Priceless prescriptions from your favourite doctors (2)

I am sure like many others you would like to wake up one day to find that medicine has no place in your life. That ideal state may be a mirage for the majority of us but with the right information and appropriate lifestyle modifications we can get close.

This week I bring to you the concluding part of critical views shared by your favourite doctors;

1. Breast self exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel. Every woman should perform breast self exam at least once a month. 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump in the breast.

Part of the breast tissue extends to the area under the arm and is called the "axillary tail". 45% of cancerous breast lumps are found in the axillary tail as opposed to 25% in the area underneath the nipple. Because of the higher incidence of cancer in the axillary tail all women should pay attention to changes in the appearance, texture or consistency of breast tissue under the arm.

So, ladies please do not forget your tail.

Breast self examinations should not replace regular mammograms or clinical breast exams by a doctor.

-Dr. Adwoa Essel, Nuclear Medicine Physician

2. How often does your doctor talk to you on other issues related to your child's well being when you consult for your personal reasons? At a particular stage in one’s life you are not striving to make ends meet for yourself but for your kids who will one day take over the mantle when you retire to a good pension.

For our kids a good religious upbringing, excellent education and finally solid employment are the objective of most parents.

We should not forget that our kids must grow up to be healthy in order to achieve this, otherwise we may just labour in vain.

Childhood obesity would soon be an epidemic in most parts of the world. Currently lifestyle diseases have caught up with most parents and seem to be inching closer to our children.

Let us bring up our children to enjoy healthy meals and not appreciate junk food as their usual and delicious meals. Give them vegetables, give them fruits and reduce the frequency and amounts of sugary, fried, high fat and processed meals.

Encourage your children to exercise regularly and exercise with them as much as you can. Give them many options when it comes to different sports and they will grow to be healthy, intelligent, versatile and bold adults later in life

.

All I am saying is build a healthy body foundation for your children to avoid certain morbid conditions early in life and even in adulthood. Let them grow to be happy and content with their body composition and not switch from one fake weight losing product to another, which for many has ended up in DEPRESSION.

Dr Akwesi Adomakoh Sports and Exercise Medicine Specialist at Trust Hospital Company LTD.

3. Climate change has brought about many challenges. In Ghana we are recording increasing average temperatures which predisposes us to dehydration and possible heat strokes. Remember to consciously drink lots of water regularly and wear comfortable clothing. Avoid staying in direct sunlight for long periods at a time.

- Dr Ama Essel, Public Health Physician Specialist

4. Acidic fruits such as oranges and lemon should be restricted to mealtimes. Meal times because a lot of saliva is produced and it neutralizes the acidic juice. Never brush your teeth immediately after drinking orange (acidic) juice as you will wash the saliva away during that process and the acid will be the lubricant left.

Dr. Nana Kofi Acheampong, Dental Surgeon UK, Clinical Tutor University of Ghana Dental School Korle Bu.

5. If you have frequent “heart burns” or you have an ulcer (peptic ulcer disease), you will enhance your recovery/control by adhering to the following:

a. Avoid NSAIDs which are painkillers that include aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac etc.

b. Reduce intake of spices/spicy foods e.g. Pepper, ginger etc

c. Avoid fizzy drinks such as coca cola.

d. Avoid smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke.

e. Minimize or avoid alcohol especially the highly concentrated ones.

f. Reduce stress by adopting prudent time management

g. Avoid caffeinated drinks including tea, coffee and many energy drinks.

h. Especially if you suffer frequent heart-burns do NOT take caffeinated drinks after lunch and DON’T lie down within two (2) hours after a meal.

i. You may be better off with several weeks of treatment with medication (and lifestyle changes) instead of frequent short bouts.

j. Listen to your body and avoid anything that seems to worsen your pain or causes discomfort.

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel, Wellness Entrepreneur.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, 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

Moms’ Health Club

(dressel@healthclubsgh.com)

*Dr Essel is a medical doctor and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.

Thought for the week – “Watch your intake of sugar; including the hidden sugar in foods and drinks. Overcoming your sugar addiction could be the beginning of the end of obesity.”