Ghana Health Expert Warns Against Energy-Sapping Habits During Christmas

As Christmas approaches, many people in Ghana and around the world are preparing to celebrate the festive season. However, a health expert, Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel, is warning against certain habits that can sap energy levels and negatively impact health. According to Dr. Essel, focusing on the past, not getting adequate sleep, and loading up on alcohol, caffeine, and energy drinks are just a few of the habits that can have a negative impact on one's health and energy levels.

Dr. Essel, a Medical Doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, recommends that people listen to relaxing music, spend time in nature, and make time to rest and meditate during the Christmas season. He also advises people to move regularly, be positive, surround themselves with people who make them happy, and get adequate sleep. Additionally, Dr. Essel recommends eating healthy food, drinking plenty of water, and being grateful for what one has. By adopting these habits, people can help ensure a healthy and happy Christmas season.

The expert's advice is timely, given that many people in Ghana and around the world often overindulge during the Christmas season, leading to a range of health problems. According to Dr. Essel, making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, which is a major public health concern in Ghana. In fact, Professor Alfred Doku, a cardiologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School, has highlighted the seriousness of cardiovascular disease in Ghana, citing figures that indicate it accounts for approximately 43 to 50 per cent of deaths in the country.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a major contributor to premature death worldwide. The World Health Organisation identifies it as an important contributor to premature death, largely because it increases the risk of serious cardiovascular complications. In Ghana, about 30 per cent of adults have hypertension, with approximately 70 per cent of those affected unaware of their condition. Professor Doku urges people to know their blood pressure readings and monitor other important health indicators, including blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and body weight.

The risks of hypertension can begin early in life, and teenagers are not immune to the condition. Unhealthy eating habits, excess weight, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles are becoming concerns for younger populations, and protecting heart health during adolescence deserves greater attention. Early awareness, healthy lifestyle choices, and appropriate blood pressure checks can help reduce future cardiovascular risks. By making healthy lifestyle choices, people can help reduce their risk of developing hypertension and other chronic diseases.

Dr. Essel's advice is not limited to the Christmas season, but rather is a call to action for people to prioritize their health and well-being throughout the year. He encourages people to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. By doing so, people can help ensure that they are able to enjoy a healthy and happy life, free from the burden of chronic diseases.

In conclusion, Dr. Essel's warning against energy-sapping habits during Christmas is a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing one's health and well-being. By adopting healthy lifestyle choices, people can help reduce their risk of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, and enjoy a healthy and happy life. As Dr. Essel notes, "where you live should not determine if you live."

Key points

• Avoiding energy-sapping habits, such as not getting adequate sleep and loading up on alcohol, caffeine, and energy drinks, can help ensure a healthy and happy Christmas season.