Some friends may lead you astray but making wise choices and having people you can rely on any day is a game changer. Some may just listen to you rant and that is good enough. It eases your stress. Some will advise on certain healthy choices and insist.

Friends could be blood relations, colleagues, schoolmates, members of a social club and many others. They all play critical roles. Social connections affect us positively in many ways including the following;

1. It improves ability to recover from stress, anxiety and depression
   1. You may have experienced that feeling when after talking to a friend you feel like a heavy load has just been lifted off you
2. Promotes healthy eating, physical activity and improved sleep
   1. I am aware some friends may cause you to drink heavily or eat mounds of food at a go. Maybe you may need to “change” such friends or move on
3. Prevents or reduces bad outcomes from chronic diseases such stroke, hypertension, diabetes and kidney failure
   1. It’s amazing how friends or family will come together to even raise funds to help you get medical care, assist you with transportation to a health facility or even drag you to get medical care while you throw a tantrum.

My advice to you for today and at least once a week;

1. Call a friend and chat
2. Meet with family, friends or colleagues and share a meal, drinks or just spend quality time together.
3. Make friends if you have none
4. Hug a friend!

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd/ Mobissel

(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Essel is a medical doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine. He holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness nutrition and corrective exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’

Thought for the week – “We are by nature social creatures and our health and wellbeing depends on the quality of relationships we make. You can’t live as an island and expect to blossom.”- Dr. Kojo Essel