How to identify a suitable health care provider

3:00 PM Health No Comments

Selecting a good primary health care physician is one of the best things anybody can do for his or her health. Okechukwu Nnodim writes on steps to help you choose a suitable health care provider

Whether you are a businessman or a paid employee, you can only function optimally when in good health. Health is wealth; so get a qualified primary physician to take care of your health needs. A primary care provider plays a vital role in helping manage the health of you and your family. The care giver is usually a doctor. Experts say he may be a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner. Your health care provider will most likely take care of you for a long time, so selecting the person who you trust and feel comfortable with is very crucial.

Experts say you should think of your primary care physician as a partner focused on keeping you healthy for life. This is because he knows your personal health history and schedules routine screening tests that frequently help prevent and detect diseases such as heart attack, cancer and diabetes. It is therefore important you get a doctor that can be trusted. Though most doctors are good, some may not be sound enough to take care of their patients.

According to experts, primary care doctors include family medicine physicians for patients of all ages, internal medicine physicians for adult patients, and pediatricians for children. It is therefore important you make the right choice when selecting a health care physician for yourself or your family. Below are simple steps on how to identify a suitable health care provider, according to experts:

Availability

It is important to have a health care provider with flexible appointments. The Vice-President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mr. Olumide Akintayo, in an interview with this correspondent, said you need a care provider that is readily available considering the fact that health care problems are never convenient. He advised that you consider where the doctor’s office is located. Experts note that while most healthy adults only need a check-up every one to five years, it’s more convenient to have a doctor located close to your home or work. You should ask how easy it is to get in to see your doctor and you must be aware that some practices have a policy that enables patients to see a primary-care doctor the same day they call for an appointment with the physician.

Access to specialists

Does your care giver have the requisite connections with specialist clinics? You must make sure your primary health care doctor has considerable access to specialists. This is necessary in case of emergencies that require doctors of high expertise. Experts say a primary care doctor is more than just the person you call when you feel ill or suffer an injury. The care provider follows the latest research on disease risk factors and can tell you how to lower your individual risk. A primary care doctor is like a good coach or teacher and he will encourage you to make healthful lifestyle changes, keep track of your preventive tests and treatments, and help you through illnesses. Experts say the physician may also become the custodian of your health history and the doctor other doctors will call for information if you are ever hospitalised for a serious medical condition in any of their clinic.

Expertise

Though this may not be easily ascertained by a layman, it is however, important to know before making a choice. You should find out whether the doctor works with trained personnel and standard equipment. Experts say you should find out whether the doctor uses electronic health records. This is because personal electronic health records make it easier to share important health information quickly if you need to be seen at another medical facility. They explain that these secure online records also allow you to view test results conveniently, request prescription renewals and appointments, and receive automatic reminders when you are due for immunisations and health-maintenance screening tests. So the choice of your health care provider should also base on his expertise.

Reputation

You should know how reputable your chosen health care provider is. Ask your friends and family about the primary care doctors they see. Experts say it is always good to ask for personal referrals to try to match styles and to have confidence you are going to a doctor with a reputation for high-quality, patient-focused care. They add that the best source of a referral for a primary care provider is from people you already know. Friends, neighbours, and family members are great sources of information for choosing a primary health care provider.

Are you comfortable with the doctor?

A health care consumer should make sure he feels comfortable with his doctor. This is because you will want to develop a trusting, long-term doctor-patient relationship, and so do all good primary care doctors. It is therefore advisable that you schedule an appointment to find out whether you work well together on a real medical concern. Experts note that one of the best things you can do for your health is to establish a strong working partnership with your primary care doctor and his or her health-care personnel.

Demeanour

You should be able to tell whether the doctor explains things in a way you can understand. Does the doctor talk down to you? Does the doctor seem happy to see you or are you just another number? Think about what kind of person you enjoy interacting with. Does this doctor have those qualities? If he does, then he may not be the best care provider for you. It is therefore advisable you look elsewhere for someone with better qualities






.Source - Punch News

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Why people should know more about orthodontics –Expert

1:00 PM Health 1 Comment

Orthodontics
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Although several Nigerian studies have shown that 40 per cent of sample population would benefit from orthodontic treatment, the awareness about existing orthodontic care in the country is still very low.

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. It enables patients to have a healthier, happier smile.

In Nigeria, orthodontists are engaged in the study of the development of the jaws and the teeth and treatment of malocclusion. They have specialised training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw. Orthodontic treatment is particularly relevant for patients with cleft lip and palate.

Like the issue of dentine sensitivity which is hardly seen as one of the health burdens of Nigerians because many people have it but don’t realize it, there seems to be little awareness on both the roles of orthodontists and orthodontics among Nigerians.

According to the President of the National Association of Orthodontists, Prof. Oluwatosin Sanu, orthodontics is a highly specialised area of dentistry and deals with the growth of the face and the management of the teeth and jaws in both children and adults.

Sanu, of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, at a recent conference of orthodontists in Lagos, explained that orthodontics is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions otherwise known as improper bites which could result from tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both.

She therefore emphasised the need for people to know more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment especially in the special need group [cleft and palate patients] and other categories of people. The conference’ theme was “The role of orthodontists in the management of craniofacial anomalies.’’

Sanu stated that scientific studies had shown that malocclusion has psycho-social effects as well as imparts negatively on the quality of life of affected individuals.

As an association, she said members would continue to encourage high standards in orthodontic practice throughout the country, promote orthodontic research and disseminate scientific information among its members and other dental colleagues and the general public at large.

She expressed hopes that very soon; funds would be made available for the much-needed orthodontic treatment in majority of patients with cleft lip and palate.

Sanu said, “In past years, when after surgeries to correct the defects of the lip and palate were carried out, mal-alignment of the teeth and jaws were usually neglected for several reasons including lack of awareness of availability of orthodontic treatment, lack of accessibility to centres where orthodontic treatment can be sought, lack of money for orthodontic treatment and late presentations for early and timely intervention.’’

She observed that orthodontic treatments for cleft lip and palate patients tend to be more complex, take more time and clinical resources and require working with multiple dental, surgical and medical providers to get the best results.

At the conference sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, producers of consumer and pharmaceutical products including Sensodyne, the Medical Commercial Manager, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Sales, Chinyere Chima, said the initiative was aimed at promoting good oral health care and management among Nigerians.

She explained that at GSK, the vision is to enable people to do more, feel better and live longer.

In doing this, she said the organisation collaborates with several health care organisations including the Nigerian Dental Association, Nigerian Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and other technical arms in the health sector.

This was affirmed by the Brand Manager of Sensodyne, Mr. Isaac Okanlawon, who said GSK sees a huge need for awareness among consumers, noting, “that is why we are partnering and associating with credible organisations to promote awareness among Nigerians.’’

Also, Director, Clinical Research for GlaxoSmithKline globally, Dr. Stephen Mason, stated that the overall interest of GSK is to produce products that would enhance the health and the general wellbeing of the people.






Source - Punch News

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Women seek removal of discrimination from constitution

12:07 AM News, Politics No Comments

Nigeria Constitution
| credits: gablibrary.com

Nigerian women on Wednesday evening made a case for the removal of all forms of discrimination against vulnerable members of society.

They also asked for the recognition of the office of First Lady, which they argued, would increase women’s participation in mobilisation efforts towards the development of the country.

Speakers at the National Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on Enhancing Women’s Political Participation Through Constitutional and Legal Reforms in Nigeria in Abuja backed the move.

The President of the National Council of Women Societies, Chief Nkechi Mba, who was represented by Mrs. Dorothy Bassey, wondered why a foreigner married to a Nigerian woman could not enjoy the benefits of a citizen.

She said, “We hope to see more women appointments and engagement in public office. Even though Section 42 of the constitution forbids discrimination of any form, women who out of love marry foreigners are not allowed to enjoy their full rights as citizens of the country.

“It is even more difficult for foreign spouses.”

Bassey said the NCWS also made other proposals to strengthen women’s participation in the democratic process.

She said, “We suggested that provisions should be made for independent candidates outside of the regular party structure. Land is the source of conflict across the nation the Land Use Act should remain and 35 per cent of members of the allocation committee should be women.

“Women take care of the elderly well as children; their rights should be protected. The office of the FIrst Lady should should be given some form of recognition so that they can help in mobilisation efforts.”

The Director, Women in Politics Support Unit, Zimbabwe, Mrs. Fanny Chirisa, said although the journey was long and tortuous, women in Zimbabwe were able to get 80 per cent of their demands met.

She explained that a lot of enlightenment was required to get women to put their collective interests first before that of their individual political parties, religious or ethnic backgrounds.






Source: Punch News

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Mimiko faces fresh legal hurdles

12:05 AM Politics No Comments

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko
| credits: File copy

Having cried foul over their defeat in the Oct. 20 poll, five of the 12 governorship candidates that lost to Olusegun Mimiko are now in court to challenge the election, which had been adjudged as free by observers, reports SUNDAY ABORISADE

Governorship candidates of five political parties have so far filed different documents at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal to challenge the result of the Oct 20 Ondo State election, which was won by Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party.

The candidates of the Accord Party; the Peoples Democratic Party; Congress for Progressive Change; the Peoples Democratic Change; and the Action Congress of Nigeria submitted their petitions to the secretary of the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Mr. Yusuf Musa, last week.

The petitioners: Messrs Olawale Ojo (AP), Chief Olusola Oke (PDP), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (ACN), Olusoji Ehinlanwo (CPC), and Victor Adetusin (PDC), claimed in their various petitions that the poll was allegedly rigged for the LP candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission in collaboration with security agencies.

For instance, the AP candidate, Ojo, alleged that the INEC ‘unlawfully’ excluded the name and logo of his party from the ballot papers used for the election, contrary to the provisions of the 2010 Electoral Act.

He alleged that INEC sent three of its officials to monitor its party’s primary poll held on Aug. 1, 2012, but still excluded his name from the list of contestants.

Ojo therefore prayed the tribunal to order INEC to conduct a fresh governorship poll that would allow him to participate.

Akeredolu, on his part, filed a 403-page petition made up of 190 paragraphs before the tribunal, demanding the nullification of the poll based on glaring irregularities.

He argued that the governor was not duly re-elected by a majority of lawful votes, which made the election to be invalid “by reason of corrupt practices and or non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act.”

Akeredolu’s petition was filed by 20 lawyers including Chief Akin Olujimi; Mr. Lasun Sanusi; Mr. Wole Aina; Mr. Edward Odugbesan; Mr. Kola Olawoye; Mr. Charles Titiloye; Mr. Victor Olatoyegun and Mr. Michael Lana, among others.

The ACN candidate alleged that the voter register used for the poll was falsified by INEC to ensure victory for Mimiko.

He alleged that some named political office holders in the state “connived with security agents and INEC staff to rig the poll in favour of LP.”

The petition alleged that there were serious cases of ballot hijacking, ballot box stuffing, massive multiple thumb-printing of ballot papers by the LP agents on the Election Day.

Akeredolu alleged that “the election was marred with irregularities, non- compliance with the electoral act, glaring violence, malpractices and allocation of votes for LP.”

He also alleged that INEC created secret polling units and collation centres where the electoral fraud was allegedly perpetrated.

He alleged that “the LP deployed cash and materials to induce voters throughout the state.”

The petitioner further pleaded all video clips, reports of local and international observers, media, fingerprint experts, medical reports and election materials used in the conduct of the poll.

Akeredolu listed 117 witnesses from across the state except Owo Local Government, which was won by the ACN.

Also, Oke, the PDP candidate, in his own petition filed by Mr. Kayode Olatoke, alleged irregularities, manipulation of votes and outright falsification of results in some areas of the state.

He prayed the tribunal to nullify the election and conduct a fresh one or declare him as the winner.

On his part, Ehinlanwo, the CPC candidate, in a petition filed on his behalf by Mr. Segun Ogodo, claimed that his party possessed substantial proofs to plead massive violation of the Electoral Act and irregularities in respect of the election which would not make them to accept its outcome.

The CPC candidate prayed the tribunal to correct the anomaly and declared the poll result as null and void in view of the obvious flaws in the process.

All the petitioners had as respondents, Mimiko; the Labour Party; INEC the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Akin Orebiyi; and the Returning Officer of the poll, Prof. Biyi Daramola.

They are also praying the tribunal to declare the governorship election as null and void, having been allegedly marred and vitiated by massive rigging, widespread substantial non-compliance and corrupt practices.

They equally sought an order nullifying the election while the tribunal should direct the INEC to conduct a fresh poll in the state within a period determined by the tribunal.

But reacting to the various petitions against its candidate, the LP in the state argued that Mimiko won the election with 73 per cent of total votes cast.

The party described its victory as “an emphatic demonstration of the confidence of the people in its candidate’s numerous developmental projects which had transformed the State into a cynosure of all eyes in the last three and a half years.”

The party through its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Femi Okunjemiruwa, in Akure, therefore berated “those trying to undermine Mimiko’s victory by filing petitions at the tribunal.”

It described them as “bad losers who are out to employ lies and propaganda which failed them before and during the election to rubbish a victory already hailed as superlative.”

The party reiterated that Mimiko contested and won the poll on the platform of the LP with 260,199, while the PDP polled 155,961 and the Action Congress of Nigeria scored143,512 votes.

It added that 624,659 voters cast their votes in the election and therefore expressed dismay “over series of insinuations being made by the opposition parties in the state to explain away their dismal performance at the poll.”

The election, says the LP, “had been hailed from far and wide as one of the best in the annals of election in Nigeria and regretted that some people now take turn to lampoon the election because they lost woefully.”

The LP said, “Some failed candidates are making wild allegations all in a bid to explain away their loss at the election and undermine the renewal of Mimiko’s mandate by the people based on his sterling performance in the last three-and-a-half years.”

The statement read in part, “It is worrisome that in the last few days, the opposition had resorted into fabrication of a false allegation to undermine the victory of Mimiko.

“Because the result did not favour them, they have resorted to media stunts to discredit an election that had been adjudged as one of the best in Nigeria.”

The LP argued that none of the opposition parties scored the mandatory 25 percent of the votes cast in the Central Senatorial District comprising Akure South, Akure North, Ifedore, Ondo East, Ondo West and Idanre,

“Mimiko got 73 per cent of the total votes cast in the election scoring 25 percent and above in 17 out of the 18 Local Governments Councils in the State.

“He also came first in 13 out of the 18 councils as against five local government councils won by the ACN and PDP.

“Thus, from the foregoing, while both the ACN and PDP got 25 percent and above in 15 Local Government Councils, Olusegun Mimiko of LP got 25 per cent and above in 17 Local Government Councils.

“This is the reason why they are all out to create a wrong perception for those who are unaware of the true position of things in the state by using a section of the media loyal to their clandestine cause which will fail,” it added.

The party alleged that the losers employed the court option as a ploy to engage their supporters pending the conduct of subsequent elections in the state. It wondered for instance, why the AP candidate was in court when the national leadership of his party had said they did not have anybody contesting the poll on its ticket.

It noted that “it had equally been adjudged as free and fair by foreign and local observers, the United States of America, the Presidency, and other interest groups, including the security and the media who monitored the election.”

Also, the state office of INEC, while reacting to allegations by the PDP candidate that it connived with the security agencies to rig the poll for LP, cautioned the party against making baseless and unsubstantiated claims on pages of newspapers.

INEC, through a statement by its Director of Legal Services, Mr. Oluwole Uzzi, in Akure, wondered why Oke failed to express his opinion “in a responsible, civil, and decorous manner, bereft of provocative and uncouth language, outright falsehood and wild, fanciful but unfounded assertions.”

The agency alleged that Oke, in his “vain and fruitless attempt to denigrate, discredit and belittle the nation’s progress and achievements in its path to free, fair and credible elections and a robust, enduring democracy, cast wild, baseless allegations against INEC without particulars.”

INEC said it was generally satisfied with the conduct of the election, the result of which it added, had been accepted and adjudged as credible and reflecting the wishes of the people of the state, by the electorate, the media and observers among others.

INEC said, “No amount of blackmail or lies can discredit this because even prominent and respected Nigerians including the PDP have been gracious enough to congratulate the winner and commended INEC and the electorate.”

Keen watchers of the political developments in the state since are however, of the view that since the general belief of the local and foreign observers and the media which covered the poll was that it was generally peaceful and credible, the losers should have congratulated the winner instead of filing petitions at the tribunal to cause distraction.









Source: Punch News

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Appeal court orders retrial of Edo PDP petition

12:04 AM News, Politics No Comments

The Court of Appeal on Thursday in Benin set aside a decision by the Election Petitions Tribunal baring itself from entertaining matters on candidates’ qualification.

The tribunal, then headed by Justice Suleiman Ambrussa, on September 27 ruled on the issue of the qualification of Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole to contest the July 14 governorship election by Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Charles Airhiavbere. It had argued that it was a pre-election matter.

The Appeal court, in a unanimous decision, also dismissed a cross-appeal by Oshiomhole, describing it as mere “academic matter”.

The court ordered that Airhiavbere’s petition should be referred to the lower tribunal for a fresh trial.

Chairman of the three-man panel, Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, in her lead judgement ruled that the Acting President of the Court of Appeal should reconstitute the tribunal to hear Airhiavbere’s petition, saying that there were triable issues in his petition.

The court held that the tribunal was wrong to have held that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the petition on the grounds that the issue of Oshiomhole’s qualification to contest the election raised by petitioner was a pre-election matter.

According to the court, the tribunal, by the provision of Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), has jurisdiction to entertain the petition.

Airhiavbere and Sunday Agwinede, commended the court, saying the judgment would strengthen democracy in the country.

A PDP chief, Jacob Idinye, described it as “good for democracy”.

He said, “It is a good development for democracy in Nigeria.”

Counsel for Oshiomhole, Omoruyi Omonuwa, (SAN), and that of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Ken Mozia, (SAN), said the ACN would study the judgment before taking the next step.






Source: Punch News

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Ini Edo speaks on divorce, N600m largesse

12:03 AM Entertainment No Comments

Ini Edo
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Top Nollywood actress, Ini Edo-Ehiagwina, is currently enmeshed in controversies about her marriage and an alleged largesse from the Akwa Ibom State governor Godswill Akpabio.

Not mincing words and obviously angry, the actress spat fire at those paddling untrue stories about her.

She said, “As a rule, I don’t reply every talk or report about me, but these recent ones are crazy and baseless. I don’t know where they got their information that my state governor offered me N600m to build an art or film academy in Uyo.

“This is just another work of mischief makers, who keep troubling celebrities. To put the records straight, my state governor has not offered me such money to build a film academy in Uyo (the Akwa Ibom State capital), as was falsely reported.

“As for the other wicked rumours that I’ve been divorced by my United States–based husband, Phillip Ehiagwina, that is just another lie that can only come from professional happy home breakers. No fight or separation ever happened. We are still together, doing great things as husband and wife.”






Source: Punch News

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GOAL OF THE YEAR – It’s the best goal I’ve seen live – Gerrard

12:01 AM Sports No Comments

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
| credits:

OLUFEMI ATOYEBI presents the views of experts as reported by news agencies after the stunning goal scored by Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic against England during a friendly match on Wednesday

Sweden coach Erik Hamre says the stunning Zlatan Ibrahimovic overhead kick that nailed England on Wednesday night looked unreal, comparing it to watching a video game.

Ibrahimovic scored all the four goals for Sweden in the friendly encounter, coming from behind to win 4-2. But it was not the number of goals scored by the PSG striker that is dominating the world headlines, it was the unbelievable kick from 30 metres out that is sparking debates all over the world. For a player towering well above six feet, it was an unimaginable way to use the body.

But reward for the beauty of the goal will have to wait as FIFA said it was a few hours late to be named best goal in 2012 in a FIFA contest.

FIFA said Thursday that Ibrahimovic’s goal came after voting opened early Wednesday for its 10 approved candidates for the Puskas Award.

“Given that a number of votes have already been cast for this year’s award, the select committee for the Puskas Award may not, at this stage, include an additional nominee,” FIFA said in a statement.

Many say it is the best ever in the history of modern football, while others say such a goal at the high level of football comes once in a lifetime.

“I don’t know if you will see another like it in your life,” said Hamren.

“Sometimes, when he’s doing these things, in training or in matches, you don’t think it’s possible, because it’s not possible to do that; the fourth goal, for example.”

England captain Steven Gerrard could not hide his admiration for the goal despite leading the opposing side.

“Sometimes you have to hold your hands up to a special individual performance,” Gerrard said. “And that was a world-class performance from a world-class player. It was the best goal I have ever seen,” Gerrard commented.

Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona have scored goals of exceptional individual brilliance, using their dribbling skills and exploiting their physical balance and small height. Notably is Maradona’s 1986 World Cup goal against England, when he dribbled from the midfield to score for Argentina.

But the world rose to salute Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney when he scored a brilliant overhead kick against Manchester City in February; a goal many still regarded as the best so far; until Ibrahimovic scored on Wednesday.

Gerrard says Rooney’s goal has been eclipsed by Ibra’s stunner.

“I think the best goal I have seen before that is Wayne Rooney’s (against Manchester City),” said Gerrard.

“Everyone knows how special that was but this one tonight – an overhead kick from 25 yards when the ball is six feet in the air – only certain players can do that.”

Outspoken former Premier League star Joey Barton commented on the goal through his twitter account, wishing Ibrahimovic was an Englishman.

“If only the English FA could have given Ibrahimovic a cap or a run out before those pesky Swedes nabbed him,” said the Marseille player.

Tottenham Aaron Lennon congratulated Gerrard on his 100th cap for England but noted that the wonder goal doused the captain’s landmark.

“Congratulations to Stevie G on 100 caps, legend, but what a performance by Ibrahimovic.”

England debutant Leon Osman said, “Ibrahimovic just seemed to have five minutes of dominance and then the wonder goal at the end.

“It is certainly the best goal I have seen live, in its presence. To do what he did, the imagination of it alone and to get as high as he did for a big guy was unbelievable, and it found the back of the net. It was a terrific goal and the best I have seen.”

But the one being celebrated has a different view of the goal. His response suggested that he was only eager to react to the English criticism of his performance for Sweden.

“That’s the way it is with the English. If you score against them you’re a good player, if you don’t score against them you’re not a good player.

“I remember Lionel Messi before the 2009 Champions League final for Barcelona. Then he scored against Manchester United and suddenly he was the best player in the world. Maybe now they’ll say something like that about me.

“Hart was a long way out and I was just trying to get it into the goal. I was on the ground when it was on the way in.

“I saw a defender sliding in to try to get rid of it and I wanted to scream ‘No’ but the ball went in,” he said.






Source: Punch News

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