Christmas and New Year nuggets from the very best
Eat a lot of vegetables
The Christmas decorations are finally out. The nights of carols, lights and lighting of trees are packed back-to-back and the carols services with the famous nine lessons can’t be left out.
In all this, the traffic in Accra just doesn’t want to be outdone. It is amazing! Where are all these vehicles and humans coming from? Will all this traffic disappear into thin air in January 2024?
Christmas and a New Year are always associated with food, drinks, parties both formal and informal and church programmes to mark the birth of Christ.
Food, drinks, social events and hospital visits have a lot in common so today we share the first set of words of wisdom from three exciting professionals who are on the Health Essentials Virtual Wellness School faculty.
1. Festivities and Food
Its holiday season and it is important to party responsibly by observing the following rules.
• Vegetables must make up about half the portion of your meals
• Choose fruit juices over soft drinks
• Go for grilled fish/ meat instead of fried ones
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so don’t skip it
Have a happy, healthy holiday season.
Carroll K. Owu
(Registered Dietician)
2. If there is a time of the year that family, friends, associates and colleagues come together to share a meal or make merry, it is during the end of year holidays. Be on point by keeping these important etiquette tips in mind and making use of them.
a. A car key, phone, purse or wallet should not be placed on the table
b. Do not order the most expensive meal on the menu when someone else is making the payment.
c. It is NEVER acceptable to pick or floss ones teeth at the dining table.
d. Have a civil conversation. Politics and religion are best not discussed at the dining table.
e. Etiquette frowns on using your phone at the table. Keep it away and enjoy the company of those present at the table.
Abenaa Antwiwaa Adusei
Certified Etiquette Consultant
3. Plan ahead for Healthcare Visits
Instead of skipping scheduled hospital visits altogether during the holiday rush, I advise patients to consider meeting their doctor or healthcare provider earlier than usual. This ensures that one’s health needs are addressed prior to the festive season, and it is now easy to relax and manage other significant commitments without compromising your well-being.
Dr. Ernest Anim-Opare
Specialist Family Physician
MBChB, MGCPS
Next week I will serve you another batch of thoughtful tips from our amazing faculty. Do put it all into practice.
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/ Mobissel
(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)
*Dr. Essel is a medical doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified 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 – “Making time to relax, have fun, laugh with loved ones and give especially to the less privileged all make you a healthier person.”- Kojo Essel
By Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
