“Me nyare n’anso me nti ap)” this is a popular akan saying that can be translated into English as
“I am not ill, yet I feel unwell.” It’s that feeling when you just can’t place a finger on what is not
right with you.
Today, I can confidently inform you that if you have felt this way in the past, you certainly had a
point. Medical science has come a long way and we know that health and wellness go far beyond
what we are used to; pains, heart disease, infections etc. that form physical health/wellness.
Other equally important aspects of wellness exist, and these may be classified as Social, Mental,
Spiritual, Financial and Digital Health and Wellness.
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Do not be surprised when your doctor begins to ask you questions about your social network
such as those you have close ties with i.e., family or friends or both. Longevity depends to a
large extend on one’s social support system or network. This is how the American Heart
Association puts it “lack of SOCIAL CONNECTION is associated with increased risk of
premature death from all causes, especially among men.”
This is no open ticket to spend all of ones after work hours hanging out with friends under the
disguise that you are prolonging your life or reducing your risk of premature death. Moderation
is key in all things and your strong social ties need not be a whole village, all you need is a
handful of loyal friends or family who know you inside out and have your wellbeing at heart.
If you are stressed out or have any mental health challenges, you should be able to speak to a
close friend and sharing your challenge may just be enough or this friend may be able to advice
you appropriately.
It is easy to laugh with such friends and not be worried about being judged and laughter as you
know is MEDICINE. Close contacts may prompt you to take your physical health seriously but
even if they don’t that bond you share, the sense of belonging causes the body to produce feel
good hormones that protect you and prolong your health span. I prefer health span to lifespan
simply because lifespan refers to just being alive but one may not be “living” as you may be
bedridden, in a coma, have multiple organ challenges etc. We should all aim at a long health
span.
The art of building strong social connections is one reason we need to work on getting our
children away from their phones and other gadgets that deprive them of the opportunity to talk to
their peers, share physical contact and form lifelong relationships.
While you work on your social connections, lets breathe our way to great health by following the
steps below and repeat these steps daily;
- Sit in a quiet place
- Avoid tight clothing (so loosen your belt, neck tie or other constricting clothing)
- Take in deep breaths through your nostril and exhale slowly through partially closed lips
- Expand your belly as you breathe in
- Focus on your breathing and forget about everything else
- When your focus drifts off (and it will about 50% of the time), acknowledge the thought
but quickly return to your breathing - Continue breathing in and exhaling for 5 minutes
- Increase the duration of this breathing/ mindfulness over time.
…and remember to teach your friends to breathe too, afterall together you will live a long
healthy and enjoyable life.
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, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness
nutrition and corrective exercise.
Thought for the week – “Lack of sleep may predispose you to many diseases including a
STROKE. Jump into bed an hour earlier and sleep a stroke away. You cannot be healthy during
WAR or VIOLENCE, let’s all pray and work towards PEACE in our WORLD”
