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Tag: pain

  • Secret pain Olamide Agunloye endures

    Secret pain Olamide Agunloye endures

    Olamide Agunloye is the daughter of former minister, Olu Agunloye, and creative director of Iconola, a fashion house previously based in Lagos, until she relocated to Abuja a few years ago.

    The mother of three used to be married to Ibidun Ajayi-Ighodalo’s elder brother, Dare. The duo met and fell in love as undergraduates. Their union, however, did not stand the test of time.

    Olamide, who is also into fitness and healthy-eating, is currently battling on how to get back the custody of her three children whom her estranged hubby is said to have forcefully taken after the court granted her custody of the children in 2012.

  • Pain, anger in Calabar as 21-yr-old boy dies in police custody

    •PPRO: it was a case of ill-health

    For the family of Mr Stanley Etim, a 21-year-old boy who until recently was working at a very popular supermarket in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Sparkz Shop, these are grieving times.

    The family is accusing the police in the state of allegedly brutalising him to death and refusing to let them even see his body.

    It was gathered that on Thursday, 5th of February 2015, two policemen from the D 5 unit of the Cross River State Police headquarters, Diamond Hill, allegedly barged into the shop, located opposite the University of Calabar mini gate along Etta Agbo Road.

    The policemen simply identified by their first names, Uche and Peter, it was gathered, went to the shop to arrest Stanley, an attendant at the shop who the previous day reportedly had a misunderstanding with his friend, a girl called Chidinma at the Flour Mills Junction in Calabar.

    Eyewitnesses said the policemen claimed they were arresting him for armed robbery.

    But the family of the boy alleged that the misunderstanding led to a fight between him and the girl, after which the girl allegedly got in touch with another of her friend Uche, who was a policeman to deal with Stanley.

    The President of Sparkz Shop, Mr Stephen Peters, with whom Stanley lived until his demise tearfully narrated to The Nation: “I called you because of what has happened between us and the police and in our helpless state, we had no option than to present the matter to the world through you what we are facing.

    “On Thursday at about 3.30 pm, some policemen came here and informed me that one of my boys is involved in a robbery case. Obviously I know my employees here and none of them can do that kind of thing. They went ahead and arrested him. Two minutes after, I saw them driving one of my boys who happens to be living with me in my house, and who has never slept out since he started living with me over three years ago. They manhandled the boy the way they manhandle criminals. But the boy does not have the strength to take that kind of beating, as he was not a criminal. They beat the boy terribly. They lifted him and threw in the air and he fell to the ground. I had somewhere to go but when I saw that, I had to follow them.

    ‘’The way manhandled him right from here got me startled, so I had to drive behind them to the police station, as they threw him into their Hilux Van. We arrived sometime after them and while I was greeting some people, I saw the head of the D5 at the state CID who came out with the boy handcuffed and this time, he was badly brutalised. I could not recognise his face.

    “As the man was coming, he was saying the boy had confessed to the crime, so before I could ask anything, they said they were taking him to go and bring other gang members. I went there with the store manager and another policeman came out and as soon as he sighted the store manager, Itoro, he said he was the one who obstructed them while trying to arrest Stanley and they immediately arrested him.

    ‘’Immediately, they collected his shirt and he was squeezed inside the cell. They took Stanley to Etim Edem Motor Park, where we normally receive some of our stock, according to them, to identify other gang members. Again they brutally dealt with him at the motor park and then brought him back.

    “Since they said it was a robbery case, we could not bail him that day. So the next morning, being Friday, I went there. Before then, I had asked the store manager to go and arrange food for him, but he said the policemen said they had taken him to a chemist for treatment. At about 11am, I went there and I saw the head of the D5 and followed him to his office and told him I was there for the boy. He told me that at night, the boy developed complications and was taken to the hospital. I asked which hospital but he did not give me any definite answer. I said I had to see the boy. I followed him downstairs and suddenly, he disappeared and I didn’t see him again.

    ‘’So I went the General Hospital and Teaching Hospital, but did not see the boy there. So someone suggested we should check the police clinic. And then I when I went there and asked if the patient was there, the nurse asked me the name and when I mentioned the name, they brought out a folder and then informed me that that doctor said when people came for this particular patient they should inform her. At that point, I wanted to meet the doctor but was told she was having a little meeting inside and then after then, I pressurised, the doctor came out and I asked them I was looking for Stanley Etim and in anger, thinking I was one of the policemen, she said the boy had been certified dead.

    “I was really devastated at that point. I was so devastated because I never thought and never believed that a healthy young man who had left my house to the shop that morning died in that way. When we came out and were crying, there was a van parked there and the dead boy was in there in the van. So when they saw us crying, they immediately drove the boy away. I don’t know where they went. The truth of the matter is that, up till now, we have not been given access to the body of the boy.

    “After that I immediately called the lawyer and said this is what had happened and he told me to go to the commissioner. So we went to the police station. As soon as we drove inside, when they saw it was us, they drove the corpse out again. We saw the commissioner and he asked what happened. I related this story to him. As I was relating, he said I should stop and then asked one of the policemen to go and call the assistant commissioner. When I wanted to continue, he said he was told that morning that an armed robber was shot at a crime scene at Flour Mill. We waited for the ACP and when he came, the commissioner asked me to repeat the story before the ACP, which I did and the ACP was also sad to hear that.

    “The commissioner asked him to set up a panel immediately and they should report to him at 7 o’clock. At seven, we went and they told us the report was not conclusive because some policemen involved could not be reached and so we should come back the next day. The next day, we went, they told us that one of the policemen had written the report and that a certain girl was involved and he had to see the girl physically. So we came back the next day.

    “They said they wanted to take a statement from the store manager so they can give an official report. The store manager wanted to write his statement, but we were terribly shocked when he wanted to write and the chairman of a panel set up by the assistant commissioner told the store manager that for this matter, they had to write the statement and read it for him and then he would sign.

    “At that point, we really felt something was wrong and they were out to cover up something. At that time, we started talking to news people. Up till now, we have not seen the corpse.”

    The Store Manager, Mr Itoro Okon, who said he was working with the late Stanley when the policemen arrived, narrated: “I was with the boy in the shop and then just stepped out and when I came back, I saw two guys on each side of the boy dragging him. I asked them what the problem was and that they should leave the guy. Other people around asked the same thing. And one of them said they were policemen. They brought out their handcuffs and cuffed him. They beat him up mercilessly. They threw him in the air and allowed him to crash to the floor.

    “When they got to the Hilux, the one known as Uche said if I really wanted to know who they are that I should enter the Hilux with them, but I did not. So we followed them to the station and they told their OC that I was the one that stopped their arrest.”

    A petition by the twin brother of the deceased, Kingsley, through his legal paractioners, Bassey, Opar and Co, addressed to the DIC, Investigation Force, CID Complex Abuja, accused the men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to D5, SCID, Calabar, Cross River State, of the gruesome killing of Mr Stanley Etim.

    The petition sought the ordering of an independent and unbiased investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Stanley Etim with a view to prosecuting same.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Hogan Bassey, reacting to the development, however said: “There was a case of robbery reported by one ChiChi and the police investigated the case. In the course of investigating it, that Stanley was implicated and identified as one of those who took part in the robbery and was arrested.

    ‘’He made useful statements to us and was detained. In the course of the detention, he complained of ill-health and he was taken to the police clinic. It became serious and he was taken to the Teaching Hospital where he gave up the ghost.”

  • Pain, sorrow as commissioner buries wife

    Pain, sorrow as commissioner buries wife

    It was a very painful and emotional ceremony for Chief Cyprian Chukwu as he bid final farewell to his lovely and faithful late wife, late Mrs Kate Wigo, as her remains were lowered into the grave.

    The late Mrs Chukwua, was a legal practitioner like her husband. She died in London after a brief illness and was buried last weekend at Rumuwike community in Obio/Akpor Local government of Rivers State.

    Guests at the burial described her as a strong politician, a woman leader and said she was the first woman caretaker committee Chairperson of Obio/Akpor Local government. During her short period in office, they said she achieved more than her male counterparts who occupied officer for longer time.

    The calibre of personalities that attended her funeral was a testament of her commitment and dedication to whatever she did during her life time. The caretaker committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Dr. Lawrence Chukwu led eminent politicians including, Hon. Dakuku Peterside of the House of Representative, the Rivers Government State Chief of Staff, Hon.Tony Okacha among others to the funeral. Her professional colleagues, members of the state Bar were also in attendance.

    Her younger sister Mrs. Susan Owhor, told Niger Delta Report that Mrs Chukwu was born on 11th April, 1973 to Late Elder Godswill Ogutum Ovunda and Mrs. Dorothy Peace Ovunda of Otogbo family in Rumuigbo Clan, Apara Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local government area of Rivers State of Nigeria.

    She said the entire family would miss her love and companion. “We love her so much she was always there for us. She grew up with our parents at Rumuigbo, She was so close to our mother who instilled in her the discipline required of mothers. Through this discipline, she acquired valuable knowledge and experiences that shaped her life and helped her to cope with the challenges that life brings. Amongst all, she learnt tolerance, patience, endurance and easy communication with people. She was loved by all.”

    In his remark, Sir Ogundu Charles Chukwu, her brother-in-law, described the late legal practitioner as a real wife of the family would be difficult to forget. “She was a very lovely woman who contributed her own quota while alive.

    “You can see the kind of people that came to her burial that shows you the kind of woman she was. We are going to miss her forever but her memory will continue to live with us. She lived a peaceful life in the community and she was a community woman leader being the chairperson of Rumuwike Community Women Council until her demise and a member of Rumuepirikom Clan Women Council. She was an epitome of what a leader should be in her community. She was an easy-going person who was easily approachable by everyone.

    “The growth of her community was a personal challenge to her and she undertook and championed it in such a way that she was admired, believed and also trusted by her fellow women in her immediate family, the Rumuwike community and the entire Rumuepirikom clan. Based on her leadership qualities and style her fellow women and to a large extent the men of the community, believed and trusted her leadership and charismatic qualities. As a result of her demise, her fellow women are feeling her exit; amongst them are the Rumuwike Community Women Council and the entire members of Rumuepirikom Clan of Women Council.”

    Her grieving husband, who is a Commissioner in the Rivers State Local government Commission, said he almost gave up when the wife died in London. He described his late wife as “amy wife and my friend, she didn’t give me worries in life and I didn’t give her too. I told the congregation that she was my helper and everything I needed in life. She died in London Hospital on the 18th day of August 2014 it was as if I was also dead but by the grace of God I found myself in Nigeria. ”

    He said that the dreaded Ebola virus and the huge cost of transporting her remain almost derailed his plan to bring the remains of his beloved wife back to Nigeria for burial. But with the help of his family and younger brother, he said h was able to get the permit to bring her home.

    Speaking on her achievements, he noted that his brilliant wife could have achieved more than what she intend to achieve in life if death had allowed her to live more years. “I did all I could humanly possible to remove her from the wicked hands of death, but our Father Lord had decided that she would leave me at this time.”

    “I will continue where both of us stopped and promise to make more remarkable progress and achievements as if she was still by my side. It will only require me to double my efforts so that our set goals will be achieved.

    Chief Chukwu said his late wife started her political career in 1999 as a member of Alliance for Democracy (AD) “In 1999 and later in the year 2000 she joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and held the position of Ex- officio member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Obio/Akpor chapter and she was a member of Ikwerre Women Forum (IWF) which is a social political organisation in Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality. The Executive governor of Rivers state, His Excellency Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, found her worthy and credible and appointed her the chairperson, Obio/Akpor local government Council Caretaker Committee (CTC) in the year 2011.

    “Within her short stay in office as the chairperson of Obio/Akpor Local government council caretaker committee (CTC), she resurfaced Ihunwo Wike Street and constructed a drainage system to ease water on the street. She did not stop at that; she donated a 500KVA transformer to the Rumuwike community immediately after her stay in office. Uptil now her programme initiatives have continued to enrich the villages, communities, and the entire Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State.”

    The late lawyer attended State School II Holy Trinity Rumuapara from 1980 to 1985 and obtained her First school leaving certificate (FSLC). She attended Community Secondary School Isiokpo from 1985 to 1987. Thereafter, she went to Archdeacon Crowder Memorial Girls’ School (ACMGS) Elelenwo, where she sat for her West African Examination Council (WAEC) and passed with credits. She obtained a certificate in French from University of Port Harcourt in 1992 and obtained a BSc degree in sociology in 1998 before obtaining bachelor of law (LL. B Hons) from Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, in 2006 -and graduated was called to the bar in 2008.

     

  • Celebrating 100 years in pain

    Celebrating 100 years in pain

    Nigeria marked its 100 years as a corporate entity after the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 1914.

    But many Nigerians felt the celebrations were not worth it, coming at a time Boko Haram has stepped up its attacks in the Northeast states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

    To prevent an untoward situation, security operatives, especially the military, did not leave anything to chance in ensuring that the International Conference Centre (ICC) venue of the Centenary celebrations and other key places were protected.

    All roads leading to the venue of the event where President Goodluck Jonathan presided over the awards ceremony to mark the Centenary were blocked, preventing free flow of traffic around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Commercial drivers and other motorists were confused on which route to follow. The confusion was compounded by the fuel scarcity that sparked long queues at filling stations.

    Guests were thoroughly screened. Those prevented from entering joined onlookers in anticipation that they could be allowed in later.

    A taxi driver, who identified himself as Jude said the celebration made no meaning to him. He said: “What is my business with their celebration? The celebration is not going to put food on my table or pay my children’s school fees. I don’t even understand why they are bothering themselves celebrating in the midst of fuel scarcity and insecurity in the country.”

    A spectators, Chukwuma Okoye said he had been standing there for more than an hour but the security operatives refused to allow him in because he was not accredited.

    He said: “The event is only for rich and socially recognised people. They told us that they will only be admitting 400 people into the venue so we have to hang around wondering what is going on inside the venue.”

    Another onlooker who gave his name as Lawal Ola, said: “Centenary is for people that have eaten enough. My parents were both not born 100 years ago let alone me. I don’t see any reason I should be bothered about it.”

    Outside the venue, the celebration appeared more like it was meant for the military than the civilians, with the security operatives looking at everyone that passes by suspiciously.

    Immediately, the road block started from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Towers but it was later dismantled because of the traffic gridlock. It then was mounted at the Nigerian Defence College where people had to park their cars and walk to their destinations under severe security check.

    One of the decorators for the event who gave his name as Adebayo said: “I am here for the decoration. We were part of the people that decorated the venue of the event and we want to make sure that everything goes on well with the decoration. So far, all is well. There has been no problem.”

    Another onlooker, Ela Isa who is a business man said: “As you can see, the most challenging part of this country is the security. Since we cannot get into the venue, it is an opportunity for us to stay outside and watch to see what is going on. We thank God that there is no problem in terms of security breech.

    “I want Nigerians to use this occasion to come together and embrace peace for the progress of the country. Our future will be brighter if our leaders are sincere. The security operatives are trying their best. All they want from us is prayers.”

    The National Stadium, one of the venues earmarked for the celebrations, which hosted musicians was also blocked.

    At 7:00 in the evening, when President Goodluck Jonathan arrived at the venue, all routes to the place were blocked. The development hindered free flow of traffic.

     

  • Drugs you should know about: Narcotic pain killers

    In ancient Greek mythology, Hypnos was the personification ofsleep or the god of sleep and his son Morpheus was the god of dreams. Narcissus or Narkissos was a hunter who was beautiful and when he saw his own reflection in the river he fell in love with it and could not leave it and died there. In ancient Roman mythology, Somnuswas the god of sleep, a son of Night and brother of Death. Some medical words and expressions are derived from these mythical entities, e.g. somnambulism (sleep walking); hypnosis (sleepiness); hypnotic (a drug that produces drowsiness or sleep), andnarcotic (a drug that produces numbness and stupor).

    The drug morphine which produces drowsiness and relief of pain was named after Morpheus. Morphine has been in the news over and over again throughout the recent history of mankind because of its multipurpose usage including as a social drug with potential to cause serious addiction. There are many drugs that act like morphine. Some of them are natural compounds found in plants and collectively they are called opiates. Others are various chemicals with similar pharmacological actions as morphine and they are called opioids.The opiates and opioids are narcotic pain relievers (narcotic analgesics).

    Morphine was discovered in the poppy or opium plant whose botanical name is Papaversominferum. It is used as a strong pain reliever especially in surgery. Another natural opiate is codeine which is used in cough syrups. Keen interest in these compound led scientists to develop semi synthetic and synthetic compounds such as pethidine and fentanyl whichare popularly used narcotic analgesics in clinical settings.

    Already within the human body there are natural chemicals that produce morphine-like effects. These are the endogenous opioids and there are a few groups of them; encephalins, endorphins, and dynorphins. Another such endogenous compound is orphanin. These are natural pain relievers that our bodies produce.

    While aspirin-like drugs (NSAIDs) act on prostaglandins, the narcotic analgesics, typified by morphine, act directly on pain conducting nerves that bear opioid chemical receptors. Activation of the receptors leads to inhibition of pain transmission through the spinal cord and brain and in the periphery of the body. Morphine-like drugs produce a combination of effects such as:

    •Reduction of nociception (pain sensation).

    •Analgesia(no pain sensation).

    •Reduction of the affective component of pain (psychological distress) so that pain may be felt but one is not distressed by it.

    •Euphoria or elevated mood and relief of the anxiety associated with pain hence the tendency for abuse (addicts use these drugs in order to experience the elevated mood).

    •Sometimes dysphoria (lower mood or bad mood) rather than euphoria occurs.

    •Respiratory depression due to dulling of the respiratory reflex that responds to increased carbon dioxide in the blood. Opioid overdose can be fatal because the victim stops breathing.

    •Suppression of the cough reflex (hence codeine is used in cough syrups).

    •Nausea and vomiting by direct stimulation of the vomiting reflex (this can be a serious side effect of opioids).

    •Constriction of the pupil, a useful indicator of opioid overdose. The classic opioid addict has pin-point pupils.

    Beyond the brain and nervous system opioid actions produce characteristic:

    •Decreased gastrointestinal movements (decreased peristalsis) and increased sphincter tone. This results in prolonged transit time for gut contents from the stomach to the anus allowing more water to be absorbed and constipation to develop. Morphine is usuallygiven in combination with a laxative.

    •Urinary retention due to increased tone of the bladder sphincter.

    •Histamine release (anaphylactoid reaction). Only morphine does this by degranulating mast cells (allergy cells). There is redness, itchiness, and oedema at the site of injection. Asthmatics should not use morphine because of the two possibilities of central respiratory depression and peripheral histamine release. To be continued…

    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 or 08160944635

     

  • Drugs you should know about Pain killers

    Paracetamol (British name) or acetaminophen (American name) is popularly marketed as Tylenol, Panadol, Exedrin, etc. It is commonly used for headache. It may also be used for the conditions that aspirin is used for. Tylenol has been identified as the number 1 cause of acute liver failure in the USA. Therefore do not use pain killers unnecessarily. Some women, especially young women, who have strong and painful menstrual cramps may routinely down painkillers as soon as they expect their menstrual period. Painkillers should be saved for the highpoint of the period when the cramps are severe and interfering with normal life.

    Another popular NSAID used as a painkiller is ibuprofen that is marketed as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin and other names. It is stronger than either paracetamol or aspirin and is prepared in 200 mg formulas (paracetamol is usually 500mg, a higher dose). For stronger pains 800mg preparations of ibuprofen (Motrin 800) are also available. It is used for aches and pains including toothache, backache, muscle aches, menstrual pain, colds and fevers. A woman in the last trimester of pregnancy should not use this drug.

    NSAIDs are not just painkillers. NSAIDs inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme which produces prostaglandins as well as chemical mediators of inflammation such as thromboxane. NSAIDs therefore reduce inflammation and fever (high body temperature). Another group of painkiller drugs called the opioids (e.g. morphine) relieve pain but not inflammation because they act directly on pain propagating nerves rather than on the chemical pain mediators.

    There are many other NSAIDs such as naproxen and ketoprofen both of which are painkillers with strong anti-inflammatory actions. Others are diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketorolac, oxaprozin, piroxicam, sulindac, toletin, and nabumetone. They are used for pain of arthritis, rheumatism, and musculoskeletal pain.

    As NSAIDs are commonly used as painkillers without prescription, we need to identify the main facts to be aware of in using these drugs. These are: they kill the pain but if the pain keeps coming back you need to find out the real medical problem, i.e. get a diagnosis; they increase blood pressure; they cause stomach bleeding, they are linked to erectile dysfunction.

    A group of painkiller drugs were derived from NSAIDs. Through biomedical science research, it was found that there are at least two types of the COX enzyme and they were named COX 1 and COX 2. COX 1 operates normally in the body and produces certain beneficial effects e.g. in the stomach, kidneys, and blood platelets. COX 2 is brought into play under disease conditions. The useful painkiller or analgesic effects of NSAIDs were found to be mediated by blocking COX 2 and most of the adverse effects of NSAIDs were found to be mediated through COX 1, i.e. interfering with normal physiological effects of COX. Therefor scientists developed COX 2 inhibitor pain killers that have little or no COX 1 effects and affect COX 2 that is released during disease conditions. These designer drugs were nicknamed COXIBs and include celecoxib, valdecoxib and etoricoxib. Like NSIADs, COXIBs are effective pain killers but do not cause stomach ulcers like NSAIDs often do. Some of the first widely used COXIBs produce cardiovascular problems and are no longer circulated. Because of this, the presently employed COXIBs are used with caution.

     

    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 or 08160944635

  • Pains, gains of stop-and-search

    The Independence Day bombing at the Eagle Square changed a lot of things.

    There was a paradigm in the fight against crime in the Federal Capital Territory, which led to the introduction of stop-and-search.

    The security strategy is deployed all over the territory and even in several parts of the country including Borno, Yobe and Gombe.

    Although before the emergence of the present level of insecurity in the country, such operations were only visible at the boarders into states, highways or specific checkpoints, security operatives now stop vehicles for searching on streets and bends .

    Residents in the capital have come to accept the policy because not only does it make citizens feel safe but also sometimes makes it difficult for criminals and terrorists to operate freely, like it was before security operatives began appearing at every turn.

    One wonders though, if the security operatives at check points in street corners really get the work done by simply clutching their rifles, waving their torchlight and looking down their nose, bored by motorists and motorcycle operators and their passengers who have to push their motorcycles along while passengers carrying heavy luggage and body weight, stumble pass them, panting like people that just ran a marathon.

    Most citizens have come to welcome the trend because, they will rather walk miles feeling the safety of someone significant watching over their backs than drive around freely with the fear of the unknown lurking in the shadows but some as expected, have something to say about it.

    Mr Nonso, a boutique owner along Byazhin Road, Kubwa claimed that the security operatives do not actually check motorists and motorcycle operators, as is expected, but simply stand back pointing their torchlight at motorist, and any motorcyclist that makes the mistake of starting his car or bike before getting past them, is pulled over and his vehicle impounded.

    He insisted that they do not bother checking cars properly or paying close attention to the motorcycles and their passengers who have been known to sometimes be treats and execute heinous crimes.

    Daniel Samuel, an employee of the Federal Road Safety Commission, confirmed that the initiative is good for the country especially with the present level of insecurity that the country is facing but suggested that, security operatives, especially those on street corners in kubwa, add a little initiative to the job by changing their locations constantly instead of sticking to a particular spot.

    Criminals, he said, will get accustomed to the locations and simply divert and take other routes and the aim will be defeated.

    Some residents in the capital are beginning to find worrisome about the activities of the security operatives of stop and search at night.

    A resident of Gwarimpa, Usifo Benjamin, an entrepreneur, in lending his voice to the trend, explained that the policy has overstayed its essence. The policy, he said, causes long traffic on the road, which makes movement at night difficult.

    Another resident of Lugbe, who pleaded anonymity, lamented to our Abuja Review correspondent on the level of harassment residents go through in the hands of some of these security operatives.

    According to her, security operatives harass drivers anytime they have the opportunity and some of them even talk like they own the city, she added.

    With these experiences of residents in the federal capital, is it safe to say that stop and search activities of security operatives in the capital has achieved its aim? Is it time to do away with it? The commissioner of police of the Federal Capital Territory, Olufemi Olubade, has an answer.

    The Police chief explained that since the introduction of stop and search policy, crime rates in the capital have reduced.

    He alluded the reduction in the cases of snatched cars in the capital to the constant presence of security operatives at various checkpoints.

    He lamented some highhandedness of some of the security operatives to lack of proper training; adding that many of the security operatives are undergoing training in order to serve residents of the capital better.

     

  • How safe are over-the-counter pain medications?

    How safe are over-the-counter pain medications?

    We depend on over the counter pain medications to help ease headaches, achy joints and raging fevers. Conversely, could the side effects of these medications outweigh the benefits?

    Many trusted over-the-counter pain medications contain acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin that can have deadly side effects if taken in excess.

    Acetaminophen is one of the most popular over-the-counter painkillers but research has shown that it could be your liver’s worst enemy.

    Most documented cases of liver damage are from long-term use but new research is challenging even their short-term use. The latest research shows that taking slightly too much acetaminophen over a period of several days can pose serious threats as well.

    “Even supposedly safe amounts of acetaminophen — doses close to 4,000 milligrams (mg) per day, the current daily limit — may be quite toxic to the liver in a small number of people,” according to the Harvard Medical School.

    Also, you may be getting more acetaminophen than you think. It’s used in more than 600 medications. Initial symptoms of liver toxicity from acetaminophen are often vague — fatigue and nausea — and easily confused with the symptoms associated with the illness attempting to be treated with the drug.

    *Ibuprofen and NSAIDs warnings*

    Unlike acetaminophen, overdosing on ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can put one at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks. NSAIDs can also damage the kidneys and increase the occurrence of stomach bleeding.

    A new study published in the Lancet looked at more than 353 000 records from 639 different clinical trials to assess the risks associated with NSAID use. Researchers found for every 1,000 people taking NSAIDs there would be three additional heart attacks, four more cases of heart failure and one death.

    The overall number of heart attacks would increase from 8 per 1,000 to 11 per 1,000 people with the drugs. NSAIDs posed an even greater risk to smokers, individuals that are overweight and physically inactive.

    Long-term, high-dose use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac is ‘equally hazardous’ as the drug Vioxx. Vioxx is a type of NSAID that goes by the generic name Rofecoxib. Vioxx was taken off the market due to its cardiovascular risks.

    A similar NSAID study of over 100,000 people found that ibuprofen was associated with a 3 times greater risk of stroke in comparison to the placebo control group.

    There is a natural tendency to view over-the-counter medications as being safer than prescription drugs because you don’t need a prescription.

    However, the user rarely follows the safe maximum dose of over-the-counter medications. This is especially true when people develop a tolerance to the medication, causing them to take more and more.

    While taking ibuprofen, make sure to monitor your blood pressure, especially if it tends to run too high. For long-term or chronic pain, you shouldn’t take it for more than 10 days. The latest advice is to try not to take it more than three days per week.

    *Adverse side effects of aspirin*

    Just because aspirin is sold over-the-counter doesn’t mean it’s safe. Previous advice for preventing heart attacks and strokes has been simple: take an aspirin every day. However, new research suggests that patients and doctors prescribing them may need to think twice about that advice.

    A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that taking 300 milligrams or less of aspirin increased bleeding in the stomach and brain by 55 per cent. Researchers looked at more than 186 000 patients taking a daily dose of aspirin and found nearly 2 300 cases of stomach bleeding and nearly 1 300 cases of brain bleeding.

    “The results show that the risks of bleeding are much higher than what doctors had previously suspected after several clinical trials and should prompt doctors to carefully consider a patient’s individual health before prescribing aspirin,” according to Dr Antonio Nicolucci, one of the study’s authors.

    “When the cardiovascular risk is low, the adverse effects of aspirin overwhelm any benefit,” said Dr Steve Nissen, Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. “Unfortunately, many patients taking aspirin represent the ‘worried well’ rather than individuals with a high risk of coronary artery disease.”

    Daily aspirin therapy can be lifesaving or life threatening even to the high-risk cardiovascular patients. Generally people who have uncontrolled high blood pressure and advanced kidney disease are at the greatest risk.

    Blood pressure should be controlled before any type of aspirin therapy is initiated.

    “Aspirin should only be used to prevent a cardiovascular event in association with an overall programme of lifestyle measures including healthy eating, cessation of smoking, control of blood pressure and regular physical activity,” according to a aspirin study in the Medical Journal of Australia.

    There is a wide range of adverse reactions that may result from aspirin use including effects on the body as a whole, or on specific body systems, organs and functions. High doses can cause hearing loss and ringing in the ears called tinnitus. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fatigue and coincidently headaches.

    Aspirin should not be used for fevers in children under age 16 as research has shown it can cause the combination of swelling of the brain and liver damage called Reye’s Syndrome. Reye’s Syndrome is most likely to affect children under 5 but cases are seen in older children as well.

    Reye’s Syndrome can kill within days or leave a child with permanent disability. Symptoms can include severe vomiting, drowsiness or loss of consciousness after a viral infection and there is no current treatment. It is not known why only some children and no adults are affected.

    People with asthma often cannot take aspirin or NSAIDs medications. This is due to a condition called Samter’s triad — a combination of asthma, aspirin sensitivity, and nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are small growths inside the nasal cavity that can affect breathing.

    An aspirin allergy or sensitivity is very common and occurs in about 30 to 40 per cent of those who have asthma. Reactions can range from mild to severe and generally occur within a few hours of taking the medication. The symptoms can include hives, itchy skin, red eyes, swelling of the lips, tongue or face as well as difficulty breathing.

    Don’t ignore the risks of over-the-counter painkillers. Always check first with your doctor to determine the pros and cons and ensure the benefits will outweigh their risks. The important thing is to be an active patient and an informed consumer.

    Dr Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

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    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

     

  • Pain, anguish at ATM

    When most banks across the world deem it wise to introduce the use of automated machine teller, otherwise known as ATM, most people welcomed the noble idea of fast withdrawal of money without hitches.

    Nigeria did key into such high technology to bring the country at the same pedestal with other countries using the ATM.

    Nigerians also welcomed the use of the ATM to enable them have easy way of money collection as the case worldwide, but the case has been of pain and anguish before collection of money for some time now.

    When Nigerians approach most of this machines to withdraw money, it’s always one form of disappointment or the other, sometime :unable to dispense cash or network problems. This has to stop to enable Nigerian feel the impact of easy way of collect money.

    Formerly, Nigerians always experienced hardship buying petroleum products before they embarked on holidays to see their loved ones during any festivities, but the case now is spending most of their times at ATM machines to secure money to meet family needs in their various homes.

    If urgent steps are not taken, the much talked about cashless policy of the Central Bank would be a mirage, with the way most of the ATM machines are not properly being maintained for the benefit of their customers.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive of stopping the charge of one hundred naira for interbank withdrawal has gone a long way to bringing relief to many customers, whose joy is now being hampered with most of the ATMs not dispensing cash to their customers

    Equally, the Central Bbank of Nigeria should as matter of urgency direct all commercial banks to update their ATM machines to ameliorate the sufferings of bank customers.

    We hope those banks whose ATM machines have not been functioning would overhaul them for the good of the customers transacting business with them.

    By Bala Nayashi,

    Lokoja, Kogi State.

  • ANZHI 2-1 SPARTAK MOSCOW Back pain stops Emenike

    ANZHI 2-1 SPARTAK MOSCOW Back pain stops Emenike

    SUPER EAGLES forward, Emmanuel Emenike, was missing in action for Spartak Moscow’s game with table toppers Anzhi Makhachkala on Saturday.

    According to the official website of the red and white, the Nigeria international forward suffered a back pain on his return from international duties with Nigeria. Thus, he did not travel with the 18 – man squad to the capital of Dagestan.

    Emenike, it would be recalled, has bagged in four goals in eleven appearances in the Russian topflight this term.