What is Good Heath

Good health is easier to achieve if people knew what to do and what to avoid doing. In other words, knowledge is power- the power to be healthy. Incidentally, knowledge does not translate to power unless it is complete and accurate. In its distorted form, knowledge may indeed be a weapon of mass destruction and a tool in the hands of a mischievous few for the subjugation of the unsuspecting susceptible majority. This has been the story of healthcare delivery in Nigeria to date. This ugly trend has enslaved many Nigerians in the dungeon of substandard health. This, this distorted trend, will hopefully cease or reduce with the eye-opening effects of this book: Guidelines for Good Health.

Did you know that paracetamol is not a very safe medicine? I have often seen people buying full packets of paracetamol   and when they are questioned, reply that it is just ‘ordinary paracetamol’. Paracetamol, though ‘ordinary’ has been known to cause liver failure and death when used over prolonged periods especially among alcoholics. Some people take four tablets of paracetamol at once for perceived severe pains. Such people must be informed that only eight tablets of paracetamol taken at once is needed to cause death.

Did you know that drug abuse sometimes takes years to manifest its ugly consequences? Have you ever heard of people who died of liver cirrhosis or kidney failure? These two diseases are often caused by drug misuse several years earlier. Incidentally, it is difficult to associate them with their causes because of the time lag. That is why, at times, people attribute such sicknesses to witchcraft.

Did you know that tetracycline and aspirin should not be given to children less than twelve years of age? I have   seen several cases of mothers coming to request these drugs for little children as a result or ignorance. These two drugs, and others like them are dangerous in this age group.

Did you know that stress is very dangerous? Did you know that stress can so lower your immunity that you might even wonder if you have AIDS? Several times, people die as a result of stress. In such cases, test results often come out with confusing results (usually ‘malaria’ and ‘typhoid’) and symptoms persist after treatment.

Did you know the vital signs- the blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and breathing rate? Did you know their significance in both the sick and those presumed healthy? Did you know that severe abnormality in any of the vital signs can lead to death, even when someone is thought healthy or recovering from sickness? Do you know how to measure the vital signs?

Did you know that you must always tell your doctor or pharmacist (even if not asked) whether you react to any particular drug, whether you are pregnant or breast feeding, whether you suffer from any continuing or re-occurring sickness such as ulcer, hypertension, diabetes, asthma etc or whether you are presently or medication? Your life is yours to protect.

‘Guidelines for Good Health’ has attempted to provide answers to these and more questions. It is my humble contribution to patient-education. It is sincerely hoped that the information contained herein will prod the patients to ask a lot of questions of their pharmacists, doctors and nurses. Knowledge is power, but power without control is dangerous. Avoid irresponsible self-medication. Ask your pharmacist.

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~ CHRIS ORAZULIKE, B. Pharm., MPSN

VIRGINDRUGS PHARMACY LTD