GPSA - THE STUDENT PHARMACIST by Prince DeAngelo

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The Student Pharmacist

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Contents

The Student Pharmacist

Reports 4 6 22 23 26

Editorial President’s Report Health Coordinator’s Report PCF Report Report from IRO

Interviews

Interview with Dr. Kuffour Pharmastrike

Others

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15 24

So what does it mean to be crucified Health tips Dictionary terms New Realease Prayer of the Pharm D student Solubilization love

33 38 39 40 42 43 44

Crossword Puzzle Jokes & Answers to Puzzle

38 39

Articles The Era God’s Groceries Braless is best Amniotic Fluid 15 Spectacular tricks A simplified Expostion on “Blue balls” FAPMA Amazing Facts Vital workplace skills What are you children playing with? Quote of the day Antibiotic resistance Did you Know Facts you should know www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

9 9 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 27 30 31

The Student Pharmacist

FROM THE

EDITOR’S

DESK

We will say of the Lord, “He is our refuge and fortress, our God, in whom we trust.” Once again, our faithful God has seen us through yet another challenging endeavour; a daunting task. However, by the divine mercies of the almighty God and the tireless efforts of the editorial board, we finally present to you the 2013 edition of the student magazine; The Student Pharmacist. In this mouth-watering, “pharmalicious” masterpiece, articles have been cited with much focus on our profession as pharmacists and other equally relevant issues that border around our health as individuals, and our nation as a whole. This edition of the magazine is intrigue-filled, captivation-powered and mindblowing enabled; designed just to whet your reading appetite and keep you informed Our greatest gratitude goes to God almighty for the sufficient grace granted us in the production of this magazine. We extend our gratitude to our main sponsor, Lagray Chemical company, and to the sponsors who have supported our association in diverse ways; Osons Chemist, Ministry of Health, The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH),

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Ernest Chemist, Pharmacy Council, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana Television (GTV), Aseda FM and Sky TV. To all individuals whose contributions, be it articles, opinions or suggestions, have made this edition a masterpiece, especially to Dr. Paul A. Lartey (CEO Lagray Chemical Company) and Pharm. Joseph Attakorah (Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital) and the Pharmlife team (Stealth gh), we say a very big thank you! We also want to express our gratitude to Stealth Xpreshens for the wonderful content and cover-page design of the Student Pharmacist magazine and Roger Yebuah for the splendid photography. Finally, to all editorial board members I say “ayekoo!!” for the good job done. May the good Lord richly bless us all even as we flip through the delightful pages of this informative, educative magazine; “THE STUDENT PHARMACIST!!”

EDITORIAL BOARD Nyarko Maxwell Editor-in-chief

Osei Sampong Miclord My Drug My Pharmacist

maxwell.k.nyarko@gmail.com

mcsimo7@yahoo.com

Elvis Ato Wilson Sports

Fiah Christopher Appene Technology

eawilson89@yahoo.com

apchris16@yahoo.com

Emmanuella Appiah Akwaboah Personality Profile

Ackah Matthew News

emmanie17@hotmail.com

mackahgh@yahoo.com

Esther Adwoa Serwaa Ackah Personality Profile

Acheampong Lily Education

esthy14@yahoo.com

acheampong.loretta@yahoo.com

Ohene Dominic Asante My Drug My Pharmacist

Emepha Jennypha Infotainment

dominicasante@gmail.com

phapha.ej@gmail.com

Stephen Donkor Photography Blessing Onyinye Personality Profile

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The Student Pharmacist

FACULTY OF PHARMACY EXECUTIVES

PRESIDENT’S

REPORT Evans Appiah-Kubi

Everything that has a beginning surely has an end as such my executives and I are grateful for all the support and encouragement the entire membership of the association gave us during our tenure of oﬃce. We began with the organization of a successful National Drug Safety Campaign in the Western region. Despite previous attempts to land huge sponsorship deals, we obtained a substantial amount from the Ministry of Health for our drug safety. As such over 200 students received proper accommodation, transportation feeding and above all the experience to impact onto others.

Another achievement worth mentioning is the successful organization of the World Diabetes day, the ﬁrst of its kind by GPSA where over 500 people in and around KNUST campus were screened and counseled on diabetes and its complications.

Twelve districts and two metropolitan assemblies were visited and prominent issues prevalent in these localities as well as irrational medicine use were reached out to about 2300 indigenes of the region.

Clinical skills; which built students conﬁdence and application of the use of clinical equipment’s such as sphygmomanometer(manual) and other diagnostic techniques,

Despite the ﬂat rate system for association dues which almost crippled the associations ﬁnances, the executive council for the 2012/2013 academic year went back to the drawing board and restructured its blue print for the year to accommodate the setback. We procured an IR photocopier machine to replace the old one so as to boost our income generating

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capacity. With the help of my esteemed IPSF contact person (Prince Ofosu Ampomah), we successfully hosted students from all over the world including Portugal, Great Britain and USA. We also extended our student exchange to countries such as Poland, Portugal and Netherlands whiles strengthening ties with existing countries.

Also, our tenure of oﬃce saw the organization through worthwhile seminars like

Leadership in training; where prominent leaders in our societies were invited to speak and impact on our lives and make us great leaders in future and Patient counseling seminar and competition where winners were awarded. Traditional programmes like socialization and Faculty week were

organized successfully and for the ﬁrst time a themed dinner “Masquerade ball” was a huge success, thanks to the support of the executive council and the organizing committee. The NOKO FIOO welfare fund which was set up by our predecessors has been fattened and measures are being drawn to put in place a reliable procedure to screen students who really require support through a vetting panel. Also a substantial amount of money has To the entire executive council I say congratulations for your hard work exhibited in discharging of your duties. To our successors, I say be calm because you will be loosely criticized and frowned on but you are in to serve for the betterment of GPSA, so be ye not perturbed or swayed. Remember that the entire membership (STUDENTS) is your backbone and every decision taken should be in the interest of the Association. On behalf of the executive council, I would like to say THANK YOU to the entire membership of GPSA, teaching and non- teaching staﬀ, Ministry of health, Pharmacy council, PSGH, OSONs chemist and all our sponsors for all your support towards a successful year. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL

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Page Ground?

QUALITIES FOR Success

Honesty, Humor, Friendliness, Confidence, Integrity, Persistence, Humility, Goal Setter, Decisive, Hard Worker, Learner, Positive Mental Attitude, Compassionate, Disciplined, Dedicated, Faithful, Dependable, Knowledgeable, Communicator, Loving, Enthusiastic, Motivated, Patient, Loyal, Organized, Good Listener, Empathetic, Self-Respect, Common Sense, and Character.

Are We On The Or On The

Like most people are quick to spit out “Book knowledge is different from what is on the ground” But I still wonder why what the student is taught Should be at loggerheads with what is on the field We still grope in darkness at night shifts to find out footings And we still miss our footings in day shifts to the stupor of bright field knowledge I am being taught almost everything in here But I know nothing out there I long for the day that theory and practical will dine in peace Ideally, book pharmacy should move at par with practicing pharmacy I then sat and mused Whether my years spent pharmacy has been misused If only, I knew what pharmacy was about out there I would not befriend books all the days of my life in here If only the generation of pharmacy students yet to come Would locate their positions on the ground instead of in books Then maybe life out there will be easier But where will the ground be if not for the books? A question that still remains unanswered by the generation gap Why should it say a word when the educational system remains nonchalant?

Patience is a necessary ingredient.

By Matthew Ackah Pharm 4

Go ahead now. Look yourself in the mirror and claim these qualities! Do it for several weeks and you’ll notice a change in your life You will love yourself after this.

Mohammed-Amin

After the Rain Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, There will always be sunshine after the rain Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall, But God’s always ready to answer your call He knows every heartache, sees every tear, A word from His lips can calm every fear Your sorrows may linger throughout the night, But suddenly vanish at dawn’s early light The Savior is waiting somewhere above, To give you His grace and send you His love Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, God always sends rainbows after the rain

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poems

The Bachelor’s SoLIloquy To wed, or not to wed; that is the question; Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The bills and house rent of a wedded fortune, Or to say “nit” when she proposes, And by declining cut her. To wed; to smoke No more; And have a wife at home to mend The holes in socks and shirts And underwear and so forth. ‘Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To wed for life; To wed; perchance to fight; ay, there’s the rub; For in that married life what fights may come, When we have honeymooning ceased Must give us pause; there’s the respect That makes the joy of single life. For who would bear her mother’s scornful tongue, Canned goods for tea, the dying furnace fire; The pangs of sleepless nights when baby cries; The pain of barking shins upon a chair and Closing waists that button down the back, When he himself might all these troubles shirk With a bare refusal? Who would bundles bear, And grunt and sweat under a shopping load? Who would samples match; buy rats for hair, Cart cheese and crackers home to serve at night For lunch to feed your friends; play pedro After tea; sing rag time songs, amusing Friendly neighbors. Buy garden tools To lend unto the same. Stay home at nights In smoking coat and slippers and slink to bed At ten o’clock to save the light bills?

jokes A front end clerk in a pharmacy has just been admonished by the owner for missing too many sales. "I'm sorry" the boss says "But one more missed sale and you are ﬁred" The next customer that comes in has a terrible cough and asks the problem clerk for help. Unable to recall where the cough remedies are, the nervous clerk points to a box of Ex-Lax and says "Here, buy this then go over to our cooler and take all of it with plenty of water". The customer thanks him and obliges. Finishing his last glass of water, the customer exits the pharmacy. Once outside he stops, takes a few faltering steps, then hugs a telephone pole. The boss, having witnessed the entire scene, approaches the clerk and asks him what he recommended. "Ex-Lax," says the clerk hesitantly. "Ex-Lax !" yells the boss. "That won't help a cough!" "Sure it does," says the clerk. "Look,.. he's afraid to cough."

THE

ERA

Our world of the 21st century. The Stone Age gone with its cruelty. Next came the bronze, iron where metallurgy was target and concern of the human race. The imperial age came with all its kings and empire state fighting for dominance of the early worldly discoveries. The advance age began with the introduction of computers. An era where power states fought cold and silent wars in technology. An era where the heavens have been evaded by shuttles and satellites. Now the computer era. The generation of the 21st century where the kitchen can be a place for both men and women and the art of wrestling and boxing tend to be an appealing profession to men and women alike. Our world of mobile technology where apple, Nokia, LG, HTC and Samsung plies the air waves with products and services. Our world of Facebook, twitter, whatsapp; where girls, ladies and women compete for comments and the guys compete for words. With the latest fashionable automobile and phone accessories available for use, what next? I ask myself, “What new era does our dynamic world hold for us?”

GOD’s GROCERIES As I was walking down life’s highway many years ago I came upon a sign that read Heavens Grocery Store. When I got a little closer the doors swung open wide And when I came to myself I was standing inside. I saw a host of angels. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said “My child shop with care.” Everything a human needed was in that grocery store, And what you could not carry you could come back for more,

A pharmacist looks out the front of the store and sees a woman holding a bottle jumping up and down in the parking lot. The pharmacist walks out to the parking lot and asks the woman whats the matter. She replies " I saw it said 'Shake Well' after I took it".

Lady says to pharmacist: "Why does my prescription medication have 40 side eﬀects?" Pharmacist replies: "Cause that's all we've documented so far."

First I got some Patience. Love was in that same row. Further down was Understanding, you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of Wisdom and Faith a bag or two. And Charity of course I would need some of that too. I couldn’t miss the Holy Ghost It was all over the place. And then some Strength and Courage to help me run this race. My basket was getting full but I remembered I needed Grace, And then I chose Salvation for Salvation was for free I tried to get enough of that to do for you and me. Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, For I thought I had everything to do the Masters will. As I went up the aisle I saw Prayer and put that in, For I knew when I stepped outside I would run into sin. Peace and Joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf. Song and Praise were hanging near so I just helped myself. Then I said to the angel “Now how much do I owe?” He smiled and said “Just take them everywhere you go.” Again I asked “Really now, How much do I owe?” “My child” he said, “God paid your bill a long long time ago.” www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

The Student Pharmacist

TIME W I T H T H E

VERSATILE PHARM DR.

GEORGE

KUFFUOR Emmanuella A. Akwaboah Proﬁler

The editorial board met with Dr.with Dr. The editorial board met KuffuorKuffuor in his office sunny in his one office one sunny day to day havetothis interesting have this interesting interview. The team the interview. Theunravels team unravels the past, present and future the of the past, present and of future versatile GeorgeGeorge Kuffuor.Kuffuor. versatile

The eB ‘First’ Game come to the faculty and theand whole come to the faculty the whole eB: Good sir andsir thank First Job- Pharmacist eB: morning Good morning and thank quiet. theFor dressing, no is For quiet. the dressing, no you foryou making time fortime thisfor this place isplace First car – Hyundai Pony for making jeans and theand girls must be jeans the girlsalways must always be interview. First thing you do in the morninterview. in skirt.inThe gentlemen are skirt. The gentlemen are ing- Turn off the alarm to be intowell ironed supposed be in well ironed GK: Good and doand not do notsupposed First Child – Akosua Asantewaa GK:morning Good morning shirts with their on.ties Foron. For shirts withties their mention. Kuffuor mention. footwear, no talking shoes and noand no footwear, no talking shoes slippers. We hadWe people with with slippers. had people eB: Alright, so going to eB: Alright, sostraight going straight to being drug-centred to patient-cenbeing drug-centred to patient-cennames like Lambert, Solomons, names like Lambert, Solomons,tred. You the point youcan kindly us tell us thecan point you tell kindly consider the patient tred. You consider the patient Archimedes, Aulton,Aulton, etc andetc this Archimedes, and this about Dr. Kuffuor. about Dr. Kuffuor. before dispensing the drugs. before dispensing the drugs. had great them. hadeffect great on effect on The them. The Pharmacists should be more Pharmacists should be more primary purpose was to be knowlprimary purpose was to be knowlGK: George Asumung KuffuorKuffuor is GK: George Asumung is interested in broadcasting preven-preveninterested in broadcasting not just to pass exams. my name. A senior lecturerlecturer of the of edgeable my name. A senior the edgeable not just to pass exams. tion rather than cure. Ward tion rather than cure.rounds Ward rounds There was nothing like mid-sem There was nothing like mid-sem Department of Pharmacology of Department of Pharmacology of are being done now which is good. are being done now which is good. tests week, thewere testsconducted were conducted the Faculty of Pharmacy and and week, the the Faculty of Pharmacy Pharm D has more clinical values Pharm D has more clinical values the lecture periods. And And the lecture periods. Pharmaceutical Sciences. I am I amduring during Pharmaceutical Sciences. than the B. Pharm. But the than the B. Pharm. But the because of the fewer because of the numbers, fewer numbers,traditional roles cannot be thrown marriedmarried with two daughters. I with two daughters. I traditional roles cannot be thrown our academic tutors could easily our academic tutors could easily attended Prempeh CollegeCollege and I and I attended Prempeh away. away. monitormonitor us. Phones were less us. Phones were less hail from Juaben. hailAsante from Asante Juaben. common therefore little distraccommon therefore little distrac-eB: We have realised that you are eB: We have realised that you are tions. We used to write the labthe lab tions. We used to write eB: WeeB: all We agree times all that agree thathave times have one of the lecturers at this at faculty one of the lecturers this faculty manual ourselves which improved changed but comparing your time changed but comparing your time manual ourselves which improved that students feel comfortable that students feel comfortable skills and made our writing skills and us made us around. Can you please enlighten as a pharmacy studentstudent to our to our our writing as a pharmacy around. Can you please enlighten more conversant with the lab more conversant with the lab us on why presentpresent time, what things things time,unique what unique most feel at feel at us on whystudents most students work. In summary, we were work. In summary, wethe were thehome around differentiate us? us? differentiate you? home around you? exceptional pharmacy students. exceptional pharmacy students. All these us fromusyou All distinguish these distinguish from you GK: Well, lot has changed as GK:aWell, a lot has changed as GK: Maybe I talk too much GK: Maybe I talk too much people. people. you said early Even you saidon. early on.before Even before (laughs). It is individualistic. Some Some (laughs). It is individualistic. you became a pharmacy student, you became a pharmacy student, people do not want people around people do not want people around What is your take on the there were ethics that wethat eB: thereseveral were several ethics we eB: What is your take on the them and others do. I believe that that them and others do. I believe rebranding of the profession rebranding of the profession a lecturer all upheld. For example, a phar-a pharall upheld. For example, must have a relationship a lecturer must have a relationship pharmacy? pharmacy? macy student is the only student macy student is the only student with the students because they they with the students because who will notwill disturb in classininclass the in the who not disturb are the reason why we are here. are the reason why we are here. has moved from from GK: Pharmacy has moved absence of a lecturer. So youSo you GK: Pharmacy absence of a lecturer.

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Academic tutors act as guardians grow and make I loved Ito playto the lead guitar Academic tutors act as guardians grow andmoney. make money. loved GK: to I used GK: to I used play the lead guitar here onhere campus. The attitude of teach. teach. I seizedI seized every opportunity and doand some on campus. The attitude of every opportunity dosound some engineering. sound engineering. students also counts. Students music, music, sports,sports, academic, But I do notI do do not thatdo anymore. students also counts. Studentsto teach; to teach; academic, But that anymore. may not know to so toetc. And I am still teaching so I so IThere is no time. may nottheir knowlimits theirso limits etc. And I am still teaching There is no time. preventprevent any insolence the gapthe is gap will it issay myitpassion. any insolence is saywill is my passion. createdcreated between lecturers and and eB: What youwill optyou foropt no for no between lecturers eB:meal Whatwill meal students. I am personally eB: AreeB: there regrets you you mattermatter the time the day? students. I am personally Areany there any regrets theoftime of the day? concerned about the welfare of life? in life? concerned about the welfare ofhave inhave my students and that makes my GK: I do notI do have favourite my students and that makes my GK: notany have any favourite job complete. GK: NoGK: regrets. Life is full meal. Imeal. eat what available and and job complete. No regrets. Lifeof is ups full of ups I eatiswhat is available and downs. I believe in moving on what healthy. For now eating and downs. I believe in moving on iswhat is healthy. For now eating eB: From look oflook things, you you even when failyou in one whole willday notwill be not a be a eB:the From the of things, evenyou when fail thing. in one thing.rice therice the day whole seem to be attoso the negativities have have problem. seem bemany at soplaces many places Most ofMost of the negativities problem. teaching all the all time. broughtbrought out theout best me actualteaching theDoes time.that Does that theinbest in me actualnot tirenot you? ly. Examination failures, breakups, eB: Your words Kuffuor tire you? ly. Examination failures, breakups, eB:final Your final Dr. words Dr. Kuffuor etc experienced personally are we take you of you etc experienced personally arebefore before weleave takeof leave GK: Pharmacology lecturers do different from theoretical ones. Itones. It GK: Pharmacology lecturers do different from theoretical that; we teach optometry, relate with people GK: Students should should have a have a that; we at teach at optometry, helps to helps to better relate better with people GK: Students nursing, emergency nursing, lab going through the same I change in attitude towards study- studynursing, emergency nursing, lab going through theissues. same issues. I change in attitude towards tech, pharmacy, just to just mention a hardly get anything by chance, I ing. notDo learn to just passtothe tech, pharmacy, to mention a hardly get anything by chance, I Doing. notjust learn pass the few. Initially when I when was younger have tohave worktohard thefor things I examinations; learn tolearn acquire the the few. Initially I was younger workfor hard the things I examinations; to acquire it was less stressful but now it now is ithave I cherish them more. for future Nouse. oneNo one it was less stressful but is sohave so I cherish them Imore. I knowledge knowledge for use. future very demanding and exhaustive. learn from that comes is better than you. You canYou make very demanding and exhaustive. learneverything from everything that comes is better than you. can make There are tooare many than than my waymy and continue with mywith lifemy life it if youitmake yourupmind There toolectures many lectures way and continue if youup make yourto. mind to. we canwe handle. A proposal has haswhich is a process that ends Have aHave positive attitudeattitude towards can handle. A proposal which is a process thatwith ends with a positive towards been sent it isbut notit within death. death. I have no regrets. every aspect of youroflife andlife setand set beenforth sentbut forth is not within I have no regrets. every aspect your our powers to employ lecturers. your priorities right. right. our powers to employ lecturers. your priorities Just toJust add to to add it, veterinary to it, veterinary eB: eB: pharmacology eB: TelleB: us Tell about there special peoplepeople pharmacology us your aboutfamily your family eB: AreeB: Areany there any special you willyou likewill to like acknowledge? to acknowledge? GK: is GK: different from human lovely is different from human GK: My GK: My wife, lovelyHilda wife,Kuffuor Hilda Kuffuor pharmacology. There are so are many is a teacher at the KNUST Senior Senior GK: I would tolove acknowledge pharmacology. There so many is a teacher at the KNUST GK: I love would to acknowledge animalsanimals but onebut human body. So High School. I have two adorable anyoneanyone I have interacted with who one human body. So High School. I have two adorable I have interacted with who one needs learntoeverything AkosuaAkosua Asantewaa anhad influence in my life. one to needs learn everything daughters; daughters; Asantewaahas hadhas an influence in my life. concerning all the all animals but but KuffuorKuffuor and Yaaand Tema person gives you a reason concerning the animals YaaKuffuor. Tema Kuffuor. Once aOnce a person gives you a reason everything about one human is six years sheand is in helive, is your everything about one human AkosuaAkosua is sixand years she is to in live,to he isfriend. your friend. being can becan related to other St.2 Louis School.School. being be related to other KG 2 atKG at St.Jubilee Louis Jubilee humanhuman beings.beings. We need docan a lotdoofacomputer stuff stuff eB: Thank once yourfor your Wemore need more She can She lot of computer eB: you Thank youagain oncefor again lecturers to easetothe burden. also learns very quickly. time say. Allsay. he best yourin your lecturers ease the burden. and sheand she also learns very quickly. time All heinbest Even though there isthere no extra andold sheand willshe endeavours. Even though is no extra Yaa is three Yaa isyears threeold years will endeavours. remuneration, for thefor love oflove the of the join herjoin sister the school in remuneration, the her at sister at the school in work we willwe hold onhold to it.on to it. September God willing. GK: Don’t All the All best work will September God willing. GK: mention. Don’t mention. thetobest to you too. you too. eB: God bless foryou yourfor your eB: SoeB: what youwill sayyou your eB: Godyou bless Sowill what say your dedication. From all thatall you have favourite pass time dedication. From that you have favourite passis?time is? achieved, are there that were achieved, areany there any that were your childhood dreams? your childhood dreams? GK: I would callnot it acall childhood GK: I not would it a childhood dream dream because during during my time because myintime in school,school, your grades not your your grades not your dream dream determined the school you you determined the school attended, the class were attended, theyou class you were placed placed in and eventually what you in and eventually what you became. BrilliantBrilliant students were were became. students placed placed in the science classesclasses for in the science for example. So I willSosay it was example. I will say ait was a challenge because what you challenge because what you becamebecame was notwas as not a result as a of result of something you wanted to become something you wanted to become but what dictated for youfor you butsociety what society dictated to become. The main towas to to become. Thepoint mainwas point www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

The Student Pharmacist

Braless is Best? Study Says Bras Make Breasts Saggier

Researchers spent 15 years studying the breasts of over 330 French women, and concluded that wearing a bra does not prevent sagging or ease back pain as commonly thought. "Medically, physiologically, anatomically—breasts gain no beneﬁt from being denied gravity. On the contrary, they get saggier with a bra” - Professor Jean-Denis Rouillon, from the University of Besançon” Taking measurements with a caliper, the researchers found that by not wearing a bra, muscles around the breast actually strengthened and the nipple raised 7mm per year toward the shoulder. However, the scientists did not recommend all women abandon their bras since their muscles had probably already degraded. While the phenomenon of "bra burning" has been greatly exaggerated, in 1970s it was not only politically correct but also fashionable to go braless in the United

States. Since then, women have been trussing themselves into increasingly structured—and expensive—undergarments. According to Business Week, the women's intimates' industry generates over $11 billion a year in revenues.

Severe inflammation, called necrotizing enterocolitis, can destroy the gut's tissues and lead to major organ failure.

Furthermore, the study focused on women ages 18 to 35. According to France's English-language news site “The Local”, one 28-year-old participant reported multiple beneﬁts: "I breathe more easily, I carry myself better, and I have no back pain." We'll see what she says at age 50.

Early animal tests, published in the journal Gut, showed that stem cells inside amniotic fluid could heal some of the damage and increase survival.

3.The Gift of Laughter… Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "1 love to laugh with you." 4.The Gift of a Written Note… A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

The Student Pharmacist

5. The Gift of a Compliment… A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone’s day.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

6. The Gift of a Favor… Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

By Mohammed-amin

7. The Gift of Solitude… There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others. 8.The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition… The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it’s not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

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Further tests are still needed before it is tried in premature babies. Babies born too soon are not ready for the world outside the womb and their guts are ill-prepared to deal with food. About one in 10 premature babies in a neonatal intensive care will develop necrotizing enterocolitis.

Relevant gifts of life 2.The Gift of Aﬀection… Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

�luid

'may heal premature baby gut'

The results of the study may be intriguing, but it's doubtful that droves of American women are going to ditch their bras anytime soon. For one thing, a study by the Center for Talent Innovation found that women who jiggle around the work place are deemed less worthy to become executives by both men and other women.

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/brless-best-study-says-bras-breasts-saggier-161300096.html

1. The Gift of Listening… But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

Amniotic

The inflammation can cause tissue death and lead to a hole in the baby's intestines which can result in a serious infection. Breast milk can reduce the risks, but the only major treatment is

surgery to remove the diseased tissue. However, 40% of those needing an operation will not survive. Investigators from the Institute of Child Health at University College, London have established that the condition is a problem that is on ascendancy. These researchers have been able to investigate into the use of stem cells, which are able to become any other type of cell in the body from nerve to bone, taken from the amniotic fluid which surrounds a developing foetus in the womb. In experiments on laboratory rats, which are programmed to develop fatal necrotizing enterocolitis, injections of stem cells appeared to increase survival times.

What appears to be happening, researchers discovered, is a direct effect on calming in�lammation and also

stimulating resident stem cells in the gut to be more ef�icient at repairing the intestines." Studies have shown that the intestines also appear to work better after the treatment. Far more testing would be required to work out if the treatment would work in babies and if it would be safe. Researchers also predict the possibility of malignancy (cancers) as the stem cells are capable of becoming other types of cells However, in the future doctors hope they could harness a drug instead. They believe the cells are not directly responsible for the activity but some unidentified substances that they are delivering. Identification of these substances could help in drug developments later in the future. wer right hand corner. THANKS.

Food for thought Try not to be old too soon, smart too late. Most importantly, don't be among those that end up saying: "I wish I had" Just Do! Life is full of ups and downs but where there is purpose, it's a fun ride. You don't give up when you are downbecause to get back up you have to look up to climb. You don't give up when you are coming down because sometimes, you need to be humbled so that you can appreciate your way back to the top. Enjoy life it' short. www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

The Student Pharmacist

5 1 1 If you've got an itch in your throat, scratch your ear. When the nerves in the ear get stimulated, they create a reflex in the throat that causes a muscle spasm, which cures the itch. 2 Having trouble hearing someone at a party or on the phone? Use your right ear it's better at picking up rapid speech. But, the left is better at picking up music tones. 3 If you need to relieve yourself BADLY, but you're not anywhere near a bathroom, fantasize about RELATIONS. That preoccupies your brain and distracts it. 4 Next time the doctor's going to give you an injection, COUGH as the needle is going in. The cough raises the level of pressure in your spinal canal, which limits the pain sensation as it tries to travel to your brain. 5 Clear a stuffed nose or relieve sinus pressure by pushing your tongue against the roof of your mouth then pressing a finger between your eyebrows. Repeat that for 20 seconds it causes the vomer boneto rock, which loosens your congestion and clears you up. 6 If you ate a big meal and you're feeling full as you go to sleep, lay on your left side. That'll keep you from suffering from acid reflux it keeps your stomach lower than your esophagus, which will helps keep stomach acid from sliding up your throat.

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A Simplified Exposition Of

SPECTACULAR

TRICKS FOR YOUR

7 You can stop a toothache by rubbing ice on the back of your hand, on the webbed area between your thumb and index finger. The nerve pathways there stimulate a part of the brain that blocks pain signals from your mouth. 8 If you get all messed up on liquor, and the room starts spinning, put your hand on something stable. The reason: Alcohol dilutes the blood in the part of your ear called the cupula, which regulates balance. Putting your hand on something stable gives your brain another reference point, which will help make the world stop spinning. 9 Stop a nose bleed by putting some cotton on your upper gums right behind the small dent below your nose and press against it hard. Most of the bleeding comes from the cartilage wall that divides the nose, so pressing there helps get it to stop. 10 Nervous? Slow your heart ratedown by blowing on your thumb.The vagus nerve controls your heart rate, and you can calm it down by breathing. 11 Need to breathe underwater for a while? Instead of taking a huge breath, HYPERVENTILATE before you go under, by taking a bunch of short breaths. That'll trick your brain into thinking it has more oxygen, and buy you about 10 extra seconds.

“Blue Balls”

BODY

flat against the roof of your mouth, covering as much surface area as possible. Brain freeze happens because the nerves in the roof of your mouth get extremely cold, so your brain thinks your whole body is cold. It compensates by overheating which causes your head to hurt. By warming up the roof of your mouth, you'll chill your brain and feel better. 13 If your hand falls asleep, rock your head from side to side. That'll wake your hand or arm up in less than a minute. Your hand falls asleep because of the nerves in your neck compressing so loosening your neck is the cure. If your foot falls asleep, that's governed by nerves lower in the body, so you need to stand up and walk around. 14 Finally, this one's totally USELESS, but a nice trick. Have someone stick their arm out to the side, straight, palm down. Press down on his wrist with two fingers. He'll resist, and his arm will stay horizontal. Then, have him put his foot on a surface that's half an inch off the ground, like a stack of magazines, and do the trick again. Because his spine position is thrown off, his arm will fall right to his side, no matter how much he tries to resist. 15 Got the hiccups? Press thumb and second finger over your eyebrows until the hiccups are over- usually, in a short while.

With Doctor proof

Folks complain about severe pain in the testicles after erection and are haunted by the specter of possible impotence in future. Here we shall find out if they have reason to fear this… The infamous testicular pain that occurs when a man is sexually aroused but not relieved by ejaculation is what is effectively described by the slang term “blue balls”. This occurs in another form in women, more often than in men. During sexual arousal, arteries deliver blood to the genitals and the veins around the genitals constrict, leading to a turgid, erect penis and an increase in the size of the testicles by about 20%. In women, the labia, vagina and clitoris become engorged with blood and lubricated while

the breasts and nipples enlarge and heighten in sensitivity. This entrapment of blood in the genital area is known medically as vasocongestion. The most likely follow-up of this are sexual intercourse and orgasm, where there is ejaculation in men, and in women, a rhythmic wave of contractions in the uterus and pelvic muscles which is sometimes followed by ejaculation of a clear fluid. Blood is drained from the genitals after orgasm and they return to their normal, flaccid state. In the absence of orgasm, it takes a much longer time for the blood to get drained from the genitals. This is the cause of severe pain in the testicles which take on a bluish colour due to limited supply of oxygen. The bluish coloration of

the testicles is responsible for the vernacular term “blue balls”. In the female version of this, the vagina, vulva and clitoris become painfully tender and remain lubricated and sometimes become darkened in colour. The uncomfortable sensation of pain wears away after some time as the condition is only temporal. The term “blue balls” leads people to think that it only occurs in men when women have a fair share of this unpleasant experience. Relief from “blue balls” is commonly attained through sexual intercourse. This however, does not negate the greater inconveniences that may come after extramarital sex, worst of them all being the dreadful HIV/AIDS.

To all of you folks who are scared of getting impotent, “blue balls” is not a disease and much less capable of impotence. Abstinence until marriage is rewarding as life without AIDS is glamorous.

By Miclord Osei Pharm. III

12 You can prevent BRAIN FREEZE by pressing your tongue

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Africa-Based Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Unite to Build the Industry

13. The teeth of a beaver never stop growing. It must keep gnawing on objects to keep their length manageable. Otherwise they will grow into its brain and eventually kill it.

14. Koala bears almost feed on nothing but eucalyptus leaves.

15. Elephants can smell water up to three miles away, and they, together with humpback whales and human beings, are the only mammals whose females experience menopause.

Miclord Osei Pharm. III 16

The Student Pharmacist

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On 6th April 2011, representatives of three regional pharmaceutical manufacturers associations found themselves participating in a conference on local pharmaceutical production in Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. These were the Federation of East African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (FEAPM), the Southern African Generic Medicines Association (SAGMA) and the West African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (WAPMA). The objective of the conference was to discuss challenges that impede the growth of the industry from meeting the needs of Africa. It did not take too long before the three organizations realized that they shared almost an identical vision and had remarkably similar issues and constraints. The three organizations got together and conceived the idea of forming a pan-African organization that can advocate for their cause at the continental level. The Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (FAPMA) was the brainchild of that discussion. FAPMA was formally inaugurated on the 25th of January 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by the African Union (AU) Commission. The vision of FAPMA is to be a vibrant and self-sustaining pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Africa by providing quality and affordable medicines so as to contribute to the reduction of disease burden and promote economic development of the continent. FAPMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to facilitate collaboration between regional pharmaceutical manufacturers associations, to address the common challenges faced by the industry and to enhance opportunities towards self-sufficiency through advocacy and partnership with other stakeholders in promoting the production of quality, affordable medicines. The timing of FAPMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s establishment could not have been more perfect. Back in July 2005 in Abuja, Nigeria and subsequently in July 2007 in Accra, Ghana, Heads of State of the AU declared that a plan be developed for self-sufficiency in the supply of medicines in Africa. This was in response to the fact that availability and affordability of medicines are major problems on the continent, medicines manufactured in Africa account for less than 25% of the available medicines and that the gap in availability is filled by a proliferation of sub-standard, fake and counterfeit drugs. The Pharmaceutical

Dr. Paul A. Lartey, CEO LaGray Chemical Company Chairman, Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations

Manufacturing Plan for Africa (PMPA), which has a strong focus on Africa-based manufacturing, was developed. The Heads of State adopted the PMPA in July 2012. FAPMA participated in evolving the PMPA, developing a business plan for the initiative and serves on a multi-stakeholder consortium for its implementation. FAPMA is also a member of the steering committee and has representation on the working groups of the African Medicines Regulations Harmonization program. This is another AU project charged with harmonizing drug registration requirements at the regional level and eventually for the whole continent. With the support of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), FAPMA also advocated for the inclusion of the pharmaceutical sector in the Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA). AIDA is another initiative mandated by the AU Heads of State in January 2008, in recognition of the fact that no country or region in the world has ever achieved prosperity and decent socio-economic life for its citizens without the development of a robust industrial sector. FAPMA participated in the Conference of African Ministers of Industry (CAMI-19) and submitted that pharmaceutical manufacturing is a knowledge-based industry, requiring special skills and involving scientific research and development. Hence, if properly nurtured, the sector would not only improve health and increase wealth, but also advance the competitiveness of Africa. The pharmaceutical industry was selected by CAMI-19, along with mineral beneficiation and Agribusiness development as priority areas under AIDA. Membership of FAPMA is open only to regional associations. The current members, FEAPM, SAGMA and WAPMA, together represent 231 manufacturers from 13 African countries. The organization is supported by the AU and development partners such as UNIDO, the German development organization GIZ and the African Development Bank. FAPMA is intent on achieving its noble vision through advocacy and for the benefit of Mother Africa. www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

The Student Pharmacist

AMAZING

FACTS

ABOUT ANIMALS

Cast a web of thought over every single member of the vast majority of animal species out for dinner at this moment and that would be a paranormal accomplishment. In spite of the staggering numbers of animal species sharing the planet with us, each and every animal has unique characteristics peculiar to its species. Are you in doubt? Well, let us take a quick glance at a few representatives of our animal neighbours.

YOU PROBABLY DID NOT KNOW THAT…

WORKPLACE

SKILLS

Nyarko MaxwellPharm. IV

The world of work today has grown increasingly demanding, leaving employers with no other choice but to employ highly qualiﬁed and skilled personnel as well as appoint them for higher positions in their ﬁeld of work.

4. Just like our finger prints are to us, every dog’s nose print is unique to it and can be used in its identification.

13. The teeth of a beaver never stop growing. It must keep gnawing on objects to keep their length manageable. Otherwise they will grow into its brain and eventually kill it.

1. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards and they can flap their wings up to 80 times in one second!

VITAL

It behoves on us, therefore, as students and aspiring professionals of various noble professions, to acquaint ourselves with relevant skills that contemporary employers look out for in their prospective employees. Outlined below are seven essential skills for the workplace.

1.Communication

2. Pigs communicate constantly with one another; more than 20 vocalizations have been identified that pigs use in different situations, from wooing mates to saying, “I’m hungry!”

6. We owe the benefits of millions of trees to squirrels. Many trees are accidentally planted by squirrels who forget where they hid their seeds when they bury them. 7. Giraffes have blue-back tongues and have no vocal cords!

14. Koala bears almost feed on nothing but eucalyptus leaves.

Various means of communication are used in most professional institutions, one of which is the memo. A memo is simply a note intended to serve as a reminder of something and is usually circulated to workers within an oﬃce. It must be noted, however, that a work memo is not a text message. Employers want workers who can produce well-organized written reports with no spelling or grammar mistakes. Oral communication is equally important, hence all eﬀorts must be made to beef it up whilst we still can.

2. Technology

8. An oyster can change its gender depending on which is best for mating. 3. The sea horse is the slowest known fish in existence. It moves a distance of one-hundredth of a mile in an hour.

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9. For every one person in the world, there are over a million ants. These industrious creatures never sleep and have no lungs.

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15. Elephants can smell water up to three miles away, and they, together with humpback whales and human beings, are the only mammals whose females experience menopause.

Miclord Osei Pharm. III

The application of technology has certainly become an inevitable practice in all highly professional institutions of today. Some jobs require specific technical skills, such as knowing a programming language. But even for people in supposedly non-technical jobs, computer skills are essential. We have to work very effectively and efficiently and technology provides tools that allow us to do that.

Remember, if you forget about well-acquainting yourself with relevant technology in these modern times, you might as well forget about ﬁnding yourself a decent job.

3. Leadership Affirmatively, most students shun taking up leadership positions in and outside school for various reasons, including the fear of being held responsible for other people’s actions. This practice is highly undesirable, especially if an individual wishes to attain higher heights in today’s field of work. Companies have been cutting out layers of management in recent years, so they are now looking for leadership at all levels of the organization. If we learn how to play leadership roles today, we are most unlikely to find ourselves struggling with being leaders of sections of companies, or even the company as a whole, tomorrow.

4. Teamwork

Employers want workers who will be a productive part of a team. This means getting along with co-workers, meeting deadlines, and being willing to pitch in to get a project done rather than saying, “It’s not my job.” As students and individuals alike, we ought, therefore, to learn how to work hand-in-hand with our colleagues and also, learn how to get along with unfamiliar individuals even if it’s our ﬁrst time of meeting them.

5. Independence Regardless of the fact that one is expected to do well in a team, employers equally expect that their employees, at certain crucial moments, would be able to work

individually to achieve goals that would be of relevance to the entire company. Inasmuch as we learn to work with others to cause a change, let us equally learn how to be productive on our own. Certainly, it would be to our own advantage if we can work eﬀectively and proﬁciently, even in the absence of our co-workers.

6. Adaptability Adaptability is one of the key factors for survival in our world of work today. Co-workers and bosses come and go, and as the saying goes, “Different strokes for different folks”. Along with each co-worker, comes different set of priorities. Along with each boss, comes different set of rules. It’s critical to be able to adapt to new requirements and work even during uncertain times.

7. Nurturing Your Skills A key challenge for new employees is that with little work experience, it can be diﬃcult to demonstrate all the skills employers are looking for. It would therefore be in our own interests to familiarise ourselves with the rudiments of our dream jobs. This can easily be achieved by taking courses on that particular profession. Alternatively, students can undertake attachment programmes in their prospective ﬁelds of work when school is in recess. It is said, that to be forewarned is to be forearmed. If we want to be the professionals of tomorrow, it’s best we prepare ourselves adequately today. Make hay whilst the sun shines.

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The Student Pharmacist

QUOTE OF THE DAY 1. The diﬀerence between a successful person and the rest is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge but rather a lack of will- Vince Lombardi A man caught his wife in bed with his friend and out of anger he took his gun and killed his friend! Every day countless teething rings, puppets, toy cars, puzzle pieces and balls go through the hands and mouths of children. Health authorities assess the risks of toys and their ingredients to afford children better protection. Where do the risks lie? When playing, children can often come into contact with a large number of chemical substances through toys. Substances from toys can be released in smaller or larger amounts during skin contact, in particular when taken into the mouth and hence be absorbed by children. The risks include carcinogenic substances or heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, which occur in dyes of toys. Plasticisers in toys and the nitrosamine contamination of balloons are just as hazardous. Furthermore, children can also nibble off and ingest smaller amounts of toy materials, such as coatings.

Man: My dog is dead. Can there be a service for the poor creature? Pastor: No we cannot have service for an animal in the church but there is a new church down the road, maybe they will do it. Man: Do you think they will accept a donation of US$250,000 for the burial service? Pastor: Sweet Jesus! Why didn’t you tell me the dog was a Christian?! Akpos and his ever nagging wife went on vacation in Jerusalem. While they were there his wife passed away.

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For that reason sensitive substances which are contained in toys may only be released in Substances discovered in toys during health assessments carried out by authorities include, amongst others; • • • • • • • • •

Nickel Allergenic fragrances Lead Cadmium Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Phenol Plasticisers Formaldehyde in wooden toys Boric acid in bouncing play dough and slimies

Toys could contain substances that are harmful to your child’s health. So, the next time you think of buying a toy for that cute little one, think of what could possibly be present in that toy..think of what he’s going to be playing with.

Undertaker: You can have her buried here in the Holy Land for $150 or we can have her shipped back home for $5,000. (Akpos thought about it carefully) Akpos: I would rather have her shipped back home Undertaker: (completely surprised) Why would you spend $5,000 to have her shipped home when you could have a burial here and it would only cost $150? Akpos: You see..long ago, a man died here, was buried here, and three days later rose from the dead. I just can’t take that chance! A man wrote a message to his wife on his oﬃcial trip and forgot to add ‘e’ at the end of the word. “I am having such a wonderful time! Wish u were her!

2. Whatever you are, be a good one. - Abraham Lincoln 3. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breaths away.

Out of fear his wife shouted "FRANK! FRANK! FRANK! if you continue like this you will loose all your friends o!"

4. No one can make u feel inferior without your consent. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Mrs kofo said 2 her maid "Oh Lizzy, I suspect that my husband is having an aﬀair with his secretary."

6. If u can dream it, you can do it. – Walt Disney

The maid replied, "I don't believe it ma, you are just saying it to make me jealous"

8. Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed in the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do… so throw oﬀ the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. EXPLORE. DREAM. – Mark Twain

While eating lunch, a husband, his wife and their son, the son was eating roughly and the following conversation took place between the father and his son. FATHER: You're eating like a small pig. SON: OK daddy. FATHER: Do you know what a small pig is? SON: Yes of course, son of a big pig. Two men planned to run away from the psychiatric hospital. They started planning and agreed that they will go to the gate, beat up the watchman, open the gate and run away. When they reached the gate, the watchman was not there and the gate was wide open. They turned to each other and said "crap! our plan has failed, lets go back, we will try again tomorrow."

5. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the diﬀerence.

7. Above all, to thine own self, be true – Shakespeare

9. Two roads diverged in the wood, and I … I took the less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. – Robert Frost 10. Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt and dance like no one’s watching.-satchel Paige 11. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ---Ralph Waldo Emerson 12. Success is a Journey not a Destination. – Ben Sweetland 13. Feel the fear and do it anyway. – Susan Jeffers 14. If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps, it is because he hears a different drummer.- Henry David Thoreau 15. Lead follow or get out of the way! – Thomas Paine 16. I don’ t know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everybody.- Bill Cosby 17. When you were born, you cried and the whole world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice 18. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit. – Aristotle 19. BE the change you want to see in the world. – Mahatma Ghandhi

Teacher: Akpos ﬁnish this sentence. Many are called but… Akpos: But only few have credit to call back

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REPORT FROM THE

NATIONAL

HEALTH COORDINATOR Richard Kofi Begyinah To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven and soon the 2012/2013 academic year as the National Health Coordinator is almost over. The major objective for the academic year was to train, build the confidence and develop the skills of each student so we could make great impact wherever we find ourselves as professionals. The first task and responsibility was to plan and organize the students’ association’s biggest program which is National Drug Safety and Health Awareness Campaign held in the Western Region in 2012 from 11th to 21st July with the theme ‘Creating National Wealth through Healthy Life Style and Rational Drug Use’. By God’s grace the program was very successful with 170 students attending which marks the highest participated campaign with pharmacy students coming from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Ghana and Central University College. With support from the Pharmacy Council, Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Western Region; Coordinating Council, Education Service, Health Directorate, House of Chiefs and some pharmacy companies, we were able to cover thirteen (13) districts out of seventeen (17) which included Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Jomoro, Ellembelle, Prestea, Tarkwa, Ahanta West

The Student Pharmacist

(Agona Nkwanta), Wassa Amenfi East (Wassa Akropong) and West (Asenkraguaa), Aowin Suamin (Enchi), Bibiani, Sefwi Ankontobra, New Shama and Mphor West (Daboase). With our goal as an association geared towards preventive measures, through knowledge impartation and health awareness creation we celebrated the World Diabetes day on the 14th November, 2012 on campus to educate the whole student, staff and workers on the preventive measures and management of Diabetes. Four hundred and twenty three (423) participants were screened for their blood glucose levels, the blood pressure and body mass index was also checked. This day was celebrated to also mark the activities of the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation. In building our skills, a workshop on Basic Clinical Skills was organized on the 25th January, 2013. The workshop was to improve upon our communication skills as students in our field of studies, how to interact with patients, to remind ourselves of our roles in the hospitals and communities as future pharmacists and also have practical experience on some lab tests. Students practiced how to check the Blood Pressure, test for pregnancy, Hepatitis B and blood glucose levels. This program was chaired by Mr. Pharm Rauf Audu of Kama

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Health Services KNUST branch. A talk was also delivered by Pharm Eric Nyarko, Medical Representative of AstraZenca on some prospects in the profession especially in the ﬁeld of Marketing. A mini drug safety campaign was also organized in collaboration with Breast Care International as part of the faculty week at Kotei on the 2nd of April 2013. We continued our health segment on Focus Fm and also secured air time with Sunsum Fm to educate the public on health related issues. On the whole it has not been easy but with the help of the Almighty God and Health Committee members we were able to achieve our objectives for the academic year. I want to acknowledge the Ministry of Health, Pharmacy council, the Western Regional Minister, Deputy Regional Minister, Regional Cordinating Directorate, Deputy Director of Pharmaceutical Services (W/R), President of regional Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Manager of Pharmacy Coumcil (W/R), All district Assemblies, OSON’S Chemists Ltd, Ernest Chemist (W/R), UNICOM Chemist, East Cantonments, Bandy Chemist, Takoradi Polythechnic, Ghana Television Breakfast Show, Skyy TV and all student volunteers who were part of the campaign. God richly bless you!!

REPORT FROM THE

PHARMACY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Through all the changing scenes of life, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ. Indeed the Lord is good and his mercies endureth forever. The Lord has been gracious towards us as a faculty and as a fellowship. The year under review saw a lot of improvements in the fellowship. It is true that the glory of the latter house shall be greater than that of the former. PHARMAKRISTO was wonderful and it witnessed a great participation from all members of the faculty. It was a power packed encounter with the Lord. As part of PHARMAKRISTO 2012, an ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION PROJECT was embarked on; students were educated on the eﬀects of alcohol abuse. By the grace of God, the fellowship was able to give ﬁnancial support to some students and this practice is still on-going. The general welfare of the faculty members was also

considered and counselling was provided. Students were also aided in their academic work. PHARMATHANX was duly organised and all members of the faculty participated actively. This programme was also a life changing experience and we bless God for His love. To the glory of God, the oﬃcial website of the fellowship www.pharmakristo.com has been launched. Faculty members, Alumni and the general public can access this site for wonderful, transforming Christian messages, articles, animations and many other exciting and blessed things. As part of our responsibilities as Christians and as health professionals, the fellowship collaborated with JOYFUL WAY INCOPORATED in medical outreaches in and out of Ashanti region.

fellowship manufactured sanitizers which were distributed during workshops, seminars and training sessions. The sanitizers were also displayed during TRATECH. Above all, the spiritual needs of the faculty members were not overlooked. The unadulterated word of God was preached and is still being preached during divine services and even in class. The Lord is good, may His name be praised forever. We know these are few of the greater things to come. Great things He has done, greater things He will do.

By: Abenaa Owusuwaa Adu (PCF PRESIDENT)

PCF also collaborated with the Christian Medical Fellowship in the Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Education (PHASE) project. The

DID YOU KNOW

The brain does not shut down when you sleep - parts of it are actually more active than

when you're awake. Despite the common belief, your brain doesn't actually shut down when you sleep. In fact, some parts of it are more active than when you're awake, including those portions of the brain that control memory and learning. Though research is ongoing, it's thought that the brain may consolidate memories during sleep. Other studies show that the area of the brain that's used when consciously remembering something, like a person's phone number, is active during sleep. Scientists have also determined that people can learn new but simple things in their sleep, like making an association between smells and sounds. www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

The Student Pharmacist

Pharm. Joseph Attakorah

Clinical Pharmacy (Msc) Dep. dir. of Pharmaceutical Services (KATH-Kumasi) In-charge of Medicine Pharmacy (KATH-Kumasi) Part-time lecturer, Clinical and Social Pharmacy (KNUST)

The

The current issue of recurrent strike actions in our country, Ghana, is steadily taking a toll on the economy of the land. Who is to blame? This time, it is our very own Hospital Pharmacists that have temporarily laid down their tools. The eB sought to ﬁnd out exactly why.

What incited the current strike action? Pharmacists have had issues with Fair Wages and Salary Commission (FWSC) migration of Hospital Pharmacists unto the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS). The issues include the; Grade structure and grade placement, which equates to the BASIC SALARY which is contrary to the Job Evaluation/ Job Re-evaluation (JE/JRE) Exercise outcomes. Non-payment of conversion difference- which is the difference to be paid when your basic salary under the SSSS is lower than the Health Service Salary Structure (HSS). This is to ensure that pharmacists’ pensions are not reduced contrary to the laws of Ghana and International Labour Organisation (ILO). Unresolved Interim market premium which the FWSC has unilaterally and arbitrarily imposed a baseless and unfair market premium on Pharmacists distorting the relativities in remuneration in the health sector. All these issues have been raised throughout 2011 and 2012. On 1st November 2012 and later 23rd January 2013, the Nation al Labour commission (NLC) ruled finally that the grading structure approved by the MOH/GHS Council and presented to them by the MOH as employers should be used to migrate

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Pharmacists. Again FWSC has REFUSED to comply with this decision of the NLC and the NLC has also refused to go to court to enforce its orders dated 23rd January, 2013. Also on 25th February 2013, NLC ordered FWSC to immediately refund and pay the Conversion Difference to Pharmacists. Around this same time, the office of the Chief of Staff in a letter to FWSC and copied the Concerned Pharmacists Group directed the FWSC to pay the Conversion Difference to Pharmacists. We are on strike because FWSC has refused to comply with this directive too. Market premium remains to be resolved. We demand justice and fairness. We demand the orders of the NLC be complied with.

When did it start and how long is it expected to last? This strike action began with the work-to-rule schedule from 22nd March to the 7th April. The total withdrawal of pharmaceutical service began on the 8th of April, 2013. On how long it is expected to last, one cannot tell. This will only end if FWSC complies with the rulings on the NLC and an acceptable premium is agreed between Government and Hospital Pharmacists’ Association (GHOSPA) and government.

What are the short and long term implications on the individual and the country at large? The short term implication of this strike action on the individual patient is the lack of pharmaceutical care to the patients. Pharmacists by

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the training are required to monitor every prescription, advice and counsel patients on their medication. They participate in clinical ward rounds, prepare extemporaneous preparations of medications not readily available and also perform adherence counseling in HIV/AIDS. Thus the absence of pharmacists means the individual patients will miss these important services resulting in an increase in morbidity/mortality from inappropriate drug use. The long term implications include dissatisﬁed pharmacists due to lack of career paths, lower number of pharmacists especially the highly skilled. As drug therapy keeps expanding, highly skilled pharmacists are needed to help address the challenging needs associated with drug therapy. The pharmacist’s role is needed to address the challenging health needs of the 21st Century. What is the way forward? The way forward or what the pharmacists are asking the government to do is for the government (that is the FWSC) to respect the rulings of the NLC and to address quickly the baseless and unfair market premium, the FWSC imposed on pharmacist.

Health TIPS •

Whenever you buy recharge cards, don’t scratch with your nails, as it contains Silver Nitro Oxide coating and can cause skin cancer.

•

Answer phone calls with the left ear.

•

Don't take your medicine with cold water....

•

Don't eat heavy meals after 5pm

•

Drink more water in the morning, less at night.

•

Best sleeping time is from 10pm to 4 am.

•

Don’t lie down immediately after taking medicine or after meals.

•

When phone's battery is low to last bar, don't answer the phone, because the radiation is 1000 times stronger.

•

Don’t drink tea in plastic cups and don’t eat any food on polythene paper. The plastic reacts to heat and it will cause 52 types of cancers.

Practise good habits…stay healthy!!

Any personal message to colleague and potential pharmacists? I want all pharmacists and potential pharmacists to understand that we have a genuine case and we are ﬁghting a legitimate course. We, as pharmacists, have the right to protect our profession and demand our due. We are on strike not to punish our patients but to ensure that the orders of NLC after a painful TWO YEAR PROCESS to be respected and complied with. Long live Pharmacy, Long live GHOSPA.

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THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE Prince Ampomah International Relations Ofﬁcer

e international Relations office is these they were very Exchange Officers (LEOs). The international Relations office is interactions, these interactions, they were very Exchange Officers (LEOs). sponsible for coordinating all IPSF pleased about how sociable the responsible for coordinating all IPSF pleased about how sociable the ograms under the umbra ofthe Ghana Ghanaian community They was. They The African Pharmaceutical Symposium Symposium programs under umbra of Ghana Ghanaianwas. community The African Pharmaceutical armaceutical Students’ Association embarked on tours to different tourist is one aspect of IPSF that needs be needs to be Pharmaceutical Students’ Association embarked on tours to different tourist is one aspect of IPSFtothat PSA) in Ghana which comprises sites in the country. They also took part explored due to its immense impact it (GPSA) in Ghana which comprises sites in the country. They also took part explored due to its immense impact it ntral university college (CUC), in the Annual Drug Safety and Health has on the student pharmacist. Last central university college (CUC), in the Annual Drug Safety and Health has on the student pharmacist. Last niversity ofUniversity Ghana (UGPSA) and Campaign was heldthat in wasyear just one student representof Ghana (UGPSA)Awareness and Awarenessthat Campaign heldwe in had year we had just one student representwame Nkrumah university of Science western region. ing GPSA. The upcoming will see the will see the Kwame Nkrumah university of Science western region. ing GPSA. The upcoming d Technology highest number of participants and(KNUST). Technology (KNUST). highest number of from participants from For many years, only a few students GPSA. About fifteen (15) students have For many years, only a few students GPSA. About fifteen (15) students have the blindsAs arethe being drawn to the are able to take part in the IPSF SEP registered and lots more are showing blinds are being drawn to the are able to take part in the IPSF SEP registered and lots more are showing d of another year, there isyear,and other This is interest. Thisinterest. wouldn’tThis have been have been endacademic of another academic there is IPSF andactivities. other IPSF activities. This is wouldn’t e need to analyze the year. attributed to the small number of possible without the great efforts of theefforts of the the need to analyze the year. attributed to the small number of possible without the great Application forms allocated to us as motivated committee members. Application forms allocated to us as motivated committee members. e International relations office is veryoffice well lack of awareness IPSF IPSF activities such as public Health The International relations is as very well as lack ofofawareness of IPSF IPSF activities such as public Health ateful to the Almighty God for seeing activities. This year, different avenues campaigns and patient counseling, grateful to the Almighty God for seeing activities. This year, different avenues campaigns and patient counseling, through the Though the Though the have been made to students Leaders and us year. through the year. haveknown been made knownto to students to in Training Leaders in Clinical Trainingskills and Clinical skills allenges encountered were many, help them take part in other internships saw massive participation from the challenges encountered were many, help them take part in other internships saw massive participation from the ey served as motivation strive for to strive and other offers. Theseoffers. These students’ body as well body as Faculty they served astomotivation for international and other international students’ as well as Faculty eater heights. What doesn’tWhat kill you the World members through efficient advertisegreater heights. doesn’tinclude kill you internships includewith internships with the World members through efficient advertiseakes you stronger. Health Organization and the internationments and planning. makes you stronger. Health Organization and the internationments and planning. al Pharmaceutical federation. Also other Also other al Pharmaceutical federation. has been an indelible year for the opportunities such as World Health In addition toInthe above,tostudents have It has been an indelible year for the opportunities such as World Health addition the above, students have am because many of the ideas that Assembly, ‘pharmacy doors open’ in been expressing interests in undertaking team because many of the ideas that Assembly, ‘pharmacy doors open’ in been expressing interests in undertaking ere pennedwere downpenned have been ‘mike how travel research internships exchange down have beenToronto, Canada, Toronto, Canada, ‘mike how travel researchduring internships during exchange ccessfully successfully achieved. achieved. award’ was made available for students program. In light of this, the is the office is award’ was made available for students program. In lightoffice of this, to participateto participate working on establishing bilateral working on establishing bilateral begin with, participatexchanges with some universities Tothirty beginstudents with, thirty students participatexchanges with someand universities and in the student exchange program in Most importantly is the yearly IPSF Students associations to enable to enable ed in the student exchange program in Most importantly is the yearly IPSF Students associations untries likecountries South Africa, Canada the Canada congress place in Utrecht, students suchacquire experiences. congress taking placethe in Utrecht, the acquire like South Africa, the taking students such experiences. nited States of America, Poland, Netherlands where students get to Netherlands where students get to United States of America, Poland, rkey and Portugal. ThisPortugal. is a great meet and interact pharmacy Lastly, the committee hardworked to meet with and interact with pharmacy Turkey and This is a great Lastly, theworked committee hard to hievementachievement because students are students from all walks of life. The secure host sites for exchange students students from all walks of life. The because students are secure host sites for exchange students w gaining consciousness of the congress willcongress see the highest would come to Ghana. We upcoming will see thewho highest now gaining consciousness ofupcoming the who would come toare Ghana. We are nefits theybenefits stand tothey gainstand in partaking number of participants from GPSA grateful to all the community pharmato gain in partaking number of participants from GPSA grateful to all the community pharmathe IPSF student exchange program. As it Ghana. stands now, there are pharmacies industries in the IPSF student exchange Ghana. program. As it stands now, therecies, are hospitalcies, hospital and pharmacies and industries e office hosted six foreign students about ten (10) registered participants that have whole heartedly opened theiropened their The office hosted six foreign students about ten (10) registered participants that have whole heartedly the SEP period. students from Ghana Pharmaceutical students doors for thedoors incoming students. from Ghana Pharmaceutical students in the These SEP period. These students for the incoming students. me in fromcame SouthinAfrica, Germany, Association and a lot more are expressAssociation and a lot more are expressfrom South Africa, Germany, pain and Czech These ing interest. These achievements are All these not have been ing interest. These achievements are would SpainRepublic. and Czech Republic. These All these would notpossible have been possible udents shared a lot of their experiowned to the selfless efforts and if it was not for the hard work ofhard the work of the owned to the selfless efforts and students shared a lot of their experiif it was not for the ces with the local students. Through immense contribution of the Local patrons, Dr. Rita Dickson and Mr. immense contribution of the Local ences with the local students. Through patrons, Dr. Rita Dickson and Mr.

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George Kuffour, and Kuffour, all the committee mates for their devotion anddevotion time in and time in George and all the committee mates for their members: Prince OfosuPrince Ampomah helping this office achieve its set goals.its set goals. members: Ofosu Ampomah helping this office achieve (IRO), Bernice Adusah Bonsu (secre(IRO), Bernice Adusah Bonsu (secretary), Ella Kassanga (Public Relations We hope thatWe these laid down foundatary), Ella Kassanga (Public Relations hope that these laid down foundaOfficer), Yaa Officer), Boatemaa tions, would tions, help the nexthelp administraYaaAsubonteng, Boatemaa Asubonteng, would the next administraWendy Sanwu Kutten. tion carry outtion its work Wendy Sanwu Kutten. carry effectively. out its workWe effectively. We thank all whothank helped in any all the whoIRO helped theway IRO in any way The IRO would towould express Thelike IRO likehis to expressthey his could. they could. sincerest gratitude to all his team sincerest gratitude to all his team

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE A Difﬁculty in an Opportunity or an Opportunity in a Difﬁculty When antibiotics were discovered in the early 1920s, it was as if scientists had ultimately come to the salvation of humans from infections caused by microorganisms. In fact, many deaths which would have resulted from infections of wounds and ulcers during the World War II were prevented using antibiotics.

So almost a century down the line, what has happened? Even though one of the first and very effective antibiotics was discovered through serendipity, in recent times much more money and conscious effort has been directed towards finding the next penicillin or even the next wonder sulphonamide. This is just because the organism are getting smarter or evolving. As a result of these, resistant strains had led to the re-emergence of diseases which we had, for a while, controlled. Examples include bacterial strains causing TB that are resistant to previously effective antibacterial treatment.

Researchers in the UK say it’s becoming harder to find antibiotics that treat the gonorrhoea because the bacteria causing the disease are now resistant to many forms of treatment. They predict the disease could be untreatable by 2015 as a result of the resistance. One major contributing factor to this emergence is the misuse of the already existing antibiotics. Some of our actions include: • Not finishing the whole prescription • Not taking the proper dosage or at the proper time • Taking someone else’s prescription • Taking antibiotics when not needed thinking that all diseas es need antibiotic for treatment • Emptying the content of antibiotic capsules into open sores

• take antibiotics as prescribed and directed. (Take it for the full course even if you are feeling better. No skipping of doses) • stop taking antibiotics prescribed to others • desist from applying antibiotics in capsules to open sores In conclusion, in as much as organisms are getting smarter, antibiotic resistance can be largely attributed to us (humans) and our actions and that’s not bad news; it’s good news, because it’s not something we have to live with but it’s something we can easily resolve.

Pharmlife Team The DRAC project www.stealthgh.com

All of us together and each one of us separately can change our attitudes towards antibiotic use. We can: • consult an expert and discus our symptoms whether using an antibiotic is appropriate or not www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

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GPSA DINNER

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gpsa socializing

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hand, appears to make drivers Smiling has been found to Neuroscientists have anxious, which makes increase feelings of happiness. found that brain cells hand,slightly appears to make drivers Smiling has been found to Neuroscientists have can, in fact, regenerate them pay more attention to their Psychologists believe this is anxious, which makes increase feelings of happiness. found that the brain cells evenin large and slightly surroundings and so drive better. because the brain interprets the can,advanced in fact, regenerate pay more attention to their Psychologists believe this is parts of the themThese studies' results are not tried flexing of certain muscles to be evenin the large brain . For a longand time, scien- surroundings and so drive better. because the brain interprets the advanced parts theimpossi-Theseand tested yet, however, so indicative of a particular mood. tists thought thatof it was studies' results are not tried flexing of certain muscles to be Forbrain a long time, brain drivers can expect to continue to For example, the zygomatic major ble. for cells to scienregenerate

and tested yet, however, so indicative of a particular mood. tists because thought that was impossitheyitassumed that any see signage for some time to is the facial muscle responsible for drivers can expect to continue to For example, the zygomatic major ble for brain cells to regenerate new cells would disrupt the order come. controlling the corners of the because they assumed thathas anyshown see signage for some time to is the facial muscle responsible for of the brain. Research mouth. When this muscle is new cells would disrupt controlling the corners of the that this is not true,the andorder that come. flexed, it is thought that it triggers of thebrain brain. Research has shown cells can and do regenerate, Healthy human women mouth. When this muscle is that this is not true, and that the neurological response that especially in the areas related to have body fat percentages that flexed, it is thought that it triggers human women brainlearning, cells candecision-making, and do regenerate, controls emotion. Another possivisualHealthy are seven times higher than that the neurological response that especially in the areas related to have body fat percentages that recognition, and the way people bility is that smiling while around of any other animal. Humans controls emotion. Another possilearning, decision-making, visual are seven times higher than that perceive objects in space. people leads them to smile have a higher percentage of bodybilityother recognition, and way people is that smiling while around Research is the ongoing about neuroof any other animal. Humans and the brain reads this as a perceive objects space. fat than any other animal. In fact,otherback, genesis (i.e.,inthe birth of people leads them to smile have a higher percentage of body social cue to feel happy. Research is ongoing about neurothe average healthy woman has back, a neurons), since it could be used and the brain reads this as a fat than any other animal. In fact, genesis (i.e., the birth of to help treat conditions connected body fat percentage that is moresocial cue to feel happy. the average healthy woman has a neurons), since itloss could be used to memory or motor dysfuncseven times as high as that to help treat conditions connected bodythan fat percentage that is more tion. Indoor air can sometimes any other animal. The only to memory loss or motor dysfunc- than of seven times as high as that be than 100 times tion. animals that ever come close to Indoor more airpolluted can sometimes of any other animal. The only more the body fat percentage of a Having fewer road signsanimals be more than 100 than times that ever come close to outdoor air. healthy human woman are more polluted than mayfewer reduce thesigns numberthe body fat percentage of a Having road Indoor air pollution is often two to penguins that are preparing for outdoor air. healthy human woman are five times as bad as outdoor of car accidents . Road signs may reduce the number winter without food and bears Indoor air pollution is often two to that are preparing for pollution, and in some cases can reminding drivers of safe speedspenguins hibernating. Women five times as bad as outdoor of car accidents. Road signs winterbefore without food and bears even be more than 100 times at which to drive and hazards tend to carry extra body fat in the pollution, and in some cases can reminding drivers of safe speeds hibernating. Women worse than outdoor air. Common particular to the area, like deer, before hip, thigh and buttock area, which be more than 100 times at which to drive and hazards to carry extra body fat in the evensources of indoor air pollution have been erected in the interesttend is essential for childbirth. This fatworse than outdoor air. Common particular to the area, like deer, hip, thigh and buttock area, which include the burning of heat sourcof promoting safety. Having lots in the lower body is where women sources of indoor air pollution have been erected in the interest is essential for childbirth. This fat es, such as kerosene, coal, wood, of road signs, however, may store an omega-3 fat called include the burning of heat sourcof promoting safety. Having lots lower body is where women oil and gas, as well as the actually not make driving safer. in thedocosahexaenoic acid (DHA), es, such as kerosene, coal, wood, of road signs, however, may store an omega-3 fat called smoking of tobacco and the use of Studies suggest that having road which plays a major role oil and gas, as well as the actually not make driving safer. docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), household cleaning products. The signs and road bumps in the healthy brain developmentsmoking of tobacco and the use of Studies suggest that having road a major role effects of indoor air pollution are actually make drivers feel safer whichofplays foetuses. household cleaning products. The signs and road bumps estimated to be responsible for so they don't pay as much atten-in the healthy brain development effects of indoor air pollution are actually make drivers feel safer 2.7% of disease worldwide, tion to traffic. Signs have also of foetuses. to be responsible for so they don't pay as much attenPhysically expressing anestimated according to the World Health been shown to distract drivers, 2.7% of disease worldwide, tion to traffic. Signs have also emotionexpressing - such as an increasing their chances of Physically according to the World Health been shown to distract drivers, smiling - canastrigger overlooking pedestrians. Taking emotion - such increasing their chances of happiness. away the signs, on the other smiling - can trigger overlooking pedestrians. Taking happiness. away the signs, on the other

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can affect rapid eye movement Organization. Children younger brate that lacks both red blood (REM) sleep, or the period of than 5 years old tend to be the cells and hemoglobin, the protein can affect rapid eye movement brate that lacks both red blood Organization. Children younger sleep that is the most restorative most affected because they that allows iron to attach to red (REM) sleep, or the period of cells and hemoglobin, the protein than 5 years old tend to be the inhale more air in comparison with and helps people feel refreshed blood cells. Though this should sleep that is the most restorative that allows iron to attach to red most affected because they upon waking. The negative effects make circulation easier for them their body weight, and they tend blood cells. Though this should inhale more air in comparison with and helps people feel refreshed of drinking a nightcap generally to spend the most time in vulnersince their blood is so thin, they upon waking. The negative effects make circulation easier for them their body weight, and they tend occur during the latter stages of able areas, such as kitchens and also have abnormally large blood of drinking a nightcap generally since their blood is so thin, they to spend the most time in vulnersleep anddo not seem apparent at vessels and more blood vessels schools. occur during the latter stages of also have abnormally large blood able areas, such as kitchens and the start, which is why people than other fish, so they have to sleep anddo not seem apparent at vessels and more blood vessels schools. might believe that alcohol is an use about 22% of their energy just Drinking before bedtimethe start, which is why people than other fish, so they have to effective sleep aid. for pumping blood. makesbefore you fall asleep might believe that alcohol is an use about 22% of their energy just Drinking bedtime faster, it also makes your effective sleep aid. for pumping blood. makes youbut fall asleep sleep less restful. Drinking a Antarctic icefish are the faster, but it also makes your nightcap -- an alcoholic beverage only vertebrates with no red blood sleep less restful. Drinking a Antarctic icefish are the just before going to bed -- might cells and almost no hemoglobin. nightcap -- an alcoholic beverage only vertebrates with no red blood help people fall asleep more Though most vertebrates do have just before going to bed -- might cells and almost no hemoglobin. quickly, but they tend to wake up red blood cells, there is one help people fall asleep more Though most vertebrates do have more often during the night. known exception: the antarctic quickly, but they tend to wake up red blood cells, there is one Having a drink before bedtime icefish. It's the only known vertemore often during the night. known exception: the antarctic Having a drink before bedtime icefish. It's the only known verte-

Facts

you should know Why do some people sneeze in response to sunlight? This phenomenon is called the photic sneeze reflex, also known as the ACHOO (autosomal dominant compelling helio-ophthalmic outburst) Syndrome. Researchers estimate it affects about 25 to 33 percent of Americans. Some people will also sneeze in response to other light sources, such as a bright light in the ceiling or a camera flash. While the exact cause for the response isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t known, scientists believe it may be triggered by crossed signals in the brain. The nerve responsible for facial sensation (the trigeminal nerve) and the sneezing reflex is located very near the optic nerve (the nerve through which visual information passes to the brain). When the eyes sense a source of

bright light, the optic nerve fires a signal to tell the brain to constrict (narrow) the pupil to limit the amount of light entering the eye. That signal may be picked up by the trigeminal nerve and is interpreted as an irritation, triggering the sneeze reflex.

What causes the lump in the throat during emotional distress? When the body senses some type of negative stress, it instinctively switches into a fight or flight mode. The sympathetic nervous system causes the glottis, an area in the throat, to open wider to allow more air to get into the lungs. Normally, the glottis constricts to keep food and liquids out of the lungs. The lump in the throat sensation occurs because the glottis is being told to www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

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open and close at the same time, creating a tug of war between the two reflexes of the body. Generally, the sensation lasts only a short time.

nerve damage from the injury may impair the body’s ability to constrict blood vessels.

How can people claim to have out-ofbody experiences? Sci-fi enthusiasts may want to believe out- of-body experiences are related to connection with alternate universes. However, research has established that even if those other universes exist, science shows we are unable to perceive them or connect with them. Instead, the phenomenon may have more to do with crossed sensory signals in the brain. Out-of-body experiences have been reported in epilepsy patients undergoing electrical stimulation of the brain.

This question was asked because a person taking medication for type 2 diabetes can often bring blood sugars back to a normal range by eating a healthier diet, getting more exercise and losing excess weight. In many cases, medications can then be stopped. But does this mean the person is cured of diabetes? Researchers say the answer is no, because if the patient regains the weight, the diabetes will come back. In this case, the disease is under control, but not eliminated.

Why do the ﬁngers and toes get wrinkled after being immersed in water? The outer layer of skin is made of dead skin cells, which absorb water. The extra moisture causes the cells to swell. The wrinkles develop to accommodate the increased size of the surface area caused by the swollen skin cells. Wrinkling doesn’t occur when the hands or feet are submerged in saltwater because the salt draws moisture out of the skin. Researchers suggest that a constriction of bloodvessels also appears to influence wrinkling. When a severed finger is reattached, it doesn’t wrinkle in water. Scientists believe

Can type 2 diabetes be cured?

Why don’t we get cancer of the heart? Cancers usually develop in epithelial cells, the cells that form the outer layer of skin and line the digestive tract, airways, urinary tract and reproductive systems. The heart, on the other hand, is a muscle. Cancer occurs when dividing cells mutate. Comparatively, epithelial cells divide at a much faster rate than muscle cells. Thus, there is more of a chance that an epithelial cell than a muscle cell will turn into cancer. Researchers acknowledge that heart cancer isn’t unheard of. But when it occurs, the cancer is usually the result of a metastasis, or cancer that has spread from another part of the body.

A physician analyses the cruciﬁxion

Crucifixion was invented by the Persians in 300 BC, and perfected by the Romans in 100 BC. 1,It is the most painful death ever invented by man and is where we get our term "excruciating." 2,It was reserved primarily for the most vicious of male criminals. Jesus refused the anaesthetic wine which was offered to Him by the Roman soldiers because of His promise in Matthew 26: 29, "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." 3,Jesus was stripped naked and His clothing divided by the Roman guards. This was in fulfilment of Psalm 22:18, "They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots." 4,The Crucifixion of Jesus guaranteed a horrific, slow, painful death. Having been nailed the Cross, Jesus now had an impossible anatomical position to maintain. 5,Jesus' knees were flexed at about 45 degrees, and He was forced to bear His weight with the muscles of His thigh, which is not an anatomical position which is possible to maintain for more than a few minutes without severe cramp in the muscles of the thigh and calf. 6,Jesus' weight was borne on His feet, with nails driven through them. As the strength of the muscles of Jesus' lower limbs tired, the weight of His body had to be transferred to His wrists, His arms, and His shoulders. 7,Within a few minutes of being placed on the Cross, Jesus' shoulders were dislocated. Minutes later Jesus' elbows and wrists became dislocated.

“This boy has escaped again!” Akpos was being chased by two policemen for one of his numerous crimes. Akpos ran into the forest and the police men followed him. Akpos got into the forest and climbed a tree. The two policemen got to the tree where Akpos was and did not know where to run to. Angrily, one of the policemen retorted:

His colleague replied: “I know him. If I call his name thrice, he will answer me!” On hearing this Akpos laughed from the tree and said to the policemen: “Hahahahaha…if you like call my name from now till next year, I will not answer you. Do you think I’m the Akpos of last year?

In a zoo, there are snakes, elephants and ostriches. A man counted 50 eyes, 6 trunks and 40 legs. How many snakes are in the zoo?

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8,The result of these upper limb dislocations is that His arms were 9 inches longer than normal, as clearly shown on the Shroud. 9,In addition prophecy was fulﬁlled in Psalm 22:14, "I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint." 10,After Jesus' wrists, elbows, and shoulders were dislocated, the weight of His body on his upper limbs caused traction forces on the Pectoralis Major muscles of His chest wall. 11,These traction forces caused His rib cage to be pulled upwards and outwards, in a most unnatural state. His chest wall was permanently in a position of maximal respiratory inspiration. In order to exhale, Jesus was physiologically required to force His body. 12,In order to breathe out, Jesus had to push down on the nails in His feet to raise His body, and allow His rib cage to move downwards and inwards to expire air from His lungs. www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

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A physician analyses the cruciﬁxion 13,His lungs were in a resting position of constant maximum inspiration. Cruciﬁxion is a medical catastrophe. 14,The problem was that Jesus could not easily push down on the nails in His feet because the muscles of His legs, bent at 45 degrees, were extremely fatigued, in severe cramp, and in an anatomically compromised position.

25,Because Jesus could not maintain adequate ventilation of His lungs, He was now in a state of hypoventilation (inadequate ventilation). 26,His blood oxygen level began to fall, and He developed Hypoxia (low blood oxygen). In addition, because of His restricted respiratory movements, His blood carbon dioxide (CO2) level began to rise, a condition known as Hypercapnia.

15,Unlike all Hollywood movies about the Cruciﬁxion, the victim was extremely active. The cruciﬁed victim was physiologically forced to move up and down the cross, a distance of about 12 inches, in order to breathe.

27,This rising CO2 level stimulated His heart to beat faster in order to increase the delivery of oxygen, and the removal of CO2

16,The process of respiration caused excruciating pain, mixed with the absolute terror of asphyxiation.

28,The Respiratory Centre in Jesus' brain sent urgent messages to his lungs to breathe faster, and Jesus began to pant.

17,As the six hours of the Crucifixion wore on, Jesus was less and less able to bear His weight on His legs, as His thigh and calf muscles became increasingly exhausted. There was increasing dislocation of His wrists, elbows and shoulders, and further elevation of His chest wall, making His breathing more and more difficult Within minutes of crucifixion Jesus became severely dyspnoeic (short of breath).

29,Jesus' physiological reﬂexes demanded that He took deeper breaths, and He involuntarily moved up and down the Cross much faster, despite the excruciating pain. The agonising movements spontaneously started several times a minute, to the delight of the crowd who jeered Him, the Roman soldiers, and the Sanhedrin.

18,His movements up and down the Cross to breathe caused excruciating pain in His wrist, His feet, and His dislocated elbows and shoulders. 19,The movements became less frequent as Jesus became increasingly exhausted, but the terror of imminent death by asphyxiation forced Him to continue in His efforts to breathe. 20,Jesus' lower limb muscles developed excruciating cramp from the effort of pushing down on His legs, to raise His body, so that He could breathe out, in their anatomically compromised position. 21,The pain from His two shattered median nerves in His wrists exploded with every movement. 22,Jesus was covered in blood and sweat. 23,The blood was a result of the Scourging that nearly killed Him, and the sweat as a result of His violent involuntary attempts to effort to expire air from His lungs. Throughout all this He was completely naked, and the leaders of the Jews, the crowds, and the thieves on both sides of Him were jeering, swearing and laughing at Him. In addition, Jesus' own mother was watching. 24,Physiologically, Jesus' body was undergoing a series of catastrophic and terminal events.

A physician analyses the cruciﬁxion

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30,However, due to the nailing of Jesus to the Cross and His increasing exhaustion, He was unable to provide more oxygen to His oxygen starved body. 31,The twin forces of Hypoxia (too little oxygen) and Hypercapnia (too much CO2) caused His heart to beat faster and faster, and Jesus developed Tachycardia. 32,Jesus' heart beat faster and faster, and His pulse rate was probably about 220 beats/ minute, the maximum normally sustainable. 33,Jesus had drunk nothing for 15 hours, since 6 pm the previous evening. Jesus had endured a scourging which nearly killed Him. 34,He was bleeding from all over His body following the Scourging, the crown of thorns, the nails in His wrists and feet, and the lacerations following His beatings and falls. 35,Jesus was already very dehydrated, and His blood pressure fell alarmingly. 36,His blood pressure was probably about 80/50. 37,He was in First Degree Shock, with Hypovolaemia (low blood volume), Tachycardia (excessively fast Heart Rate), Tachypnoea (excessively fast Respiratory Rate), and Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

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New Dictionary A physician analyses the cruciﬁxion

38,By about noon Jesus' heart probably began to fail. 39,Jesus' lungs probably began to fill up with Pulmonary Oedema. 40,This only served to exacerbate His breathing, which was already severely compromised. 41,Jesus was in Heart Failure and Respiratory Failure. 42,Jesus said, "I thirst" because His body was crying out for fluids. 43,Jesus was in desperate need of an intravenous infusion of blood and plasma to save His life 44,Jesus could not breathe properly and was slowly suffocating to death. 45,At this stage Jesus probably developed a Haemopericardium.

TERMS

Cigarette: a pinch of tobacco rolled in paper with fire at one end and a "fool" at another. Marriage: an agreement in which a man loses his bachelor degree and a woman gains her masters. Lecture: an art of transferring information from the notes of a lecturer to the notes of the student without "passing through the minds of either." Conference: the confusion of one man multiplied by the numbers present. Doctor: a person who kills your ills with pills and kills you with his bills.

46,Plasma and blood gathered in the space around His heart, called the Pericardium.

Politician: one who shakes your hands before elections and your confidence after the elections.

47,This ﬂuid around His heart caused Cardiac Tamponade (ﬂuid around His heart, which prevented Jesus' heart from beating properly).

Criminal: a guy no different from the rest…………except he got caught. Father: a banker provided by nature.

48,Because of the increasing physiological demands on Jesus' heart, and the advanced state of Haemopericardium, Jesus probably eventually sustained Cardiac Rupture. His heart literally burst. This was probably the cause of His death.

Boss: one who is early when you are late and late when you are early.

49,To slow the process of death the soldiers put a small wooden seat on the Cross, which would allow Jesus the "privilege" of bearing His weight on his sacrum.

Opportunist: a person who starts taking a bath after he accidentally falls in a river. Experience: the name men give to their mistakes.

50,The eﬀect of this was that it could take up to nine days to die on a Cross.

Committee: individuals who can do nothing individually and sit to decide that nothing can be done together.

51,When the Romans wanted to expedite death they would simply break the legs of the victim, causing the victim to suffocate in a matter of minutes. This was called Crucifragrum. 52,At three o'clock in the afternoon Jesus said, "Tetelastai," meaning, "It is finished." At that moment, He gave up His Spirit, and He died. Fear of the future is a waste of the present. 53,When the soldiers came to Jesus to break His legs, He was already dead. Not a bone of His body A house is built by human hands, but a home is built by human hearts. was broken, in fulfilment of prophecy (above). Anger is just one letter short of danger. Men with clinched fists cannot shake hands. 54,Jesus died after six hours of the most excruciating and terrifying torture ever invented. A big head with nothing in it is a burden to the neck. Gentility without ability is total incapability 55,Jesus died so that ordinary people like you and me could go to Heaven. Better light the candle than curse the darkness. If a man deceives me once shame unto him but if he deceives me twice then By Dr. C. Truman Davis shame unto me. 36 The Student Pharmacist www.gpsa.knust.edu.gh

Miser: a person who lives poor so he can die rich.

Tears: the hydraulic force by which masculine will power is defeated by feminine water power. Smile: a curve that can set a lot of things straight. Office: a place you can relax after your strenuous home life. E.T.C: a sign to make others believe that you know more than you can actually do. Philosopher: a "fool" who torments himself during life to be spoken of when dead. Compromise: the art of dividing a cake that everyone believes he got the biggest. Love: a feeling when you feel you feel that you have never felt before

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clinical SKILLS &

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NEW RELEASE I come to you just as I am. I do not have anything to boast of without you. You gave me this life of sound mind, peace and joy from within; contentment! With long life you will satisfy me. You just need to take control and have influence on my life. I might mess it up by my so-called wisdom. Surely there is a way that seems so right, pleasing, and “ok” in the sight of man but the end thereof is indeed death

You need to keep modifying me so I can become very good in your sight. You need to keep altering my release rates and absorption kinetics. A new improvement of drug products is jeered towards reducing side effects, increasing compliance by the patient and modifying release rates and metabolism.

Cimetidine, an H-2 antagonist is a good medication but, although it is Just speak to me anytime, used in duodenal and peptic ulcer anywhere, and design me in a way and Zolliger-Ellison Syndrome; which to be responsive to your call. I just causes impotence in “strong men”, want to hear you speak and teach its half-life is shorter hence me the right things to do. Mould me increasing frequency of in a way that is pleasing in your administration. Ranitidine, sight because you know how I was Famotidine and Nizatidine, in the formed, you know my every step, order arranged, have reduced side before a word appears on my effects and better bioavailability tongue you already know it. I am than Cimetidine. fearfully and wonderfully made! I don’t know which kind of formulation I will be made into. You know the very things that are right for me. Manipulate me that I can always please you. I don’t know if a liquid-dosage form of me or a solid-dosage form will be suitable for administration. Maybe I need to be made into a suspension where my particles will remain suspended and not aggregate or settle at the bottom. Maybe an emulsion form will not be appropriate for me because I am of a special kind and the least inconsistency with preparation will cause a breakdown of the emulsion or cracking of my product. 40

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If man, who was created by God, has the unique ability to think and modify drugs in such intricate patterns, then how much more the GOD who created him?!! Modify me and increase my bioavailability, maybe I need to be released in a sustained form or like Diclofenac, I need to be enteric-coated to protect me from gastric secretions of the stomach until I get to my destination in the intestines. Maybe I need to be administered in a suppository form by the rectal route(you can laugh) in case oral administration is ineffective

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ineffective and transdermal delivery where the application is too slow or I will be obstructed by hepatic first pass effect rendering me

PATIENT counselling event

Maybe I need another drug to potentiate my effect. Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines are hepatic inducers hence increase the metabolism of other drugs but their effects are also felt.

Your word is perfectly synergistic and has enough potency to potentiate my release patterns. The word of GOD can make me who you want me to be. The word of GOD is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword, dividing into asunder soul and spirit…… The word of GOD is much more of a newer advancement than Ranitidine, Famotidine, and Nizatidine. It has no untoward side effects, oral administration is perfect. It has a longer half-life more than that of the anxiolytic drugs. Buspirone, a 5HT1A agonist cannot be likened to the word of GOD in reducing anxiety disorders like; Generalised Anxiety Disorder(GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder(SAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD)……

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PRAYER OF THE PHARM D. STUDENT Lord, you are my cathode ray. You are present in all my matter. You respond to my stimuli when I consult you with the speed of light. You are the Lord of my magnetic ﬁeld, you repel those who decelerate our world and attract those who accelerate to you according to their mass to sin ratio. You ionize sinners, focus them and draw their sin spectrum and their relative amount of abundance. Avogadro said in ohms 3:1, the mole of punishment depends on the initial velocity due world provided repentance becomes directly proportional to ﬁnal velocity due world. Robert Hooke said in Newton 8:12 that you are the true cell and we are the organelles and we are safe under your membranes and your mitochondrion energizes us everywhere we go in your cytoplasm of love. You loved us so much that is why you lost your only proton of three subatomic beings for us to become stable. You turned water into 20mls wine stock solution. You are the lord who overcame gravity and ascended into heaven. Your hands are concentrated with

This agent is a good solubilizing agent which will help you go into solution, He will change olubilization is the spontaneous your property and about you. He has several dissolution of a substance by reversible properties that no matter who you are and the form with which you appear, you end up interaction with the micelles of a being solubilized, hence He forms a stable surfactant in water to form a solution out of you. You may be a polar drug, thermodynamically stable solution (hydrophilic), drug with immediate solubility, with stable solubilized material. hydrophobic but this S.A.A loves you just as you are and wants you in your original state The solubility of a drug which is normally so He can solubilize you into a insoluble or poorly soluble in water can often be improved by addition of a Surface thermodynamically stable solution with Active Agent (S.A.A). Maybe you have tried reduced thermodynamic activity of the all means to make ends meet. Only you and solubilized material. your spirit, soul and mind have tried to go You are the drug and Jesus is the S.A.A. through all those problems. You have tried Depending on the drug, there are diﬀerent dissolving yourself in water but you still possible loci of solubilization of drugs in failed. You are insoluble or sparingly surfactant micelles. When micelles are soluble. Maybe your so-called intellect tells formed at Critical Micelles Concentration you, the water is the cause of your (CMC), polar drugs are absorbed on the insolubility and inadequacies but H2O has surface of the micelles, those with immediate virtually done no wrong. You need solubility are located in intermediate someone to help you go into solution, you positions and non-polar drugs are located in can’t do that all by yourself, someone the inner core of micelle with hydrophobic needs to train you up so that you can be of nature. sound maturity; lacking nothing. You need to be thought the principle underlying solubilization and then know that you once lacked a Surface Active Agent(S.A.A).

Christ has a place for everyone, don’t despise yourself because it seems everyone is leaving you behind and you are left alone to take hard decisions.

blessings. You are the God of Economics; you feed 5000 homosapiens with ﬁve loaves of bread and three ﬁshes. You died but you did not turn fossil by means of

Neither should you let someone dictate or try to predict or foretell your future or look down on you in anyway because you are so awesome in the presence of GOD. He has good plans and thoughts for you. Therefore allow Him to solubilize you. Without Him you will be very unstable and cannot be used for any property or be of importance in the pharmaceutical industry. No manufacturer will employ your formula in preparation since you may be liable to cracking, creaming, phase separation or even attack by microorganisms. So unstable that your expiry date and shelf-life will not be suitable. Your bioavailability will be very poor, plasma proteins will not be bound to your moieties (molecules) and then your concentration in plasma will be very high leading to systemic toxicity. The process of phase 1 and phase 2 metabolisms will be diﬃcult to take place leading to excretion. Therefore Christ is so important and plays a major role in your life. When He solubilizes the solubilizate, i.e. the drug (you as an individual) tends to have a nice appearance and elegance useful for bulk preparation and distribution for everyone to have a share. This is the power of solubilization.

resurrection. Came into my habitat to increase my inertia to overcome and withstand and overcome the devil's momentum and bind any of his mechanism of reaction. Amen

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Fear of the future is a waste of the present. A house is built by human hands, but a home is built by human hearts. Anger is just one letter short of danger. Men with clinched ﬁsts cannot shake hands. A big head with nothing in it is a burden to the neck. Gentility without ability is total incapability

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If a man deceives me once shame unto him but if he deceives me twice then shame unto me.

ORLD

DIABETES DAY

Hello Dorothy, Nature has managed to separate us geographically but thanks to the delocalized electrons which constantly serve as mediators between us we can stay in touch. I was in the lab filtrating, and you came as the end result with a high standard enthalpy of neutralization. Considering the first thermochemical law, identified to write to you with the view that you reverse the reaction. Love, I think we can never be hydrolyzed due to the strong giant interlocking covalent network between our molecules. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay as a buffer solution, love do not fear, not even a strong concentrated HCL acid with pH of 0.8. The large amount of energy produced from our nuclear fusion can be used for combustion in the near future. I love you dear; I will always remain as an acid and will not show any amphoteric property. Your Love, Atto Wilson

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sports World diabetes GPSA PATIENT

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HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR LECTURER?

G A B L I F O P H A R M A C O L O G M E D I L A B I J P G T O L Z A N T O B E R K O P A H P H A G I N P H H O L I I G L E N L I F E B I X T W O T R B K O K I U S P R Y U L O S M O R I G G A O N O I U C K O F I A N N A N E C O R A N R E A M W C T B A

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S J A I L E O T R E V O K I P O I D E I U E O U B D O K R A Y G A E A I T I L L Y O R K R S A M S E J F O P A A B M E R L I N P I N T O R I U K I

I N

E O F W D E V K D L A N E C Y N T H I A D G L B G S I

I H D V Y E K G L S M U E P I D R M A H L O O

U K A D O S R A K U A T E L R O M I I A A Y I D S S W B L T O K I U M Y A F T D O B S S S K E D Y S L A O L E B S J F G M G W O O D E L O R U B O O T I K T B Y E S B F O A R G L R I R B D A M O O U E N Y S O I C K N O L N M B I

I E L A A B I A M R L

A E I A J K O C U D S R E F S O N Y I B L H I S L L T F K B I N A R I T A D I C K S O N I A M O H A O E O Y I N V P P P H D E T E A R R O T H E L I S V S C E B G I S R A I U M A M A N D O S O N E R D E T U G L S V U O D O G A L A Z Y K S O L S E E D V U S Y E T I L F E D I M A T I G Y O S L A E D O I B F A F I A M A R F O P A R A D A N S A H D E L By Matthew Ackah (Pharm 4) ANSWERS Okine Timber Adosraku Kuffour Sobeck Kipo Rita Dickson Merlin Mr.Adu Ainooson Kofi Abotsi Ansah Afia Marfo Agyare Anto Berko Owusu Daaku Agyarko Sam Kofi Annan Mensah Yeboah Cyntia Vivian Gbedema Ofori Kwakye Bayor Buabeng Addotey Miriam Obiri Boakye-Gyasi

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