Keep good friendship alive

Majority of us yearn for a long health span filled with laughter/happiness and the good things of life including wealth. This dream is possible and the most sig­nificant influencing factor may surprise you; FRIENDSHIP. Yes making quality friends, nurtur­ing the friendships and keeping in touch especially physically will go a long way to make your life much richer. Living as an island is likely to kill you before “your time.”

Some friends may lead you astray but making wise choices and having people you can rely on any day is a game changer. Some may just listen to you rant and that is good enough. It eases your stress. Some will advise on certain healthy choic­es and insist on them.

Friends could be blood rela­tions, colleagues, schoolmates, members of a social club and many others. They all play a critical role. Social connections affect us positively in many ways including the following;

• It improves ability to recov­er from stress, anxiety and depression

• You may have experienced that feeling when after talking to a friend you feel like a heavy load has just been taken off you

• It promotes healthy eating, physical activity and im­proved sleep

• I am aware some friends may cause you to drink heavily or eat mounds of food at a go. Maybe you may need to “change” such friends or move on.

• It prevents or reduces bad outcomes from chronic dis­eases such as stroke, hyper­tension, diabetes and kidney failure.

• It is amazing how friends or family will come together to even raise funds to help you get medical care, as­sist you with transportation to a health facility or even drag you to get medical care while you throw a tantrum.

My advice to you for today is that at least once a week;

• Call a friend and chat

• Meet with family, friends or colleagues and share a meal, drinks or just spend quality time together.

• Make friends if you have none

• Hug a friend!

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, 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 – “We are by nature social creatures and our health and wellbeing depends on the qual­ity of relationships we make. You can’t live as an island and expect to blossom.”- Dr. Kojo Essel

I look forward to interacting with you at The La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Corporate Healthy Lifestyle Programme on Satur­day 26th August 2023 at 6am.

Let us exercise, have fun, network and share ideas that will keep us healthy.

By Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel