EMBRACING HEALTHY PRACTISES DURING CRISIS

EMBRACING HEALTHY PRACTISES DURING CRISIS

By Muhammad Shakombo.

A platter of fruits

We spend almost 47 percent of our working hours thinking about something other than what we are doing, according to a study, 2010. Human attention is dwindling; average human attention span was 12 seconds in the year 2000 but dropped to 8 seconds in 2013. Studies also show that the attention span among adults and teenagers is between 10 to 20 minutes on average. This, however, is dependent on different factors such as the medium of communication, noise, language barrier, social integration, and interest among others. Mind-boggling, right? Attention span may also be affected by physiological and physical disorders. Well, the good news is, there are ways to increase your attention span and among them is exercise.

Physiological and physical exercises are vital ways to enhance attention span to individuals. Good health and mental wellness as part of the strategic development goals is an integral part of our well-being. Daily routine workout sessions can be followed in the comfort of your house under minimal supervision.  Routine workouts ranging from 1-2 hours a day can expedite the attention span exponentially.

Cognitive abilities are likely to be enhanced in physically active members of society; better health outcomes are icing on the cake. According to the CDC, 2007, 2.7 million youths aged between 4-17 were receiving medication treatment for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and in reality due to not receiving enough physical activity. Obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure just to name a few opportunistic diseases likely to take advantage. 

Most of us have had dreams of becoming an entrepreneur of some sort in life to seek financial freedom and escape the rat race of living from pay-check to pay-check. Well, a dream remains to be one unless you wake up and start working on it. A dream does not work not unless we do, paradoxically if you do not work on your dream then you will work for someone’s dream. Yes, the exact rat-race spot. 

Rush hour in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi

During periods of crisis and uncertainties it is perfect timing to test your theories, draw a plan, take a feasibility test on your idea but most of all test the market and viability of the idea. I dare to overemphasize the crucial aspect of having a mentor, which can be of service and a match for you. It is during a crisis that leaders are born, and true to that business leaders are born too. In the wake of befriending the dollars, you ought to solve bigger worldly problems. Jeff Bezos dares to solve bigger world problems and that’s what puts him on the map as the world’s first trillionaire. 

People say youth is wasted on the young; on the contrary, I tend to believe wisdom is wasted on the old. Make mistakes and do not hesitate to make another one but different, in mistakes we learn. Just like mental health is real, accepting its existence is a first step in the right direction. Great philosophers like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton are products of countless failures but defied succumbing to defeat thus persevered and emerged victors. With great resilience, water cuts a rock. Ask the right questions always with the intent to learn and be better. I believe luck is a function of intent, and luck only favors the prepared.

IGNORANCE WILL DO MORE HARM IN A CRISIS

IGNORANCE WILL DO MORE HARM IN A CRISIS

In a study by the Johns Hopkins University, the Coronavirus –scientifically known as SARS-CoV-2 clamps onto ACE- (angiotensin-converting enzyme) receptors, known as ‘gateway’ into cells inside the body. These receptors are structures found on the surface of cells in lungs and airways, which regulate blood pressure. Our eyes also produce these receptors, hence making them susceptible to attack by the Coronavirus. This means in case droplets from a positive person’s cough or sneeze lands on the surface of eyes, penetration of the virus would occur. 

How Kenyans are taking precautionary directives. 

An interesting reason why different stakeholders of health advocate for social distance is to target man’s safety from the virus. "If we continue to behave normally, this disease will treat us abnormally." Famous words in Kenya, by the cabinet secretary of Health, Mutahi Kagwe. Whether the virus is natural or lab created is subject to discussion after sailing through this pandemic.

Ignorance is bliss, so they say. The price of ignorance during such a pandemic is death. Measures put in place  to help fight this unseen enemy such as wearing masks have been taken for granted. It seems like a punishment, yet on the contrary it’s for your our own good. We loosen up the mask when in the wind and far from the law enforcers. Initially there were more stringent approaches by public transport system to spray hand sanitizers to commuters; unfortunately this has been taken under the bus. Washing hands with running water is not the only way to stay safe, but adhering to all aspects that make us vulnerable to COVID-19 is of utmost importance. 

Most countrymen in developing countries have overly flawed social distance. Ironically, people gather to discuss about the same measures put in place to ensure their safety. Yes, the need to question and provoke agendas is essential but not at the expense of losing your life. Most of the developing countries are ill equipped scientifically to test, diagnose and treat effectively hence it binds mishaps. Governments are struggling to flatten the curve, yet citizens find mockery in heeding to the precautionary measures. Yes, the hypocrisy is staggering.

Measures to undertake during the COVID-19 crisis

As countrymen, clinging on to traditions and beliefs hold a candle for our social integration. Social integration plays an integral part of our well-being but these are not usual times, hence require unusual approaches. The race to finding cure of this disease is terrific, with each country going an extra mile. Upsurge of traditional means of cure have sky-rocketed with all kinds of advisors advocating for what they believe is more likely to kick away Coronavirus yet unproven scientifically. This makes me chuckle, reminiscing those moments when your significant other told you that, your act is below par. Immediately you recalled the guy selling concoctions you passed-by in the street claiming to increase libido. Funny as it may sound, the act is all a mind game, anyway not my topic today. A vaccine will play a great deal in getting us back to our lifestyle but as at now heeding to precautionary measures is king.

In these moments of overwhelming uncertainties, we need to embrace a balanced diet to keep good health. Think of a rainbow when taking meals and strive to hit all colors of fruit and vegetables. Ensure that you get ample rest as you stay home. Consider having regular exercise to keep fit and avoid stress. Remember knowledge is power and only you can drive ignorance away. You drown not only by falling into the river but also by staying submerged in it.

WORRYING STATE OF STIGMA DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

MANAGING STIGMA IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Representation of Stigma
Designed by Makyzz / Freepik

“One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives,” This is according to the UN meeting, Geneva, 4th October. The Mental Health Policy 2015-2030, coinciding with the position of UN that one in every four Kenyans will be a patient to the above account. This implies that most of us are patients of mental disorders in waiting, yet when allocating country budgets the amount is not substantial especially towards mental health. In a study in 2017, of over 19,000 people in 16 countries showed poor attitudes about seeking treatment, 39% think that seeking help would mean losing friends, 49% think seeking help would mean limited opportunities. Feeding our worry of seeking help with the dogma of losing friends. 

As governments are engaged with fighting the Coronavirus, other conditions and disorders have been given minimal attention. Success stories on COVID-19 are present too, Taiwan recorded only 429 cases with 6 deaths but since mid-April, they have recorded zero infections. This country was the first to stop flights from Wuhan and took all precautionary measures fast enough, without even imposing a lockdown they have flattened the curve. New Zealand in an exemplary manner has eradicated the Coronavirus within its borders.

Medicinal drugs for the treatment of patients

Stigma is a negative feeling that people have about particular circumstances or characteristics that somebody may have. This long period of staying at home and being safe is commendable in curbing spread, though the mental health is now shipbroking. Most people who have been in various quarantine facilities have had different experiences of stigmatization due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, certainly of which are unpleasant. According to the Kenyan constitution, in the provision of article 43(1)(a) declares that every person is entitled to the ‘highest attainable standards of health including the right to health care services.’ Which includes mental health. Despite penning down of such good legislation, implementations of these regulations are yet to be felt by the common citizen.  Most citizens are languishing in pain and being bombarded with too much uncertainty from the people in authority.

Regardless of having mental health issues being part of life, many are yet to come into terms with reality. There is fear for falling sick and dying from the diseases, avoiding health care facilities for fear of contraction, loneliness, and depression due to being isolated, fear of being socially excluded among other fears are present in most Kenyans. The risk of being affected has affected the social interactions in our communities hence increasing chances of depression, although some hotspots are behaving on the contrary. Incase caregivers are isolated in quarantine facilities; it creates deterioration of mental and physical health from the vulnerable members of the community like the elder generation and persons with disabilities.

Personal protective pieces of equipment   

Treatment is available to the citizen, yet almost two-thirds of individuals never seek help. Understanding and addressing psychosocial support is key in curbing any mental health of the citizen to curb long-term effects. Make sure you seek help from a professional in case you are in distress during moments of crisis. Globally, the recommended ratio of a psychiatrist to a patient is 1:10,000 yet in developing countries the figure is worrying. The government has the autonomy of action in such cases; as such, the need to increase the number of health care workers can come in handy. The contribution of the private sector is also much needed. The debate of finances too cannot be overlooked hence harmonization is required.

It is okay to feel sad during a crisis, but take chances and contact people you trust among friends and family. If you must stay home then make sure you follow a healthy diet and don’t forget exercise. If you are overwhelmed then seek help from a health care worker. Times are changing and change is inevitable; furthermore, time waits for none. Develop and nurture new skills that will help you grow as a person holistically. Personally, I have engaged in writing articles, creating content, doing voice-overs, and enjoying journalism by mixing business with pleasure. There’s richness in emancipating yourself from mental slavery, the redemption song by Bob Marley puts it in perspective.