INEC HAS GONE MAD AGAIN WITH GROSS INEPTITUDE

I was not happy with the way INEC handled the distribution of the permanent voter's card (PVC) in Lagos. It shows gross incompetence on the part of INEC. INEC had over three years to prepare for the PVC distribution and failed woefully.

 I spent several hours at different points to check whether my card was mistakenly moved to another polling unit but all in futility.  I wasted my precious time all in the name of exercising my civic responsibility. I am happy I witnessed the ineptitude of INEC live between Friday 7^th to Sunday 9^th, 2014. I kept monitoring with my phone and also drove around to see if I would be lucky to get my “passport” for my cherished vote all in vain but for the experience which spurred this write up.

The cacophony of the activities of INEC officials is far from the best practice world over.  The INEC officials at the polling unit where PVC were being distributed were not aware or had no knowledge of why the other polling units were abandoned. The act is totally unacceptable.  In a country of “transformation”, nothing seems to be working; from the National ID card to the International Passport which has been turned into money making machine by the officials.

I am very hopeful about Nigeria and I am very optimistic that people of good character will one day rule Nigeria. Let us not be discouraged by the gross ineptitude of INEC and our Government, the surefire way of ensuring good governance is by voting. Let your vote count. This is the time to sacrifice our time and energy. Register for a new voter’s card if your polling unit was not serviced. Your vote is your right and the future, please make it count. 

BayoSalau: THE DANGER OF TRAMADOL ABUSE by Pharm Olafare Paul...

BayoSalau: THE DANGER OF TRAMADOL ABUSE by Pharm Olafare Paul...: DANGEROUS DRUG ON THE STREET ... Some months ago, i had a very shocking experience while trying to get Tom-Tom from malla...

THE DANGER OF TRAMADOL ABUSE by Pharm Olafare Paul

DANGEROUS DRUG ON THE STREET...

Some months ago, i had a very shocking experience while trying to get Tom-Tom from mallam Musa's kiosk.
As i waited for my change, a man came and he said "abeg give me tramadol".
Mallam Musa dipped his hand inside a black nylon bag, lo and behold tramadol came out.
i tried asking the man what the tramadol was for but the response he gave me "he don tey wey i dey use am". i waited to ask mallam Musa, and he said it is for strength.
From my personal little research, i was able to find out that 90% of kiosk owner sells tramadol capsule.
Also from the response i get from people at health seminars, i have found out that most people take tramadol irrationally without doctor prescription and they do not know the danger of using this drug.

WHAT IS TRAMADOL?
This medication is used to help relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol is similar to narcotic analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.
IT CAN/SHOULD ONLY BE PRESCRIBED BY DOCTOR

THE DANGER OF TRAMADOL ABUSE

1. Physical Dependence: the body of the user will always need tramadol to function properly. The person may become ill if he/she doesn't take it (kind of addiction).

2. Tolerance: a chronic user of tramadol will need a higher dose to produce reduction in pain. Higher dose means more adverse effects. SEARCH GOOGLE FOR THE ADVERSE EFFECTS

3. Psychological dependence:This is more dangerous than Physical dependence. the user only thinks that he or she needs the drug, and he or she may exhibit many signs of withdraw, especially stress or anxiety, when the medication is not taken.
the users may show the following symptoms:

*Uncontrollable shaking and tremors
*Moderate restlessness (similar to restless leg syndrome) marked by tossing and turning in bed
*Aggressiveness, anxiety, agitation, and depression marked by crying spells
*Painful muscle contractions
*Trouble falling asleep or maintaining sleep, vivid dreaming
*Sneezing, coughing, nasal stuffiness, and headaches
*Problems with vision marked by watery eyes, double vision
*Changes in normal heart beating.

For best results, use tramadol infrequently ONLY WHEN PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR and in the recommended dosage only.
Tramadol is not an ordinary painkiller. Based on its potency, efficacy, and duration of action, it can be a palliative form of therapy, one that is reserved for cases where there is no cure or treatment available like terminal cancer. Before starting on the drug, you should know the necessary information regarding dosage, duration of treatment, possible side effects, possible interaction with food, and storage instructions.

Images from http://www.drugs.com/tramadol-images.html.

BayoSalau: NFF SACKS KESHI, SHUAIBU AMODU TO REPLACE HIM

BayoSalau: NFF SACKS KESHI, SHUAIBU AMODU TO REPLACE HIM: Coach Amodu  Coach Keshi The Nigeria Football Federation finally sacked Keshi and replaced him with Amodu. I see this as ...

NFF SACKS KESHI, SHUAIBU AMODU TO REPLACE HIM

Coach Amodu 

Coach Keshi

The Nigeria Football Federation finally sacked Keshi and replaced him with Amodu. I see this as an old wine in a new bottle, but who knows he may become the proverbial cornerstone. Keshi failed to impress after the Nations Cup finals in South Africa; 12 games with 2 wins, that is absolutely unacceptable and awful. 

I was nervous throughout yesterday's match against lowly rated Sudan. It was a great victory for our eagles and birthday gift for Musa who scored two goals. The sack is actually ill-timed, considering Musa's birthday and his promise to celebrate his birthday in a big way after winning the match against Sudan. Should Musa shelve his birthday celebration because of Keshi to give him that respect and solidarity or go ahead to throw a big party? Anyways, I believe Musa should follow his mind. Congratulations, to Eagles and soccer-loving Nigerians. I wish Coach Amodu best of luck and he should be reminded that football is fast evolving: giants are falling; Spain, CIV etc. 

However, we should thank Coach Stephen Keshi for his efforts and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Up Super Eagles. 

BayoSalau: Stop That BACK PAIN Now Before It Becomes Your La...

BayoSalau: Stop That BACK PAIN Now Before It Becomes Your La...: Photobucket.com What Is Low Back Pain? Low back pain is a universal human experience -- almost everyone has it at some point. The ...

Stop That BACK PAIN Now Before It Becomes Your Landlord!!!!

Photobucket.com

What Is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is a universal human experience -- almost everyone has it at some point. The lower back, which starts below the ribcage, is called the lumbar region. Pain here can be intense and is one of the top causes of missed work. Fortunately, low back pain often gets better on its own. When it doesn't, there are effective treatments.

Symptoms of Low Back Pain

Symptoms range from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation. The pain may make it hard to move or stand up straight. Acute back pain comes on suddenly, often after an injury from sports or heavy lifting. Pain that lasts more than three months is considered chronic. If your pain is not better within 72 hours, you should consult a doctor.

Avoid self-prescription of drugs and other treatment methods and also do not patronise quacks 

Symptoms That Require Urgent Care

• Severe back pain: After a fall or injury, the back should be checked out by a healthcare professional. Other warning signs include a loss of bowel or bladder control, leg weakness, fever, and pain when coughing or urinating. If you have any of these symptoms along with your back pain, contact your doctor.

• Sciatica:The kind of back pain that follows heavy lifting or exercising too hard is often caused by muscle strain. But sometimes back pain can be related to a disc that bulges or ruptures. If a bulging or ruptured disc presses on the sciatic nerve, pain may run from the buttock down one leg. This is called sciatica.

5 Major Culprits of Back Pain: 

Your Job

If your job involves lifting, pulling, or anything that twists the spine, it may contribute to back pain. However, sitting at a desk all day comes with risks of its own, especially if your chair is uncomfortable or you tend to slouch.

Your Bag

Although you may wear your purse, backpack, or briefcase over your shoulder, it is the lower back that supports the upper body -- including any additional weight you carry. So an overstuffed bag can strain the lower back, especially if you carry it day after day. If you must tote a heavy load, consider switching to a wheeled briefcase.

Your Workout

Overdoing it at the gym or golf course is one of the most common causes of overextended muscles leading to low back pain. You're especially vulnerable if you tend to be inactive during the work week and then spend hours at the gym or softball field on the weekend. Picking of balls while playing lawn tennis and table tennis should be done with caution; by squatting whenever you want to pick a ball is the best way to safe your back.

Your Posture

Ensure you "Stand up straight!" Your back supports weight best when you don't slouch. This means sitting with good lumbar support for your lower back, shoulders back, with feet resting on a low stool. When standing, keep weight evenly balanced on both feet.

Herniated Disc

The spine's vertebrae are cushioned by gel-like discs that are prone to wear and tear from aging or injuries. A weakened disc may rupture or bulge, putting pressure on the spinal nerve roots. This is known as a herniated disc and can cause intense pain.

Several chronic conditions can lead to low back pain.

• Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, which can put pressure on the spinal nerves.
• Spondylitis refers to chronic back pain and stiffness due to severe inflammation of the spinal joints.
• Fibromyalgia causes widespread muscle aches, including back pain.

Who's at Risk of Low Back Pain?

Most people get their first taste of low back pain in their 30s. The odds of additional attacks increase with age. Other reasons your low back may hurt include:

• Being overweight
• Inactive lifestyle
• Jobs that require heavy lifting 
• Poor posture at work; workstations poorly arranged, wrong chairs and tables.
• Poor posture at home; bending the back unduly in the laundry, in the garden etc.  

Home Care for Low Back Pain

Back pain due to muscle strain will usually get better on its own, but you can take steps to make yourself more comfortable. A heating pad or warm baths may provide temporary pain relief.  

Above all visit the nearest hospital for proper diagnosis, treatment and possible referral to specialists.

Excerpted from www.webmd.com

Images from www.photobucket.com

COAS: MOST PEOPLE JOINED THE MILITARY BECAUSE THEY ARE DESPERATELY IN NEED OF JOBS

The reality of every job is in the experience. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating" is a maxim that applies to every aspect of life. Every Nigerian graduate prays for a good job of their choice but the present rate of unemployment is beyond imagination and is making most graduates to jump at every job that is advertised.

The recent statement by the Chief of Army Staff that "Most people want jobs, even if it means joining the Army when the reality of military service comes he drops his rifle & runs away" is nothing but the absolute truth. It is not only in the Army, it applies to every facet of the Nigerian economy. The Banking sector is a good example, where you have a Physiologist who is supposed to be in the laboratory conducting research. There are other numerous examples. It is high time we have a Government Parastatal shouldered with the responsibility of ensuring good career progression of our graduates. It is appalling, when you see Tom, Dick and Harry jostling for the military jobs. Lt Gen KTJ Minimah (COAS), also said ''A real soldier is known when he is put in the war front. The one who is not a soldier will run away and abandon his job. Our soldiers are recruited from Nigerian society and, today, most people are not called to be soldiers, they joined because they are desperately in need of jobs.''

There is no more passion for jobs and the Country, all we do is to look for money and always blame Government for our misfortune. Nigerian youths must start looking at creativity and value adding skills to be useful at home and in the society. 

The only maxim I took away from the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos is "Never blame someone for your failure" a rhetoric of  Professor SR Akinbo. The Nigerian Military is one of the best in the World and professionalism is its hallmark despite all odds, its head is still held high up gallantly. 

"SHOPRITE" IKEJA SHOPPING MALL CARJACKERS

I was perturbed and as well disgusted at the temerity exhibited by carjackers at the Ikeja Shopping Mall popularly known as “Ikeja Shoprite”.  The whole “movie” happened within twenty minutes, lo and behold, my car’s driver side’s key hole was badly damaged before I came back from my expedition to buy chicken and chips for dinner because my wife travelled and I couldn’t fashion out any other fast food than the aforementioned. I wonder what the security men were doing. I really feel bad whenever I see the usual inscription “Cars are parked at owner’s risk” on the wall of most of these Companies as if customers should move around with security paraphernalia to ward off men of the underworld. To my chagrin, when I got to the main gate, I reported to the gate keepers cum ticket collectors, alas, I received the shock of my life; they said “ oga na so them dey do o, we don report them several times”.

Another aspect that kept popping up in my memory is the fact that I met a lady who sat very close to my car all alone on the pavement. I asked her “please, did you by happenstance see any person around my car?” She answered “No” in a vociferous way. She told me she was one of the security guards of the shopping mall. I asked myself “what has a lady got to do with watch night business”. Immediately, I did the NYSC thing; by about-turning in a smart and fast way, used the passenger key hole to gain ingress into my car and did the Schumacher stunt as in Formula one. I was also watching my back for any pursuer and eventually Mobolowowon and escaped any “follow-up”.

Lesson learnt is a long term variety, never will I pack in a corner, and never will I park at the extreme, by the fence. Friends, learn to be security conscious, never leave your car in a park and feel it is safe and secure. Also, always put all your belongings in your car boot.

Stop that Neck Pain/Cervical Spondylosis

1. Avoid prolonged bending of your neck
2. Hold head upright and over your shoulders
3. Eyes looking slightly downward (30˚ range from horizontal line of sight) without bending from the neck.
4. Back should be supported by the backrest of the chair that promotes the natural curve of the lower back.
5. Elbows bent at 90˚, forearms horizontal. Shoulders should be relaxed, but not depressed.
6. Thighs horizontal with a 90˚–110˚ angle at the hip.

      Reference: Worksafe NB.

MICHAEL ESSIEN OF AC MILAN REPORTEDLY CONTRACTED THE EBOLA VIRUS

© Getty Images

According to a report by Daniel Lewis, AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien has reportedly contracted the deadly Ebola virus.

If this is true, then the Ebola Virus is becoming pandemic and no one knows who is next to contract the disease. 

The reports are unconfirmed according to the latest information on the internet, but we need to exercise more caution and seriousness in order to get rid of the deadly virus once and for all before the Pharmaceutical juggernauts get hold of the situation - to make us pay heavily for vaccines and drugs. Daniel Lewis, a man I respect a lot in sports reporting also referred to the report in the Daily Times, Nigeria, in which Milan club spokesman Riccardo Colias said: "It has come to a big shock to everyone involved with the club but we are optimistic for Essien.

"He is a very strong person and the Ebola has been caught in the early stages. He's in experts hands so he should be fine".

Let us pray for Mr Essien and all the people infected with the Ebola Virus, for quick and perfect recovery.