The PH Magazine

The PH Magazine

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The PH Magazine

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The PH Magazine

Pharmacy Students Association of Kenya

WHO WE ARE The Pharmacy Students’ Association of Kenya is a student led non-profit making organization that represents approximately 1800 students from seven

VISION

(7) universities offering Bachelor of Pharmacy degree

To be a unifying force in promotion

in Kenya:

of medical training and patient care

• University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University

for Pharmacists

• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology • Mount Kenya University • Kenya Methodist University • United States International University – Africa • Kabarak University

MISSION To foster unity among pharmacy students and pharmacists through

It also acts as the link between the students and

promoting exchange of

professional bodies such as the Pharmaceutical

information, collaborations,

Society of Kenya (PSK), Kenya Association of Pharmacy

trainings, and upholding integrity

Schools and International Pharmaceutical Students’

and professionalism in patient care

Federation (IPSF), with which it is affiliated.

Its sole aim is to promote cohesion among its members through the various chapters who together

FOLLOW US:

take part in professional development activities, community service as well as team building and fun events that bring all its members together towards promotion of the healthcare sector.

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The PH Magazine

Introducing

THE PH MAGAZINE It’s a great pleasure to unveil THE PH MAGAZINE this year. This is the first publication of Pharmacy Students Association of Kenya. It showcases the Pharmacy students articles, their activities in their Pharm school life. The PH Magazine is a new, fresh and energetic publication that advocates for positive growth of students and expose them to the new opportunities in the pharma sector and life in general.

The PH Magazine issues will be annual. Going forward the magazine will highlight interviews with Pharmacists in different specializations and recent developments on Pharmacy practice in the country and globally. This is meant to open up the mind of young Pharmacists to explore the unlimited opportunities in the Pharma sector in their careers.

A huge thank you to all the contributors for taking their time to write wonderful and inspiring articles, without which there wouldn’t have been this Magazine issue this year. I would like to encourage more pharmacy students to take part in writing in the future magazines.

I thank my team for working tirelessly and putting their time into this. The magazine was a puzzle when we started and we have been able to put it together piece by piece until we have the full picture of our dream magazine. Your great support has made THE PH MAGAZINE a reality that you will live to remember as an achievement in your university experience. Above all, I’m grateful to God for bringing the vision of KEPhSA Magazine a fulfillment.

Hezron Munyakin Media and Publications Officer, KEPhSA

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CONTENTS

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Committees

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Executive Media and Publications Contributors

Students and Hustle

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Messages

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President Vice President

Health News

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David Odhiambo Derik Bundi Bethwel Libeya Wanjiku Muchina Hezron Munyakin

Events

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Gallery

ATM Pharmacy Delivery Drone

Basic First Aid Tips

Articles

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I am a Pharmacist Fight for Health Get a Sport Tales of the Dead Marijuana Health Advocacy UHC Happiness is chemistry Battling an almost Cancer

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Cuts and Scrapes Bruises Sprains Minor burns Black Eyes Bee stings

Games

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Pharmacy Crossword

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MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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MEDIA AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

CONTRIBUTORS Ashna Maru Hope Chebet Esther Gitonga David Odhiambo Gladness Mukami Rene Brown Amadi Hezron Munyakin Wanjiku Muchina Bethwel Libeya Derick Bundi Emma Njue

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The PH Magazine

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT KEPhSA, This is it, our platform, our channel, welcome everyone who is a bona fide member and the general hoi polloi to the journal that gives everyone an insight into the trappings of what it entails to be on the final level before being a pharmacist parochially.

This is that soap box that communicates the advancements of pharmacy student welfare in Kenya. It is in it that all tertiary level studying in the 8-4-4 system are communicated if you are interested in helping doctors, clinical officers, paramedics etc alleviate human suffering caused by abnormal physiological functioning.

Development of drugs via any means; synthesis ,extraction, to act as therapeutics is what has given medicine its universal appeal otherwise in the early stages of biomedical developments, doctors could only diagnose with no expertise on how to offer any meaningful therapeutic option but thanks to the discipline of pharmacy, now docs are demigods with humans entrusting them with their health which by extension is their life.

I take this personal responsibility to thank all pharmacy students out there going hard, I know the journey isn’t an easy one but it wasn’t made to be easy but believe you me it’s worth it, I would like to encourage all students to engage in co-curriculum activities in as much as our course is demanding. Dedicate your little time of books into mind full activities that can jog your brain positively.

I would also like to offer a word on creating opportunities on thyself, go out there to seminars, symposiums or any other activity that’s related to pharmacy and try to learn not necessarily academically but also socially on how well to undertake your professional career the moment you start practicing also finally thou it’s a political document I would like to entice all pharmacy students who are interested with the welfare state of this nation to study BBI o as to know our position in it, contribute to it in what we might deem vital and necessary to ease our operations in the nascent Universal Health Care(UHC).

That’s all from my desk, I would like to wish you guys all the best in both your professional and personal endeavours and may this year be the year that you find purpose in life and lace it with what you are practicing.

KEPhSA President Samuel Gioto

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HEALTH NEWS ATM PHARMACY

The ATM pharmacy in South Africa was launched during pharmacy month in bloemfontein, an ATM which gives patients with chronic illnesses repeat medication in less than 5 minutes.

The ATM pharmacy wil be the first Pharmacy Dispersing Unit (PDU) which will be opened for extended hours including weekends and public holidays.

So how does the ATM pharmacy work?

The Pharmacy Dispersing Unit works just like an ATM but in this case, you withdraw medication.

It has a skype like audio-visual interaction interface between patients and a remotely located tele-pharmacy center which can be kilometers away from the ATM pharmacy.

With the ATM pharmacy patients are able to talk to the tele-pharmacists in a call center, benefitting the rural areas and outlying areas.

It will allow patients to discuss with specialized pharmacists and get accurate information and counseling from the pharmacists, however the distance.

The Pharmacy Dispersing Unit dispenses

medicine in this simple 5-step process: Patient scans a barcode on a pharmacy card and enters PIN Patient talks to a tele-pharmacist The prescription and or items are selected (and amended) The medicine is robotically dispensed and labeled and drops in the collection bin The patient takes medicines and a receipt which indicates the next collection date.

This technology will therefore positively impact high patient volume institutions such as district hospitals, regional hospitals, and community health center facilities as well as clinics by reducing the patient load and therefore waiting times.

DELIVERY DRONE “Rwanda built a drone delivery service for pharmaceuticals�

Rwanda is now using drone technology to deliver urgent blood supplies to hospitals or remote areas where the product is needed. Use of drones to do the deliveries was inspired by problems such us delays encountered when transporting the products by roads yet it is an emergency issue.

This technology was introduced by Zipline, a company based in Rwanda. The drone works by, pack-

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aging of the product on to the drone, which then goes on air. Once the drone gets to its destination, it descends to a height of 30ft and drops the package. The package floats gently to the ground with the aid of a paper parachute fitted on it.

Reported by Tony Kiptoo United States International University - Africa

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PSK Activities

Organizational Structure

Affiliations

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I am a pharmacist

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I am a pharmacist…a pharmacist I am.

Here, ready and willing to take the world by storm, To go over and above my call of duty, To serve my nation…to serve my people.

From the P to the T, pharmacy flows through my veins. and here my journey begins…

P, constantly pursuing excellence, for mediocrity is not part of my vocabulary.

H, humble…humility is my middle name, I don’t need to make a name for myself…I let my actions speak for themselves.

A, accountable to my people, accountable to my society as a whole.

R, rich…richness in mind, richness of heart and at the end of the day, that’s what counts right?

M, motivated…I know what I want and I’ll stop at nothing, till I get it.

A, accommodating…whoever you are, wherever you come from, be rest assured that, you can count on me.

C, creative…my thoughts, my ideas are not confined within a box. I choose to go beyond the norm. I choose to live life uniquely.

I, innovative…I refuse to acquiesce to the status quo…in me, abounds ideas to not only better to my profession but also my nation.

S, self driven…am not living anything to chance. I’m taking the initiative to map my way to success.

T, team player…I believe in unity…a three cord means perfect harmony…I need you, you need me… and together, we got this.

I am a pharmacist…a pharmacist I am.

And you know what…I count myself privileged to be one!!!

Esther Gitonga Fighting through the storms, Racing with the risks, Completing all the goals, The deterioration of the health never stopped, Rounds after rounds, from clinics to theaters, Blood was expelled, only to be tested for its match,

Fight for Health

Fighting through the storms, Racing with the risks, He never stopped, he ran till he could last, Expenses, lifestyle, reputation suddenly just became a minor, Living his life to his best was the only major, Blood kept being expelled, only to be tested for its match.

Ashna Maru - USIU - A

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The PH Magazine “You a good player, right?” Friday evening I was taking a rest, then a friend pops into my room asks me that. It’s a Friday, while everyone is making call ups and downloading Tala, I’m just having a nap.

You all know the struggles of a pharmacy students.

Take a nap at any opportune time. So was I. So this guy is Clinical Medicine student in third year.

I know him as a rugby player of a certain team in Nakuru. He says that the hustle he knows. What gets him a room to lay his tired body, school fees and the meals? He’s healthy of course, big, Mammoth like and muscular.

I’ve never believed in serious play and studying.

The two might not get along, parallel ways.

“Yes, I am” “My club just got promoted to the first tier league.

We need more players. Accompany me on Monday. In fact, you’ll be the coach’s choice. You have good body.”

Since then, rugby has been my hustle. I play for Menengai Oilers Club. Based in Nakuru.

Though much sacrifice come along. I have to spend travelling from school, Kabarak to Nakuru.

It’s about 25 kilometers, takes about thirty minute ride. Training starts at 5 O’clock in the evening and you have to be there. Classes end at 4.30 and at times extend to 5 O’clock. Studies alone makes your body tired, what of games. It adds more physical fatigue.

Though I don’t regret being in sports. I know it’s a therapy spot for me. It’s a place I relax my mind.

Jump, run and laugh like for 3 hours. Brings back my sanity. It keeps me jovial and rejuvenated.

Sporting and studying, I do agree that they get along. Sporting brings composure after a day long of having your glute glued to the lecture chairs.

From sporting, I have gained several advantages and privileges. The company that sponsors my team pays part of my fees. I also get weekly allowances. Gift hampers are also there monthly to keep the fighting spirit in.

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Pharmily get a sport and stay sane.

Amadi Rene Brown Kabarak University

Tales of The Dead

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Not all dead men are buried, some live among us Not all the dead are gone, some live in us Not all the dead are forgotten, some are remembered and revered into existence We see death in various forms; spiritual, physical and emotional. In every way we all die a bit when we still live. We loose a part of us that made us tic, a part of us that we thought defined our soul existence. It hurts in varied ways, we act like all is okay but deep within we wish we could regain a sense of who we were, feel whole again even if for a short while. We strive for the ideal in various forms, trying to make do with our present, chasing unrealistic dreams, entertaining boring worthless thoughts and ideas all in trying to feel whole again. VR comes in and we all wish we could embrace it and upgrade to a point we would be in touch with our whole existence but alas! it just can’t be the case.

We face ourselves everyday, we disguise our feelings under the fake smile, fain commitments and a busy schedule just to avoid the solitude moments when we get to recollect and face the us that we are.

For we are all broken and dead in bits. #TalesOfTheDead

Odhiambo David; Co-founder, Ryculture Limited; Ex-President, Pharmacy Students’ Association of Kenya (KEPhSA).

[Email: davyodhiambo15@gmail.com]

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Marijuana in Chronic Pain Management

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The PH Magazine Marijuana (cannabis) was cultivated to obtain the hemp fiber for economic use. Its psychoactive properties led to increased consumption by natives. It is socially referred to by many interesting names such as “grass”,”weed”,”ndom”,”pot”.

It is one of the most abused drugs in Kenya. About 82% of population uses it with majority being the youth. However they use it in hiding because it is illegal according to the Narcotic drugs and Control Act of 1994 which classifies its possession, growing, sale and distribution as illegal. ‘so what if the smoking and use of marijuana actually became simple as just enjoying a cigarette’ As interesting as it may sound marijuana has a number of documented health benefits. But if it were legalized would people only use it only for health benefits or the abuse would go higher?

One of the greatest documented benefits of marijuana is the relief for chronic pain. It is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pain relievers including opioids such as morphine. It relieves chronic pain including pain from nerve damage and

inflammation. Most people are suffering chronic pain as diseases such as cancer and heart diseases are prevalent. It is shocking that chronic pain is actually the leading cause of long term disability in the United States. According to research the best strains for use in chronic pain are Cannabis indica,Cannabis sativa and the hybrids. Most important components of marijuana are cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol.

If we had successfully come up with ways to separate the marijuana’s psychotropic agents it would have been safe for consumption by all people even those that do not find it socially acceptable.

It would have been well used in food supplements, as herbal and also medicinal extracts and would have been of great use especially in cancer patients to manage pain and avoid the toxic effects of chemotherapeutics that they have to go through. Scientists one of them being professor Simon Mwaura has argued that he found a way of separating marijuana components and asked the drug and poisons board seeking permission to handle it but since they didn’t seem convinced they insisted that the drug is illegal under Kenyan law. Hidden streets and corridors are the joints of this social drug.

But just imagine, if marijuana was legalized in Kenya we would have been among the first to export bhang as a herbal supplement, it would give us too much income as well as health benefits.

Gladness Mukami Muriungi University of Nairobi

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Health Advocacy: What pharmacists can do towards the realization of Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) Introduction Health advocacy refers to the activities directed towards ensuring individuals and communities have access to healthcare that they need at any particular time. It involves creating awareness of the deficiencies, mobilizing resources towards

are experts on the action and uses of drugs, including their chemistry, pharmacology, the formulation of medicines. They are thus mandated with the responsibility of promoting health through participation in; pharmaceutical care, pharmacy inventory management, systems

addressing them, addressing inequities, and influencing policies as well as creating systems for sustained quality access (US National Library of Medicine, 2017). Advocacy helps raise familiarity with an issue which calls for individual and social actions in order to gain political commitment, policy support, social acceptance and structural support for a particular intervention e.g. a public health initiative such as improving access to sexual and reproductive health services (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2009).

management and public health practice (Mitchel Otieno Okumu, 2017).

Health advocates are required to support and promote the rights of patients in healthcare settings, help build capacity to improve community health and enhance health policy initiatives focused on availability of safe, effective and quality healthcare services.

Pharmacists being experts in medicines have an essential role in promoting access to healthcare services through different avenues in which they are called upon to practice professionally. They are involved in designing, creating or manufacturing of a drug product, dispensing of a drug, managing and planning of a pharmaceutical care plan. They

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What we can do as pharmacists in health advocacy Pharmacists can play varied roles as pertains health advocacy most of which are aligned to the practice settings in which they are required to deliver their professional services. These include; community pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, research and drug development, drug regulation, pharmaceutical manufacture, governance and management, and pharmaceutical marketing.

The need for active involvement in health advocacy can not be overemphasized considering access to healthcare all over the world is plagued by related shortfalls such as high costs of care e.g. in the US the cost of healthcare per person per year in 2017 was averaged at $10,224 which was the highest globally and this hasn’t changed (Cox, 2018). Other crucial impediments to healthcare access include lack of medicines especially in the developing countries, global surge in non-communicable diseases, minimal involvement of medical professionals especially pharmacists in governance and politics in

The PH Magazine different countries leading to policy shortfalls as there is a detachment in policy provisions and practice demands, dismal participation by patients at the point of care and lack of accountability by governments to citizens in delivering their mandate of promoting access to healthcare among others.

Pharmacists have a substantial role to play in health advocacy in efforts to shape healthcare delivery and strive to achieve UHC. The various roles we can play in this front include: 1. Role of Pharmacists in Formulary Management Pharmacists as medicines experts are knowledgeable on medicines for use in different conditions which based on different epidemiological presentation of diseases, they can optimize inventory management through the practice of essential drug list (EDL) concept. This will help in lowering the cost of care as the drugs

under any national formulary and EDL should be low-cost (affordable), efficacious, safe and of the right quality which improves treatment outcomes in care. As health advocates it is the role of pharmacists to stand up and take centre stage in the coordination of medicines procurement policies, EDL & national formulary development at different stages to ensure they meet the local needs to be served by the same. This should be extended to the local practice facilities in different countries as has been made manifest in Kenya where a pharmacist is the secretary to the Medicines and Therapeutics Committee (MTC) responsible for developing hospital formularies and guiding the procurement of medical appliances, equipment and medicines (Dorothy Aywak, 2017).

2. Role of Pharmacists in Patient Education and Health Sensitization Community pharmacists have been the first point

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The PH Magazine of contact for patients whenever they have any medical concerns. This provides an avenue for pharmacists to deliver their mandate with due diligence through active engagement of the patient in care by getting more information from them and at the same time providing them with the right information that will enable them lead healthy lives thus improved health status of the communities. Pharmacists is these settings should empower the patient and encourage them to seek more information during their care and by extension encourage them to always be actively engaged in their care. This will be essential in capping the cost of care as the patient gets to chose among different treatment options e.g. generic drugs other than branded drugs or even oral dosage forms instead of parenteral formulations which would call for extra administration costs. This has been the mainstay of the work we are doing in our health advocacy program as Ryculture Health and Social Innovation, a social enterprise run by a team of pharmacy students in Kenya where we educate the public on their responsibility in improving access to healthcare.

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3. Role of Pharmacists in Community Education and Public Health Campaigns Pharmacists can work with public health committees where as medical specialists they can use their authority in health advocacy and promote public health through interventions geared towards serving the needs of the communities.

These could be through public health campaigns on emerging medical concerns e.g. Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) spanning improved access to contraceptives, contraceptive use promotion, safe abortions and safe sex. Other issues of concerns include mental health, female genital mutilation, water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH), drug use and drug abuse, agricultural chemical use and antimicrobial resistance scourge.

4. Role of Pharmacists in Multidisciplinary Teams Pharmacists should be actively engaged in multidisciplinary medical teams in hospitals where they should leverage their medical expertise and improve treatment outcomes through medication therapy monitoring (MTM) services, rational prescribing, medicine reconciliatory

The PH Magazine services, among others. They also should work in these teams in concerted efforts to promote patient involvement in care since in most cases they are the last person a patient sees before leaving the hospital and can build their confidence in care given in situations where psychological factors and beliefs influence drug use behaviours.

5. Role of Pharmacists in Public Policy and Governance Public policy and governance drive national decisions and interventions to be undertaken in servicing healthcare needs which unless driven by medical professionals in the associated field of practice would be detached from the practice demands hence inadequacies.

This has plagued several African states where policies are aligned to political regimes goals and crafted with political influences as depicted by the comparative study on public policy and administration in Kenya and Tanzania in post-colonial era, (Hyden, 1995). This calls for pharmacists to be actively engaged in the development of policies and governance so as to

promote access to healthcare through government facilitation of the same. To achieve this, pharmacists must be able to develop advocacy skills and be good at lobbying for right to health for the public.

Conclusion Championing for health reforms aligned to promoting access to healthcare services, reducing inequalities in care, reducing morbidity and mortality, and healthy living are at the centre of health advocacy where pharmacists should be at the drivers’ seat. The benefits attributed to active pharmacists’ involvement in care as discussed include improved access to healthcare services, improved publicparticipation in healthcare, sound health policies and health resource management among others. The active participation and involvement of pharmacists in health advocacy thus forms a benchmark and a key driver for attainment of UHC. Author: Odhiambo David; Co-founder, Ryculture Limited; Ex-President, Pharmacy Students’ Association of Kenya (KEPhSA).

[Email: davyodhiambo15@gmail.com]

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UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE (UHC)

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The PH Magazine Universal Health Coverage is a healthcare system that provides health care and financial protection to all citizens of a particular country. It is firmly based on the 1948 WHO constitution which declares health a fundamental human right and commits to ensuring the highest attainable level of health for all. Quality and affordable healthcare is one of the Big 4 Agenda and also Kenya’s vision 2030 development plan.

At least half of the world’s population still does not have full coverage of essential health services due to poverty. It due to this that World Nations agreed to try achieve UHC BY 2030, as part of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Countries that progress towards UHC will make progress towards other goals; this requires strengthening health systems and robust financing of structures. Good health allows children to learn and adults to earn thus helping people escape from poverty by provides basis for long term economic development.

UHC means that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. It includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. It enables everyone to access services that address the most significant cause of disease and death, and ensures that the quality of those services is good enough to improve the health of the people who receive them. UHC can be determined by Three Critical dimensions including proportion of people covered, range of services available and proportion of cost covered.

UHC is not just about health financing; It encompasses all components of health systems: health service delivery systems, the health workforce, health facilities and communication networks, health technologies, information

systems, quality assurance mechanisms , governance and legislation. It is about ensuring a progressive expansion of coverage of health services and financial protection as more resources become available.UHC includes population based services such as public health campaigns and controlling mosquito breeding grounds, water fluorination and so on.

Improving health service coverage and health outcomes depends on availability, accessibility, and capacity of health workers to deliver quality people-centered integrated care.

Progress towards UHC should be monitored, WHO uses 16 essential health services in four categories as indicators of level and equity of coverage in countries: First, Reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health- family planning, antenatal and delivery care, full child immunization and health seeking behavior for pneumonia.

Second, Infectious diseases- TB management, HIV antiretroviral treatment, hepatitis management, adequate sanitation and malaria prevention.

Thirdly, Non-Communicable diseases; hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cervical cancer screening.

Lastly, Service capacity and access.

In conclusion, Investments in quality primary healthcare will be the cornerstone for achieving UHC around the world. Therefore, good governance, sound systems of procurement and supply of medicines, health technologies and well-functioning health information systems are critical if this is to be achieved.

Emma Njue University of Nairobi

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HAPPINESS IS CHEMISTRY

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The PH Magazine Isn’t it a little unsettling to think that our lives are governed by chemicals? Love, happiness,bonding, pleasure, pain, anger - They’re all as a result of neurotransmitters. How trivial emotions seem, right? Well, we can choose to look at it as nature endowing us with four kinds of happiness, four different neurotransmitters that give us different ways to feel good. These jolly partners-in-crime are serotonin,endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin.

You know when you’re with your friends or family, bonding and having fun,and you feel like these are the people you want to spend the rest of your life with? That’s oxytocin right there. Oxytocin is a peptide hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It’s sometimes called the “ cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone,” because it is released when people cuddle up or bond socially. Ever asked yourself why your bond with your mom is so strong? Well, the two main actions of oxytocin in the body are contraction of the uterus during childbirth and lactation, hence the extreme closeness between a mother and her baby especially during the breastfeeding stage.

Also, ever asked yourself why chocolate is such a common gift? Dark Chocolate is known to produce an increase in oxytocin. You’re welcome! Of also counters the effects of cortisol, which is the known as the stress hormone, hence inducing a calming effect and/or sleep.

There’s a very interesting phenomenon commonly known as “Post-workout bliss” or “Runner’s high”, which is a feeling of euphoria people get after exercise. Guess who? Endorphins! *Wink wink*.

Endorphins act as analgesics, which means they diminish the perception of pain. They also act as sedatives. Which is why sometimes when we hurt ourselves, the pain gradually reduces even if we haven’t taken any medication; this is due to the production of endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers. Wanna know what stimulates endorphin release? (Well, apart from pain) Acupuncture, massage, meditation and sex.

Many a time, depression, low self esteem, insomnia and anxiety is cause by low levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT, which is serotonin.

Hence selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are used as antidepressants, because they inhibition reabsorption of 5-HT hence increasing its levels in the body. Serotonin affects your mood, sleep cycle, appetite, and digestion, among other physical processes. It’s a general “feel good” hormone and 95% is actually produced in the GIT. Guess there IS some truth in “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”.

Naturally, I saved the best for last: DOPAMINE. THE REWARD HORMONE. Dopamine is associated with feelings of euphoria, bliss, motivation, and concentration, but more interestingly, it is infamously the neurotransmitters behind addiction.

We, as humans, are always seeking pleasure, and this has led to the numerous addictions we have: Illicit drugs like cocaine and heroin, gambling, sex addiction, etc. Anything that gives us that “rush”.

Over time, the brain adapts in a way that makes the sought-after dopamine-releasing substance or activity less pleasurable, so we use more of the substance or seek a stronger substance/activity to give us higher levels of dopamine. High dopamine levels are also characteristic of certain psychoses, such as schizophrenia. Dopamine is like a little red flag to your brain, saying “Hey,this feels good, and you want to remember this, so you can do it again”, and so it gives you that rush as a reminder. Beautiful, isn’t it?

Of course, these neurotransmitters are not solely feel-good hormones. They have major essential functions in the body, such as vasodilation, bowel movements and organ function, but my article was about how they impact happiness so that’s all you get. You’re welcome!

Hope Chebet, USIU - A

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Battling an almost cancer Cancer is the uncontrolled multiplication of cells, which can often be life threatening, if not treated on time. Having been a science student, researching my way out of life – I was hit by the phenomena cancer.

Who knew this person would ever get cancer?

The most unexpected way, at the most unexpected time. I was just in Grade 10. The fact that he was a cigarette smoker, may have been a trigger; but again all the people out there smoke, why don’t they get cancer?

predicted to be cancerous through laryngeal endoscopy. The biopsy of the tissue obtained was done. Apart from that, he had needles pierced through him for several tests that were conducted all in a span of a day; it was the worst someone could have imagined, because he did not know the outcome to anything, even his life was a question now.

It started with his voice going, slowly by slowly, weird symptoms’ such as weight loss, coughing, voice box irritation, unable to swallow properly, and of course, that led to curiosity.

After visiting the doctor and inserting a few things here and there - inside his esophagus, they concluded the cancer.

The report took a few days to come, as it was sent to the biggest cancer institute of research for precise results. It was concluded that radiation treatment was the ideal way out to kill the cancer cells present in that particular spot – the cancer had not really reached stage one, so chemotherapy was not required, and chemotherapy has worse side effects.

Urgent treatment was required; he immediately flew to the UK and got a small surgery done to clear of that white spot, which was

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As they say, once diagnosed with cancer, it is a lifelong suffering.

Radiation generally causes hair loss, skin shedding, weight loss, fatigue, emotional stress and

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other matters that take a toll on the family. In preparation for the radiation treatment, the measurements, the mask, was all done - he was almost going to walk into the radiation room, but with an odd turn of events, the reports came at that time. It was finalized that the tissue obtained was well checked and it had no signs of malignancy.

From my view, it was a miracle, he was saved – even if it was an almost first stage, he was saved from all that trauma, emotional stress and possibly lifelong radiation.

Something to think about – imagine if he did the radiation treatment when he had no cancer? Would that trigger cancer?

His life is on the basis of: I wish, I am not diagnosed with cancer every year. After all this, he still lives a happy life, full of optimism and takes life as it comes, I guess he isn’t even scared of death, needles, surgeries, or wires anymore.

Say NO to Smoking.

Ashna Maru United States International University - Africa

The happy part was he was not diagnosed of cancer, but still every year up to this date, he has to do a biopsy of the larynx in order to make sure cancer has not developed.

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STUDENTS & HUSTLE

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The Founder of Ryculture and Social Innovation Hub DR DAVID ODHIAMBO

What is your hustle?

I run a social enterprise, Ryculture Health and Social Innovation (inforyculture.wixsite.com/ryculture)

How long have you been doing it?

I have been in operation for over a year now.

Has it helped you financially?

Not yet. I have worked to establish structures and programmes under the initiative for which I haven’t secured any funding but I am hopeful I had the idea of starting a health initiative in 2014 things will soon work out. when I was in first year. However, I didn’t execute until later in 2017 when I refined my idea and decided to give it a shot. I am passionate about health advocacy and reforms in general. In order to accomplish this, I decided to put myself out into the market to do something about it. My involvement in KEPhSA leadership also helped fuel my interest in this line of work and considering I had been doing the same under KEPhSA, I needed an outfit to keep on doing the same work which Ryculture currently provides for me.

When did you form the interest and what made you choose this specific hustle?

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The PH Magazine What are the ups and downs you’ve faced so far?

The challenges I faced was in coping with school work and running the company. At times you are overwhelmed and have to put things on hold. Another critical concern is on getting the right team with the same interests and passion for whatever you want to do. Funding has been an issue but not that much considering it’s not the main driving factor behind my work as at this point in time.

How do you balance school and the hustle?

I used to collaborate with clubs which made organization of forums and conduct of my advocacy work were not as hectic on my part thus I had time to concentrate on my schoolwork. It’s important to prioritize on what you want and timing them so that neither of them eats into an essential activity you need to do. This helped me plan my work to this end where I am now officially done with school and I can concentrate on my work.

Do you think you’ll continue with the hustle even after college?

5 years from now where do you see yourself?

In 5 years time, I foresee Ryculture Health and Social Innovation as a full-fledged social enterprise running a number of projects in the nation, impacting lives and changing the African narrative of complaining and playing second fiddle at every level. I believe we can do better, be better and make a difference.

What would you tell other students who want to start being independent financially but don’t know how to?

I have no clear road-map to financial independence considering personally I haven’t gotten Yes. I am committed to continuing the work I started and now out of school I am more exposed there yet. However, the best I can tell them is to start from the basics. Spend on essentials othwith access to different resources which will erwise, save your money; live according to your enable me do more and grow into something means; think of ways of making money and figure bigger. out an execution plan for the same. Lastly, don’t work hard to make money so that you can blow it What do you love most about doing what away, it makes no sense. Attaining financial indeyou’re doing? pendence will take time but when it does happen, With health advocacy I love the fact that I share you’ll be proud of yourself for having gone through insights on what I have learnt in school with people and invoking them to play an active role in the whole process. their own lives. I love making an impact on people’s lives. With the work I am doing, I believe I am doing something to change the status quo for the better and nothing would make me happier.

“I am passionate about health advocacy and reforms...”

Interview by: Fatuma Haji United States International University - Africa

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Mentorship Program DERICK BUNDI

What is your hustle?

Mentorship program for high school students.

When did you form the interest and what made you choose this specific hustle?

I developed the interest late last year after seeing the deterioration of morals among us the youth from the many stories I was seeing in social and mainstream media. I chose it because it is impact oriented, life changing, engaging and it’s fun

How long have you been doing it?

Since early February this year

Has it helped you financially?

I’m not yet there but I’m getting there in due course.

What are the ups and downs you’ve faced so far?

Get out of your comfort zone!

The ups really cannot be measured by writings on a piece of paper, the embrace we get from students who we mentor, the impact we are making and the support from my friends in school. The challenges we face include time and financial constraints and hostility from some school administrators.

How do you balance school and the hustle?

It’s really challenging but through division of work in that, everyone has a part to play and plays it well, sacrifice and setting priorities when scheduling what to do.

Do you think you’ll continue with the hustle even after college?

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Definitely. It’s something I’m passionate about and it’s one of the values I acquired from my high school which I’m very much indebted to. Of course I’ll get bigger and do more collaborations to reach out to many more students

What do you love most about doing what you’re doing?

Impact!

5 years from now where do you see yourself?

I see myself beyond Nakuru county. Changing lives across the country and collaborating with bigger players already in the market in a bid to be part of the change we want to see.

What would you tell other students who want to start being independent financially but don’t know how to?

The only thing that starts from the top is a grave or a toilet, simply put, you don’t have to start up there.

Overcome the fear of trying and settle down to something you’re passionate about and that will help you get that extra cash you’re so much in dire need of.

Grab any opportunity that presents itself and remember your first customer is around you. Get out of your comfort zone!

Interview by: Fatuma Haji United States International University - Africa

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Medical Equipment & Social Media Marketing BETHWEL LIBEYA

How do you balance school and the hustle?

It has not been an easy thing to strike a balance.

But it has been a continuous curve of learning how to prioritize and knowing what to do at any given time.

Do you think you’ll continue with the hustle even after college?

Yes I will. I plan to expand the business next year

What do you love most about doing what you’re doing?

Receiving comments from smiling customers for a service /quality product well delivered.

5 years from now where do you see yourself?

In line with Medical Hub, I will have 3 physical stores in 3 cities country wide, that will serve as distribution points.

What is your hustle?

I sell medical equipment and also engage in social media marketing, training of social media marketers and managing social media brands.

When did you form the interest and what made you choose this specific hustle?

My interest in this field came when I was working on a project I confounded with my friends in 2017.

What would you tell other students who want to start being independent financially but don’t know how to?

God has gifted us differently. Your financial independence lies within your gift. Explore on how to enhance it, then commercialize and there you go.

The most important thing is just to start. Lots of learning happen while in the process. There is never a perfect time to start.

How long have you been doing it?

I have been in the block for 10 months. Since september 2018

Has it helped you financially?

Greatly, it has helped me in settling my bills and paying my school fees.

What are the ups and downs you’ve faced so far?

The major challenge so far has been that of capital to purchase a good stock that can keep the business stable. This is faced by most young businesses. Another challenge has been that of unreliable suppliers interms of inconsistency in the variety of products that they stock.

“The most important thing is just to start. Lots of learning happen while in the process. There is never a perfect time to start.”

Interview by: Fatuma Haji 4th Year Pharmacy Student United States International University - Africa

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Makeup Artist/ Digital Content Creator.

want to start being independent financially but don’t know how to?

I’d advise them to first try and find out what they love and enjoy doing. (What are you passionate When did you form the interest and what about?) Trust me, I think that’s life solution. After made you choose this specific hustle? the passion has been found, then start little as you It has been a passion of mine since way back when build up. Most of us start from the bottom rising I was little. I was able to actualize it and start my up as Drake said. artistry journey officially end 2015

How long have you been doing it?

3 years now.

Has it helped you financially?

Definitely!

What are the ups and downs you’ve faced so far?

Ups have been many but one that stands for me is interacting with people like you’ve known them forever and just seeing how happy women get when they see some transformation. For downs, I’d say, financial constraints as I was starting up because I needed to set up a kit and we all know original makeup products are not cheap. I however thank God for the growth because I owe all this to Him.

How do you balance school and the hustle?

I’m usually working on weekends so it’s easy for me to juggle school and work.

Do you think you’ll continue with the hustle even after college?

Yes yes, I’ll definitely venture into cosmetology after my degree.

“After the passion has been found, then start little as you build up.”

Interview by: Fatuma Haji United States International University - Africa

What do you love most about doing what you’re doing?

Seeing my clients satisfied. Seeing them smile and thank me saying that they’ve never seen themselves look that beautiful! It’s such a blessing to me!

5 years from now where do you see yourself?

5 years or less I’d say. I’d love to work for international cosmetic brands such as Estée Lauder, Fenty, L’Oréal. Then hopefully after the experience, I’ve been thinking of coming up with my own cosmetics brand/company.

What would you tell other students who

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Health Magazine HEZRON MUNYAKIN

What are the ups and downs you’ve faced so far?

Just like doing anything for the first time, it requires one to research a lot on how stuff is done, make mistakes in the process of working. Mistakes help build me and the company as a whole. Every fall in my working process is a plus to my growth. I’m grateful for my team of friends who we are like-minded. They have greatly helped in making the magazine come to reality.

How do you balance school and the hustle?

I dedicate an hour or two every day to work on something for the company, the rest of the time I spend learning.

What is your hustle?

Health Magazine When did you form the interest and what made you choose this specific hustle?

I love creating! My interest in learning new things continues to grow every day. This has created opportunities for me in the different industries such as design. I love designing because it keeps me creative in every aspect of my life. I realized an opportunity in health industry where health care information is not passed sufficiently to the public. This inspired me to start Planet Wizard Africa which is a registered media and publishing company.

We share health care information and stories via magazine, social media videos and posters and later podcasts. I believe this will help better the health tradition of focusing in sick care rather than health care.

How long have you been doing it?

3 months.

Has it helped you financially?

Not yet but it will one day!

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Do you think you’ll continue with the hustle even after college?

100%. Health care education should never stop and my goal with the company is to build the magazine to go global.

What do you love most about doing what you’re doing?

Being able to make an impact in peoples lives gives me a sense of fulfillment. Starting a magazine to educate people on how to take care of their health thus reducing losses in one way or another makes me happy.

5 years from now where do you see yourself?

In 5 years I see myself being a successful entrepreneur making a positive impact in people’s lives.

What would you tell other students who want to start being independent financially but don’t know how to?

Find your purpose by being open to opportunities that come along your way, you’ll eventually find what you love and potentially make you a fortune.

“Never stop learning it opens ways for you” Interview by: Fatuma Haji United States International University - Africa

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2019 EVENTS GALLERY

SRH Event held at Mount Kenya University - Thika in partnership with stakeholders in the Reproductive Health Awareness Industry

KEPHSA team building activity held at Malindi

Inter-University Challenge Organizing Commitee at Fogo Gaucho - Nairobi

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KEPHSA Annual General Meeting held at University of Nairobi

KEPHSA Frontrunners Event held at United States International University - Africa

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World Pharmacists Day Inter-University Challenge held at United States International University - Africa

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Calendar of Events 2019-2020

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PHARMACY CROSSWORD

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