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Diabetes and speaking in “tongues”
I have on several occasions had the unpleasant duty of telling family, friends and clients about a medical condition that they may be challenged with; heart disease, stroke, HIV, COVID-19, cancer etc. but none of them seem to have the same impact as DIABETES. Many people who have never seen the inside of a church building will break out into uncontrollable “tongues” that will amaze even the Apostles at Pentecost. That is how much diabetes is feared and it can cause havoc if not managed properly.
Diabetes on its own will not kill even if it wipes your bank account dry BUT the organ complications that come with poor management or no management is the killer. That is why the theme for World Diabetes Day (November 14) from 2021 to 2023 is ACCESS TO DIABETES CARE. Insulin which is the mainstay of diabetes and its management was discovered a century ago yet millions of people with diabetes around the world cannot access the care they need.
NO “SUGAR-COATED” STATISTICS
463 million adults have diabetes worldwide
To put in perspective, if people with diagnosed Diabetes were a country on its own, their population will be more than that of the USA.
THE International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts that 700 million people worldwide will have diabetes by 2045. Well, unless we all do something drastic.
Diabetes complications caused 4.2 million deaths worldwide in 2019.
Adults with diabetes have a two to three-fold increased risk of heart attacks and strokes (WHO, 2020).
85 per cent of the world’s foot amputations are a result of a diabetic foot ulcer. (The American Journal of Managed Care, 2018).
African-Americans are four times more likely than whites to have a diabetes-related amputation. (The American Journal of Managed Care, 2018).
Diabetes Retinopathy (long-term damage to retinal blood vessels) causes 2.6 per cent of vision loss worldwide. (WHO, 2020).
TELL-TALE SIGNS of DIABETES
The majority (90 per cent to 95 per cent) of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes and this starts slowly and we may often ignore the warning signs.
If we can test for COVID-19 for FREE and vaccinate for FREE, I dare say we owe it a duty to test every person over the age of 18 years for diabetes. Let us not wait. We have to stop the march towards 700 million people.
Be wary of these and see your healthcare professional immediately:
Increased appetite or unexplained weight loss
Slow-healing cuts
Frequent yeast infections (including “whites”)
Pain or numbness in extremities
Vision changes
Fruity or sweet-smelling breath
Fatigue or weakness
Dry mouth or dry skin
Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
TO-DO LIST STARTS TODAY
We cannot avoid certain risk factors such as age, people in our family with diabetes (family history) BUT we can modify some factors that will prevent or prolong the onset of prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and complications of diabetes. Many of these require individual effort and that essentially means the power is in our hands to a large extent.
Today I will start the following and keep at it and I pray you do the same too;
Maintaining a healthy weight
The body loves moderation. Being underweight or overweight is a risk for several diseases including diabetes.
Losing 5 per cent to 7 per cent of body weight and exercising at least 150 minutes a week in addition decreased the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in a study group by up to 58 per cent.
Eating a healthy diet and in the appropriate quantity
We definitely are what we eat…Haven’t we all had enough sugar? Can we start by cutting out sugar and reducing our portions of refined carbohydrates such as white bread and white rice?
Persistent physical activity or exercising at least five (5) days a week.
Yes by all means walk, ride a bike, swim and engage in interval training but also ensure you do “resistance exercises (using free weights, resistance bands, weight machines etc.) increased strength in adults with Type 2 diabetes by 50 per cent and improved glycated haemoglobin by 0.57 per cent.” (Diabetes Care, 2016). Glycated haemoglobin is a measure of our long-term control of blood sugar.
Managing Stress
Stress affects every part of our body and health. In addition to flooding our bodies with cortisol that will lead the charge to lay down fat in our midsection, it also affects our eating pattern, sleep duration and quality, drinking habits and exercise schedules. Unfortunately it does all these in the negative way.
Checking blood sugar
We surely need to check our blood sugar with or without symptoms of diabetes
Do not be stuck on just fasting blood sugar but sometimes insist on random blood sugar when you take a sample two hours after a meal for instance or even get a glycated haemoglobin test as well. Oh and there is no harm in checking your urine as well.
Diabetes is a PANDEMIC too and we need to take it more seriously. The cost to individuals, families and countries when people have diabetes and especially those with complications has always been underestimated. Very often we overlook the social, mental, physical/productivity aspects and focus only on the financials and even that has totally gone through the roof and is targeting space. I hope we can all do our bit to reach especially those who cannot afford to test and adopt the appropriate lifestyle. May the powers that be listen and act.
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 Ltd
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 –“In 2012 about 56 million people died throughout the world; 620,000 of them died due to human violence (war killed 120,000 people, and crime killed another 500,000).
In contrast, 800,000 committed suicide, and 1.5 million died of diabetes. Sugar is now more dangerous thangunpowder.”
― Yuval Noah Harari, Homo Deus: A History of Tomorrow
References:
International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
World Health Organisation (WHO)
By Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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