Gender
Simple but effective ways to de-stress
Being inactive can be stressful and frustrating sometimes, because the body requires a considerable amount of activeness to be able to function properly.
However, these unusual holidays (COVID-19) somehow brings less economic and academic work, but the home has become one of the ‘busiest’ places during this pandemic and it’s no secret that when children are ‘idle’ at home 24/7, stress is almost inevitable.
The Spectator Gender highlights some simple but effective ways for parents and guardians to de-stress.
Simple massages
One does not always require a masseur (a male who massages) or masseuse (a female who massages) to get a massage, train spouses to give simple massage to relieve stress and also boost the immune system; gently bend and rub the knees to ease tension in the joint; on the neck, hold your hands behind your head and make small, deep circles with your thumbs, and to release tension in your face, try rubbing your forehead and jaw with your fingers.
Take a tech time-out
It is always good time to be in 24/7 connection with people outside the home, workplace, school among other places but having the smart phone, laptops and other gadgets for communication make it hard to have some required level of peace. To release stress, unplug and pull away from the screen at least for few hours in the day.
Bath regularly
Having a warm bath can improve blood flow and is a very good way to keep you relaxed. Some research found that people who bathe on a regular basis feel less stressed and tired and even smile more. Bathing at least twice a day is also a helper in releasing stress. Another helpful trick is that during hot afternoons, a cold bath under shower, or simply using a bucket to pour water on your head downwards can ease tension and some headaches. Bathe right before bed and the rise and fall of your body temperature can also help you fall asleep.
Make a to-do-list
Being organised in several aspects of one’s life can be beneficial and also release stress. Make a simple list of daily, weekly and monthly “to-dos” and hang it in a visible place around the home. Doing this has many advantages including helping to meet deadlines and avoid last minute pressure of executing your work.
De-stress with music
Music has a soothing way of relaxing nerves; tune relaxing music has a direct effect on the nervous system. It slows the rate of heat beat and breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and signals your muscles to soften. When one needs to mentally feel relaxed, your best bet is to choose the music you love.
Have a nap
Having a short sleep helps in the de-stressing process. A short midday snooze can help lower tension and boost your mood. This is often beneficial to people who are unable to sleep for about seven hours, which is closest to the required amount of sleep the body needs.
Take a short nap for about an hour, find a quiet, dark place to close your eyes for 20 minutes and you’ll wake refreshed and more alert. Some people do not like afternoon nap for the fear of waking up “dazed” or “slow”. But having a short sleep can reduce the tendency of being slow.
By Portia Hutton-Mills
Gender
BSoG calls for end to Breast Cancer stigma
Dr. Josephine Nsaful, executive member, BSoG
The Breast Society of Ghana (BSoG) is advocating an end to the stigmatisation of breast cancer patients and survivors, emphasising the need for increased awareness and education.
This call was made at the launch of the society’s breast cancer awareness month, dubbed ‘Pinktober,’ held in Accra last Friday.
An executive member of BSoG, Dr Josephine Nsaful, stressed that the initiative was crucial in ensuring that individuals battling breast cancer were not left alone during their difficult journey.
She stated that breast cancer affects over 2.3 million women globally, making it essential to raise awareness and intensify educational efforts to save more lives.
“Stop the stigmatisation and educate more people to seek early care,” Dr Nsaful said, urging churches and community groups to play a role in educating the public about the disease.
She said breast cancer was not a spiritual ailment and can be effectively treated if detected early.
“Early detection saves lives,” she noted.
Dr Nsaful expressed concern about women losing their lives to a disease that is treatable, leaving behind families and children, and stressed the importance of early medical intervention.
She added that it was unacceptable and tragic that women were dying when there were available treatments that could save them.
The President of BSoG, Dr Hannah Ayettey Anie, also called for intensified efforts to dispel myths and misconceptions about breast cancer.
She lamented that many women refused medical treatment due to false beliefs about the disease, often resorting to ineffective methods, only to seek medical help when it is too late for a cure.
Dr Anie urged everyone to support initiatives aimed at ending the stigma surrounding breast cancer, as it prevents many from seeking timely care.
She reiterated that overcoming these misconceptions and educating the public would go a long way in improving breast cancer outcomes in the country.
Additionally, the Executive Secretary of BSoG, Mrs Georgina Kumah-Dzagah, encouraged breast cancer survivors to come forward and share their stories, highlighting their survival as evidence that breast cancer was not a death sentence.
According to her, these personal accounts would serve as encouragement for others battling the disease and foster hope among patients.
The launch of ‘Pinktober’ aims to continue raising awareness and promoting education on breast cancer to save more lives and eliminate the stigma surrounding the disease.
By Raissa Sambou
Gender
Overcoming breast cancer …Theresa Fakaah’s journey to survival
Theresa Fakaah.
At just 33 years, Theresa Fakaah’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Overwhelmed by fear and negativity, she broke down in tears upon hearing the biopsy results.
The doctor’s words echoed in her mind: “The cancer is aggressive; we must remove the affected breast to prevent it from spreading to the other.” The thought of losing a breast, especially at her age and without having children or a partner, was unbearable.
Ms Fakaah’s breast cancer journey started in 2021 when she visited Ga South Municipal with a pain in her breast and was later referred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
It was at the hospital that she receive the devastating news of breast cancer that turned her life around.
Desperate for an alternative, Theresa abandoned conventional treatment and sought herbal remedies for three months. However, her condition worsened.
While on herbal treatment, she experienced excruciating pain and discharge from her right breast coupled with sleepless nights.
Returning to Korle-Bu the following year 2022, Theresa began her treatment anew, she went through eight cycles of chemotherapy, surgery to remove the affected breast and received 14 shots of Herceptin in her thigh.
Herceptin is a medication administered through infusion. This targeted therapy helps prevent cancer cells from growing and is commonly used as an adjuvant treatment to prevent recurrence.
Initially, she was scheduled to receive 18 Herceptin injections, however, Ms Fakaah experienced adverse reactions after 14 injections, and her medical team decided to discontinue the treatment with it and suggested another drug.
She said she was neglected by her family when they heard of her condition, advising her to return to the village for cure; a suggestion she refused, hence the rejection.
She was later supported by Toptown Church of Christ, Amanfrom and other individuals which enabled her to go through the treatment.
She encouraged breast cancer patients not to habour fear in them but rather follow the instructions of health professionals in order to ‘fight and conquer’ the disease.
Ms Fakaah’s breast cancer journey, is an indication of the rising number of young women in Ghana being diagnosed with breast cancer, underscoring the urgency for broader public education and awareness.
In Ghana alone, over 2,000 women lose their lives to breast cancer each year, however, health experts believe the number is significantly higher, as many cases remain undiagnosed.
A major barrier to diagnosis and treatment is the cost, with many unable to afford the necessary medical procedures. As a result, countless individuals return home, untreated, only to succumb to the disease.
October is globally recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the disease and promoting early detection.
This year’s global theme for the awareness month is “no one should face breast cancer alone,” with the aim of bringing to attention the silent struggles faced by survivors and patients who may feel isolated and unsupported due to the disease.
The goal of this year’s campaign is to ensure that survivors receive the warmth and support they need while battling with the disease and stigma.
It is therefore important not to pay lip service to the treatment of breast cancer, as many women are continuously suffering from the disease.
It is also important for stakeholders to find ways of lessening the financial and emotional burden of patients and survivors, increase awareness especially among young people, promote healthy lifestyles, improve access to screening and diagnostic facilities as well as enhancing healthcare infrastructure and treatment options.
Theresa’s journey was marked by fear, denial, and determination. Today, she stands as a testament to resilience and courage in the face of adversity
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
