Health Essentials
Is abuse of the elderly real?
The elderly are at risk of various forms of abuse
“This week, we are charting a path that we do not often do. An area that people too often gloss over but it is one that is becoming increasingly troubling. Guess who delivered this apt, informative, and thought-provoking piece?
The one and only Dr. Yaw Berko aka Yaw B who is my akonta, friend and colleague. Do not just enjoy reading but also let us all take the necessary steps to protect our priceless men and women in their golden years.”
As a child, I used to live in a compound house at Adabraka. My understanding at the time was that the complex was built by an old lady who had turned over the management of the buildings to her son who collected rent!
Looking back, I believe the old lady had dementia and sometimes soiled herself! This action was met with emotional and physical abuse at the hands of the son! I feel so bad I could not do anything about it, but I was a child at that time.
With the advent of this unfortunate pandemic and its resultant shutdown of the economy and social distancing, depression and other psychiatric illnesses have increased in incidence!
In fact, emotional and physical abuses have been rampant in this pandemic! I can imagine that our elders are not exempt from abuse in this perilous time!
I would like to bring to the fore what elder abuse is and how to prevent or report it when you witness one.
To grasp how the elderly can easily be abused, it is imperative to consider some of the physiological changes that occur as we all age. Our skin loses thickness and elasticity which makes it more prone to bruising!
The elderly lose muscle mass and have generalised reduction in hormone production and activity.
This results in easy bruising, poor bone formation, and increased risk for falls leading to trauma and fractures! The loss of neurons and brain mass causes dementia. Urinary and fecal incontinence can lead to offensive smell and pressure ulcers.
What exactly is elder abuse? Up-to-date, an electronic clinical resource tool for physicians and patients that provides information on adult primary care and internal medicine defines it as any action taken by a person who has an ongoing relationship with an older person that harms the older person and is done with the intent to harm.
Abuse could be physical, emotional, financial, and even sexual abuse.
Physical abuse causes physical pain or injury to the older adult. Emotional abuse entails verbal assaults, threats of abuse, harassment, and intimidation.
Financial abuse leads to misuse or withholding of an older adult’s resources by another. Sexual abuse involves forcing the older person to remove clothing or do any sex act or downright rape!
Statistics are hard to come by in Ghana but in America, it is believed that approximately one in 10 elders experience some form of abuse! I suspect the incidence in Ghana is about the same or higher but will not be known because it is a taboo to talk about such.
The elderly who are at risk of the various forms of abuse are women, those older than 80 years, older people with dementia, and those with less social connections and have trouble paying bills!
Unfortunately, abusers are both women and men and in most cases are family members! Two-thirds of perpetrators are adult children (as I witnessed as a child) or even spouses! In some instances, the abuser may be someone who cares for older people, maybe a house help hired by family members to take care of their loved ones.
It is very easy to suspect abuse in the elderly. Things to look for are cuts and bruises. Pain, soreness, and bleeding in the anal or genital area are some indicators.
Pressure ulcer on the buttocks that develop when a person sits in one position for too long must arouse your antennae for elder abuse!
Elders with a strong smell of urine or faeces suggest poor hygiene and lack of proper care. Emotional abuse sometimes leads to withdrawal from normal activities, unusual depression, and frequent arguments between the caregiver and the older adult.
The effects of elder abuse are daunting. Abuse in the elderly population causes a 300 per cent higher risk of death as compared to those who have not been mistreated.
So how does one prevent elder abuse? The most important thing to do is to keep in touch with him or her. You can also ask the elderly direct questions if you suspect abuse or neglect!
I always suggest paying unexpected visits to their homes if they are under the supervision of a caregiver!
Some countries have adult protective services that seek the interest of the elderly population! If none of that exists in Ghana, I strongly urge the Social Welfare Department to set up one and educate the general population about the existence of elder abuse and how it can be reported.
So just as the Bible says in Exodus 20:12, “honour your father and mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” This is the time to take care of our elders who nourished us from the womb to who we are today.
Good luck!
Source:
Dr. Yaw Berko
(yawberko2001@gmail.com)
References
● Ref National Council on Aging NCOA
● National institute on aging
● Uptodate
By Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
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
