Cobba’s health wellness guide for Christmas 2021
There is something special about Christmas; just the thought of it either overwhelms you with excitement or you may be drowned with anxiety as panic bells keep ringing. When a budget is read close to Christmas then you can imagine its impact. All the Christmas frenzy virtually melts away by 6 p.m. on December 25. When all is said and done remember that the season marks Christ’s birthday not yours, so make Him the focus and give Him all the glory. Just like 2021 appears to have been a sprint, January 2022 will be here soon and yes January will once again be the “longest” month of the year so be careful. Let’s take a look at some of these areas as we prepare for the Christmas carols and décor that seem to be avoiding the limelight as much as possible.
Climate Change and Christmas
These days the sun is really bluffing. It can get so hot one’s brain seems to melt.
• Climate Change has made the weather so unpredictable we may even end up with rain on Christmas Day. Remember to protect yourself from extreme heat. When planning for an event don’t assume it won’t rain. Stay safe at all times.
Insane traffic, driving and accidents
• The traffic in the capital has been ridiculous and this trend started over a month ago. It promises to get worse and we can all help by
• Working from home if your job allows that
• Carpooling
• Planning trips well to avoid traffic and wasting fuel; and the price of fuel is no child’s play
• Staying in traffic may tempt you to get on your phone but “Don’t Drive & Text. You are an ACCIDENT IN WAITING if you do.
” COVID-19 does not “celebrate” Christmas
• Christmas 2021 appears to be one that Sikaman will receive many “guests” from far and wide and they will definitely want to chill.
• There will be parties and many large gatherings and excited people tend to forget that there are protocols to follow and COVID-19 does not recognise Christmas; at least it didn’t when I last checked.
• I am sure you remember that at about the same time in 2020 we seemed to be enjoying a “break” from COVID till election campaigns, Election Day, celebrations and Christmas joy eroded all our gains. Re
member that and stay safe.
Party preparation & an excuse to indulge
• This festive season do not skip your meals in preparation for a party. Hunger will make you overeat and also you are prone to making bad choices as your stomach churns. • If you have an evening function that involves food eat a heavy healthy lunch at home and ensure you are well hydrated. This will reduce the tendency to overeat.
• At a buffet, serve yourself and move away. Do not find excuses to stay by the food and snacks.
• You are not expected to “try” everything that is served. Pick a few of your favourite and let the rest be.
• Your days are packed but since almost everyone will indulge, make time to exercise most days even if it’s for less than 10 minutes
• You can even walk in place at your bedside and add my all-time favourites of pushups, squats and planks.
• At parties, church programmes and other functions take every opportunity to dance; well that is exercise and also keeps you away from the food and drinks.
• Alcohol has a way of making
everything “enjoyable” – be careful of what and how much you drink because you will end up making THE WRONG CHOICES. I can guarantee that
• This does not mean coloured drinks loaded with sugar are a good substitute. Remember moderation is key.
Keeping wellness on track?
• Make time to SLEEP. There is the temptation to be part of every “show”, slow down. It’s not the end of life
• Make time to breathe, your body including your mental health will be grateful to you
• Do not “over” indulge during the season. It will soon be over and you will have to start all over again. Remember what it took to reach your goals …
Financial wellness and heartbreaks
• If you have not been putting money away all year for gifts, fun-time and other expenses, this is no time to “squeeze” because something else will have to give; rent, mortgage, car payment, school fees, food for January 2022 etc.
Keep within your “lane” and prepare for Christmas 2022. You will definitely cause some heartbreaks but it is what it is.
• If you want to enjoy Christmas 2022 then preparation starts in January 2022. Start putting some money away every month
New Year resolutions
• And the cycle will start all over again within a week of Christmas Day. There is no magic about New Year resolutions and many fail to progress beyond a few weeks. I do not know your experience with New Year Resolutions but I daresay, if you have great plans for your physical, social, mental, financial, spiritual and digital wellbeing start now and get back on track whenever you go off course.
The bottom-line is and has remained the same for ages; Christmas marks the birth of Christ our Lord and Saviour. Make time to praise, worship, thank Him and learn more about 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/ St Andrews Clinic/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 –“Don’t drive and text. You are an accident in waiting if you do.”
References: • Unravelling the Essentials of Health & Wealth – Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Musical duo, FreshJoy, have released their much-awaited single dubbed ‘Favour’ to inspire music lovers. The group, made up of a couple, Fresher Fosu Amponsah and Joyce Asmah, have in a short time given the strongest indication of their readiness for the challenge ahead.
The song, produced by David Kyei, affectionately called Kaywa, is available on all digital music stores.
Touching on the message in the song, they told The Spectator Agoro it teaches the favour of God. FreshJoy Music believes that everyone needs mercy, grace, and favour, and the only person who grants these blessings is the Lord Jesus Christ.
According to them, this belief is rooted in their personal testimonies. “At FreshJoy, we reflect on how far the Lord has brought us through all the challenges we have faced. Despite the ups and downs, God has shown us favour, and we are here to testify to that,” they said.
They further noted that “The Bible tells the story of Esther, a woman who lacked a biological father or mother. Although she was beautiful, she initially lacked the favour to approach the king. However, when God’s favour came upon her, she was able to enter the king’s presence. Similarly, Romans 8:28 teaches us that all things work together for good for those who love God.”
Speaking about the challenges they have encountered, FreshJoy said, “The journey has not been easy; it has been rough, but God has given us assurance through His Word that He is with us and will show us His favour.”
They advised upcoming artistes to focus on their dream, “only you know where you want to go. Enjoy the journey, not just being perfect. Small wins are important for progress. Set achievable goals and celebrate each step in music. Build a supportive community and reconnect with your love for music.”
The song comes with a video directed and shot by Koan Video Production.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Aurora Commodore-Toppar believes in mentoring others and creating opportunities for people to thrive, emphasising that teamwork is key to success. For her, fulfillment comes not only from personal achievements but also from seeing others grow and succeed.
A devoted wife, mother of three, farmer, entrepreneur, and committed Christian, Aurora embodies the balance of faith, family, and service. Guided by values such as hard work, integrity, determination, justice, passion, and fairness, she lives a life anchored in principles that inspire those around her.
Aurora credits much of her success to a strong family support system and her ability to plan wisely, even managing her leave days to allocate time for work, farming, and family. “Proper planning and a supportive family have kept me going,” she says with a smile.
Early Leadership and Multitasking
Aurora’s leadership journey began long before her professional career took off. As a student, she learned the importance of structure and multitasking through unexpected lessons in water management, which she fondly recalls as the foundation for her discipline and organisational skills.
A Promise Fulfilled
Perhaps the most remarkable chapter in Aurora’s journey is her fulfillment of a long-standing promise to God. Before her Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 2000, she battled a serious health challenge and vowed that if God healed her and helped her complete her education, she would give back to her alma mater, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School.
Years later, upon visiting the school, she was disheartened by the state of the old basketball court, which also served as a car park. Guided by faith and a proactive spirit, she spearheaded the construction of an ultra-modern multi-purpose basketball court. The facility not only provides a safe and inspiring space for sports but also serves as a potential source of income for the school through community rentals.
Inspiration Through Sports and Life Lessons
Aurora views her service as part of her journey toward self-actualisation, drawing inspiration from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. “In sports, you win, lose, or draw. These lessons translate into everyday life, teaching us to learn from our experiences and those of others,” she reflects.
Faith, Family, and Entrepreneurship
Aurora attributes her strength and values to her parents, mentors, and key professional influences. Beyond her professional commitments, she finds peace in farming crops and livestock, spending quality time with her children, and exploring creative hobbies such as bead-making and producing fresh juices. These hobbies eventually birthed her entrepreneurial venture, Pamkat Ventures. “Pamkat was born out of leisure time,” she explains.
A Life Philosophy
Acknowledging the demands society places on women—from marriage and motherhood to career and home management—Aurora remains grounded in faith. “It only takes the grace of God to get to the top,” she believes. Her family—a loving husband, two intelligent daughters, and a promising son she affectionately calls her “future president or minister for defence”—remains her greatest source of inspiration.
Her life philosophy is simple yet powerful: “It’s okay to dream big, but don’t let it remain just a dream. Plan it, act on it, and make an effort towards it. You don’t need titles to achieve anything. Once you are passionate about it, go for it.”
Through her acts of service, mentoring, and unwavering determination, Aurora Commodore-Toppar continues to inspire others, proving that when passion meets integrity, ordinary women can achieve extraordinary impact.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Spectator
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