmacy since I never set out to do so. But as it turned out to be, I have no regret whatsoever studying Pharmacy. Pharmacy turned out to be a real blessing for me. I had attained the rank of full professor in Pharm Technology barely seven years after my PhD, and in fact, the first in black Africa. The rapid rise had its challenges but I feel fulfilled that I lived up to them as they arose.

What was the profession like in your day compared to today’s practice?
I was in hospital pharmacy for five years before going into academics. Pharmacy in the hospital at the time was beset with all sorts of challenges – top of which was being placed on the technical cadre in public service. We also operated from cubicles as pharmacies and there was very little contact with the patients.
With the recent introduction of clinical pharmacy, we are beginning to have a pre-eminent position in the hospital. We must bear in mind that the status of Pharmacy will always be determined by its fate in the hospital.

Were there scandals and other disturbing trends surrounding the practice during your time?
Pharmacy appears to have been a fighting profession over the decades. This is so because a lot of interlopers exist; and many people who try to determine our fate in most cases do not have a clue about Pharmacy as a profession. Of course, virtually everyone wants a bit of the pie. If the profession is allowed to fully regulate itself, Pharmacy will attain its full potential which will be to the benefit of all.
Some of the bad policies affecting our profession are gradually being addressed, with pharmacists throwing their hats in the ring of party politics. Pharmacists can no longer afford to remain apolitical.

What was your level of involvements in pharmaceutical activities?
My involvement in pharmaceutical activities was closely linked to my activities as a pharmacy teacher. I always preached to my students that they must take a lot of interest in hospital pharmacy. Students used to be reluctant to work in hospitals, complaining of little or no time for pleasure. I always emphasised to them that if the hospitals could dispense with their services on weekends, then they could also dispense with their services altogether since hospitals are open 24 hours a day.

What about active membership of associations and holding offices?
I was chairman of Edo State PSN. As dean of pharmacy in the University of Benin, I was fully active in pharmacy politics. I was also an active member of the West African Pharmaceutical Federation (WAPF) and rose to be its president and played a major role in midwifing it to become the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists. Even as deputy vice chancellor (administration) in the University of Benin, I remained very active in the affairs of Pharmacy, nationally and internationally.

Were there some major awards given to you in recognition of your service?
In the course of my service to Pharmacy, I was honoured with fellowships of the PSN (FPSN) and the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm). I was also country representative of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association for very many years.

What is your impression of the annual PSN national conferences?
The annual PSN national conferences seem to have derailed from the original thinking. It has become so commercialised that there is very little consideration for pharmacists in academia. They should be made to be an integral part of the jamboree.

If you were not to be a pharmacist, what other profession would you have opted for?
I have had a most rewarding career in pharmacy. If I was not in Pharmacy due to providence, I probably would have become a farmer as I indicated at the beginning of this interview. Whether I would have had the same success as I had in Pharmacy if I was a farmer is an issue for another day.

Is there a particular age when an active pharmacist should retire?
The issue of retirement age for pharmacists has continued to crop up. In my extensive travels around the world, I have seen pharmacists in various facets of the profession remaining active well over 80 years. The matter must be left to the individual pharmacist to decide. The alertness of the practitioner should be the deciding consideration, not age as a rule of thumb.

As an elder in the pharmacy profession, what is your advice to young pharmacists?
Young pharmacists tend to be too much in a hurry to reach the top or make money. Very often, this is to their detriment and that of our profession. They should make haste slowly and try to be on top of developments in the profession by continually updating their knowledge on the various areas of pharmacy. For the young ones ready to be sincere to themselves and the profession, they can rest assured that there is room at the top.

Ondo will soon win war against fake drugs – Pharm. Ogunjemiyo

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By Adebayo Oladejo

Pharm. Olabode Ajayi Ogunjemiyo is the new chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Ondo State Chapter. In this interview with Pharmanews, immediately after the 34th Annual National Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) tagged “Sunshine 2015” which was held in Akure, Ondo State, the one-time secretary of the Ondo PSN expressed his views on pharmacy practice in the state.

Pharm. Ogunjemiyo who took over the chairmanship of the PSN, Ondo State from Pharm. Samuel Adekola, having served the PSN in various capacities for twelve years, also revealed the strategy put in place by the state government as well as the PSN to rid the state of fake and unwholesome drugs. Excerpts:

 

As the chairman of PSN in Ondo State, what is your assessment of pharmacy practice in the state?

Pharmacy practice in this state has evolved over the years. And it keeps evolving as I speak because the profession is faced with different challenges on daily basis. So to the best of my knowledge, the practice is good because we have never failed since I joined the executive in implementing the policies of the PSN national. Our challenges have given us the opportunity to think outside the box.

If I must be sincere, the issue of fake and counterfeit drugs has been one of our major challenges. But as I speak now, the state government has purchased a machine called ‘Truescan’ which is being used by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to detect fake and counterfeit medicines. And by virtue of my position as the chairman of PSN in this state, I am a member of the State Task Force Team on fake and counterfeit medicine. The team is saddled with the responsibility of using the machine to detect fake and unwholesome drugs. So, apart from NAFDAC, Ondo State is the only state in the federation that has this machine and we are hopeful that by the time the machine is put into full use, the issue of fake and counterfeit drugs will be reduced if not totally eradicated in the state. This way, practitioners, as well as the public, will begin to have confidence in the drugs purchased in the state.

I want to assure everyone that now that the machine has arrived and efforts are in top gear to rid the state of counterfeit and fake drugs, we have embarked on aggressive orientation and awareness programmes throughout the state. People are now more enlightened about the dangers of fake drugs; so they have begun to source their medicine from the right places. Also, all those who deal in the business of drug selling in the state are now more careful about where they source their products from. I want to believe, and this is not a matter of boasting, that before the end of this year, 2015, the issue of fake and counterfeit drug would have been a forgotten issue in Ondo State.

 

How lucrative is pharmacy practice in Ondo State?

As the chairman of PSN in the state and from my experiences over the years, I have seen that pharmacy practice, especially the community aspect, is really thriving in the state. This is not to say that we do not have some pharmacists that are not doing too well because we do not expect everybody to be going at the same pace, but some people have made it.

It must be said though that community pharmacy practice is capital intensive. So it is the amount of money you invest in it that determines your output. And that brings me to one of the challenges facing community practice, which is money. The interest rates commercial banks demand on loan is really killing the practice for the practitioners. Still, the practice is thriving for as many people that play by the rules, follow ethical practices, trust in God and deliver good pharmaceutical services to the people.

 

What is your view on retail chain pharmacy in Nigeria?

This is another major issue; but as far as I know, we in Ondo State are not opposed to retail chain pharmacy. It is a good idea, but it must come with a proviso, which is that all the outlets must be manned by pharmacists at every point in time. This actually is what the PSN has been emphasising.

We vehemently frown at the idea of leaving the chain outlets in the hands of non-pharmacists, as we believe that a pharmacy should be manned by a superintendent pharmacist. Pharmacists can also come together to open an outlet and register it in the name of one person which is renewable on yearly basis. And once the business starts bringing in money, they can open another one somewhere else which should be registered in the name of another pharmacist. What that mean is that a pharmacist can only use his or her name to register only in one place. It is a good idea as it will encourage people that have passion for the profession to come together to form a chain. It is not for every Tom, Dick and Harry to come together for a chain as that would negate the ethics of the profession.

What pharmacy is all about and what we preach now is pharmaceutical care; money-making is secondary. This is why we need passion to do well as pharmacists. So, I support chain pharmacy and I know that most pharmacists will also love the idea; but the existing law which makes the establishment of retail pharmacy the exclusive right of pharmacists or group of pharmacists should be maintained.

 

What is your assessment of this year’s ACPN national conference hosted by your state?

I am a member of the Local Organising Committee as well as the chairman of the Protocol Committee, so I can testify that the conference remains the best so far in the history of the ACPN. I shouldn’t be the best person to assess the conference but with what community pharmacists all over the country that attended are saying and with what you pressmen have also witnessed, the conference remains unbeatable.

The challenges encountered at the last conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, taught us so many things. That was why we decided to go for an indoor hall that would make our exhibitors as well as the participants happy. And we are happy that, at the end of the day, all the pharmaceutical companies that came to exhibit and the participants that came from all over the country were satisfied with what we did. The conference was a memorable one in the minds of so many people.

 

 

 

Ahmed I. Yakasai

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Ahmed I. Yakasai is an accomplished pharmacist and pharmaceutical consultant. He has over 30 years experience in Regulatory Affairs (with focus on strategic development and registration of drugs, post marketing surveillance, labelling, quality assurance and compliance, packaging of contract manufacturing, providing scientific office, organising pharma investment forums, as well as other pharmaceutical and health related research works).
Yakasai studied at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Salford, Manchester, UK. He is the founder of Pharmaplus Nigeria Ltd, Multiplus Consulting, Multiplus Resources Ltd and Nigeria-Pakistan Pharma Investment Forum.
He has attended so many courses on leadership skills, Emergency Preparedness & Response to Epidemics/Case Management, Community Rapid Assessment with vast knowledge on HIV/AIDS, Pharmaceutical Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) etc.
The Pharmaplus boss is the author of ‘Pharmacists and Society’ as well as Pharmaceutical Directory, Kano/Jigawa.
He conducted so many researches for the National Agency for Food, Drug administration and Control (NAFDAC), PATH2 (AXIOS), and GHAIN project.
A part-time lecturer in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria under the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria’s Mandatory Continuing Education, Yakasai is also an external examiner for the PCN and participated in accreditation of some Faculties of Pharmaceutical sciences of Nigerian Universities.
As an independent consultant, he has registered so many pharmaceutical, veterinary, medical devices and food products with NAFDAC.
Ahmed Yakasai was a former deputy national president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, former vice president of Kano Chamber of Commerce and industry and former chairman Northern League of NGOs (NOLENGO).
Yakasai is a Fellow of the following bodies: Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Institute of Logistics Management, Fellow of Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy and the Institute of Commerce Chartered.
In recognition of his excellence, he was awarded with a letter of appreciation for brilliant and excellent lecture presentation by PCN/MCEP Centre of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Not only that, the pharmacist was equally honoured with Most Outstanding Commissioner award by AIT Television.
Other awards include: Excellence Award by Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Kano Chapter, professional Service Award by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (National), Award of Excellence by the Kano Chamber of Commerce for an outstanding performance to the development of Kano Business Community, Award/decorated with the State Executive Volunteer on humanitarian service number one by Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kano State Chapter, Certificate of Merit for valuable services rendered to Yakasai Community and Merit Award on drug Abuse Campaign by the Ministry of Health, Kano State.
Ahmed Yakasai is presently based in Kano, Nigeria.

Power of purpose

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Things are useful and thoughts are powerful in the measure that their parts are strongly and intelligently concentrated. Purpose is a highly concentrated thought. All the mental energies are directed to the attainment of an object, and obstacles which intervene between the thinker and the object are, one after another, broken down and overcome.
Purpose is the keystone in the temple of achievement. It binds and holds together in a complete whole that which would otherwise lie scattered and useless. Empty whims, ephemeral fancies, vague desires, and half-hearted resolutions have no place in purpose. In the sustained determination to accomplish, there is an invincible power which swallows up all inferior considerations, and marches direct to victory.
All successful men are men of purpose. They hold fast to an idea, a project, a plan, and will not let it go; they cherish it, brood upon it, tend and develop it; and when assailed by difficulties, they refuse to be beguiled into surrender; indeed, the intensity of the purpose increases with the growing magnitude of the obstacles encountered.
The men who have moulded the destinies of humanity have been men mighty of purpose. Like the Roman laying his road, they have followed along a well-defined path, and have refused to swerve aside even when torture and death confronted them. The Great Leaders of the race are the mental road-makers, and mankind follows in the intellectual and spiritual paths which they have carved out and beaten.
Great is the power of purpose. To know how great, let a man study it in the lives of those whose influence has shaped the ends of nations and directed the destinies of the world. In an Alexander, a Caesar, or a Napoleon, we see the power of purpose when it is directed in worldly and personal channels; In Christ, we perceived its vaster power when its course is along heavenly and impersonal paths.
Purpose goes with intelligence. There are lesser and greater purposes according to degrees of intelligence. A great mind will always be great of purpose. A weak intelligence will be without purpose.
What can resist an unshakable purpose? What can stand against it or turn it aside? Inert matter yields to a living force, and circumstance succumbs to the power of purpose. Truly, the man of unlawful purpose will, in achieving his ends, destroy himself, but the man of good and lawful purpose cannot fail. It only needs that he daily renews the fire and energy of his fixed resolve, to consummate his object.
The weak man, who grieves because he is misunderstood, will not greatly achieve; the vain man, who steps aside from his resolve in order to please others and gain their approbation, will not highly achieve; the double-minded man, who thinks to compromise his purpose, will fail.
The man of fixed purpose who, whether misunderstandings and foul accusations, or flatteries and fair promises, rain upon him, does not yield a fraction of his resolve, is the man of excellence and achievement; of success, greatness, power.
Hindrances stimulate the man of purpose; difficulties nerve him to renewed exertion; mistakes, losses, pains, do not subdue him; and failures are steps in the ladder of success, for he is ever conscious of the certainty of final achievement.
All things at last yield to the silent, irresistible, all-conquering energy of purpose!

Culled from MIND IS THE MASTER by JAMES ALLEN

Ultra Logistics Company Limited: Facts you must know By Dr. Lolu Ojo

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Nigeria, with a population of over 170 million, holds the promise of a massive pharmaceutical business due to a potentially large local demand. The market is dynamic, growing and estimated to be around $1.6bn or N368bn.

However, there is a major challenge in drug distribution which had remained unorganised and a breeding spot for all forms of unethical practices. The federal government has taken some measures, including the approval of the recently formulated New Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDGs) to correct the lapses, protect the health of the consuming public and make pharmaceutical services more responsive to the need of the citizenry.

There is a huge business opportunity in drug distribution in Nigeria and potential investors are being called upon to take advantage of this opportunity. This is where Ultra Logistics Company Limited comes in.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Ultra Logistics Company Limited?

Ultra Logistics Company Limited (ULCO) is a limited liability company established to provide an opportunity for investors and practitioners to be part of the positive changes that will reposition and maximise the growing Nigerian pharmaceutical industry. It will operate as a commercial enterprise with an underpinning social enterprise ethos that grows the investment of its shareholders while protecting the public interest in the distribution of safe, effective and affordable drugs.

 

What is the rationale for the formation of UCLO?

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), as a major stakeholder, set up a committee to work on the implementation of the NDDGs. The committee, as part of its report, recommended the setting up of company that will not only stabilise the system in the short run but also help to protect the public and vulnerable operators in the industry. The company was also conceived to promote indigenous entrepreneurship by offering all interested Nigerians an investment opportunity.

 

Is this company an arm of the PSN?

No. ULCO is a registered company with no statutory obligations to (or ties with) the PSN. The PSN is simply a promoter and shareholder of ULCO. All the activities of the organisation are being managed by a team of accomplished individuals led by a managing director. The finances of the organisation are not in any way tied to the apron strings of the PSN.

There were ventures promoted by the PSN in the past which did not succeed, why should I invest in this new venture?

As stated earlier, this venture (ULCO) is an independent organisation which will be run in line with the best business practices. The call for investment is not a call for annual dues, levy or any sort of contributions. It is a call for discerning individuals or groups to engage in a business for a future return on their investment. While we can cite some past failures, there are also success stories in our immediate environment and in the world that can inspire us to action. This venture has been carefully packaged for success and we can only be limited by our imagination.

 

What is the status of Ultra Logistics Company Limited now?

ULCO has been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). It has accounts with Diamond Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc. The placement memorandum was formally launched by an Icon of Pharmacy, Dr (Mrs) Dere Awosika on Thursday, 14 May, 2015. The response has been very impressive.

We are currently negotiating with banks for Equity and Debt financing options, and also with service providers on logistics, IT, etc. The company’s website has not been finalised but there are links that can take interested persons to the core essentials of the business.

 

If ULCO has been registered, who are the directors and how will the management team be chosen?

ULCO, as of today, has four nominal directors, each holding a nominal 25 per cent share of the company. They are:

  • Pharm (Dr) Lolu Ojo;
  • Pharm Lekan Asuni;
  • Pharm Victor Okwuosa; and
  • Pharm Abbas Sambo.

The interim management is completed with the addition of Mrs Bukky George, founder/CEO of HealthPlus Limited. The shareholders will appoint the substantive directors during the completion meeting when the placement register must have been closed.

Concerning operations management, we are working on filling the workforce gaps as contained in the business plan. The final list will be approved by the Directors as elected by the shareholders.

 

In summary, what are the key elements of the placement memorandum?

 

  1. The total, capital requirement is about N2.3billion with a critical threshold of N400-500 million.
  2. A total of 92,000,000 shares are on offer, at the rate of N25/share. The minimum level of investment is N100,000 or 4,000 shares. Application forms are available online and money can be paid directly to any of these bank accounts:
  3. Diamond BANK: 0060361322
  4. Sterling BANK: 0031278879

iii. The deadline, initially slated for 30 June, 2015, has been extended to 31 August, 2015.

  1. The cost outlay and the three-year revenue projections are provided in an easy-to-read format. We are targeting one percent of the total market in the first year of operation and our profit expectations are very, very conservative. Despite this conservative estimate, a breakeven is expected in the second year of operation.

 

What is the guarantee of success of this venture and when should I expect dividends?

  1. There are no absolute guarantees of success in a business venture of this nature. We are aware of the risks and have lined up measures to minimise the impact. Our inclusiveness strategy is a success factor, in addition to our realistic or modest expectations, the environmental allure and the passion of the promoters.
  2. Dividend payment will depend on the actual business success and the culture that the organisation will adopt as it grows. Dividend payment is not the only expected return on your investment. Your fund will grow and you can take advantage of the capital appreciation.

 

       What is the status of the NDDGs?

There are still on-going discussions among the various stakeholders on the exact manner of operation of the guidelines. The FG has a pronouncement which is yet to be effected. It is important that everyone is carried along in the implementation.

 

     Is the operation of ULCO tied to the implementation of the NDDGs?

       No. The birth of ULCO was based on circumstances that are related to the discussion of the NDDGs. However, there are enough existing business reasons for ULCO to operate with or without the NDDGs.

Our projections have already taken into account that the implementation of the NDDGs may or may not be delayed.

 

Will investment in UCLO be restricted to pharmacists?

  1. Pharmacists and pharmaceutical institutions are the primary but not the only targets of our investment drive. We are reaching out to the public to join hands with us in making our goal a reality. Already, we are in touch with investment experts to take over the second phase of the investment campaign.

 

What else do I need to know about UCLO?

  1. If you are yet to fill your form and make payment, please do so now. If you have made payment but wish to do more, please go ahead now. Do not wait till the new deadline of 31 August will close in on you.
  2. ULCO is an idea whose time has come. Nigeria cannot continue to be enmeshed in the chaotic system that is the order of the day. We have talked and talked about it to no end. This is the time to create solutions and you should be part of it.

iii.     The company will be run by a competent management team under the supervision of a Board of Directors whose membership will reflect the shareholding structure. You can get a seat on the Board, depending on your level of participation or shareholding.

  1. The company will be run based on the world best business practices, ensuring there is a commensurate return to the investors. It will also protect the interest of Pharmacy and the general public in the drug distribution system.
  2. We are committed to transparency and integrity in the deployment of the resources you putting in our care.

 

Dr. Lolu Ojo, BPharm, MBA, PharmD, FPCpharm, FPSN, FNAPharm, DFPEFON

Ag. Managing Director

ULTRA LOGISTICS COMPANY LIMITED

 

Bishops and the health care change agenda

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An important truth about the marketplace is that it is a social construction designed and operated within particular boundaries by certain stakeholders. It is not by any means autonomous, though certain characteristics develop over time which could give the impression of autonomy – perpetuated by the “invisible hand” perception attributed to the marketplace in many quarters. However, to the truly discerning, there are no invisible hands; the hands that shape the marketplace are very much visible.

Bishops, in this context, refer to individuals in positions of overseership, whose actions and inactions affect the operations of the marketplace. In the Nigerian marketplace, such designation applies to government, academic and business leaders. The title “bishops” is preferred by this author to reflect the spiritual dimension of the influence of these overseers; this is made with consideration of the fact that individuals over whom overseers exert influence are essentially immortals, though undergoing a physical experience.

 

Marketplace and governments

It is the responsibility of well-meaning governments to ensure fair play in the marketplace by enshrining the rules of engagement. Besides granting business bishops the licence to operate, leaders in government are also responsible for granting access to business leaders who seek to operate within particular domains like raw material exploration, import monopoly, patent protection, government contract execution, telecommunication, power generation etc.

This capacity to decide who has access to certain fields of limited participation is a very important role of the government, considering that the majority of billionaires in Nigeria and elsewhere are beneficiaries of selective government largesse, such as mining rights (e.g. cement), telecommunication licensing, product import monopoly, crude oil exploration, petrochemical distribution and the likes.

Carlos Slim, for example, has a monopoly of the Mexican telecommunication industry and understandably is quite well off, dashing in and out of the world’s richest position. The same applies for the richest men in Nigeria. It is nearly impossible not to have citizens like these individuals who benefit from selective government right of access; however, the role of good governance is to ensure equity – that is, that the booty gets around. It does so through taxation, anti-monopoly interventions, labour conditions and minimum wage stipulations.

Taxation is the government’s major avenue to garner funds for providing social amenities like security, power, education and housing, health care and social welfare. The American Dream and every other successful society were built in like manner – a government that ensures fair play in the market place and that the leaders share proportionately via taxes and fair wages. When this happens, the result is that employed folks can conveniently own their homes, get proper education for their children and enjoy basic social amenities.

The challenge of the USA right now is that somehow they left things to the earlier mentioned “invisible hand” and gradually killed the labour movement. Today a major campaign pitch for the USA 2016 elections is to “bring the jobs back from China”. It was human beings that took them there in the first instance. President Ibrahim Babangida of Nigeria did a similar thing in 1985 with the Structural Adjustment Programme (SSAP) and we are yet to make a full recovery.

Every Scriptural admonition to bishops in the church, the marketplace and in government follow this same thinking – ensure fairplay, good wages, shelter and basic amenities. The country needs to be prosperous for this to happen, hence the need for a slight dose of healthy nationalism in our marketplace thinking.

 

Case study:The health care agenda

The WHO’s recommended minimum spending on health care is $34 per capita. With Nigeria’s population of 170 million, to spend $34 per capita would be about 6 billion dollars (1.2 Trillion Naira) per annum – about 1.2 per cent of our GDP and almost 25 per cent of our fiscal budget.

On 12June this year, Dr Femi Olaleye, CEO of Optimal Health Care Limited, launched a community health insurance project that provides basic care to the Alagbado community, in Lagos, at less than N2,500 per person per year, with an equal counterpart funding from a corporate organisation, bringing the sum to N5000 per person. His organisation, with a bit less than the $34 recommendation, is bringing basic health care to the okada riders and the suburban Alagbado community.

The point is that, with an integrated community-based health insurance model, with the government spending 12.5 per cent of our fiscal budget and all of us contributing a minimum of N3000 per year, we could have basic primary health coverage for all Nigerians by 2018 (assuming it takes three years to get our acts together).

Note that a co-payment structure at the point of care provision could significantly reduce this 12.5 percentage. Note also that the emphasis for now is basic care – including emergency and maternity care.

The alternative model is to target a N3000 per capita increase in “health tax”, plus 12.5 per cent of current budget, and we would still get the same result. This is what obtains in the UK right now. The UK National Health Service consumes about 9 per cent of the GDP.

Though this is a simplified illustration of a possibility, my aim is to show that such possibilities happen when leaders in government and in the industry go about leadership in a pragmatic way. Consider that if the government should assign 20,000 lives to a health care provider to provide basic care at N5000/annum per life, the outcome would be a viable business. The government need not even build the facilities but can provide some fund from which the providers could borrow.

Observe also that if, say, ten authorities, were responsible for delivering this care to 17 million Nigerians each, they would invest a lot in making sure people do not get sick in the first place. A huge community approach to malaria vector control for example would drastically reduce the malaria episodes and positively affect the finances of the provider.

One of Nigeria’s major challenges right now is the way health care is being funded. Business leaders in this sector must recognise that positive “change” must influence the way health care is funded and, of necessity, the way it is provided.

This same mathematics of governance applies to other sectors such as education and infrastructure development. For instance, in the area of housing, Nigeria currently faces a 14million unit deficit, for which the just launched National Housing Policy and the concurrent National Housing Fund implemented by the Federal Mortgage Bank would go a low way to alleviate, provided that business and government bishops do their part.

 

The challenge

Quite often, bishops in the marketplace connive with bishops in government to throw a party. And for us in Nigeria, we have been partying hard for a while. Imagine if, as a health care management organisation, my firm was granted access to provide health care to 17 million Nigerians (10 per cent of the whole) under the thinking above. Imagine if I had to “sort” someone with 10 per cent “facilitation fee”. It would change the dynamics completely and if I were a rogue bishop, it could be “wiser” to share another 30 per cent to a group of rogue government bishops to help them forget about the project entirely, after all, it would only be for just one year – twelve months!

The connivance by bishops in the governance is in two folds – omission and commission. The latter is fuelled by corruption and only a removal would do. On the other hand, the sin of omission, born of ignorance, is simply not good enough, considering that the positions are elective.

For bishops in the marketplace, it is often a deliberate love of money and power, and not just for lack of good intent; for they indeed know that great things are possible, but the need to make the sacrifice is not always urgent and hence can be delayed, especially when considered in light of the actions of their government counterparts.

The great challenge is that in a party, it is difficult to change the tempo and style of the music when the same dancers are still on the dance floor. The emergence of Buhari as president had brought a temporary note of silence in our dance hall; the marketplace bishops on the other hand are obviously not elected into office and are still on the field of play, and if given the opportunity, would decide for the current leadership, the kind of music we need.

Wisdom therefore lies in understanding this challenge and that it is not only a new set of government that would save the day but a unique set of marketplace bishops or bishop culture. It was with this thinking that I drove myself to Abuja not too long ago, clutching my own Compact Disc, who knows, I might just be asked to play the next tune. As the old saying by a wise young man goes, “Is there not a cause?

 

Effective governance for health care board members

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        Health care provision depends on efficiently combining financial resources, human resources, and supplies, and delivering services in a timely fashion, distributed spatially in an organisation. According to Lewis (2006), this requires a “system that mobilises and distributes resources, processes information and acts upon it, and motivates providers’ appropriate behaviour by individuals, health care workers, and administrators.” This system is created and led by board members and good governance is a critical factor in making such a system function.

Governance is fundamental to organisation success. Good boards become bad boards and bad boards become good boards because of their understanding of governance. Arwine (2002) notes that effective governance has the following characteristics: it is efficient, allows a respectful conflict of ideas, is simple, is focused, is integrated and synergistic, has good outcomes, preserves community assets, and leads to enjoyment and personal reward for the individual board members.

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

Board members are crucial to organisational development and they need to understand good governance. A comprehensive approach to clinical governance necessarily includes the active participation of boards and executives in sponsoring and promoting clinical governance as a quality and safety strategy. Boards have three primary roles: to establish policies, to make significant and strategic decisions, and to oversee the organisation’s activity.

 

Policy making

In his study, Arwine explains that effective execution of policy is necessary to fulfil the other two roles. Policies define focus and differentiate responsibilities among the board, the management, and the medical staff. Well-written policies lead to more efficient board functioning. Instead of having the same matter or very similar matters on the agenda repeatedly, the board can develop a policy that covers the issue and leave implementation of the policy to management. Boards have approximately 24 hours together each year, spread over regular meetings. It is essential to use that time wisely.

 

Decision making

Decision making involves making choices about the organisation’s vision, mission, and strategies. Boards make decisions about issues that are strategic and significant, such as whether to enter an affiliation agreement with another organisation. As decision makers, boards can also delegate non-governance types of decisions to others—and would be wise to do so.

 

Oversight

Oversight is an important function, but boards must remember that the organisation is theirs to oversee, not to manage. Some boards cross the line and try to involve themselves in management. Nevertheless, in the oversight role, the board is legally responsible for everything that happens within the hospital, whether in the emergency department, a clinic, or a pharmacy unit. In the area of quality, for example, the board’s oversight role may include setting the tone by stating that the organization is committed to quality; establishing policies related to quality, such as credentialing; ensuring that mechanisms are in place, such as committees, to establish a plan for quality; and monitoring implementation of the plan.

 

Responsibilities of boards

Boards have numerous responsibilities: they oversee management, finances, and quality; set strategic direction; build community relationships; establish ethical standards, values, and compliance; and select a CEO and monitor his or her progress.

Although the management team develops the strategic plan, it is the board’s responsibility to accept or modify the strategic plan and to set the direction. The board considers elements in the environment—such as growing competition and changing patterns of care—and develops a vision, a mission, strategic thrusts, goals, and tactics that respond to the environment, all the while showing the organisation’s values.

Financial oversight is a familiar job that boards usually do well. Boards ensure the use of financial controls; ensure that funds are prudently invested, considering cash management, banking, and contracting parameters; and establish policies related to budgets. Their goal is to protect the community’s assets. Oversight of the quality area often involves utilisation and risk management in addition to continuous quality improvement.

Attention to community relationships is a responsibility unique to not-for-profit institutions. Inasmuch as board members have contact with the community, they can be sensitive to the expectations and needs of its citizens and bring that knowledge to the board room. The focus is on all those the organisation serves: consumers, businesses, elected representatives, payers, and collaborators. Boards are paying more attention to the quality of life in their communities.

When reviewing these responsibilities, it is important to note that the board as a whole, and not any individual member, has the authority. Further, the board exists only when it is in session. The committee is an appendage of the board, and the board can delegate certain tasks to a committee or an individual, but otherwise an individual board member has no prerogative. Thus, it would be inappropriate for a board member to walk in to a manager’s office and ask to review the books or demand certain changes. Such actions, in fact, can cause much disruption. The CEO is the full-time agent of the board and is the only person directly accountable to the board.

However,contrary to what many believe, members of a non-profit board are not paid,yet they have enormous responsibilities. Hermann notes that,from time to time, however, individual members of a non-profit board may shirk from their responsibilities; or worse, board members may behave in a manner that is unbecoming or destructive. Many non-profit leaders are surprised, if not stunned, to witness the damage that a “bad actor” on a board can cause. And when a non-profit board includes more than one member behaving badly, the situation can quickly move from unhealthy to dire.

 

Elements of good governance in boards

In order to grapple with the cold feet attitude associated with non-profit boards, Arwine identifies three major components of governance among board members-behaviour, structure, and expectations.

 

Behaviour

Appropriate board behaviour can be defined as functioning in accord with the board’s roles and responsibilities. Thus, board members should know the difference between governance and management, see service as a responsibility of citizenship, and find enjoyment in such service. Appropriate behaviour also has key characteristics, the first of which is respect—for the organisation, the management, the clinicians, the employees, and other members of the board.

Respect is basic, but it doesn’t always exist. There are boards whose members were antagonistic towards large segments of the medical staff, for example. Such behaviour is distracting and counterproductive. Respect leads to additional behavioural characteristics that are needed: openness in the board discussions and confidentiality.

Conflicts of interest also fall in the category of behaviour. Some people believe that a potential conflict of interest precludes service on the board. Based on such a view, some hospital boards do not include physicians, claiming that they could have a conflict. All boards need to have a policy about conflict of interest. Usually this policy requires all members to disclose potential conflicts and to abstain from voting on such matters.

 

Structure

Boards may not pay much attention to structure, thinking that it is covered in the bylaws and requires no further comment. Nevertheless, problems often arise from structure rather than behaviour. In some cases, there are several boards in which the chairman had served for 30years, and members were discontented and ready for someone new. Many board bylaws do not address tenure. Whether the term limit is 2 or 3 years or something different, it is helpful if everyone knows what to expect.Other issues may concern the frequency of meetings or the size of the board.

Arwine (2006) explains thus: “I believe strongly in agenda-creation and management. Since the board’s deliberations are determined by the agenda, that one document relates closely to the board’s effectiveness”. He adds that the agenda can be organised into three categories: items for information, items for action, and items for strategic discussion.

This agenda-organisation helps members know what is expected of them and eliminates worry, for example, about having to vote on an item that is just for information. If executive committees and task forces are appropriately established and charged, the board can trust their efforts and avoid recreating what happened at a committee meeting. Committee suggestions and other smaller, non-controversial action items can be grouped into a “consent agenda,” requiring only one motion and one vote. Background information on items in the consent agenda can be provided in the board book sent out before the meeting. Use of a consent agenda saves time and allows the board to focus on the most significant issues.

 

Expectations

The final component consists of expectations or, more specifically, board members’ knowledge of what is expected of them and what they can expect from others. One of the best ways to clarify expectations is to have new members sign a letter that outlines those expectations. Such a document also makes it easier to remove a board member if, for example, his or her attendance has been poor. It also serves to clarify the requirements of board membership when approaching a potential volunteer.

In return for their service, board members should expect respect, a proper orientation, proper flow of communications, advanced preparation for board discussions, judicious use of their time, educational opportunities, and the opportunity to contribute. In addition, boards should be able to expect “no surprises.” Boards will be comfortable with the CEO if they feel that he or she is being open with them. More than anything else, surprises damage the board’s comfort level; members worry that other important matters are not being communicated. Finally, the board member can expect to participate in a board that is well led, informed, experienced in proper board function, well sized, properly motivated, consistent, a unit, and respectful of management and professionals.

 

Evolution of governance

The scope of governance has widened in hospital boards.Braithwaite and Travgalia,In a study conducted in 2008,found out that there are links are between health services’ clinical and corporate governance. Clinical governance can be used to promote quality and safety through a focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement; the creation of clinical governance structures to improve safety and quality and manage risk and performance; the development of strategies to ensure the effective exchange of data, knowledge and expertise; and the sponsoring of a patient-centred approach to service delivery.

Today, the focus is on management oversight, financial management, and community response. The focus of the future is on strategic performance. Board members need to ensure that it has the right expertise around the table to deal with critical issues of the time.

 

References

Arwine, D.(2002) “Effective Governance:The roles and responsibilities of Board Members” Baylor University Medical Centre Proceeding. Vol. 15(1) Pp19-22

Braithwaite,J. and Travglia J. (2008) “An overview of Clinical Governance Policies, Practices and Initiatives” Aust Health Review 32(1) Pp 10-22

Herman,M.(2015) Enforcing Board Member Responsibilities

Lewis,M.(2006) “Governance and Coruption in Public health Care Systems.” Center for Global Development Vol.78

 

Balancing clinical detachment with personal touch

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FEATURE By   Oluwole Williams, BS.Pharm, Pharm.D

It takes a mixture of clinical detachment and cautious personal attention to respond to patients’ needs in ambulatory care pharmacy. When should a pharmacist apply the brakes in close personal attention to a patient’s need? And, when could an expression of clinical detachment be misinterpreted as a cold shoulder? Here are the peculiar circumstances of patient care in pharmacy practice that normally places a demand on the pharmacist’s personal communication skills and tact.

Patients presenting to the pharmacy have a baggage of personal needs and challenges outside of their pharmaceutical and medical needs that may pose an additional responsibility to their pharmacists. An unemployed patient, a patient in grief on the loss of a loved one, one recently involved in an automobile accident, a young jilted teenager, a woman who only yesterday lost a pregnancy, and an hurting unappreciated police officer are a few examples of the many members of the public who may show up in the pharmacy at an hospital or in the community.

In response to the prescription and pharmaceutical care needs of these patients, the pharmacist must maintain:

  1. An understanding attitude and a compassionate albeit unemotional involvement in the plight of the patients.
  2. A careful, patient, considerate response in all long-suffering to the potentially irritable behaviour or conduct of the affected patients.
  3. A professional response particularly for the purposes of sharing critical drug information and passing on valuable education to the patients.
  4. A cheerful mien, listening ear and polite interjections to the patient’s complaints or narration of symptoms.
  5. An open yet confidential approach in the exchange of information with the patient for the purposes of privacy and for clarity.
  6. Some level of questioning curiosity without appearing to be unduly inquisitive of the patient’s private affairs or activities.
  7. A clear clinical distance in a face-to-face conversation with patients to reduce possibilities of droplet infections or direct hand contact with patient’s nose drips or coughed up body fluids.

 

Community pharmacy practice especially places on the pharmacist huge responsibilities for personal touch in patient care responses, due to the very intense competitions in the market place of prescription sales at this time. The drive for sales goals and profitability may unfortunately make a cold zombie of the pharmacist’ behaviour in any practice setting if care is not taken. It is advisable therefore that pharmacists should read and digest literature on real life clinical plus behavioural approaches to patient care; more so in an era of increasing population of patients living with psychiatric disorders.

Pharmacists in themselves must be vigilant and self-examining; taking note of when the pressures of their professional careers may be taking a toll on their personal mental health, and should not be ashamed to seek therapy if necessary. There are many instances in which pharmacists have personally made financial sacrifices for the needs of their patients and the patients have responded in warm appreciation to the genuine gestures shown by their practitioner in an embarrassing mode of behaviour. It is a good example that must not be extended for too long in repetition, so that the patient does not become an emotional drain on the practitioner.

Opportunities for voluntary exchange of resource information relevant to prescriptions coverage particularly by certain medical philanthropies must be actively sought as a means of assuaging patient’s needs, particularly for those living with chronic conditions such as HIV, diabetes, hypertension and asthma/COPD. It is one of the ways in which a pharmacist can maintain a personal care approach with patients even while retaining a professional clinical detachment.

Pharmacists may refer patients to educational resources online, or direct patients to international agencies responsible for the monitoring or care of certain chronic disorders, so the patient may benefit from expert opinions of which community pharmacy practice time may be insufficient to meet. This allows the pharmacist an opportunity of care for the patient’s need without that peculiar lingering “guilt” of inadequate professional attention, the patient feels fulfilled and the impression of a direct personal touch or care is not lost on the patient.

Pharmacists provide a peculiar service to the public and the health community in their role(s) as custodians of prescription medicines. Patients and other health care practitioners: nurses, medics, dieticians, dentists, physiotherapists as well as the lay staff ALL rely on pharmacists to furnish them with drug information on any prescription drug wherever and whenever they require such. In responding to the needs of these people, the pharmacist is required to demonstrate compassion and professional etiquette, notwithstanding his/her own personal needs or lingering personal challenges; It is a professional duty that must be borne ethically and with great sacrifice for the ultimate public good.

 

Oluwole Williams wrote from Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA