Health Essentials
WHO Country Representative speaks on breast cancer, other matters
Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo
As the awareness campaigns against breast cancer wind down, the Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr.Francis Chisaka Kasolo, has encouraged individuals to make their health needs a priority as the government and its partners continue working to attain universal health coverage.
He says the government can do its part but the onus is on the citizenry to make a conscious effort to regularly monitor their health status relative to breast cancer and other diseases.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator, he noted that efforts to reduce breast cancer deaths may be undermined if individuals did not turn up or report early at health facilities to be screened or treated for breast cancer cases.
“The work of government is to provide the services but as an individual, you need to sit and tell yourself that nobody is going to tell me to keep healthy but myself.
“We must be aware of our health needs and invest in promoting our personal health. For instance, you need to tell yourself that I am going to examine my breast to ensure that I do not have a lump developing which may herald the beginning of breast cancer,” he said.
Dr Kasolo, therefore, urged the public not to downplay the essence of regular examination as there were effective treatment for breast cancer when it was detected early enough.
Breast cancer awareness
The Country Director, who was responding to questions in line with breast cancer awareness campaigns held locally, agreed that public education on the disease should be an all-year-round activity instead of solely dedicating the month of October to public sensitisation to the disease which continued to claim many lives.
He admitted that the campaigns in Ghana and most parts of Africa tended to taper off after the month of October but there must be “a more comprehensive approach” and adequate resources made available for a year-long campaign while other sectors supported the efforts put in by the health sector.
“It will not cause a dime for the radio stations to talk about breast cancer from January to December, after all they talked about COVID from January to December.
“It has to be comprehensive rather than picking one disease and creating awareness on that, if we are going to create awareness for Tuberculosis or Malaria, there has to be an opportunity to talk about other diseases and conditions such as breast cancer,” he stated.
On whether there was an end in sight to the fight against the disease, Dr Kasola maintained that the number of deaths occurring as a result of breast cancer could be reduced if people show up at health facilities for the treatment of breast cancer early.
Impact
While encouraging campaigns against cancers in general, he further stressed the importance of establishing well-equipped cancer treatment centres that were manned by well-trained human resources across the country and not just in one region.
“If we can do these, then we can safely say that we are on the road to ensuring that breast cancer becomes a lesser of a problem than it is now, we can safely say that the end is in sight for breast cancer not only in Ghana but globally ” he noted.
Dr Kasolo again emphasised the need to measure the impact of the awareness campaigns and compile comprehensive data that would inform decision makers on areas to direct resources.
He said the WHO was on course with its Global Breast Cancer Initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer by 2.5 per cent per year, which over a 20 year period would save 2.5 million lives.
The strategies being employed to achieve this objective, he added, included health promotion and early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive breast cancer management.
Highlighting other initiatives WHO had been embarking on since he took office in February 2021, the Country Representative explained that there was collaboration with the Government of Ghana at improving health governance, health financing and security while other programmes targeted at detecting and managing non-communicable diseases were being implemented.
He said as the country continued to invest in the health sector, the government must ensure that “a significant number of human resources are retained to serve the nation and help attain universal health coverage by year 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal Three).”
Background
Dr.Francis Chisaka Kasolo is an Infectious Disease Physician with specialisation in Clinical Virology. He has worked with WHO in various capacities for the past 18 years.
Prior to his new appointment, he was a Director in the office of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, responsible for advising the Regional Director on policy and strategic issues pertaining to the work of the organisations.
Dr. Kasolo served as Director for Ebola Preparedness with the United Nations Mission on Emergency Ebola Response (UNMEER) in Accra in 2014.
Asked what his legacy would be as Country Representative in Ghana, he said he wants to be “remembered as the person who provided opportunities for Ghana to move forward in achieving universal health coverage.”
“I want to be remembered as the person who advocated rural population to receive a greater share of support not just from the government but from all the partners that are supporting health in Ghana,” he noted.
He again wants to ensure that “Ghanaians working as National Professional Officers are given the same opportunity to become international staff in other countries.”
By Ernest Nutsugah
Health Essentials
At Easter should Spiritual Wellness be the only form of Wellness?
Many of us have already packed our Easter season with so much work and back-to-back programmes we hardly have time to breathe.
The little time we can squeeze out is used to stuff ourselves with food and drinks, but for this season and beyond we may be able to spend five minutes even on extremely busy days to make a difference in our lives so that we can have time to sing, dance and worship God as we remember his unparalleled sacrifice to us.
My-in-laws who reside on the mountain are busy trekking up and dragging their friends and colleagues with them. Any idea why the Kwahus revel in Easter? Has it always been that way or is it a conscious effort to show Ghana and the world what they have?
We all wish our favourite exercises will give us the same benefits as all other exercises but the truth is that some exercises are “more equal than others” just as happens in every aspect of life.
This does not mean if you are unable to perform the most effective exercises, you should exert yourself and cause injury to your body. Remember, Cobba’s First Law of Exercising is “DO NO HARM”.
These exercises may just help you stay afloat this Easter:
• Squats
• Plank
• Push-Ups
• Walking & Dancing
Squats
Every single rep (repetition) in this exercise is worth the effort.
Squats target the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteals, which in simple language refers to the thigh muscles and buttocks.
It is important to learn the right technique and since it exercises large muscle groups, you are able to burn a lot of calories with squats.
In every exercise session, it is important to work large muscles before the smaller ones.
Steps
1. Keep feet shoulder width apart
2. Back should be straight (standing posture)
3. Bend knees and lower your rear till your thighs are horizontal.
4. Return to the standing position
5. Repeat steps 1-4
6. Remember to stretch the muscles used after the exercise.
If you have difficulty following the steps above, place a chair behind you and with your back straight try to sit on it. Do not let your buttocks touch the seat, then return to the standing position and repeat. As your technique improves, you may remove the chair.
As one gets stronger you may even carry some weights while doing squats but as always start with caution. You may do only 3 reps at a time (properly). Gradually, add some more.
When to avoid squats
• Severe knee pain irrespective of cause
• Knee injury even if no longer painful (you will need professional supervision)
• Acute back pain (you will later do back slides which is similar to squats and helps strengthen back muscles)
This exercise benefits almost everyone with a lifestyle disease. Hypertensives (those with high blood pressure) even get a bonus since it causes peripheral pooling of blood and helps to lower the blood pressure over time.
Plank
Arguably, the safest exercise for strengthening abdominal muscles and also has the added benefit of strengthening lower back muscles. Especially for people who sit for long hours (you shouldn’t anyway) this is great news for helping your back.
1. Start by getting into a push-up position
2. Bend your elbows and rest your weight on your forearms and not on your hands
3. Support your lower body on your toes
4. Your body should form a straight line from shoulders to ankles just like a plank of wood
5. Engage your core (midsection) by sucking your belly button into your spine
6. Hold this position for the prescribed time. This may vary from 5 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat.
Push-ups (press-ups)
This is probably the first exercise most people try out; well apart from laughter and walking I presume, and everyone is familiar with it.
Go ahead and squeeze a minute a day in there.
Walking & dancing
Before you set out to exercise your muscles remember to walk at least a minute before you start and a minute after you are done.
You may even walk while in one place, what matters is moving your legs and arms and getting your heart to pump.
Use every opportunity during the day to:
• use the stairs instead of the elevator
• walk while you talk on your cell phone
• Walk to a colleague’s desk at the office instead of using the phone or sending someone else.
• Pick your own stuff for cooking instead of sitting and getting people to assist with even the trivial errands
• Dance with your heart whenever you have a chance; during your Christmas programmes, while watching TV and even while you take a shower.
A minute each for Squats, Planks and Push-ups and two minutes of walking every morning, afternoon or evening may just be enough to get you through the season and certainly it will not tamper much with your tight holiday schedule. Do not forget to smile often, breathe deeply to relax, enjoy some sunshine, pray, praise and worship God and you will be on the right path especially if you keep an eye on your finances and learn to unplug several hours each day.
In my opinion, every aspect of Wellness is important at all times and we should try to keep a balance. Neglecting all other aspects (Physical, Social, Mental, Digital, Financial & Spiritual) and focusing only on Spiritual Wellness will mean we will not be able to perform at our very best and certainly our Maker needs the best version of us.
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/ Medics Clinic
(dressel@healthessentialsgh. com)
*Dr Essel is a Medical Doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, He holds an MBA and is an ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition and Corrective Exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’
Thought for the week – “For heart health you need to relax and have fun as well; schedule time for leisure, sing praises to God, laugh often, learn to breathe deeply and maybe get a pet.”
References:
• The Gym Bible
• www.webmd.com
• 30dayfitnesschallenges.com
By Dr Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials
Hijab (Islamic Veil) as an Act of Worship
Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to Allah), the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who guides us to the straight path.
We bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, and we testify that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His servant and Messenger.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, his family, and all who follow him in righteousness until the Last Day.
Introduction
Dear respected brothers and sisters in Islam, today’s khutbah addresses an essential act of worship that embodies submission, modesty, and obedience to Allah: the “Hijab”.
While the Hijab is an explicit command from Allah, it is also a human right protected under local and international laws.
It is imperative that Muslim women are allowed to observe Hijab freely, especially in public institutions such as universities, banks, ministries, public health institutions, and government agencies.
Definition and Meaning of Hijab
In Islam, Hijab refers to modesty in appearance and behaviour. For women, this includes covering the body, except for the face and hands, in non-revealing clothing (not skin-tight), while for men, it includes covering from the navel to the knees and dressing modestly.
The Hijab extends to lowering the gaze, avoiding indecent speech, and conducting oneself with dignity.
Allah commands:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not to display their adornment except that which [ordinarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests.”
(Quran 24:31).
Essence of Hijab as an Act of Worship and Modesty
The Hijab is an act of worship rooted in obedience to Allah. It is not a cultural practice but a divine command. Allah says:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
(Quran 33:59).
The Hijab is a reflection of one’s faith, modesty, and inner character. It shields the individual from immorality and contributes to the moral fabric of society.
Lowering the Garments and the Gaze
The Hijab also encompasses lowering the gaze and maintaining purity in interactions between genders. Allah says:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” (Quran 24:30).
By lowering the gaze, both men and women protect themselves from sin and maintain mutual respect.
Social Menace and Immoralities Due to Lack of Hijab
The absence of Hijab in society has led to numerous social issues, including:
Zina (Adultery and Fornication): Unrestricted interactions and immodesty increase the likelihood of adultery and fornication, which Allah explicitly prohibits:
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.”
(Quran 17:32).
Exploitation and Objectification:
When modesty is neglected, individuals, especially women, are objectified and exploited, resulting in an increase in harassment and sexual abuse, a phenomenon that has plagued many organissations such as Universities, Banks and other public institutions. The introduction of Sexual Harassment Policies with its attendant harsh punishments has done very little in resolving this menace.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
