Matters of the Heart

By Timi Ogunjobi

This book could save your life ! Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world . People of all ages and backgrounds can get the condition. Matters of The Heart is an educational story set in The Union Club, a social club where two doctors have been invited to educate members on how to minimise their chances of contracting a cardiovascular disease , and how to improve their chances of surviving one. To the gathered members made up mostly of businesspersons, company executives as well as assorted professionals and tradesmen , Dr Vaughan discusses the relationship between hypertension , heart attack and stroke ; and shows how lives could be saved by paying attention to certain symptoms. Dr. Smith shows the disastrous consequences of stress on general well-being and advises on how to attain a less stressful lifestyle. Matters of The Heart is for everyone, young and old. The purpose of this book is to enable you live a more wholesome and healthier life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: xceedia publishing
• Release date: Nov 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9783955775612

Book preview

THE UNION CLUB

Matters of the Heart

A Cardiovascular Health Education Story

Cognisci Information Systems and Technologies for Development Foundation

Cognisci Information Systems and Technologies for Development Foundation (CISTDF) works in the fields of Education, Health, Poverty Reduction, Environment, Sustainable Development, Technology, Culture, Women Empowerment and Professional training. CISTDF develops frameworks, devices, publications, software and training resources which promote and support social growth and which specifically make health, education and employment more easily available.

To contribute to the programs of CISTDF , please contact through the web site: http://www.cogniscifoundation.org

ISBN : 978-1-291-52660-8

© 2013 Cognisci Information Systems and Technologies for Development Foundation

and Rotimi Ogunjobi

Editors:

Rotimi Ogunjobi

Omotayo Keyide.

Contents

A DAY AT THE UNION CLUB

THE SILENT KILLER

ROAD BLOCK

SYSTEM SHUTDOWN

OVERLOAD

YOUR LIFE IN YOUR HANDS

A DAY AT THE UNION CLUB

When Dr. Vaughan arrived at the Union Club hall together with Dr. Smith, he was surprised at the number of people assembled there.

It was a bright and sunny Saturday morning, a day for playing golf, and other leisure activities - not for any serious function. Yet the club hall was almost full and still more people were arriving. The Union Club was the local social club. The members were mostly businessmen and women, company executives as well as assorted professionals and tradesmen. Dr. Vaughan had been invited to deliver a lecture. It was titled ‘Body Wise – Matters of the Heart’. The event was scheduled for 11.00 a.m. but it was still 10.45 a.m. when he arrived.

Dr. Vaughan was an expert on vascular health and he had many times been invited to give similar lectures, but the attendance had always been unimpressive. This was why the number of people assembled at this particular venue surprised him. Ordinarily, it appeared that few people wanted to be educated on how their internal organs worked, and would rather prefer that they conveniently remain out of anyone’s sight and mind.

‘Are you sure that we are in the right venue?’ Dr. Smith had asked, also obviously surprised.

‘I hope so,’ Vaughan answered him.

They were met by Mr. Foley, the Secretary of the Union Club, who welcomed them both warmly. Mr. Foley was a good natured gentleman, but a compulsive cigarette smoker.

‘Thank you for coming, doctor,’ he said. ‘The natives are getting restless.’

Vaughan introduced Dr. Smith.

‘Dr. Smith is a psychiatrist. You will soon find out why I brought him,’ he explained. ‘But how did you get so many of your members here today?’ he wanted to know. Foley laughed.

‘It is a long story. As you probably don’t know, we lost our former secretary two months ago. He had a heart attack. I was unfortunately the assistant at this time. So, here I am today - in a dead man’s shoes; and frankly, I am finding them too tight for my poor feet. The job is too exerting. I’d rather be just an ordinary member like almost everybody else. I want to just drink my beer, play poker and go home to my family.’

Foley finished his cigarette and immediately lit another one.

‘I never imagined there could be so much work for a club secretary to do. No wonder my predecessor had a coronary. So, when the club President suggested a health lecture for the club members, I was the happiest amongst the whole lot. That’s why I brought you here.’

‘I feel much honored,’ Vaughan replied. ‘Nevertheless, I congratulate you on being able to make so many of them to attend. Usually, very few people want to talk to a heart doctor. It must appear like a criminal being brought in front of a ruthless judge.

’‘It was no big deal,’ Foley said. ‘First, I reminded them how Mr. Chuckie, the previous Secretary, went. Then I made a promise to attend the funeral of anyone who missed this lecture. I think they are more afraid than interested in the lecture. Nevertheless, I’d say the end has justified the means.’

THE SILENT KILLER

The hall was not big but at least two hundred people were seated inside, exchanging banter and small talks. It reminded Dr. Vaughan of a university lecture room. Foley rang a small bell and the crowd quieted and came to attention.