I have already attended a couple of Christmas Concerts but I certainly can’t feel Christmas in the air even though some decorations are already up. Where are the Christmas Carols? The airwaves should be blasting them all day. I am sure many people are waiting for January 1^st to dive into New Year Resolutions. Yes it is a good thing to start on a day that is easy to remember but it needs not be January 1^st. Let us get started with critical information that when followed will impact positively on whatever our health goals may be. Never before has a Healthy Lifestyle been so fashionable.

Every point listed is crucial, read it, digest it and certainly make a point to change your life appropriately with the information.

1. Lack of exercise increases the risk of developing heart disease by 150%. At least start walking today.

1. Reduce your salt and fat intake and increase your fruit and vegetable portions to improve your heart health.
2. Sometimes the first time you will know you have high blood pressure is when you have a STROKE ….make it a point to check your blood pressure within the next 24hours and then at least twice a year even if you do not have high blood pressure.
3. If you are a Diabetic, talk to your doctor about protecting your kidneys and checking your lipids (cholesterol) periodically. Have your eyes examined by an Eye Specialist at least once a year.
4. If you are over 40 years (Male) and you have never had your Prostate screened, have it DONE immediately!
5. If you have back pain, DO NOT stay in bed beyond 72 hours…..some movement may be beneficial. If you are unable to get out of bed, then you need to SEE a doctor IMMEDIATELY.
6. Obesity predisposes you to most of the FATAL FIVE (5):

• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Lung Disease

   9.  Your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes is increased if:

• You have diabetics in your family
• You are overweight
• You lead a sedentary life (limited activity)
• You are over 40 years old

If you have never tested for diabetes (by checking your blood sugar) make sure you do this within one week.

10. Weight bearing(includes walking and strength training exercises) exercises and  calcium-rich foods or calcium supplements will reduce your risk of developing Osteoporosis, (loss of bone mass) which can lead to fractures that may change your life for ever211.   Breast Cancer is the second commonest cancer among women in Ghana. It accounts for 15% of all cancers and 40 % of female cancers in Ghana

12. Majority of breast cancer patients in Ghana are between the ages of 40-49 years

13. A total of one woman is diagnosed of breast cancer worldwide every three (3)   minutes.

By the time you finish reading this article; about five (5) women would have been diagnosed of breast cancer. How alarming! It is worth noting that men are NOT “exempted” from breast cancer. We are also at risk.

My advise to you is simple – Woman and Man know thy breast in the interest of breast health.

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 – “A Healthy Lifestyle is in Vogue; adapted from my book Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth. Join us for a launch date on Saturday 21^st December 2019 from 4pm to 7pm at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel.  ”

References:

1. Citifmonline
2. www.healthclubsgh.com
3. Health by Choice Not Chance by A. Ludington & Hans Diehl