The Nation Newspaper

Category: Family Matters

  • Antidepressant Drug Therapy

    Brain activity, including cognition or thinking, is physically mediated through chemicals called neuro-transmitters or nerve chemicals. Such chemicals transmit information, signals, and experience. Scientists recognize that clinical depression in patients is associated with changes in certain brain chemicals. These chemicals include serotonin (also called 5-HT), norepinephrine (also called nor-adrenaline), and dopamine – that all have chemical structures known as monoamines.

    The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a group of antidepressant drugs. They were produced by a process called rational drug design. These designer drugs act by increasing the availability of serotonin at its cellular sites of action thus enhancing its neurotransmitter function. SSRIs are used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety and personality disorders (social anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder,and eating disorders), posttraumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain.

    SSRI drugs are widely manufactured and used in different countries all over the world showing the universality and high incidence of depression. Examples of SSRIs (with their trade names) are (from Wikipedia):

    •Citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil, Cipram, Dalsan, Recital, Emocal, Sepram, Seropram, Citox, Cital)

    •Dapoxetine (Priligy)

    •Escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex, Seroplex, Esertia)

    •Fluoxetine (Depex, Prozac, Fontex, Seromex, Seronil, Sarafem, Ladose, Motivest, Flutop, Fluctin (EUR), Fluox (NZ), Depress (UZB), Lovan (AUS), Prodep (IND))

    •Fluvoxamine (Luvox, Fevarin, Faverin, Dumyrox, Favoxil, Movox, Floxyfral)

    •Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Sereupin, Aropax, Deroxat, Divarius, Rexetin, Xetanor, Paroxat, Loxamine, Deparoc)

    •Sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral, Serlain, Asentra, Tresleen)

    It takes about 6-8 weeks of treatment for the body to adjust to SSRIs and for the antidepressant drug action to have full effect. During the first 1-4 weeks adaptation phase various side effects may be observed – from head ache, nausea and vomiting to strange dreams, tremors, mania, and suicidal ideation, depending on the particular drug being used and the individual patient that is being treated.

    Suicidal behaviour may be seen in children or adolescents given such drugs therefore they are very risky if used for MDD in this age group.

    Many of SSRI side effects disappear by the 6th week. Sexual dysfunction is a major problem caused by SSRIs during long term use in about a third of patients and this side effect is seen after the adaptation phase and can last long after the drug is discontinued or may become permanent (this is called post SSRI sexual dysfunction). The affected patients may manifest loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, or anorgasmia (no orgasm). Couples need to be aware of this.

    Increased risk of bleeding is another side effect of SSRIs. Antidepressants are strictly controlled drugs and you should never try to obtain them without a doctor’s prescription and expert monitoring of the effects on you.

    If a pregnant woman needs to take an antidepressant, she must know that: “SSRI use during pregnancy is associated with an increased rate of miscarriages, birth defects, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, newborn behavioral syndrome, and possibly long term behavioral problems. The risk of spontaneous abortion is increased about 1.7 fold” (Wikipedia). Also, the drug taken by the mother reaches the baby in the womb and the baby could be born with neonatal abstinence syndrome , a withdrawal syndrome caused by the baby missing the drug, just as happens to drug addicts when they cannot have their drug.

    Antidepressants can produce dangerous effects when used together with other drugs or certain food components such as alcohol. SSRI drugs affect the liver enzymes that degrade various drugs leading to toxic effects of those drugs. You should discuss your diet and existing drug use with your doctor before startingantidepressant drugs. Because of the possibility of side effects, antidepressant drug treatment begins with small doses of a chosen antidepressant drug which may be increased safely or the patient is switched to another drug (trial-and-error approach).

    The medical history of antidepressant drug use indicates more harm than good. This is possibly because of some inappropriate use of these drugs in the initial two decades of their introduction into clinical practice. Many depression cases that could have been resolved by psychotherapy and other means were too quickly resorted to drug use. The ease of conviction of the general populace through aggressive or clever advertising shot the drugs into unparalleled popularity. Ignorant demand by patients took over rational prescribing by doctors.

    Dr. ’Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please Email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910

     

  • Nigeria’s Seven Natural Wonders

    Nigeria’s Seven Natural Wonders

    That Nigeria is blessed with rich tourism endowments is a trite saying within the tourism circle. The efforts to market promote and develop Nigeria’s tourism for both local and in-bound tourists to visit are predicated on the knowledge that the Nigeria’s tourism assets would not fail to fascinate and entice any designing tourist.

    Despite this, packaging these tourist endowments into a product that could be sold to both local and in-bound tourists has always been a problem. Although this ordinarily ought to rest squarely on the shoulders of both the tourism ministry and its ancillary agencies, this is currently being done through a private sector initiative. These efforts are spearheaded by Ikechi Ukoh, the publisher of the African Travel Quarterly (ATQ), a print and online publication solely devoted to tourism and travel trade. The group also organizes the foremost West African travel market, Akwaaba and the Bantaba in Abuja. The Bantaba, a one-day speed-dating travel event will hold on July 7 and on that day, Nigeria’s Seven Natural Wonders will be officially revealed. Last year, the Nigeria’s Seven Man-made wonders were unveiled by the same group after a painstaking search. Now, Nigeria can now boast of both Seven Wonders (man-made) and another set of wonders that are natural. So, which tourist attractions made the Naija Seven Natura Wonders? Below is the full list:

     

    Ikogosi Warm Spring

    Ekiti State, the home of Ikogosi Warm Spring, is blessed with some of the most picturesque country side views made up of huge dense forest and undulating hills. It is within tourism friendly ambience we find the Ikogosi Warm Spring . It is a unique natural phenomenon where warm water pushes out from the belly of the ground, and flows down a small hill. A little further from where the warm water springs out, there is also a spot where the cold water is gushing out. Side by side with the warm water, the water flows down foaming a small stream in the process.

    According to experts, it is a geological wonder to have such occurrence out of the same rock formation and this Ekiti flagship tourist destination is said to be the only one of its kind discovered anywhere in the world. The warm and cold springs of Ikogosi originate from a close proximity, come to a meeting point and flow onward together with each spring retaining its thermal identity. It represents another uniqueness and is the first of such occurrence in the world. The warm spring has a temperature of up to 70oC at the source and 37oC after meeting the cold spring. The meeting point of the warm and cold springs is a unique attraction to tourists.

     

    Ogbunike Cave

    Ogbunike Caves in the Oyi Council Area of Anambra State, according to the tradition of the people, was discovered by a hunter called Ukwa. It is situated in Ogba Hills in Ogbunike. The main cave consists of a massive structure with a big open chamber of about 5m high, 10m wide and 30m long at the entrance. There are many tunnels at the main chamber, leading to different directions. Within the tunnels are big chambers and other tunnels of varying lengths, some of which are interconnected. The caves are occupied by a large colony of bats of various sizes. There are streams and body of water at various places. A stream flows out from one of the tunnels into a rapid flowing river.

    The immediate environment of the caves up to about 200 metres radius is a thick tropical rainforest type of vegetation. Among the fauna of the site are deer, antelope, grass cutter, porcupine, rabbit, alligator, snakes and frogs. Others are fish, crabs and birds.

     

    Mambilla Plateau

    The Mambilla Plateau is one attraction in Nigeria that the magnificence leaves one in search adequate words to capture. Having experienced the beauty of the place, there is always the desire for a second visit. Where does one start in capturing the place? Is it the sheer immensity of the rock formation or the twists and turns as one drives to the top the Plateau.

    Climbing the hill is not for the faint-hearted because of the twists and turns as the road meandered upward. But a trip to Mambilla without this experience would not be complete. It is just like being suspended on the sky, held only by a tread tied to one’s ankle, looking down on valley, one could just come crashing down on deep, sharp valley.

    The first point of call is Hawa Biu Da Sisi, meaning two and half shilling hill, the tour guides explained that in the olden days before the road was carved out of the rock, there were load carriers who normally carried loads from the bottom of the plateau to the top. A trip normally takes two weeks from the foot to the top of the hill. The cost par trip is initially two shillings, but having negotiated that amount, on getting to the steep sharp corner, the load carriers would demand for an extra half a shilling, hence the name.

    The first corner is Kwanan Gomna said to be the point where the former Governor of Northern Nigeria, Sir Kassim Ibrahim, reached before deciding to go back.

    Other key points are Tungar Gorah, Kwanan Drum, Tungar Ahmedu. Tungar Ahmadu is close to the top of the hill. This point was said to be the point where the former premier of the North, Sir Ahmadu Bello, decided to reach before deciding to go back. According to the indigenes of Gembu, it was in recognition of the effort of Sir Ahmadu Bello that the whole of the local government area was named Sardauna council area, in honour of the former premier who was also the Sardauna of Sokoto.

    One of the signs that one was getting to the top of the mountain range is the cooler nature of the weather and then the presence of well-fed cattle who lazily shamble along the treacherous road unmindful of coming vehicles. A vehicle has to horn repeatedly before the cattle will leave the road. Gradually the climbing ended and what one could see was a stretch of prowling ranches and undulating ranges of hills. However, before entering the town, one stopped at a sprin1g stream that a pip has been places at the mouth to channel the water out. The tour guides explained that every visitor coming to the town is expected to drink form the water before proceeding. The water was cold and refreshing, just what is expected of a spring water.

    The tragedy of Mambilla Plateau is that successive governments both at the state and federal levels are yet to come up with the idea of how this endowment will benefit mankind.

     

    Yankari Game

    Reserve

    Situated in Bauchi State, Yankari National Park is one of the most endowed wildlife parks in the country. The park is said to contain the largest surviving elephant population in Nigeria, and one of the largest remaining in West Africa. Estimated at 350 individuals, this population of elephants is perhaps the only viable population remaining in Nigeria. In addition, Yankari Game Reserve also supports important populations of lion, buffalo, hippo, roan and hartebeest. The reserve covers a total area of 2,244 km² and is covered mainly by Sudan savanna vegetation. Originally created as a game reserve in 1956, Yankari was upgraded to a national park in 1991 and managed by the National Parks Service until 2006 when responsibility for the management of the reserve was handed back to Bauchi State Government. Yankari is a popular tourism destination in the country.

     

    Owu Waterfall

    Owu Fall is found in Owakajola in the Ifelodun Council Area of Kwara State. It is very high and spectacular. The waterfall is 120m above water level and cascades 330 feet down an escarpment with rocky out crops to a pool of ice cold water below. The water fall is surrounded with a beautiful natural ambience and hills which make sightseeing a memorable experience. It has a cold beautiful rocky part and walkways and evergreen surrounding.

     

    Confluence of River Niger and Benue

    Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State has both historical and eco-tourist endowments. Chief among these is the Confluence of River Niger and Benue. It is the point in which nature makes a Y-shape division of Nigeria into three natural regions and the process creating masterpiece of nature.

    However, the confluence is just about the touristic value, the water serves as a major link before the North and South . It is, therefore, not a surprise the town played a major role in the history of Nigeria. From being a major milestone for adventurous colonialists to serving as both an administrative and military outpost for the colonialists. Some of these relics of past exploits that the city have witnessed are still there.

     

    Farin Ruwa Fall

    The waterfall is located in the Wamba Council Area of Nasarawa State. From Wamba , there is hardly any vehicle plying the route to the fall due to the terrible nature of the road. The best option is to charter a commercial motorcyclist. From Wamba, one could get a cyclist to take one for between N800 and N1000. Heading towards the fall, one could take the Maraba route or Sisibaki. However, for a better view of nature, detouring through the Maraba route is best.

    The road is a little isolated. Only one or two farmers could be seen coming back from their farms. Along this route is a rather simple bridge built with wood. That might just be the obstacle to those who may be making the trip in their own car. Although the width of the bridge is relatively safe, it could be scary since there is no safety rail by the sides, and the river below is quite active. After that one would then burst on the main untarred road, passing through villages like Marhai, Mama and Kulere.

    The Wamba landscape is wonderful, especially in this rainy season that the surrounding is lush with green plants. This is accentuated by the rolling hilly landscape. From more than 10 kilometres, one could see the Farin Ruwa Fall like a white gash on a dark background. There is this tendency to be deluded by the sight of the fall from such a distance to believe that it is just behind the next tree. But one had to ride through bumps, slippery surfaces, waterlogged road. And this is actually the tragedy of such a beautiful gift of nature.

    The Farin Ruwa Waterfall environment is an alluring area. The vegetation is more of forest than savanna, the common vegetation in the north. Added to that is that the land is fertile as could be seen in lush crops on the farms.

    There are so many things to draw one to the place. The rocky landscape is ethereal. On the area where the fall gushes out, on this particular day, there is snowy top as if a steam is coming out of the rocks.

     

  • Antidepressant drug therapy

    Brain activity, including cognition or thinking, is physically mediated through chemicals called neuro-transmitters or nerve chemicals. Such chemicals transmit information, signals, and experience.  Scientists recognize that clinical depression in patients is associated with changes in certain brain chemicals.  These chemicals include serotonin (also called 5-HT), norepinephrine (also called nor-adrenaline), and dopamine – that all have chemical structures known as monoamines.
    The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a group of antidepressant drugs.  They were produced by a process called rational drug design.  These designer drugs act by increasing the availability of serotonin at its cellular sites of action thus enhancing its neurotransmitter function.  SSRIs are used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety and personality disorders (social anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder,and eating disorders), posttraumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain.
    SSRI drugs are widely manufactured and used in different countries all over the world showing the universality and high incidence of depression.  Examples of SSRIs (with their trade names) are (from Wikipedia):
    •Citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil, Cipram, Dalsan, Recital, Emocal, Sepram, Seropram, Citox, Cital)
    •Dapoxetine (Priligy)
    •Escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex, Seroplex, Esertia)
    •Fluoxetine (Depex, Prozac, Fontex, Seromex, Seronil, Sarafem, Ladose, Motivest, Flutop, Fluctin (EUR), Fluox (NZ), Depress (UZB), Lovan (AUS), Prodep (IND))
    •Fluvoxamine (Luvox, Fevarin, Faverin, Dumyrox, Favoxil, Movox, Floxyfral)
    •Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Sereupin, Aropax, Deroxat, Divarius, Rexetin, Xetanor, Paroxat, Loxamine, Deparoc)
    •Sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral, Serlain, Asentra, Tresleen)
    It takes about 6-8 weeks of treatment for the body to adjust to SSRIs and for the antidepressant drug action to have full effect. During the first 1-4 weeks adaptation phase various side effects may be observed – from head ache, nausea and vomiting to strange dreams, tremors, mania, and suicidal ideation, depending on the particular drug being used and the individual patient that is being treated.
    Suicidal behaviour may be seen in children or adolescents given such drugs therefore they are very risky if used for MDD in this age group.
    Many of SSRI side effects disappear by the 6th week.  Sexual dysfunction is a major problem caused by SSRIs during long term use in about a third of patients and this side effect is seen after the adaptation phase and can last long after the drug is discontinued or may become permanent (this is called post SSRI sexual dysfunction). The affected patients may manifest loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, or anorgasmia (no orgasm).  Couples need to be aware of this.
    Increased risk of bleeding is another side effect of SSRIs.  Antidepressants are strictly controlled drugs and you should never try to obtain them without a doctor’s prescription and expert monitoring of the effects on you.
    If a pregnant woman needs to take an antidepressant, she must know that: “SSRI use during pregnancy is associated with an increased rate of miscarriages, birth defects, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, newborn behavioral syndrome, and possibly long term behavioral problems. The risk of spontaneous abortion is increased about 1.7 fold” (Wikipedia).   Also, the drug taken by the mother reaches the baby in the womb and the baby could be born with neonatal abstinence syndrome , a withdrawal syndrome caused by the baby missing the drug, just as happens to drug addicts when they cannot have their drug.
    Antidepressants can produce dangerous effects when used together with other drugs or certain food components such as alcohol.   SSRI drugs affect the liver enzymes that degrade various drugs leading to toxic effects of those drugs.  You should discuss your diet and existing drug use with your doctor before startingantidepressant drugs.  Because of the possibility of side effects, antidepressant drug treatment begins with small doses of a chosen antidepressant drug which may be increased safely or the patient is switched to another drug (trial-and-error approach).
    The medical history of antidepressant drug use indicates more harm than good. This is possibly because of some inappropriate use of these drugs in the initial two decades of their introduction into clinical practice.  Many depression cases that could have been resolved by psychotherapy and other means were too quickly resorted to drug use.  The ease of conviction of the general populace through aggressive or clever advertising shot the drugs into unparalleled popularity.  Ignorant demand by patients took over rational prescribing by doctors.

    Dr. ’Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA.   For any comments or questions on this column, please Email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910

  • Importance of exercise

    Exercise and healthy weight loss not only help your heart, they also trim the threat of developing diabetes by up to 58 percent and cut your risk of cancer.

    Whether you prefer to walk, run, swim, or pump metal, it’s important to add aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities to your daily routine. Even moderate levels of physical activity can improve sleep, sharpen your mind, and decrease your odds of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

    Exercise is good for the body due to the following reasons:

    First, it helps you cut weight. When you exercise like jog or run you burn the fats in your body. This happens because the body undergoes respiration to yield energy needed for the exercise. The extra carbohydrates in the body are respired in presence of oxygen to give energy. Consequently, this burns away the fats that would otherwise have been stored as fats hence cutting weight.

    Second, it slows the rate at which gets old working out eliminate the inflation which comes along with aging. Moreover, some exercises like yoga minimize production of stress hormones which hasten aging. In-addition the stretching assists in smoothing lines which make you look aged.

    Third, it improves your physical appearance. Bodybuilding exercises burn fats and increase lean muscles. Cardiovascular exercises increases metabolic rate which removes toxins in form of sweat from the skin. This rejuvenates the skin and makes you look presentable.

    Fourth, it reduces stress through the release of endorphin hormone. The hormone works with various organs in the body like the brain and other receptors to ease how you view pain. When exercising instance playing football, you forget the pain and the stress as you only pay attention to your movements.

    Fifth, it boosts self-esteem as well as physical appearance. The proper blood circulation ensures that nutrients reach the scalp hence healthy hair and less gray hair. The lean muscles obtained during bodybuilding exercises improve the physique in men as they gain six packs and shoulder muscles.

    Sixth, it is used to relax and derive some fun. Some exercises like swimming and cycling have become hobbies. This is because the endorphin hormone released initiates motivation.

    Lastly, is the health benefit . Cycling increases metabolism hence reducing chances of stroke. The functioning of the brain is improved through adequate supply of air and nutrients to the brain that occurs during exercise. Obesity is controlled through burning of excess fats. Weight lifting strengthens cardiovascular muscles and reduces blood pressure which combats heart diseases.

     

  • Family government (3)

    Dear Reader,One truth you need to know is that your children, in actual sense, do not belong to you, but to God.  He has simply put them in your charge and made you their caretaker.  That is why we will be examining the aspect of CHILD TRAINING.
    Children constitute immediate members of the family government after the woman.  Both the man and the woman have a joint responsibility to perform, in training their children.
    They both have different roles to play in the family government, in order to ensure lasting success and excitement in the family.  Just as it took both the man and the woman to bring about the birth of the child, so also, are they expected to rear him or her together.
    God’s Word in Psalm 127:3-5 says: Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.  Children, as members of the family government, are additional blessings from God Himself, sent to spice up your family.  Children are sent to add colour and meaning to your family government.
    Can you imagine a nation having a president, governors, ministers and commissioners but no people?  There will not be much governing to do.  This case can be likened to the blessings of having children in the family.  They are rewards and “arrows”.  An arrow is a lethal fighting weapon that is used for various purposes.  Children in the hands of God, can be likened to such lethal weapon that can be used to destroy the works of the devil.  Verse 5 says: they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.  They are blessings from God that are invaluable.
    Therefore, you have a responsibility to prepare them the way skilled craftsmen fashion arrows, at the blacksmith’s workshop.  You have to carefully and patiently groom them to become arrows as faithful and responsible adults in the area of business, education, legislature and gospel promotion.
    For instance, Daniel was not a preacher, but a politician, yet he was righteous and upheld the name of Jehovah in Daniel 5:11-12.  Joseph was a prime minister, who also upheld integrity in Genesis 39:8-9 and Genesis 41:38-41.  Other examples include Samuel in I Samuel 3:19 and Timothy as a Bishop in I Timothy 4:14. These are some examples of men who were brought up in homes where God’s laws were taught, thereby fashioning them to become arrows in God’s hands.
    Two major tools for training your child are: LOVE and CONTROL. These two are of equal importance.  You cannot control a child you do not love, and you cannot effectively love a child you do not control.  You need 100% of both in training your child.  God’s Word in Luke 18:16 says: But Jesus called them to Him and said, let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God  and Mark 10:16 says: And he took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. These are practical examples of how to demonstrate love to your children.  It summarily involves you developing a mutual and trustworthy relationship with them.  Let them know that you love them in your actions and words, when you are teaching, training or disciplining them.
    Children are very sensitive, so if your actions and words do not portray that you love them, they will doubt, you even if you say so.  Treat them respectfully as little people and not as inferiors.  Remember, they are very important members of the family government too!  Never be too proud to say, “I’m sorry” to your child, when you’ve made a mistake.  Be a sure example to your children always.  Don’t tell them to do what you won’t do yourself. Also, allow them to learn by examples.  Children learn faster this way.  Remember, children need love, especially when they don’t deserve it.
    Control, on the other hand, means to have authority and power in order to direct, manage or rule.  Love without control will lead to destruction (I Samuel 2:22, 29). Children should be taught early in life, how to submit to higher authorities.  Exercising control in training your child should be done with patience, using yourself as an example for the child to follow.
    Having read this teaching, it is important for you to accept the Author of every family government, by confessing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.  God wants the best for your family and He can turn your home around for the better, if you let Him.  Accepting Him, will open you up to His help.  If you will like to confess Jesus Christ as your Lord now and become born again, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today.  I am a sinner.  I cannot help myself.  Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your blood.  Deliver me from sin and satan, to serve the living God.  I believe You died for me and on the third day, You rose that I might be justified.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Make me a child of God today.  Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom”.

    Congratulations, you are now born again! I believe that you will begin to experience the reality of the price that Jesus paid for your sins at Calvary. All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name!
    Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through:
    E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com Tel.  No: 07026385437; 07094254102

    For more insight, these books authored by Pastor Faith Oyedepo are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Making Marriage Work, Marriage Covenant, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored)

  • Pediatrics and child health; in focus: Children of the street and children on the street (4)

    Ogun state has nine registered Universities, the highest of any state in Nigeria, whereas Osun state has four or five .What a proactive enterprise, to ensure that there are enough to feed the universities

    This should be taken up as a Federal government project. After all investment in children is investment in the future of the country if mobile phones could be bought and distributed to farmers, then these devices can be bought and made available to our kids, with assistance by the state governments

    Children spend quality time face booking, but the contents are mostly on relationships, infatuation, self love etc. they could be redirected to use the equipment to create learning groups, exchange groups, interschool study groups etc

    Time spent on wandering /loitering/idling /games can be studied and findings used to review/improve the project

    Routine screening can be done on street children (with incentives) to evaluate. psychiatric/mental health, to know those already on alcohol, other drugs including hard drugs

    Research—knowledge attitude and perception ( kAP) studies, can also be sponsored to seek out candidates suitable for rehabilitation…it may then be possible to know the extent of their involvement, identity of their social contacts, those being indoctrinated/brainwashed among other benefits

    Some parents give no good examples and so the children have a teacher of bad habits in their Mom or Dad

    Intending couples should be encouraged to think seriously about relationships before you go into one, so you don’t end up with unwanted pregnancies.

    Health education, age appropriate should be encouraged in schools, churches and family fellowship

    Government should also pay more attention to funding in homes for motherless babies and orphanages

    It is time young girls stopped looking at Europe and America as pure heaven, reality is that they also have their own problems of people feeding directly from the dustbin.

    Parents, churches should to the extent possible monitor what their children are doing in terms of face booking competition, faces simply do not represent human being

    What about what children are doing and being allowed to do in the different schools? How age appropriate are the messages they are getting? How gender sensitive. What relationship exists between teachers, pupils and students?

    Who and how are records kept? In the Holy Trinity Grammar school of those days, the principal took the matter of children on the street very seriously. He took time to ride bicycle and would chase students anywhere they ran, even into bushes and broth them into schools with severe disciplinary measures to serve as deterrent to others. Students were encouraged to go to the school libraries during free periods. Loitering was forbidden because they were used as avenues to dash to the streets

    With the large population of this country, and the presence of vast portions of arable land, the School to land policy which was the brain child of a previous Military Government should be reexamined. Research has shown that more than half of the total number of street boys are secondary school dropouts, and The finance minister has been glad to announce that Non oil exports has now climbed to over 20%, while this is encouraging, poverty and hunger are two conditions which prepare many Nigerian Women(including pregnant women ) and children for Malaria to complete the dying process, One sure way of eradicating hunger and perhaps poverty is to pump money into mechanized agriculture, send young people for training in specific areas, remove the fear attached to farming that farmers die young and because they die for subsistence die poor. With milking machines, tractors, harvesters, incubators, with research laboratories, there will be enough to eat and family coherence needed to bring children close to their families can be guaranteed. Taking inventories, census of those living secondary schools, of youth corps members will enable proper planning and efficient management of a School to land initiative. It is a reliable way of getting children away from the streets, and reducing the number of children and young adults available for recruitment into various crimes and for trafficking. With enough food to eat and sell, female children can have education to what ever level as desired. They will not need to sell their bodies for money, and even if they have to indulge, they will have the capacity to negotiate for safer sex. Capacity building is not all about giving loans, that are tied to so many strings that recipients end up getting poorer while the banks declare unbelievable profits, the school to land initiative is a better alternative for those too poor or too young to assess bank loans.

    Governments, National orientation agency and others concerned with the welfare of Children should engage schools, colleges, physicians in family health, child health and pediatrics and support them to carry out research in the problem of street children . Government should bring down the costs of adoption, but do more monitoring once the processes are done with. Relevant agencies can involve social workers in supervision and management of minor conditions.

    Governments can build Science and Technology camps, mechanic, Lap top, and cell phone repair centers in strategic locations, where large groups of street boys congregate. Inventors can emerge from such camps and with positive reinforcement, others can emulate and aspire. Dreams and hope will metamorphose into reality, for the individual and for the family/

    .It is time wealthy individuals, institutions, multinational companies began to show interest in Debates, quiz contest, and other activities that can reward excellence, and make the streets less attractive for children. Setting up football academies like the one by Channels TV organization is a very good one. The boys are playing fantastic foot ball and are likely to draw others of their age away from street life. Someone should try a similar experiment with the girls and you will be amazed. However, not every one plays foot ball, just as we don’t expect every child to know how to play the saxophone, or guitar, but every child needs an education. Those who give out 50 million naira to sponsor birthday parties for strangers in our midst as a way of showing they have money need to spare a few minutes to imagine what one million can do for a home for the motherless, being managed by Catholic missions. These catholic charity organizations will be wondering whether God gave Wealthy Nigerians such retrogressive mindset that we can actually prefer to build more houses abroad than give financial support to the needy, even within extended family systems.

    Churches and religious organizations should encourage activities that teach children to avoid dangerous experiments, avoid attempting to do things they watch and see on television. Church programs for children should include insightful comments and activities on the fear of God, the love and respect for parents, family members and authorities. Such programs for children should not be designed to exploit parents, because no matter in what for it is disguised, children have their own ways of knowing what the intentions are. If Children can not find comfort, assurance and hope in Churches, they will find them on the street, if those telling them to give their lives to Christ hide to engage in anti Christian activities, Children will show that they too can hide and see what goes on in the dark, and if they cant give their lives to Christ, the devil, bacteria and dangerous viruses will all be very happy to take over such lives,

    We need Stronger Parents Teachers Associations (PTA) is in our Schools and colleges, where office holders –at least some of them have children in the schools they oversee. Policy makers should also have their children in the schools. Situations exist where female school children are made to go out and look for water in school compounds where there are boys known to belong to the class of children on the street. These innocent girls who are either sent to fetch water or throw dust bins can be enticed with in many ways by these boys hanging around the school premises for just such opportunities so as to give vent to their dangerous feelings. One wonders why people entrusted with oversight functions only pay visits and do so without giving pupils and students the opportunity to share their experience concerning health, safety and environment. When cases of rape are discovered under conditions such as stated above, parents are usually very reluctant understandably to expose their children to the associated negative publicity and the stigma slapped on victims of rape. School authorities report cases late, when if there was transmission of infection, it will have gone past the incubation period. Take the issue of HIV/AIDS for instance, which has incubation period between eight weeks and ten years; bringing a rape victim to the clinic three days after the incidence is useless, except if it is done to have a record of the status of the victim. Similarly, going to the Doctor two weeks after the incidence so you can get a Medical report for the Police are unhelpful over 80% of the forensic evidence would have been lost. Moreover, giving antiretroviral drugs after twenty four hours does not guarantee even up to 40% destruction of the pool of invading viruses. From all these, it should be apparent that every thing humanly possible should be done to either keep young female students in boarding schools away from street children or avoid situations where these little girls are forced into situations where they have no choice. Most of these children are easily frightened when they realize their parents are hundreds and thousands of kilometers away and phones are forbidden.

  • Management of Stress

    We know that we all pass through stress occasionally,frequently, continually, etc, depending on who we are and on our environments. Since stress is a universally experienced phenomenon, we need to know how to manage stress so that we emerge from any stressful experience sane, healthy, and fit and the stress bears some fruit in our lives.

    Prevention is always better than cure. One reason why we get stressed up is because we do not think enough about our choices. We don’t have to accept every invitation, take every opportunity, experience everything good at once, achieve recklessly, etc. Being careful, orderly, and timely are easy ways to handle excess work, hard work, and deadlines. However, these are not easy qualities to have. Often, the “spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” and we end up with bad habits such as procrastination, sloth, desperation, frustration, cluttering, confusion, anxiety, etc.

    To dominate ourselves (weaknesses), it is useful to do some meditation. Either religious or therapeutic meditation can help us pull our brakes and take a better direction. Meditation should be a regular aspect of life. We all need to reflect and rediscover our purpose, our direction, our goals in life, etc.

    Then it is necessary to break the chain of stressors and the power of stressors. If we do not identify the stressors, this is difficult. If we know the stressors, then we need to make changes. In our work, we may need to change methods, means, environments, etc., to make things less stressful. Change may be temporary, as a way to break stress. People and relationships can become “toxic.” Sometimes you even need to get away from your friends for a while. If you live in a place like Lagos and have to drive through 1-2 hours of traffic jams every day, you will notice a great difference in yourself when you leave Lagos for a few days. In a different place, perhaps you feel fresher and more energetic when you get home in the evenings. You may find your day is not over the minute you step into your door because you did not bring exhaustion in with you. People change residence, jobs, alliances, property, etc., for more conducive ones. Sometimes, we do not need to change or exchange anything but we need to face them, use them, or experience them differently. Whatever the case, do not allow a stressor to dominate your mind, body, or spirit, or your entire life.

    Then it is necessary to give yourself recovery. One of my favorite poems is “Leisure” by the Welsh poet, W.H. Davies: “What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare…” Stress deprives our life of beauty and richness. We miss a lot that is good in life. We need to force ourselves to stop and return to life and enjoy life. When I was working in California nearly ten years ago, my boss once told me angrily: “have a life!” – obviously realizing I was missing out on socials and non-work matters. Everybody needs to “have a life”: time spent with family and friends, relaxation and fun, hobbies and interests.

    Mental recovery from stress can be gained through watching television, listening to music, reading interesting material, playing table games such ludo, snakes and ladders, cards, scrabble, monopoly, chess, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, or other activities such as gardening, billiards, and sports which engage our minds, passions, and emotions differently from our commitments, work, or profession.

    Physical relaxation is important: resting, sitting, or lying in a relaxed position to release muscle strains, sleeping enough, spending some time in a more comfortable environment such as an air-conditioned room or breezy or sunshine outdoors are examples of ways to gain physical relaxation. Sometimes a few minutes of change are enough to break the power of stress.

    Sex is important in marital relationships. To love and be loved is a source of much peace, pleasure, joy, and fulfillment. Unfortunately, too many couples mess up in this matter.

    Laughter has been described as the best medicine. It is indeed one of the best medicines. Finding good ways to laugh every now and then takes our focus off the hardships of life momentarily and breaks the cycle of stress.

    Stress is always related to an excess – an avoidable or an unavoidable excess. Often things get beyond our own power, capability, knowledge, intelligence, virtue, time, or resources. Spiritual connectivity with our source of strength, wisdom, and virtue is important for recovery. Retreating from our cares a few minutes a day or for longer periods is both a prophylactic (preventive) measure and a therapeutic measure (cure) for stress.

    Dr. ’Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please Email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910

  • Marriage: A divine origin (3)

    Dear Reader,

    You are welcome to this wonderful time in God’s presence. I started this teaching by unveiling to you, marriage as a divine origin. Last week, I taught on, companionship.

    This week, I will be examining, The Obligations of Husband’s in Marriage.

    The man is the principal figure in the family unit. Bishop David Oyedepo often says, “Anything that has two heads is a monster.” The same principle is applied to every other human institution. There is one head for an institution, who takes responsibility for the happenings per time. God designed marriage in the same way.

    Man – The Head: The husband is the head in every God-ordained marriage. This position is not debatable. The Bible puts it this way: For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body (Ephesians 5:23). God reckons with his position as head of the home, and holds him responsible for any mishap that occurs there. For instance, when things went wrong in the Garden of Eden, God did not question the woman, rather, Adam was the one held responsible.

    The man is the principal actor in every home. Until the husband accepts his responsibility as head, there can be nothing like success in that family. I am not referring only to men who are married to Christian wives, but also to those who are married to unbelieving ones (they probably got married before they got born again). If the men accept God’s instructions and do them, their homes will be very successful. But what is the master key to making the home successful?

    Love

    The love responsibility is the master key. Love is the instrument a man uses to make his wife a glorious woman, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. Therefore, the making of any wife is in the hands of her husband.

    Do you want a glorious wife without spot or wrinkle, holy and pure? Then, love your wife as your own body! By so doing, you would have created a glorious wife. Love is the price you pay for a glorious home.

    Giving

    Giving is the practical expression of love. John 3:16 says: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    One of the ways a husband should express his love for his wife is by giving. A husband should willingly and joyfully give gifts to his wife. How much (quality) is given is not the issue. He should rather accept his responsibility, by joyfully giving his wife gifts. That is what counts. It is the man’s responsibility to provide for the home. When a man stops looking after his household, his life becomes worse than that of an unbeliever. No matter how much tithe and offering he gives, God says he has denied the faith and will suffer the same fate as an unbeliever.

    Communication

    Love is also expressed in communication. I call it seasoned communication. Ephesians 5:26 says: That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. You are expected to cleanse your wife by the washing of water by the Word. That implies that every word of your mouth must be seasoned with sail, giving grace to the hearer (Col. 4:6)

    God has given you control as the head of the home; be a smart driver, otherwise that family is heading for an accident. For instance, if you notice that your wife is downcast, you should ask her what the matter is. You must not open up your home to malice or discord. You can prevail over them all by knowledge.

    For you to successfully carry out your obligation as the head in your marriage, you need the grace from above. The right place to begin from is a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. If you want to start this relationship right now, you can say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today, I am a sinner. I believe You died and rose on the third day for my sins. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today.

    Congratulations!  You are now born again! Till I come your way next time, please call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com; Tel.  No: 234-1-7747546-8; 07026385437; 07094254102

    For more insight, these books authored by Pastor Faith Oyedepo are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work and Building a Successful Family.

     

     

  • Arthritis: Causes and treatment

    Arthritis: Causes and treatment

    Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.

    There are many types of arthritis (over 100 identified, and the number is growing). The types range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage, to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

    The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), metabolic abnormalities (such as gout), hereditary factors, the direct and indirect effect of infections (bacterial and viral), and a misdirected immune system with autoimmunity.

    Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. These are conditions that are different individual illnesses, with differing features, treatments, complications, and prognoses. They are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, and many have the potential to affect other internal body areas.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

    Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling, (swollen lymph nodes), weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart or kidneys.

    Those at risk

    Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults. Approximately 350 million people worldwide have arthritis. More than 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis. Approximately 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. More than half of those with arthritis are under 65 years of age and nearly 60% of those with arthritis are women.

    Diagnosis

    The first step in the diagnosis of arthritis is a meeting between the doctor and the patient. The doctor will review the history of symptoms, examine the joints for inflammation and deformity, as well as ask questions about or examine other parts of the body for inflammation or signs of diseases that can affect other body areas. Furthermore, certain blood, urine, joint fluid, and/or X-ray tests might be ordered. The diagnosis will be based on the pattern of symptoms, the distribution of the inflamed joints, and any blood and X-ray findings. Several visits may be necessary before the doctor can be certain of the diagnosis. A doctor with special training in arthritis and related diseases is called a rheumatologist.

    Many forms of arthritis are more of an annoyance than serious. However, millions of people suffer daily with pain and disability from arthritis or its complications.

    Treatment

    The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of arthritis present. An accurate diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment. Treatments available include physical therapy, splinting, cold-pack application, paraffin wax dips, anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, immune-altering medications and surgical operations.

    Arthritis and diet

    For most forms of arthritis, diet play little or no role in precipitating or exacerbating the condition. However, in general, oils of fish have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some arthritis suffers benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

    Gout is a particular type of arthritis that is clearly diet-related. Foods that are high in purines, especially red meats and shellfish, can worsen the condition. Moreover, certain foods elevate the levels of uric acid, including alcohol (especially beer) and those foods containing high amounts of fructose (such as the corn syrup found in soft drinks). For people with celiac disease, gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley, rye) can worsen joint pains.