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10 Deadliest Infectious Disease Outbreaks Worldwide

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Before the novel coronavirus, many momentous epidemics and pandemics altered the course of human history, killing large percentages of the global population. Compared with its predecessors, COVID-19 may seem pretty tame and not as deadly. The novel Coronavirus (covid 19) originated in China and has now spread worldwide termed as pandemic and shows no signs of slowing down. But just as every disease outbreak, COVID 19 will one day be history The sudden outbreak is a reminder that throughout history, mankind has survived many similar pandemics that have caused huge numbers of death and suffering. Below are the top 10 global disease outbreaks in human history. 1. Infamous "Black Death"/Bubonic Plague The plague has killed by far the most people – claiming tens of millions of lives around the world.  Throughout history, plague epidemics have erupted in several eras, becoming known under different names such as Athens, Antoninus, Cyprus and Justinianus. About a third of Europe’s p...

The case against sugar

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Sugar is ubiquitous in our diets today from fast foods, to soft drinks and almost anything we eat. There are Sad Effect of Excess sugar in our body. Too much sugar in your diet can make your diet high in kilojoules or 'energy dense' and can contribute to health problems like obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. Refined (or processed) sugar provides a quick, simple source of energy, but it doesn't contain other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Sugar has a bittersweet reputation when it comes to health. Sugar occurs naturally in all foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy. Consuming whole foods that contain natural sugar is okay. Plant foods also have high amounts of fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants, and dairy foods contain protein and calcium. Since your body digests these foods slowly, the sugar in them offers a steady supply of energy to your cells. A high intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also has be...

The Reality of Healthcare Professional Salaries in Nigeria

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The current salary structure for healthcare professionals in Nigeria remains a major concern, with many facing insufficient compensation and financial insecurity.  Despite their critical role in the healthcare system, healthcare professionals' salaries do not commensurate with their workload and expertise.  This disparity not only hampers their quality of life but also contributes to the ongoing healthcare brain drain, as professionals seek better remuneration abroad (Japa syndrome).  Urgent measures are necessary to address this issue, including comprehensive salary reviews, fair compensation packages, and improved working conditions to recognize the invaluable contributions of these dedicated professionals. What are your thoughts? compared to what is obtainable, globally..💡

Public Health Education is Paramount

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Dear Reader 👇 I hope this message finds you well.  Understanding and acquiring health knowledge is of utmost importance in our lives, and cannot be overlooked.  In today's fast-paced world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it is crucial to equip ourselves with accurate and reliable health knowledge. By doing so, we empower ourselves to make well-informed decisions about our well-being and that of our loved ones. Health knowledge serves as a foundation for maintaining good health and preventing illness.  It allows us to navigate through the abundance of health-related information accessible to us, sorting through the facts and myths.  With a solid understanding of health, we are better positioned to adopt healthy lifestyles, make appropriate dietary choices, practice preventive measures, and seek timely medical attention when necessary. Unfortunately, the cost of health knowledge, particularly in some contexts, can be quite substantial. ...

Drugs you shouldn't take together

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A lot of people are unaware that some of the drugs they randomly take actually interact and as such will affect their medical conditions. That is why it's good to consult your doctor or pharmacist on any new drug you are taking to get appropriate advice. What is Drug - Drug Interaction? When you take 2 drugs that interact. The possible effects are 1. They may end up reducing the effect of each other as such lead to therapeutic failure  2. May increase the effect of each other there by leading to overdose. 3. Might be purely toxic and cause adverse effects. Below are medicines you shouldn't take together to prevent any unfavourable effect to self: 1. Nifedipine and Nitrate Nifedipine is a drug that is used for hypertension. Nitrates are vasodilators mostly useful in the management and treatment of angina. 2. Statins with Gemfibrozil Statins are drugs like Rosuvastastin and Atovastatin used to lower blood cholesterol. Gemfibrozil is a useful medication for the reduction of trigly...

Emerging Technology in Health

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In today's post, we will be talking about emerging technologies in the 21st century that has or will redefine health care. 1. E-prescribing  With electronic prescribing, or “e-Prescribing,” health care providers can enter prescription information into a computer device – like a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer – and securely transmit the prescription to pharmacies using a special software program and connectivity to a transmission network.  When a pharmacy receives a request, he/she can begin filling the medication right away. The Benefits of e-Prescribing e-Prescribing can: • Help improve health care quality and patient safety by reducing medication errors and checking for drug interactions • Make care more convenient by allowing providers to electronically request prescription refills. In short, e-Prescribing is more convenient, cheaper, and safer for doctors, pharmacies, and patients. What do you think about e-prescribing 2. Artificial Pancreas In 2014 researchers at Yal...

Essential Medication Safety Advice

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Before you take medications, it is paramount for you to understand basic medication safety guide inorder to enjoy quality life. Here are some general medication safety tips to consider: 1. Follow the prescribed dosage:  Take medications as directed by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the label. Do not exceed the recommended dose unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional. 2. Read the labels:  Carefully read the labels and packaging of medications before taking them. Pay attention to the active ingredients, dosage instructions, warnings, and potential side effects. 3. Store medications properly:  Keep medications in their original containers and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Some medications may require refrigeration, so check the instructions for specific storage requirements. 4. Check expiration dates:  Discard any medications that have expired. Expired medications may not be as effective and could potentially be ...

A New Nigeria

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Happy Independence day to Nigeria @ 63.

Celebrating World Pharmacists Day

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Today being 25th September 2023, is another medium to celebrate the world Pharmacists Day with the Theme: Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems. As a commemoration of the world pharmacist day  I will like to use this medium to enlighten the public in the roles of the pharmacist in health care. ¶ Pharmacist are not just drug sellers. There is a skewed perception of pharmacists being just drug sellers or dispensers just like people in the patent medicine store or chemist. Yes that is partially true but that is a microcosm of what we do. A pharmacist also compounds drugs and extemporaneous preparations to specific patients when the need arises. A pharmacist can also provide patient counseling on the right way to taking medication and maintaining good health. He/she also plays a role in counseling patients on smoking cessation, drug abuse, alcohol addiction and other toxic substances. A pharmacist does not only dispense drugs but provide pharmaceutical care to the patient. ¶ Community ...

Let the antibiotics breath

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What are Antibiotics? Antibiotics are substances that can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria and similar microorganisms, generally transported by the lymphatic system. Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed classes of drugs and it is estimated that approximately 50% of antibiotic use, in both the outpatient and inpatient settings, is inappropriate.  At the same time, in contrast to any other class of drugs, every antibiotic use has a potential public health consequence – inappropriate use may not harm only the individual patient, but contributes to societal harm by exerting an unnecessary selective pressure that may lead to antibiotic resistance among bacteria. For example:  Research has shown that at least 30% of antibiotic courses prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary.  More than half of all patients who receive a diagnosis of an acute respiratory tract infection are given an antibiotic prescription. Despite the fact that an overwhelm...

10 essential duties of a patient

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Here are 10 take home messages to all patients coming in contact with a healthcare facility–  1.  Awareness of your duty as a patient: The first step to education is awareness of what is required of you which is followed expectedly with acceptance.  2. It is your fundamental human right to know the: names, dose, dose interval and duration of every medicine your doctor recommends to you: Be inquisitive; Ask your doctor or the pharmacist.  3. It is your fundamental human right to know the potential side effect of every medicine you are about to take or are taking: consult the pharmacist.  4. Do not share your medicines with any other person even if both of you have similar symptoms: consult your doctor or  pharmacist.  5. When taking ACTs for uncomplicated malaria – avoid concurrent administration with Vitamin C. It will cause therapeutic failure.  6. Endeavor to check the composition of skin formulations: As much as possible avoid creams, loti...

Benefits of having a pharmacist as a resource

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Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the safe and effective use of medications. They have extensive knowledge of drugs, their mechanisms of action, and their potential side effects.  Pharmacists can also provide advice on over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. If you don't have a pharmacist as a resource, you may miss out on the opportunity to receive expert advice and guidance on medication use. This can lead to medication errors, drug interactions, and adverse drug reactions, which can be harmful to your health. In addition, pharmacists can provide valuable services such as medication management, medication therapy management, and medication counseling.  They can also help you navigate the complexities of insurance coverage and assist with medication cost savings programs. Overall, having a pharmacist as a resource can help ensure that you are using medications safely and effectively, and can improve your overall health ...

World Health Days

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Below are the World health days you should know as a health professional: World cancer day – Feb 4th International childhood cancer day – 15th Feb. Colorectal cancer awareness month - 1st March to 30th March World Obesity day - 4th March (formerly 11th October)  World Kidney day – 9th March World blood donor day – 14th march World TB day – 24th March Oral health unified week – 27th march – 2nd April World health day – 7th April World Malaria Day – 25th April World immunization week – 24th April to 30th April World asthma day - First Tuesday of may World hypertension day – 17th may World no tobacco day 31st may World milk day -1st June World environment day - 5th June World sickle cell day – 19th June International day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking – 26th June. World hepatitis day – 28th July World breastfeeding week – 1st to 7th august World Alzheimer’s day – 21st September World heart day - 29th September International day of older persons – 1st October Breast ...

7 unnecessary medicines given to babies in Nigeria

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Sometimes not every indication deserves a medication. – Pharm. Kefas Below ar e 7 unnecessary medicines given to babies: 1. Multivitamins - Breast milk contains the right amount of all the vitamins your baby needs in the first 6 months (except vitamin D) 2. Antibiotics - Should never be used without a doctor’s prescription 3. Anti-motility drugs - Such as nospamine. Most babies who have colic will get better without any medication. Stop drug abuse! 4. Paracetamol - Paracetamol is an essential first aid drug that always comes in handy. But it is also likely to be abused. Don’t use routinely unless the baby has a fever. If fever continues after 48 hours consult a paediatrician. Indiscriminate use of Paracetamol and other painkillers can damage the immature liver and kidneys! 5. Teething drugs - Teething is a natural process, don’t get too worked up about it. Pain relief can be achieved with paracetamol. If your baby falls really sick while teething, you should take him/her to the clinic ...

7 Tips on Drug Adherence

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Taking your medicine as prescribed (medication adherence) is important for controlling chronic conditions, treating temporary conditions, and overall long-term health and well-being. A personal connection with your health-care provider or pharmacist is an important part of medication adherence as they can help suggest how best to take your medications.  However, you play the most important role by taking all of your medications as directed. Here are 7 tips that may help:  Take your medication at the same time every day. Tie taking your medications with a daily routine like brushing your teeth or getting ready for bed. Before choosing mealtime for your routine, check if your medication should be taken on a full or empty stomach. Keep a “medicine calendar” with your pill bottles and note each time you take a dose. Use a pill container. Some types have sections for multiple doses at different times, such as morning, evening, and night. When using a pill container, refill it at th...

15 Commonest drugs Nigerians misuse and their dangers

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' When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable'  —Myles Munroe   Everything has a purpose but not all purpose is known and when purpose is not known the abuse and misuse is inevitable.  Today I will be taking you through the 15 most popular and commonly misuse drugs in Nigeria.  1.  DICLOFENAC A lot of people pop these pills for general body pains, menstrual pains and bone pains (the so called "RHEUMATISM") When misused, it can cause: 1. Ulcers 2. Internal bleeding 3. Heart attack 4. Stroke in the Brain 5. Liver damage 6. Kidney damage 2.  POSTINOR This is now like Tomtom in women's purses and bags. It is a common emergency oral contraceptive used by sexually active women to prevent pregnancy. When misused, it can cause: 1. Abnormal menstruation 2. Painful menses 3. Bleeding 4. Hair loss 5. Headache 6. Increased chances of Breast cancer.  3.  FELDIN The drug is Piroxicam. It belongs to a class called NSAIDS (Just like Diclofenac). It is oft...

A Thin Line between A Poison and a Drug

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The health profession is a conglomeration of different medical professionals who come together to better the health of the general populace. One of the greatest advancement in health is the invention of drugs. They have been responsible for "miraculously" curing, preventing, or managing patients ailments. As such many people abuse and misuse drugs without being aware of the potential harm it might cause. Perhaps the greatest paradox in disease management concerning drugs is this: every drug is a potential poison. It is almost comical that the very agents responsible for saving millions of lives, of being responsible for humanity’s survival in this era, the very agents that have been now taken for granted but have single handedly had massive effects on civilization have the potential for ending life. These drugs can also cause diseases so complex that remedies can be very costly.  This article will attempt to explain this paradox while highlighting the Pharmacist’s role as a b...

Who is a Pharmacist?

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I realize that the populace are oblivious of the pharmacy profession in health care. They basically see pharmacist as drug sellers or business men. I will take my time here to explain the role of pharmacists in health care. First of all let me start with a brief history. A BRIEF HISTORY OF PHARMACY According to Greek legends written centuries ago, the Greek god of Medicine, Asclepius, delegated the compounding of his remedies to Hygieia, his apothecary or pharmacist. As such healing and pharmacy went hand-in-hand and were often thought of as the same practice.  The line between pharmacy and medicine began to be defined by the eighth century and was firmly established in the 17th century as physicians could no longer prepare medications for their patients themselves.  The field transformed yet again with the onslaught of World War II where new drugs were constantly introduced into the market broadening the role of the pharmacist. THE ROLES OF PHARMACISTS IN HEALTHCARE Today’s p...