Medical Article YAWA

Long post but I will explain. Wrote an article for a mag in Lagos which was deemed inadequate by the Editor. Our recent mails below. I took umbrage in his remark that article does not appear to be written by a Doctor. Perhaps he expected to see words like Endoscopic retrograde Cholangio-pancreatography. I think this is symptomatic of the Nigerian idea that Doctor should 'fire' big voluminous words to justify their degrees.
I have posted the said article lower down.
What do you think?



HE SAYS

Dear Doc,

I got your text. Sorry I’m replying this late…so much to do and I am in Abuja for a conference.

I received your article.

I have a couple of problems with it. Firstly, I find that a lot of what is contains is readily available to anyone who can browse the web. It doesn’t read like something written by a medical doctor. While I am not saying that it should have read like a page from a medical periodical, it still doesn’t have the strength of an article by a qualified medical practitioner.

I cannot use this article as it is.

To move on, I would like you to rewrite this by picking anyone of the ideas you; sent let see how it goes with other your idea.

Just let me know what you’ve picked.

Cheers.

REPLY


My brother, we may have to end our correspondence here o.

That was 4 hours of work. I value my time at £ 80 an hour.
You say the article does not look written by a medical Doctor- well, how many non medics know what immunisations are required in the tropics.
I could write an article that you would not understand - but with the public- communication is the key.
That is my style.

Will definitely not re write.

Thanks for communication and all the best with you mag.
Will pass on article to someone else

Dr Wilson Orhiunu

ARTICLE

Five things to do and not to do in 2008 to improve your health
By
Dr Wilson Orhiunu
MBBS. FRCS.FRCSI.DRCOG. MRCGP
Dr Wilson Orhiunu is a writer and General Practitioner in Birmingham UK and also Academy and reserve team Doctor with Birmingham City Football Club.


Five things to do.
1.
Exercise
Physical activity lasting 20 minutes three to four times a week is will produce health benefits. The type of exercise engaged in will be a factor of experience, age, general health and perhaps socio-economic factors.
Walking however is one of the most cost effective ways of acquiring fitness. Training is not required and all that is required is a good pair of trainers. As fitness improves more strenuous forms of exercise could be engaged in. Membership of a well- equipped gym is beneficial.
Benefits of exercise
Exercise reduces the chances of death in previously healthy people and in those with heart disease and diabetes
Exercise also reduces the chance of developing various illnesses such as Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension, Strokes, Cancer and Depression.
Psychological benefits also abound. There is an improvement in self esteem associated with fitness. The improved strength, power, agility and endurance provides a self -confidence that impacts positively on mental well being.
2. Watch your caloric intake
Eating in moderation with reduce the chances of developing Obesity and its complications such as heart disease, diabetes, lethargy, low self esteem and joint problems.

3. Have a positive mental attitude
A positive attitude to life will reduce stress. Thought processes in times of stress are usually of a poor quality and will hamper problem solving.
Tips for improving our attitude include
- Having ‘complaining fasts’- go 2 weeks without complaining about anything . If things need changing, do so but don’t complain.
- Laugh daily
- Avoid those who also complain or never make you laugh.
- Be content.
-
4. Relax
Sleep daily. 7 to 8 hours should be adequate for most adults but individual requirements vary. A good night will boast your immune system and improve both concentration and cognition. Tired people usually don’t look or feel their best (hence the term beauty sleep), so get more sleep and look great.
Apart from sleep, other ways of relaxing could be through listening to music, physical intimacy loved ones, having a massage or watching comedy or drama programmes.

5. Have a yearly medical check up
Depending on where you live and where you intend to visit, make sure you are up to date with your immunisations. Discuss with your Doctor about a Typhoid, Meningitis, Tetanus, and Hepatitis vaccine. Make sure you had childhood immunisations- Diptheria, Pertusis and Polio and the Measles , Mumps and Rubella vaccines.
As part of a health check up your Doctor will usually check your blood pressure, weight and height (to estimate your BMI; Body mass Index) and run a few laboratory tests such a Full blood count for anaemia, liver and kidney functions and a glucose level to exclude diabetes. Men above 50 years of age may require a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) to screen for Prostate Cancer. Cardiac screening will include an ECG and Echocardiography were indicated

Five things not to do

Smoke
Stopping smoking prolongs your life. In 24 hours the body is rid of the poisonous Carbon monoxide gas obtained from cigarette smoke and in 1 and 10 years the risks of heart attacks and lung cancer are halved respectively

Unprotected sex
HIV, Hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted infections are be prevented by use of a condom or abstinence

Drive above the speed limits – Speed kills. Always have your seat belt on and never drive after a drink of alcohol.
Take drugs or excessive alcohol – Recreational drugs such as Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin are harmful to the body and mind. Excessive alcohol ( above 21 units and 14 units a week for men and women respectively) is also harmful.
Engage in self sabotage
Avoid activities that damage your body or mind. Doing all things in moderation is a good rule