When you are lucky enough to have those who make your heart tick close by do make the best
out of the time especially now that it’s proven that enjoying life does benefit the heart. At the
same time act responsibly at all times; if you have to meet with family who do not live with you,
let us do it outdoors. Encourage everyone you know to get vaccinated against COVID-19 so that
life can return to what we knew only a few years ago.
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.
Check out Cobba’s Health and Wellness for Christmas 2021
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;
- I will strengthen my social support network
a. I will spend more time doing volunteer work. Touching more lives in a positive
way
b. I will join a new club or participate more in club activities
c. I will spend more time with church and church-related activities
d. I will learn to be a better listener and show more appreciation
A family having fun
- I will relax and have fun often
a. 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
b. 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?
c. 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?
- I will aim at reducing stress
a. 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.
b. I will get fitter so I can do more in less time and also be able to do more of the
things I love.
c. I will organize my time and avoid being caught up in social media excesses when
it’s not time to engage in that.
d. I will plan ahead, that will save me a lot of time
- I will be flexible and set realistic goals
a. 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
