Like all other years, a lot has happened in 2021; COVID-19 continues to ask more questions than we can answer but the world has come a long way, many businesses are slowly getting back to pre-covid levels but others could not make it. Many lives have been lost through heart and blood vessel diseases, economies of most countries including our motherland continue to struggle yet the world moves on and we still have smiles on our faces. No matter what life will go on so never assume life will grind to a halt without you.

Our roads are in a big mess. The traffic continues to amaze me and roads not worthy of cars still exist. Do our taxes mean anything at all?  We have our country to develop and we just do not have time. Anyway it’s Christmas so I should not digress, let us make merry.

During holiday seasons there is always talk of watching what one eats and getting in some physical activity. Yes these are very important but a healthy life is not just about getting ones numbers right (very important though), it also involves making time to relax, play, have fun, love and laugh like you have no cares in the world.

Enjoying life however should not be reserved for Christmas only. Plan your life such that you can have fun throughout the year, and it does not have to cost you loads of money. Start off this Christmas and make a conscious effort to enjoy life often knowing that your heart will be singing a melodious tune.

This Christmas and beyond I plan to tackle the areas below in addition to getting my numbers right;

1. I will strengthen my social support network
   1. I will spend more time doing volunteer work. Touching more lives in a positive way
   2. I will join a new club or participate more in club activities
   3. I will spend more time with church and church-related activities
   4. I will learn to be a better listener and show more appreciation

1. I will relax and have fun often
   1. I have a number of novels I have not read, this is the time to schedule reading time every week. You may choose another way to relax such as listening to music or dancing. Even a five-minute break a day as “me-time” can me life changing
   2. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercise will be part of my life and I hope to squeeze in some good massage often. What about you?
   3. Laughter will be a priority in my life. Hello to comedy shows, funny movies and sharing jokes with friends. I will learn to laugh even if it means forcing it. I aim to laugh no matter what for the first 2 hours of my wakeful hours and I believe it will carry me through the day. I will not be bothered by the careless driving on the streets of Accra and neither will the early morning traffic spoil my morning; I will laugh no matter what. Will you do the same?

1. I will aim at reducing stress
   1. Stress is consistently being blamed for many disease conditions. We seem to be rushing in life every day and I am no exception. Time to scale back and sniff the morning air.
   2. I will get fitter so I can do more in less time and also be able to do more of the things I love.
   3. I will organize my time and avoid being caught up in social media excesses when it’s not time to engage in that.
   4. I will plan ahead, that will save me a lot of time

1. I will be flexible and set realistic goals
   1. If I am unable to achieve all my health, spiritual, professional and relationship goals, I will not consider myself a failure. Life is not an all or nothing game and neither is achieving heart-health.

Enjoy yourself but avoid excesses while you keep an eye on your numbers. Do not forget its Christ’s Birthday and not yours so share the fun with him.

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/St. Andrews Clinic

(www.healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Essel is a Medical Doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness nutrition and corrective exercise.

Thought for the week – “Studies have shown that intense and unresolved anger increases the risk of heart attack .The good news: Laughing has been found to be beneficial for your heart.”

References:

• Mayo Clinic “Essential Heart Guide’ 2012