Myths And Facts About Coffee

A study claims that coffee can increase stamina and help weight loss but most health experts warn against drinking it. So what is the truth about coffee? Here is a separsation of myths from facts by Amy Anderson

1. Coffee is fat-free - MYTH
After brewing, espresso coffee contains 2.5% fat. Filter coffee contains 0.6%. It's mainly the milk or cream taken with the coffee that adds fat.

2. Coffee makes you more physically active - FACT
Caffeine -- the main active ingredient in coffee -- acts as a mild stimulant on the central nervous system. This, in turn, is responsible for boosting alertness when individuals are tired -- during night-shift work, on a long journey, or after lunch when the body's circadian rhythm is at its lowest.

3. Coffee is just a quick stimulant - MYTH
The stimulant effect of coffee peaks in the blood 15 to 45 minutes after drinking -- but may persist for hours. How fast your body deals with caffeine depends on your metabolic rate, but its expulsion is slowed by pregnancy, medications such antacids and the Pill.

4. It's always hard to give up coffee - MYTH
A tiny percentage of the population, who may be sensitive to the mild stimulant effects of caffeine, may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as headache and lethargy, if they suddenly stop drinking coffee. These symptoms can be avoided by cutting down gradually over a few days. Most people just feel slightly less alert in the mornings when they stop drinking coffee.

5. Drinking coffee is an aid to weight loss - FACT
Caffeine has been shown to lead to a temporary increase in the metabolic rate and the rate of fat breakdown. Although increases in energy expenditure caused by caffeine are small, they may be of benefit in some weight-loss programs.

6. Coffee can make you more mentally alert - FACT
Caffeine can boost the speed of rapid information processing by 10%, and a cup of coffee after lunch helps to counteract the "post-lunch dip" in ability to sustain concentration. It can also make you less drowsy when you have a cold, and can stimulate sensory nerves.

7. Coffee is certain to make it hard to sleep - MYTH
The effect of caffeine on the ability to fall asleep differs hugely between individuals. Some people who drink coffee in the evening find they have no problems sleeping; others find its stimulant effect means it takes them much longer to fall asleep.

8. The darker the roast, the stronger the coffee - MYTH
The darkness of a coffee roast depends on how long it has been left to roast for, and lighter roasts often have a stronger flavor. Darker roasts are more acidic, which can make the taste better or worse, depending on your personal preference.

9. Coffee is a diuretic - MYTH
With normal consumption of three or four cups a day, studies have found the diuretic effects of coffee to be negligible. It's only when there's a high intake that appears to have a diuretic effect.

10. Drinking coffee causes cancer - MYTH
Thousands of research projects have been carried out to investigate any links between coffee consumption and the development of cancer. In 1997, the World Cancer Research Fund published a comprehensive review of diet and cancer. It stated: "Most evidence suggests that regular consumption of coffee and/or tea has no risk of cancer at any site."


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Faculty of Pharmacy OAU Inducts 99 Fresh Pharmacists

Inductees in their Colourful gowns

The atmosphere of the Oduduwa Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University was certainly a joyful one on Tuesday, 27th September 2016 as students who had completed their five-year undergraduate degree programme in the Faculty of Pharmacy were inducted as Pharmacists.

The induction which began at about 10am had in attendance several dignitaries, parents and friends of the inductees, who glowed effortlessly in their induction gowns.

Addressing the inductees in his address, the keynote speaker of the event, Pharmacist Tayo, advised the new pharmacists to continue to develop themselves especially by acquiring several other skills which would give them an edge in the outside world. The programme also featured a brief presentation by Mr Reuben Tamarau Tenna, who had the best final year project and was also the class representative of the graduating class.

Upon the administration of the Pharmacist's oath by the registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Pharmacist Muhammad, who was duly represented, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy OAU, Professor Adebajo, presented the best graduating student of the Faculty for the 2015/2016 class in person of Miss Olaoye Tosin. Miss Tosin, who graduated with a cumulative grade index of 4.81, was well celebrated at the event as several prizes were awarded her.

Also at the event, Several practicing pharmacists and dignitaries were recognised for their tremendous contributions to the development of the profession. Amongst them are Professor C. Onyeji, former Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University, Princess Ojo, Pharm Siji Olamiju of Akol Groups, HRM Oba Olatunde Falabi, the Akire of Ikire land, Dr Raymond Zard of the Zard Groups etc. Several other Pharmacists and other dignitaries were also present at the event.

⁠⁠⁠Before You Call Us Names; Get Your Facts Right

The attention of the management of OAU Peeps News Agency has been drawn to a misleading information allegedly churned out by one Mr. Rasak Ayoola. He claimed that OAU Peeps News Agency, has at a point in time published news reports without adequate investigation and evidence.

Mr Rasaq mentioned this at the National Association of Nigerian Campus Editors (NANCE) Southwest Regional Workshop that held in Ibadan, on Saturday the 24th September, 2016.

As much as we at OAU Peeps remain very open to public suggestions on how we can improve on our service delivery, and constructive criticism that will up our redefined journalism, we will not tolerate any form of misleading information, which we strongly believe was aimed at defaming the agency.

Mr Ayoola, is said to be the the South West Regional Editor of the Business Day newspaper and a 200 level student of the Faculty of Law. We are not sure if he really understands the operations of our news agency over the past few years, but perhaps he commits this offence he accuses the agency of. Obviously, we expected a mainstream journalist like him to make proper investigations before making assertions.

We are also surprised that some of our friends in the campus journalism sphere could also fall for this cheap propaganda as we have seen a couple of them publishing this falsehood.

In the meantime, we want to reassure our esteemed readers that OAU Peeps remains the news agency you trust, and we will continue to serve you unrepentantly.

Thank you.

Ojelabi Jesujoba
For the OAU Peeps Team

DSA Invites Prospective NYSC Members To Important Meeting

The Division of Students Affairs, Obafemi Awolowo University has invited all final year students/prospective Corp members to a meeting with NYSC officials on briefing and sensitization on NYSC matters.

The meeting is scheduled for 29th of September, 2016 at the Ajose Lecture Theatre by 10am prompt.

Looking Classy On A Rainy Day

Everyone will agree that the weather these days has not been very friendly, especially to us here on OAU campus. We have been experiencing this chameleon-like weather these days; having it bright and sunny one minute, then grey and raining heavily the next. This has been a bother to many of us whose activities get interrupted due to the rain. Getting drenched on the way to class is definitely not going to look good or classy at all.

However, it is still possible to remain fashionable, even on a suddenly rainy day. I'll share some tips on how you can maintain your style in this season.

Firstly, this goes for us ladies. Our hair becomes a concern when it rains and gets wet. So it will be wise for ladies to keep a shower cap handy at all times. It's portable and protects your hair. So before you step out on a seemingly bright day, ensure that you have your shower cap. Also try to wear your hair in a bun or ponytail which is easier to control.

For your dressing too, wearing whites on a rainy day is totally a no-no. It will most likely get stained. You can rather touch up your look with a trendy jacket or coat. This will even keep you warm on a chilly day.

In addition, leather shoes or sandals are not so good for the rainy season. This is because they soak up water and dry very slowly. Instead you can go for jelly shoes, or sturdy rubber shoes that are not loose, to avoid squirting dirt on yourself. These are  actually more durable.

Lastly, ladies again, water proof makeup will be a great idea. Water proof mascara and eyeliner will help you maintain that lovely look. You can also go light on your foundation, or avoid it altogether. Your umbrella can also be made to match your outfit. It actually looks very nice.

These are some tips that can come useful for you in this rainy season. That is, if you must look gorgeous and classy despite the bustling activities of school life.

(Akinfenwa Olaitan is a student of the Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife and a member of the OAU Peeps Team.)

Students Lament Over EGL204 Results

It was toward the eventide of the 16th September - Thursday that one of the core courses at the department of English Language at the Faculty of Arts, EGL 204 result was released for her students to check. The result was overly poor for almost all of them. A correspondent of OAU Peeps News Agency was able to gather from a Student (whose name would not be disclosed) that the results were quite inconsistent. According to Dupe(not real name), at first, she checked and saw that she was 'given' 24 in total, over 100 marks.

Another affected student lamented, "how can I score below 20 over all!" And Tolu (not real name) explained that he believed he merited and expected much than what was given him.

Our correspondent also learnt that after the first upload, few left for the department to lodge complaints, they were made to understand it was due to some terrible error which would be rectified in no time. However after the alleged correction, it ws said that the grades of the few with good marks before, if not all, nosedived to Ds, Es and F s. The result was reloaded again, even, nothing was changed. And on the 22nd September, the result became cleared on the students eportal accounts - the latest development.

However at the moment, many students still believeIt that there would most plausibly be, another reload, from the department and or the bodies in charge, that would most expectedly reflect the actual grades, of her confused students.

The Pharmacist: Beyond The Science – Pope Jay

The origin of man has continued to remain one of the mysteries beyond his reach. While some have tried to answer this question of man’s source within the confines of logic, some others believe a force beyond man’s comprehension is responsible for his existence. So far, none of these standpoints is yet to achieve an absolute answer. However, studying the flora and fauna components of the earth, the geography of the earth and some other important factors, some basic facts can be established. The Charles Darwin’s theory of Evolution is one of such facts: The fact that it is only organisms that can successfully adapt to their environment that survive. The Homo sapiens is one of the most successful animals on the surface of the earth. The reason for this is not far-fetched; it is mainly due to her ability to adapt to her environment and even optimize some alterations to it, even though some unintended effects often arise from her escapades in this process.

   Science has been described as man’s unending search for the truth; the truth about himself, the truth about his environment both living and non-living etc. On a number of occasions, man has succeeded at discovering some of these “truths” and for others, he continues to search. In the course of his search, man has uncovered some hidden perks and gifts of nature. One of such gifts is the medicinal effect of quite a number of resources in nature.

Pharmacy is defined as the art, practice or profession of preparing, preserving, compounding, and dispensing medical drugs. A drug is any substance that produces an effect, toxic or beneficial, on the human body and it usually of plant, animal or mineral origin. The apothecary is the one that has chosen to dedicate his life to the endless search of the truth about these medicines. He is like every other man yet he cannot be like every other. It is often said that no man is above mistakes, but the pharmacist has to be closer to perfection than most because the smallest mistake on his path could end the lives of many. He has to know “what part of what works for what for who”, he then has to find the best way to isolate useful components from larger sources and if possible, replicate without diminishing beneficial effects. He is faced with the challenge of finding the most suitable form of use that will produce the effect he requires with little or no side effects. He then as to fit into the health team so he can properly guide other medical practitioners and the general public in the use of his products.

The pharmacist over the years has had to bear this burden; marrying the mortar and pestle, making the laboratory his home and the dispensary his workplace. However, with the evolution of a more patient oriented practice; leading to an increased level of interaction between the pharmacist and his patient, many more abstract features of the pharmacist are now coming to light. Whilst many are still strongly of the opinion that a health care provider should have little or no emotional connection with the patient to ensure optimal care, new findings have started to show that the psychological state of the patient plays a major role in determining his state of health and response to any treatment. Often times, the patient, apart from medication, also needs some level of emotional assurance and reliability in therapy and in the African system where most issues of mental health are not handled until acute stages, the pharmacists plays a major role in this aspect.

Even though several schools of thought would probably disagree at some point. It is hard to really understand what goes on in the mind of your health care provider as you lay your complaints to him; was he silently mocking you? Was he thinking of how he could make maximum profit off of you? Or maybe he just didn’t care and was just doing his job? The truth is maybe we would never know. But in the end, beyond all the science and economics, one primary factor remains constant; he cares! The pharmacist is often a friend, confidant and counsellor.

#WorldPharmacist'sDay
#VivaLaPharmacie


(Pope Jay is a student of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife and a member of the OAU Peeps Team.)