Editorial
Laugh often to reduce stress
Stress and its associated issues are partially to blame for the high occurrence of unexpected deaths.
Many people experience a variety of circumstances, including poor health, the death of a loved one or the illness of a loved one, fear of dying or losing their work, difficulties with money, and restricted access to necessities.
Though each person handles the circumstance differently, they always result in annoyance, stress, perplexity, and depression, among other negative emotions.
Stress is frequently brought on by novel or unexpected experiences that undermine our sense of self or by situations over which we feel powerless.
While everyone handles stress differently, failing to learn healthy coping mechanisms can result in a host of illnesses, including hypertension, which can cause a heart attack, stroke, or even death.
Many people fail to manage their stress and concern throughout the day, which has an adverse effect on their emotional, psychological, physical, social, and mental wellbeing.
The Spectator expresses concern over the trend, but Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel, a physician with a specialisation in lifestyle medicine, suggests “setting aside 10 minutes each day to worry instead of allowing worry to eat you up all day.”
“Write down any worries you have as soon as they arise. This calms you down because it acknowledges that the “object of worry” will be handled,” he advised.
According to Dr. Essel, who also specialises in fitness nutrition, remedial exercise, and exercise therapy, “If at WORRY TIME the point listed is no longer an issue, GOOD. Go on and live your life. If the issue continues, try to think about your options; you might be able to handle it alone, with help, or there might be nothing you can do. Accept each decision that you make.”
In addition, it is advisable to keep a daily routine, take regular breaks from work, and engage in activities like reading, learning a new skill, playing an instrument, or gardening to avoid stress and its related problems.
Moreover, utilise every resource at your disposal, such as phone calls, emails, messages, and videos, to stay in touch with loved ones.
In order to stay in the greatest possible shape, it is also advised that you get enough sleep and rest, exercise frequently (try deep breathing, stretching, or brisk walking), eat a balanced diet, and drink lots of water.
To help your brain relax, stay away from excessive alcohol consumption and enjoy some nice music. Engaging in leisure pursuits like touring tourist destinations to experience the essence of nature can also aid in de-stressing.
Above all, remember to recognise your blessings and express thanks to others, as thankfulness frequently serves as a magnet drawing wonderful things into our lives.
As advised by Dr. Essel, “remember it is a priceless gift to know your numbers; blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol (BMI) and always laugh often, ensure hygiene, walk and pray everyday.”
Editorial
Obtain license before practising traditional medicine
People suffer from a variety of health problems, and instead of consulting with medical professionals who are competent to treat them, they prefer to take various concoctions from unqualified people, which ultimately makes their condition worse.
The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has expressed concern and warned practitioners of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine that neglect to obtain or renew their licenses from the council may be subject to legal action.
The Spectator is happy about this move because controlling Traditional Medicine Practice (TMP) will restore sanity to the system, as more and more people choose traditional rather than mainstream medicine.
The term “traditional medicine” describes the knowledge, abilities, and procedures utilised in the preservation of health as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical and mental illness.
These methods are founded on the theories, beliefs, and life experiences that are native to many cultures.
The alert was sent out on August 31, on the occassion of African Traditional Medicine Day, which is observed every year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) created the Day in 2003 to honour the significance of traditional medicine in Africa and to encourage its incorporation into all of the continent’s national health systems.
According to the council, 70–80 per cent of people use herbal medicines as their major source of healthcare, making them the most widely used type of traditional medicine.
As to Section 9 of the TMPC Act, 2000 (Act 575), it is impermissible for an individual to manufacture herbal medicine for commercial purposes or run a business as a practitioner without first registering with the council.
In order to enhance public safety when administering herbal medications, it is crucial that herbal practitioners follow the Council’s recommendations and renew or obtain licenses from the organisation.
This is due to the fact that regulated practice would improve and promote the THPs’ meaningful participation in primary healthcare operations.
Most importantly, for millions of people, particularly in rural areas, traditional medicine and THPs are essential parts of the healthcare field.
Additionally, obtaining a license before practice will be extremely beneficial to herbalists as it will spare them from the harsh consequences of breaking the law.
The Spectator concurs with the Council that making safe and effective traditional medicines available could play a significant role in expanding access to healthcare services, as one-third of the population does not have access to vital medications.
Without a doubt, this will have a significant positive impact on Ghanaians’ health and wellbeing.
Whatever it may be, traditional medicine is here to stay and will continue to play a significant role in the healthcare systems of many communities, so the correct protocols must be followed to guarantee everyone’s safety.
Editorial
Construction of ‘Ayee Ayee Fee’ Avenue road in Akweteyman stalled
Dear Editor,
Residents of ‘Ayee Ayee Fee Avenue’, an area around Akweteyman in Accra are unhappy with the stalled road construction in the area.
The project, which began on a promising note, has been abandoned for months, leaving the road in a deplorable state.
The present state of the road has made its usage a nightmare for residents, commuters, and traders in the area.
The potholes and dust makes it difficult for vehicles to ply the road, while pedestrians risk their safety navigating the uneven terrain.
The lack of progress on the project has also created traffic congestion, air pollution, and economic hardship for local businesses.
It is unacceptable that the authorities have allowed this project to stall, despite the clear need for a safe and accessible road.
I implore the relevant authorities to take immediate action to complete the road construction on ‘Ayee Ayee Fee’ Avenue.
The community deserves a safe and reliable transportation infrastructure, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to deliver it.
Regular updates on the project’s progress, coupled with a clear plan for completion, can help restore confidence in the authorities’ ability to deliver on their promises.
Richmond Angel Mensah,
Accra.
