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
The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
Lydia Donkor, the Director General of Criminal Investigation Department, carries styele with intention.
Her fashion sense is outstanding anytime she steps out and inspires young girls with decency.
Through her elegance wardrobe choices, she remains as a symbol of excellence both in fashion and leadership.
Whether attending public engagement, official events etc, she defines truly what fashion is .
