Over the years I have maintained that “your health is your responsibility, take control.” Why? There is a limit to what a government, employer, church, family etc. can do for you. In many instances even if everything was made available you still need to make an effort to take advantage. No one can exercise for you and not even a mother’s love makes it possible for her to eat on your behalf so that you reap the benefits. If you refuse to wash your hands appropriately you will be punished for it but unfortunately this time round you may cause many others to suffer.

Is there a way of forcing a mask on one’s face to protect others as well as yourself? We all need to take responsibility for our health and even go the extra mile to educate others whose behaviour may be simply because they do not appreciate the issues.

So with the lockdown lifted what are some essential reminders or advice that may make a difference in our lives?

As Dr. Ama Essel, a Public Health Specialist has noted, many people are rushing to get their hair fixed and danger may be lurking in the open for all and she gives as these golden nuggets;

Hair Essentials During COVID-19

1. Wash your natural hair and plait at home
2. If you must go to the salon, take a pair of new gloves or insist the hairstylist uses a new set when working on your hair
3. You and your hairstylist should wear face masks
4. Use fresh towels only or even better take your own fresh towel
5. All wigs bought must be hung out for at least 72 hours. Blow dry if possible before wearing
6. Take your comb or insist the comb used for you is washed with soap and running water

I am extremely passionate about face masks now especially as we all trudge around freely. MASKING IS A MUST!

1. It is UNACCEPTABLE to leave home without a properly fitted mask
2. If you do NOT have a mask on I strongly believe that for your own sake as well as the health of others;
   1. You SHOULD NOT be allowed into public places
   2. You SHOULD NOT be allowed to use public transport
   3. You SHOULD NOT enter buildings, homes, shops, offices without a mask and we all need to adhere strictly to this

Then let us not forget the others we have been doing so far. I already see fatigue rearing its head but we need to tackle this extremely seriously.

1. Handwashing with soap and running water is a DIY (DO IT YOURSELF) vaccine. Let us do this religiously because our life depends on it. In the absence of that a good sanitizer may be used
2. Social Distancing is still extremely important and we should assume everyone has the infection till proven otherwise.

Finally it is not a crime to get COVID-19. No one intentionally goes out there to court the infection and we should not STIGMATISE anyone.

Do remember to take every opportunity educate people in addition go out of your way to educate people about COVID-19; by working together we shall WIN.

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 – #educatecosyourlifedependsonit

Contribution

1. Dr. Ama Essel, Public Health Specialist