Features
Headache
Some people have severe headaches only once or twice a year, while others may have frequent or even daily attacks.
If left untreated, a tension headache can go on for days or weeks without relief. Despite the discomfort, most people can continue with their usual activities.
What causes a tension headache?
A tension headache is thought to be due to muscle tightness in the scalp, forehead and the back of the neck. This can be triggered by:
• Tension and stress.
• Tiredness.
• Long periods of reading, typing or concentration (eye strain).
• Poor posture.
• Spine and neck injuries.
• High blood pressure.
• Physical or emotional stress.
What are the symptoms?
A tension headache may feel like a tight band around the head or a dull ache on both sides of the head. There may also be aching and tightness in the neck and shoulders. Tension headaches tend to worsen as the day goes on.
Treatment
You will be assessed by a doctor or nurse and advised of the best treatment. Tests are not normally needed. Most people find pain relief eases the severity of a tension headache. Pain relief is safe when used as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional which of the following is the most appropriate for you:
• Paracetamol on its own.
• Aspirin (do not use in children).
Once treatment starts you should be able to return to your everyday activities.
If your headaches are caused by neck problems, you may be helped by the following therapies:
1. Emotional Surgery
2. Physiotherapy /Massage
Medication may be needed on a daily basis. Your doctor can refer you to other health care professionals for treatment, depending on your needs.
If you suffer from frequent headaches, see your doctor. Writing your symptoms in a diary can help in working out a treatment plan. Although a headache may be a warning sign of a more serious problem, this is rare.
Home care: When you have the headache, take pain relief and rest in a dark room. Sometimes having a warm bath or shower, or applying a warm or cold cloth over the aching area can help. You should not solely rely on pain relief medication. The most effective long-term treatment is to make simple lifestyle changes that reduce the frequency of your headaches.
Be guided by your doctor or health care professional, but some helpful tips include:
• Learn ways to manage your stress.
• Find ways to relax, go for emotional surgery, massage or meditation.
• Have a healthy diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly – you release ‘feel good’ chemicals (endorphins) from your brain when you exercise.
• Maintain a good posture when you are upright, try not to slouch when sitting as this puts strain onto neck and back muscles.
See your local doctor or return to the emergency department if:
You get a headache that is severe and out of the blue (a sudden onset).
• The pain is worse when you cough, sneeze or strain.
• The pain is getting worse, despite taking pain relief.
• The pain is worse when you lie down.
• You become drowsy, or confused.
• Your vision becomes blurred, or you have any visual disturbance.
• You are generally unwell, including vomiting.
In a medical emergency go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call an ambulance. For other medical problems see your Doctor or health-care professional.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Conflict at work is more common than you might think. According to 2022 research by The Myers-Briggs Company, more than a third of the workforce reports dealing with conflict often, very often, or all the time in the workplace. The same report found that managers spend an average of four hours per week dealing with conflict, and nearly 25 per cent of people think their managers handle conflict poorly or very poorly.
Addressing a dispute might feel tense or awkward, but resolving the conflict is typically well worth it in the long run. Whether you’re trying to mediate conflict between colleagues or are directly involved, here are seven steps you can take to manage workplace conflict.
1. Don’t put it off
Facing conflict head-on is hard. However, waiting too long to address it can negatively impact your emotional well-being, focus, and the entire office environment. If you’re feeling angry, letting that emotion fester can also escalate it over time. This can make you less responsive to other points of view and make it harder to resolve the issue.
The sooner you can address the conflict, the better it will be for you, the person you disagree with, and your entire team.
2. Learn all you can about the problem
It’s important to determine the type of conflict you’re dealing with. Begin by considering the cause of the conflict. For example, ask yourself whether someone said something that upset you or if you have emotions of anger and resentment that stemmed from something that happened.
Then try to identify if it’s a task, relationship, value, or team conflict. Once you know what type of conflict it is, you can work to resolve it with specific tactics for that situation.
If you skip this step, you may waste time or escalate the situation further by trying to address issues irrelevant to the real conflict.
3. Actively listen
Listen attentively when people share their side of the story. Active listening is one of the most valuable professional skills you can possess. This type of listening involves not only hearing what the other person is saying but also listening to understand their point of view.
No matter your role in conflict, it’s easy to begin sharing your opinion with little regard for the other people involved. However, it’s important to learn about all sides of a disagreement to make well-informed decisions before drawing conclusions.
To reach a resolution, you must step back and prioritize listening over talking. Ultimately, that will encourage the other person to do the same when it’s your turn to speak. –source: betterup.com
Today, I focus on the Temple Of Praise Ministries International (TOP Church) in Helsinki, as I continue my description of personalities or institutions and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland.
The TOP Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments that must be made known to the public. 
Some history
The Church was established in Finland in September 2016. Since its inception, it has steadily grown both spiritually and numerically, by the grace of God, as disclosed to me by Mr Matthew Anini Twumasi, the Presiding Elder of TOP’s branch in Finland. The TOP Church has other branches across Africa, Europe, and America.
The Church in Finland was founded with a vision to create a welcoming and dynamic community where people could experience God’s love and grace (see, www.topchurchfinland.org). According to Presiding Elder Matthew, the TOP Church operates within a unique environment where Christianity coexists with what is seen as a largely secular society.
Despite this, he submits, there are significant opportunities for outreach, unity, and demonstrating the love of Christ through service and community engagement.
Activities
Church services at the TOP Church are typically held on Sundays for the main worship. In addition, there are mid-week prayer sessions, Saturday prayer services, and a half-night service held on the last Friday of every month. “We also organise quarterly programs”, Elder Matthew added.
His impression of the Church so far has been positive. “It is a vibrant and welcoming community where members are committed to worship, fellowship, and supporting one another in faith”, he stated.
In sum, Elder Matthew said the Church continues to grow by God’s grace. “We remain hopeful and committed to spreading the Gospel, strengthening the faith of our members, and making a positive impact in society”, he continued.
Achievements
The TOP Church has a number of achievements and achievements. Some of the strengths include strong community bonds, cultural diversity, and deep commitment to spiritual growth.
I also remember that during the COVID-19 period, I heard that the TOP Church was one such bodies that hugely supported its members and others to cope with the situation.
According to Elder Matthew, the challenges facing the church include “adapting to cultural differences, engaging the younger generation, expanding outreach in a secular society, and securing a permanent place of worship”.
Role in the Ghanaian community in Finland
The TOP Church plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
Thus, the TOP Church is a religious body for Ghanaian migrants in Finland and other nationalities who want to worship with them for diversity and better intercultural and multicultural understanding.
The Church also has mechanisms in place to support its members who are bereaved as a way to commiserate with them in times of death and funerals.
The Ghanaian community has played a vital role in the growth of the Church. Their strong sense of fellowship, dedication to worship, and active participation have helped build a solid foundation and attract others to the ministry, according to Elder Matthew.
Integration
By its activities, the TOP Church is helping to ensure integration of its members well into the Finish society.
This is important since social interaction and citizens’ well-being are an important part of the integration process.
The role of migrant associations and groups such as TOP Church acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
GHANA MATTERS column appears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it concentrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on everyday life issues relating to the social, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
