Health Essentials

Care for our elderly parents & preparing for our golden years

The past few years I have been thinking a lot about how to make the life of elderly parents fulfilling and with less stress on our lives. How we should also prepare adequately for our golden years while we provide guidance to our children and grandchildren. These thoughts have on several occasions shifted to perimenopause and menopause and the role of finance and wellness and all this cannot be taken for granted.

Age does creep up on us. One minute you are a teen, with neither fears nor cares and in a blink of an eye, you are a parent of teens who will remind you that being around for over half a century is old. Is fifty that old? I do not think so, but a lot depends on what we have been doing for most of the fifty years. It is never too late to make changes.

As we trudge through life, most of us never think about the challenges that our elderly parents may face, and we are just not prepared when reality stares us in the face. Every age bracket has its unique issues and between forty to sixty-five years we often have quite a lot on our plate; supporting our elderly parents, putting our own lives in order and guiding our young ones.

Necessary steps to enhance life of elderly

1. Never boss or try to “parent” your parents

a. Think about this; we unconsciously start “ordering” our parents. Telling them what to do without finding their preferences etc. Parenting our parents is one of the challenges many elderly parents endure silently. Stop It!

2. Ask for their opinion

a. Being old does not mean one no longer has opinions. Ask. Argue in love, discuss issues such as exercise, medication, hospital visits, food, friends, religion, politics. Everything. By all means seek their opinion.

3. Do not overtreat them medically

a. Not every change you see in an elderly person requires medical intervention. Be careful what you buy medicines for and stay away from unnecessary tests. Make sure you speak to a knowledgeable health professional.

4. Hospital stays should be as brief as possible

a. Plan hospital or clinic visits to make them as short and convenient as possible. If possible, get tests and consultations done on the same day. If it’s not an emergency, find out if the medical facility has special arrangements for the elderly and also check the time of days with the shortest wait time. Many elderly people do not like the stress of hospital environments and why should they?

b. When admitted for an illness, work together with the medical team to ensure they are home as soon as possible. Most of them do best in familiar surroundings and home is numero uno.

5. Have them stay at home for as long as possible

a. Sometimes children are in a hurry to send parents off to homes that care for the elderly. People often ask where they could get such support. I think we should all plan to keep parents at home for as long as humanly possible. Sometimes we do not have the option of having them at home, but we need to explore all our options

6. Help them to socialise

a. Organise time with friends etc. at home and out of home. This brings a breath of fresh air to everyone including our elderly parents. This makes them happier, healthier and they live longer.

b. …and the more time we spend with our elderly parents, the longer they live.

7. Ensure physical activity

a. No matter one’s age and medical condition, there is always a form of physical activity to engage in. It may be as simple as making fists or moving arms, but every movement goes a long way to make life better.

b. Sunlight is a must. Do whatever it takes to ensure at least one gets a few minutes of sunlight a day.

c. The presence or chance to see beautiful plants is a bonus worth going the extra mile for.

Steps to prepare for our own golden years

1. Start a wellness plan or continue if you already have one

a. It’s a must!! Learn to breathe, build muscle, move to ensure your heart is happy and even more important parts of your brain that protect you from dementia will grow.

2. Keep in touch with your classmates

a. They have known you for years and a phone call or occasional visit or gathering definitely ignites memories and it brings “warmth” beyond your wildest imagination

3. Surround yourself with younger people

a. They can support you in many ways and their visits brighten your day while your advice is priceless to them. It is a win-win situation.

4. Avoid loneliness at all costs

a. You are not an island. Even if you think you are better off on your own and with your thoughts, nature does not agree with that. Kindly make a few good friends.

5. Protect your brain/memory

a. Dementia is a matter of when and not if; exercise will enlarge the part of the brain that controls memory. Having a larger hippocampus means it takes longer for dementia to show up.

Age will definitely catch up with each of us if we hang around Earth long enough. It is a matter of when and not if so, we should take steps to make our golden years and those of our loved ones happy and fulfilling. I will choose SUCCESSFUL ageing over USUAL ageing any day.

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 (HE&W Group)

(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 (1) – “Ageing comes with psychosocial challenges such as neglect, abuse, sexual adjustment, emotional disorders, other mental health challenges, issues with living arrangement and several others. Let us all help to make life easier and more enjoyable for the elderly”-Kojo Cobba Essel

By Dr Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials

The impact of mental health misconceptions on relationships and marriage

As we manoeuvre the complexities of relationships and marriage, it is essential to acknowledge the significant role mental health plays in our overall well-being.

Unfortunately, mental health is often shrouded in misconceptions that can have far-reaching consequences on our relationships.

In this article, we will explore five common misconceptions about mental illness and how they can affect our relationships and marriages.

Misconception 1: People with mental illness are violent and dangerous

One of the most pervasive misconceptions about mental illness is that people who suffer from it are violent and dangerous. This could not be further from the truth. Research has shown that individuals with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. In fact, studies have found that people with mental illness are two to three times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.

In relationships and marriages, this misconception can lead to fear and mistrust. Partners may worry that their loved one’s mental health condition will lead to violent outbursts or unpredictable behaviour. However, with proper treatment and support, individuals with mental illness can lead healthy, productive lives.

Misconception 2: Having a mental illness means you are “crazy”

Another common misconception is that having a mental illness means someone is “crazy” or unstable. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help and can lead to feelings of shame and guilt.

In relationships, this misconception can create tension and conflict. Partners may not understand their loved one’s mental health condition, leading to frustration and resentment. However, by educating ourselves about mental health and seeking support, we can work to break down this stigma and build stronger, more supportive relationships.

Misconception 3: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) only affects military personnel

PTSD is often associated with military personnel, but the reality is that anyone can develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. This can include survivors of natural disasters, domestic abuse, or sexual assault.

PTSD can have a significant impact on relationships and marriages. Partners may struggle to understand their loved one’s symptoms, leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness. However, by seeking support and education, couples can work together to build a stronger, more supportive relationship.

Misconception 4: Mental Health conditions are rare

Mental health conditions are more common than we think. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people worldwide will experience a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lives.

In relationships and marriages, mental health conditions can affect anyone. Partners may struggle to cope with their loved one’s mental health condition, leading to feelings of burnout and resentment. However, by seeking support and education, couples can work together to build a stronger, more supportive relationship.

Misconception 5: Seeking help for mental illness leads to stigma

Finally, many people believe that seeking help for mental illness will lead to stigma and judgment from others. However, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Seeking help for mental illness can actually strengthen the relationship. By working together to address mental health concerns, couples can build a stronger, more supportive relationship.

The importance of education and support

Education and support are key to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. By learning about mental health conditions and seeking support, couples can build stronger, more supportive relationships.

Communication is essential for the relationship’s health. Partners should feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns and seeking support from each other. By doing so, couples can work together to build a stronger, more resilient relationship.

In conclusion, mental health myths can have a significant impact on relationships and marriages. By educating ourselves about mental health and seeking support, we can work to break down these misconceptions and build stronger relationships.

If you are struggling with mental health concerns or know someone who is, do not hesitate to seek help. With the right support and education, couples can build a stronger, more resilient relationship that can withstand the challenges of mental health concerns.

To be continued …

Source: Excerpts from “COURTSHIP MATTERS: Keys to a Fulfilling Lasting Marriage” Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Lecturer, Author, and Marriage Counsellor).

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https://princeoffei22.wixsite.com/author https://counselorprinceass.wixsite.com/edu-counseling-psych https://princeoffei22.wixsite.com/website

COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE)

Health Essentials

Is broken-heart syndrome real?

Depressed woman in bed with hands on face

I am sure Cupid is often amazed at the extent some of us go when it comes to the affairs of the heart, but maybe the adage “it is better to have loved and lost than to never love at all.” Love is a good thing but it may also come with its unique challenges.

When love goes bad or one’s expectations in a relationship are not met, some people may suffer what we refer to as broken-heart syndrome. We may think this is purely an emotional phenomenon BUT there is evidence that the heart literally breaks and even the best heart doctors may struggle to differentiate it from a Heart Attack.

The good news is that when your heart breaks from love gone bad, loss of a loved one, financial challenges and even strangely extreme happiness such as winning a huge amount of money or even a surprise mega party, all the changes are reversible from a few days to a maximum of two to three months. Women seem to bear the brunt of this syndrome especially after menopause.

I remember years ago whenever any of my team members at the emergency prompted me that a young lady had just been brought in with “hysteria” you could bet your last crumpled Ghana cedi that there was love in the mix. The story will often unfold slowly and the “unconscious” lady will promptly sit up in bed and spend a significant time being counselled; maybe we should have run more tests on their hearts at the time.

Broken Heart Syndrome may have symptoms that feel like a heart attack and may include chest pain and shortness of breath BUT unlike a heart attack it is not caused by clogged arteries, instead it may be precipitated by an emotionally stressful event such as hearing or seeing on social media that your ride or die partner has other plans.

It appears that stress hormones overwhelm the heart causing heart vessels to go into spasm and instantly reducing oxygen to the heart muscle and mimicking a heart attack. This “stunning” of the heart may be associated with dizziness, fainting, nausea, irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure. These symptoms may start from a few minutes to hours after the stressful event.

Fortunately you will rarely die from broken heart syndrome and you are not more likely to suffer from broken heart syndrome if you already have heart disease but some risk factors do exist:

• Being female

• Age 50 years and above for both males and females

• Your genes may predispose you

• Having a head injury or seizure disorder

• Having anxiety or depression

Some blood tests and ECG (not the company that plays games with our hearts through agonising dumsor) may show heart injury but other heart tests may make the picture clearer though the first few hours can be difficult to tell and one will need to be started on medication to protect the heart.

Fortunately the heart changes from Broken Heart Syndrome are easily reversible and people recover much quicker than someone who has suffered a heart attack. Rarely someone may have complications from this such as heart valve damage or heart failure.

Did we have a surge in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (aka Broken Heart Syndrome) about two months ago when we marked Valentine’s Day? “I cannot know, I cannot tell” but the emotional challenges people go through on this single day may be enough to precipitate Broken Heart Syndrome and taking care of our health holistically including mental, social and physical health will go a long way to speed up our recovery when we happen to be hit by this bug.

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)

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. Avoid toxic relationships as much as possible.”

References:

1. Broken-Heart Syndrome- Mary Jo DiLonardo, WebMD

2. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy – Harvard Health Publishing

By Dr Kojo Cobba Essel