VACANCY @ MAINLAND'S MOST SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION

Hotel Manager 

An Exciting new opportunity has arisen for a Hotel Manager at One of the mainland's most sought after location.
This boutique and family run hotel is situated in Surulere.
You will have a strong Rooms background from  hotels and hold full responsibility for the hotel operations on a daily basis.

 Job Description

 The key task for the Hotel Manager would be to ensure that these standards and the vision are communicated to the staff consistently.

1. You will have a passion in creating the ultimate relaxation experience for guests.
2.You would be responsible for coordinating all operations of the property to ensure optimum performance in terms of guest experience as well as the key result areas of sales and marketing, property appearance and financial control.
3. You will be responsible for planning and organising accommodation, catering and other derives
4. Additionally, you would be Responsible for maximizing revenues and cash flow through  to meet or exceed budget.
5. Responsible for preparation of property budget and forecasts.
6. Responsible for coordinating and monitoring the progress of business strategies through communication with all department heads. Be the ‘Mine Host’ with an emphasis on guaranteed guest satisfaction
7. Responsible for implementing guest loyalty rewards programme and cultivating repeat business
8. addressing problems and troubleshooting;
9. ensuring events and conferences run smoothly
10. supervising maintenance, supplies, renovations and furnishings;
11. dealing with contractors and suppliers;
12. ensuring security is effective;
13. carrying out inspections of property and services.

Person Specifications:
A minimum of two years of experience as a Hotel Manager or Rooms Division Manager in a Hotel is essential.
Previous opening/re-launching/re-branding experience is advantageous.
Excellent presentation, communication and personnel-management skills.
Please send all CVs to:
 enquiries.wilfred68@gmail.com or admin@wilfred68.com

Are you breast aware?

Heart Talk

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

 Are you breast aware?

As women, our breasts are a very important part of our bodies, they define our femininity, they help nourish our children, and of course men can’t seem to get enough of them! Despite their importance, most women seem not to have a relationship with their breasts.

How serious is it?

In the UK, breast cancer is the most common cancer, about 50,000 women and 350 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. It is the second biggest cause of death from cancer in women. The good news is; more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before!!!! Over 80% of women with breast cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis; more women are surviving longer thanks to advances in research, new treatments, earlier diagnosis, breast screening and breast cancer awareness.

Studies have shown that early detection and treatment of ANY disease, (including breast cancer) is the key to better chances at survival. The question now is: how do we detect breast cancer? The answer is simple: Develop a relationship with your breasts…..

So, how do we detect breast cancer?

1.     Breast self examination:

·        A simple, effective way to detect breast lumps early. It is advocated that we examine our breasts at least once a month. Breast examination can be done while we are in the shower (you are undressed anyway; just take a few minutes to check your breasts).

·         When you examine your breasts regularly, you know what your normal breasts feel like, so when there is an abnormality, it’s pretty quick to detect.

·        Besides a lump, signs of breast cancer can include breast pain, thickening of the skin of the breast, a change in breast size or shape, or nipple discharge.

·        If you notice any unusual changes in her breasts, you should see your doctor immediately, praying or wishing or “rejecting” the lump is not there will NOT help.

2.     Clinical breast examination:

·        A clinical breast exam is a physical exam done by a doctor as part of your regular medical checkup.

·        Your doctor should carefully feel your breasts and underarm for any changes or abnormalities (such as a lump). He/she should visually check your breasts while you are sitting up and physically examine your breasts while you are lying down.

·        It is important to ask your doctor for a breast examination from time to time. 

3.     Mammogram:

·        If you are over 40 years old. Having a mammogram done once a year can help in earlier diagnosis and treatment.

What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast.

·        Mammograms can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms. This type of mammogram is called a screening mammogram. Screening mammograms usually involve x-ray images, of each breast. The x-ray images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt.

·        Mammograms can also be used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found. This type of mammogram is called a diagnostic mammogram.

What are the benefits of screening mammograms?

·        Early detection of breast cancer with screening mammography means that treatment can be started earlier in the course of the disease, possibly before it has spread.

·        Results from studies show that screening mammography can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74, especially for those over age 50.

Now we know our options of detecting early breast cancer, which is the best method?

·        Getting a high-quality screening mammogram and having examining our breasts on a regular basis are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early.

So, you have found a lump… What next?

Wishing or praying the lump away would not help, neither will denying or insisting “it is not your portion” You need to seek help from qualified medical personnel as soon as possible. 

In Nigeria, most people associate breast cancer with a death sentence as the mortality rates are high. This is due most of the time to late presentation. Catching breast cancer early helps improve survival rates exponentially.

October is breast cancer awareness month; this is a fantastic opportunity to get that clinical examination and mammogram done.

So…. What are you waiting for? Make that appointment today……

 DR M. ADANIJO (FMCP)

moni_adanijo@yahoo.com

What exactly is stress and how to manage stress-DR MONI ADANIJO

Heart Talk

Managing Stress

What exactly is stress?

Stress is a state of tension that arises when you experience demands from your environment or from inside yourself. Stress can be a real OR perceived threat.

The truth is: Stress Happens!!

It is important to note that: stress is a normal part of life, especially when going through life changes.

There are so many causes of stress: these include, but are not limited to:

·        Childhood

·        Adolescence

·        Young adult

·        Marriage

·        Parenthood

·        Work

·        Finances

·        Relationships

·        Middle age

·        Aging

·        Injury

·        Moving

·        Death of a loved one

·        Divorce

·        Retirement

·        Pregnancy

·        Beginning or ending formal schooling

What happens to our bodies when we are stressed?

•        When presented with a threatening situation it is our most basic survival instinct to either: engage in a fight or run for our lives…….

•        This is what is known as the “fight or flight” response

•        The body releases chemicals (hormones) to facilitate the body’s response; Adrenaline and Cortisol are released, providing bursts of energy

•        The heart beats faster

•        Breath rate and blood pressure increase

•        Sugar is released into the bloodstream

•        Hearing and sight are enhanced

•        Digestive system and urine production slow to divert blood to more critical areas, such as the brain and muscles

Unfortunately,

This response is rarely necessary and has some side effects that deteriorate our health; which over time can result in:

•

Recurrent Headaches

• Asthma

• Hypertension

• Ulcers

• Low back pain

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Recurrent Upper respiratory tract infections (catarrh)

• Difficulty thinking clearly

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Drug abuse

• Mental illness

• Higher risk for suicide

What can we do to prevent this?

When faced with potentially stressful situations, we must learn to accept the inevitable and protect ourselves from the physical effects of stress. It is important to note that: many stressors can be avoided.

·        Do you have to buy that human hair, or the handbag or latest lace that your friends are wearing?

·        Does it really matter that a car cut in front of you in traffic?

·        I can go on and on…..

·        When you think about stress as something that can affect your health, it may encourage you to take drastic measures.

·        Many are questioning whether “having it all” is worth the effort.

Could you simplify your life?

The truth is: You can’t avoid life. Life is filled with unpredictable ups and downs that will inevitably promote stress.

One suggestion is to change your interpretation of the situation;

·        You are driving on a busy highway and someone cuts right in front of you then slows down.

·        Most of us would yell “IDIOT!” at the top of our lungs.

·        We would be irritated and likely have negative thoughts about the driver.

·        Do you know you have just initiated the “Flight or Flight” response?

·        Your heart is beating faster, sugar is filling your veins and in the next several hours your immune system will function a little less efficiently

·        You are making yourself ill, without even knowing it!!

Let’s look at the situation another way:

·        If you said: “That person must not have been paying attention, we all make mistakes.” “I’ll be okay when I can pass, but it is no big deal.” 

·        Then you are stopping the stress response before it even starts!!!!!

·        Tell yourself that it may not be a bad thing that this is happening right now.

·        At the very least you can learn something from the experience that can help you or others.

To manage stress, it is important to:

Accept the inevitable: You can prepare yourself for potentially stressful events ahead of time. E.g : If you know you have to give a presentation at work or to a crowd, you may practice with a spouse, with friends, or even in front of a mirror. This can reduce or even eliminate the stress response from the actual event.

Protect Yourself: Whether it is a stressor that you can change or one you cannot it important that you practice techniques that prevent the stress response from taking over your body.

Techniques to prevent stress include:

·        Exercise: Exercise boosts “feel good chemicals” in the body called endorphins, which can put you in a better mood and give you more energy. It also reduces anger and improves mental alertness.

·        Deep Breathing: Breath in deeply and slowly.

o   Focus on the air moving in your nose, down your neck into your chest and feel your abdomen push out.

o   Hold your breath for a few seconds.

o    Now exhale slowly.

o   First feel your abdomen contract in towards your spine, then feel the air move through the chest, up the neck, and through your mouth.

o   Visualize stress leaving your body

·        Meditation: Close your eyes and mentally follow the air in and out of your body. As you exhale mentally repeat a soothing word like “Peace”.

·        Do this for 5 to 30 minutes

·        Stretching: Several stretches can be done at your desk in the office.

o   Tilt head to the left and hold.

o   Tilt head to right and hold.

o   Reach arms over the head and interlace fingers.

·        Laugh: as they say “laughter is the best medicine”. So, find ways to add laughter in your life.

o   Buy tapes of comedians you like and listen to them whenever you need a boost.

o   Read joke books or funny books.

o   Watch your favorite comedy on television.

o   Buy movies that are sure to make you laugh.

o   Don’t take yourself too seriously, life is too short.

Most importantly, to avoid stress, let us remember the serenity prayer:

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

DR M.O Adanijo

moni_adanijo@yahoo.com

WHY MORE AND MORE NIGERIANS ARE EATING UP THEMSELVES TO DEATH

We are slowly eating ourselves to death!!!

What exactly is obesity?:

"Overweight and obesity"are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2).

The WHO (World Health Organization) definition is:

a BMI greater than or equal to 25 is overweight
a BMI greater than or equal to 30 is obesity

Or

The absolute waist circumference greater than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women.



Scope of the problem:

Obesity is a worldwide problem, with rates rising steadily through the years.

Worldwide obesity has nearly doubled since 1980.

In 2008, more than 1.4 billion adults, 20 and older, were overweight. Of these over 200 million men and nearly 300 million women were obese.


More than 40 million children under the age of five were overweight in 2011.

Unfortunately, we do not have accurate Nigerian statistics, however, looking around us, we wont be too far off if we  assume the obesity trends are similar in this environment.

Why should we be bothered about what we weigh?

Apart from the fact that the trendy clothes don't come in big sizes, and there may be some difficulty fitting into some seats ( airplanes and park rides inclusive) when we are obese, research has shown that as people become "overweight" and "obese," their risk for developing the following conditions increases:

• Coronary heart disease (angina/ heart attack)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• High cholesterol
• Stroke
• Breathing problems
• Liver and Gallbladder disease
• Cancers (uterus breast, and colon)
• Arthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)
• Gynecological problems (abnormal periods, infertility)

Interestingly, diabetes, hypertension high cholesterol and heart disease have NO SYMPTOMS. By the time an individual starts feeling unwell, COMPLICATIONS HAVE ALREADY SET IN!!!

Many of us have a close friend or relative that has been affected one way or another by a consequence of heart disease.

• The busy, upwardly mobile 40-something year old executive that slumps and dies during a board meeting due to a heart attack or stroke
• The lady that developed kidney failure as a result of long standing diabetes and/ or hypertension that has to undergo dialysis 3 times a week (each session costing over 40,000 naira), while praying and begging for funds and a willing donor to have a kidney transplant and after transplant care.

The list goes on and on....

The good news is: WE CAN PREVENT THIS!

Its time for us to take charge of our health, if not for our sakes, for the sake of our poor children.

So how did we get here?

We would all agree that the reason behind the surge in obesity and attendant diseases is due to lifestyle changes as a direct result of our "affluence" or " rising economic status".

Typical example:
• Mr ABC moves from his air conditioned house to his air conditioned car, takes the elevator to his big office, where he sits for the next 10 hours, during which he orders  greasy, salty food from the nearest "happening" restaurant, washed down with sugary drinks.

At the close of work, to avoid traffic or domestic duty, he stops over at the club to grab a couple of beers with the boys, and smoke a cigar or 2, while eating salty suya/asun/peppered pomo/fish.

He gets home late and hops into bed, ready to start the cycle all over again the next day.

• Our children spend so many hours watching TV/ playing all manner of electronic games. Gone are the days of playing football and " jangrover" with our neighbors.

To combat the ever growing problems of obesity and heart disease we need to:

• Follow a diet made up of fresh fruits, vegetables and healthy carbohydrates and proteins, designed especially for you by a QUALIFIED DIETICIAN
• Reduce intake of fatty, greasy, starchy and sweet meals
• Include exercise to our DAILY schedule, no matter how little
• Encourage our children to partake in outdoor physical activity
• Undergo regular medical examinations with a QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, regardless of if we "feel okay" or not.

Kindly note:
Drugs, herbal supplements, devices and gadgets are not a healthy and effective way to loose weight.

Research has shown that when overweight/obese individuals lose 5%-10% of their body weight, they lower blood pressure, reduce LDL ["bad"] cholesterol, improve glucose tolerance, and in general, lower the risk for heart disease.

So what are you waiting for? Make the change today, do it for the sake of your children.


Dr Monisola Adanijo FMCP
Consultant Cardiologist
moni_adanijo@yahoo.com