TIG Post

Author: Amanda Cartey

  • 4 ways to bring out your partner’s true feelings

    Do you notice that your partner is constantly unhappy and discontented? Falling short of what you might consider a form of depressive disorder, it may be that your partner just seems to lack joy in life.

    As joyless as your partner seems to be, however, you notice that they refuse to discuss their feelings. Perhaps you’ve just had a pleasant evening with relatives with the exception of a tactless remark someone made toward your partner. On your way home, rather than talk about this incident, your partner just says “It’s fine, I don’t care,” and ends it at that.

    If this sort of shoving aside of negative feelings is typical of your partner, it’s possible that they adhere to a kind of stoic attitude in which any exploration of emotions is considered taboo. You don’t want to keep prodding and poking in order to try to get them to open up, but you do wish that there was a way to help your partner feel more comfortable talking about their feelings.

    There’s Stoicism—and Then There’s Naïve Stoicism.

    As suggested in new research by Victoria University of New Zealand’s Johannes Alfons Karl and colleagues (2022), what’s called a “naïve Stoicism” could be at the heart of your partner’s tendencies to clam up, especially in emotionally arousing situations.

    True stoicism as represented in ancient Greek philosophy involves “a thoughtful engagement with negative thoughts and cultivating moral ideals in one’s life” (p. 2). Indeed, although you might not realize it, the well-established cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression involves exactly this form of classical Stoicism.

    In “naïve” Stoicism, these nuances are ignored and individuals adhere to a counter-productive set of beliefs that emphasize emotion non-expression and suppression. Indeed, as the authors note, “the term Stoic has been detached from its philosophical roots and does not represent what the term originally encompassed” (p. 2).

    All of this is well and good, but what can you do if your partner has adopted this rigid refusal to enter the world of emotions? Before you decide to sit down with your partner and offer up a lesson in Greek philosophy, you might consider some more practical pathways to help move your partner from naïve to classic Stoicism.

    The Four Parts of Naïve Stoicism

    Using a measure developed by previous research called the “Stoic Ideology” scale, the Victoria U.-led author team sought to determine whether people scoring high on this measure would also have low scores on indexes of well-being and happiness. Given that attitudes toward emotional expression have a strong cultural component, Karl et al. sought to test the stoicism-happiness relationship in a cross-national sample. The three young adult samples, all recruited through universities, represented the countries of the U.S., Norway, and New Zealand.

    To get to the four components of naïve stoicism, the authors used the Pathak-Wieten Stoicism Ideology Scale (PWSIS), composed of the following subscales (along with sample items):

    • Endurance: I expect myself to hide my aches and pains from others.
    • Taciturnity: I don’t believe in talking about my personal problems.
    • Serenity: I would prefer to be unemotional.
    • Death Acceptance: I would not allow myself to be bothered by the fear of death.

    As you can see from these scales, people high in stoicism, as defined by emotional squelching, push out a range of problems and emotions, including the fear of death. This last component of the PWSIS may seem out of place, but according to Karl et al., there is some legitimacy to having at least some form of anxiety about death. To pretend otherwise is to deny a universal piece of the human experience.

    Now think about how your partner would reply to these sample items. Do these qualities seem to characterize at least some, if not all, of your partner’s approach to life? If you’re finding it hard to come up with an answer, go back and recall a situation in which both of you witnessed an event that was very sad, either in reality or perhaps in a movie. Did your partner show any emotion at all? Were you able to detect even the slightest hint of sadness?

    Thinking about these items, it may also become clear to you how the layperson’s view of stoicism might differ from that of the more classically informed type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. In this approach to treatment, the clinician aims to help the patient delve into their feelings as the first step toward changing the way the patient thinks about the situation that prompted them, but not to sweep them aside entirely.

    The cross-national findings of the Karl et al. study contrasted scores on the PWSIS with two types of well-being: Eudamonic, or the sense of flourishing and finding meaning in life, and Hedonic, or feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Consistent with the study’s predictions, people who scored high on all elements of the PWSIS had lower levels of both types of well-being.

    The two stoicism scales with the strongest relationship to well-being were Taciturnity and Serenity, although all four were important contributors to both lower Eudaimonic and Hedonic forms of well-being. Apart from Serenity, furthermore, men tended to score higher than women on the PWSIS scales.

    Luckily, however, people with naïve stoicism beliefs can be helped. As the authors concluded, “stoic ideology is thought to be malleable and responsive to interventions… and to improve well-being” (p. 15). Importantly, furthermore, it’s not just happiness but fulfillment that can become improved by addressing an individual’s naïvely stoical beliefs.

    Taking Those Four Steps with Your Partner

    Now that you understand naïve stoicism’s potential impact on your partner’s well-being, you can see that there’s no need to cover ancient philosophy in order to help them improve. Turning the four scales of the PWSIS into practical action, here are specific suggestions:

    1. Help your partner understand that there’s nothing weak about showing that something hurts. Translating this to a physical injury such as a cut on the finger, your partner may feel it’s OK to wince in pain or say “ouch.” In emotional terms, help your partner recognize that it’s normal for such experiences as the tactless remark at that family gathering to cause emotional pain. There’s no need to dwell on the incident, but by recognizing its negative nature, your partner could learn that such feelings are a completely normal part of life.
    2. Give your partner some gentle prompts to talk about problems. Without going overboard into TMI territory, when your partner is with you or others that they feel close to, it may be necessary to help them give voice to whatever problems are preoccupying them. This could be an incident at work that really bothers your partner, or even something you’re doing that’s creating internal strife, whether of a trivial or more profound nature. Maybe you’ve been leaving dirty towels on the floor in the bathroom or forgetting to lock the front door. If you notice this behavior in yourself and wonder if it bothers your partner, go ahead and ask them to tell you how they feel about the situation.
    3. Address the Serenity component of the PWSIS. It’s possible that your partner’s life history has taught them not to tread into emotional territory. There’s value in being “unemotional” in cases when emotions would only cloud their judgment, but as an overriding philosophy, this stifling of inner feelings can erode not only mental but physical health as well.
    4. Don’t be afraid to talk about death and dying. The fear and denial of death that people learn from social and cultural attitudes can be difficult to overcome in anyone. You can tell if your partner is on the extreme end of this continuum if every time you bring up such matters as having a living will or a plan for care should they become incapacitated, they immediately change the subject. The next time you bring this up, you can acknowledge that the reluctance to talk about life’s ending is natural enough, but that by pretending such an ending won’t occur, your partner is cutting themselves off from the potential to explore and savor life’s meaning.

    To sum up, although the quality of stoicism might seem admirable to some individuals, the belief that stoicism means you never show your feelings or even experience them completely can only interfere with well-being. Helping your partner by taking steps down these 4 pathways can provide a new way for both of you to experience greater emotional fulfillment.

    References

    Karl, J. A., Verhaeghen, P., Aikman, S. N., Solem, S., Lassen, E. R., & Fischer, R. (2022). Misunderstood stoicism: The negative association between stoic ideology and well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-022-00563-w

    Pathak, E. B., Wieten, S. E., & Wheldon, C. W. (2017). Stoic beliefs and health: Development and preliminary

    validation of the Pathak-Wieten Stoicism Ideology Scale. British Medical Journal Open, 7(11), e015137. https:// doi. org/ 10. 1136/ bmjop en- 2016- 015137

     

    Source: Psychology today

  • Are you afraid of getting older?

    Tashaun* is in his late thirties. “I’ve got a big birthday coming up,” he said. “I’m trying to tell myself that nothing is really changing, I’m not changing, but I don’t know. You hear so much about what happens to your body and your mind after forty. It’s like things go downhill from there. I’ve got so much I need to do before that happens.”

    Kim* is thirty-one. “I was so worried about turning thirty,” she said. “I don’t know exactly what I was afraid of, but it seemed like it was the worst thing that could happen to me. I felt like I hadn’t accomplished enough, wasn’t healthy enough, hadn’t been exercising enough or eating the right way. I think I sort of expected my body to fall apart. It didn’t, but now I’m worried about turning thirty-five.”

    As she approached her seventieth birthday, Amber* said that her sixties were the best years of her life. “I settled into myself,” she said. “No, more than that—I became myself. There were ups and downs, of course, but I’ve been consistently happier than I’ve ever been before. But nothing lasts forever, and I’m so afraid that that will disappear in the next decade.”

    Big birthdays—those years when we move into a new decade or into the second half of the decade we’re in already—frequently stir up fears of aging. But worries about getting old form an undercurrent in the lives of many of us, no matter what our age. And no wonder. Negative attitudes about age and aging are part of many cultures these days.

     

    Source: 123RF stock image 47103990 Photographer studiograndouest

    We don’t want to get old for many reasons. Some of our concerns, like fear of loss—of independence, of loved ones, of our physical and mental abilities, and of course, of life itself—have some basis in reality.

    But many of our fears have very little to do with what is really involved in getting older. The fears are based on cultural stereotypes, or prejudices, that are often accepted by our friends, colleagues, and family and are reinforced by many different aspects of the world around us. Becca R. Levy, Ph.D., Yale professor and author of a best-selling book Breaking the Age Code: How Your Age Beliefs Determine How Long and Well You Live, said in an interview that these prejudices are the result of a combination of internal fears and social stigma.

    Levy commented that both sorts of concerns are reinforced by “companies, such as in advertising, in social media and also in the anti-aging industry, which generate a trillion dollars together of profits in part by denigrating aging and creating a fear around aging.”

    123RF stock image 33837984 Photographer rocketclips

    Source: 123RF stock image 33837984 Photographer rocketclips

    But there are some things you can do to counteract this culturally-based fear of getting older. One of the most important is to alter your mindset about aging, according to studies done by researchers at the Yale Center for Research on Aging. Studies conducted by these researchers, including Dr. Levy, showed that elderly participants who experienced positive messages about aging showed an improvement in both physical functions and their self-images. Those in the control group, who did not receive information that reinforced positive images of aging and reduced negative stereotypes did not show improvement.

    But how can you do that yourself, when you are constantly bombarded with messages about time running out and the daily ticking of your biological clock, loss of brain cells, and diminishing of physical capacities?

    It seems that the answer to the question is fairly simple: You have to change your mindset about getting older by actively looking for information that disproves those negative messages about aging.

    • How Do We Age?
    • Find a therapist specialized in aging concerns

    Yes, it’s true that there are genuine difficulties, pain, and loss that come along with aging. But, much as we wish it wasn’t true, there are plenty of those moments throughout our lives. Parents, children, friends, and other loved ones don’t always wait till we’re old to become ill or die. Relationships fail all through life. Disappointment in jobs, living situations, other people, and in ourselves occur at every life stage.

    Fears about aging can include fears about being hurt, anxiety about being ill, and worries about dying. But research has also shown that many older folks tend to be happier than younger ones. Laura Carstensen, director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, commented that “people’s goals and reasoning change as they come to appreciate their mortality and recognize that their time on Earth is finite. When people face endings they tend to shift from goals about exploration and expanding horizons to ones about savoring relationships and focusing on meaningful activities,” she said.

    Aging Essential Reads

    I asked Amber what had made her sixties so special. “I started to focus more on what was important to me,” she said. “I worked at improving my relationships with my children and grandchildren. I got involved in some projects that might have a tiny impact on the health of the earth, and that also gave me tremendous satisfaction on a daily basis.” In her book A Long Bright Future, Carstensen tells us that it is crucial to integrate the very real difficulties of aging with a time that is “socially rewarding, productive, and fun.” Paying attention to those positive experiences will not make the negative ones go away, but will shift the focus of your brain so that you will have greater pleasure—be happier and more content—as you age.

    Amber realized that she could continue to focus on those emotionally meaningful goals in her seventies. “I can do that no matter how old I get,” she said. “Things might get difficult, but if my attention is on my relationships and what’s important to me, I won’t worry about the difficulties so much.”

    But you can use these techniques no matter what your age. Rather than worrying about getting older, about all of the things that you will be losing, try resetting your thoughts. Turn your attention to what is emotionally meaningful to you now. Let yourself enjoy those activities and relationships that give you pleasure or make you happy or content. The bad things in your life won’t go away, but they may take up less space in your brain.

    You might just find that changing your mindset about aging can make you happier while you’re young.

     

     

    Source: Psychology today

  • Guide to finding the right Theragun massage gun

    If you’re one of those people now working out at home more than ever before, you probably think you already have all the workout gear you need. You snagged dumbbells, a yoga mat, resistance bands and all the other major essentials — or so you thought. One device you might have overlooked, however, is the massage gun, a percussive therapy device that enhances recovery after intense workouts.

    Massage guns like the Theragun have been gaining traction on social media for a while now, but they’re not just overpriced toys that make mesmerizing slow-motion videos. If you get a good one, it can be a legitimate therapeutic device that has been shown to help prevent delayed onset muscle soreness by promoting blood flow to your muscles.

    If you want to get your hands on a massage gun, there’s good news. Theragun (which has been renamed Therabody) is one of the most popular massage gun brands out there, beloved for its high-quality products with sleek designs, and it just dropped a whole new line of percussion therapy devices. The new lineup from Therabody includes four massage guns: Theragun mini (Cyber Monday special: $174, regularly $199; theragun.com), Theragun Prime (Cyber Monday special: $224, regularly $299; theragun.com) Theragun Elite (Cyber Monday special: $299, regularly $399; theragun.com) and Theragun Pro ($449, originally $599; theragun.com).

    With this exciting release, we wanted to get our hands on a few devices to see how they stack up and if they’re really worth your money. We tested and compared the Theragun mini, Theragun Elite and Theragun Pro for their power, performance and convenience. Not only did we want to note the differences between the devices, such as speed and power, but we also wanted to look at other factors such as ease of use and noise. Each device has its own quirks and benefits, so to help you find the best one, we’ve put together this guide.

    We think the Theragun mini is the most exciting and innovative massage device Therabody has put out yet. Its Cyber Monday special $174 price tag (regularly $199) is the lowest of the lineup, making it an amazing introductory device.

    The Theragun mini solves a lot of the accessibility problems that seem to come with massage guns. The narrative is usually that they’re bulky and loud and cost way more than what you’d ideally like to spend. That’s been changed with the mini’s tiny size and low price.

    While it doesn’t pack as big a punch as the Elite or Pro, the Theragun mini has top speeds of 2,400 percussions per minute, matching the more expensive models. However, it doesn’t provide as much depth or power with its 12-millimeter amplitude, which translates to how far the massager head moves up and down, and 20 pounds of stalling force, which is how hard you can push on it before it stops. (The commercial-level Pro, for comparison, charts a 16-millimeter amplitude and 60 pounds of stalling force.) Despite this, the mini provided us with enough percussive power for a relaxing massage.

    Like many, we’ve been working out more due to stay-at-home orders, so having a massage gun handy was a true blessing for sore hamstrings. The mini was powerful enough to blast the stiffness out of our legs after a hard workout, plus it was quiet enough that we could watch Netflix while doing so.

    Another perk of the mini’s tiny size is its mobility. You can reach just about anywhere and comfortably apply enough pressure for a deep massage. The only place where it was difficult to apply adequate pressure was the middle of the back. The triangular design of the other Theraguns helps reach your back without twisting your arms. Since the mini is so light (1.4 pounds), the odd arm angles needed to hit those more difficult areas didn’t tire out our wrists or arms as much as other models.

    What we found most impressive was this little guy’s battery life. On Therabody’s site, the mini is said to have up to 150 minutes of sustained run time. When we conducted our own test, we turned all the Theraguns up to a 2,100-PPM setting and let them buzz and buzz. They all performed at or above the listed times, but the mini kept chugging along for a ridiculous five and a half hours. It finally died after 345 minutes.

    It’s small but mighty, and we really love the Theragun mini. With three speed settings (1,750 PPM, 2,100 PPM and 2,400 PPM), it has enough power to dig pretty deep into muscles, and its low cost, ease of use and lack of bells and whistles make it one of the most accessible massage devices on the market.

    We didn’t test the Theragun Prime hands on, but its specs place it as the most basic of the three triangular-shaped Theraguns. With a 16-millimeter amplitude and 30 pounds of stall force, it’s more powerful than the mini and provides enough percussive power for the everyday workout. But if you have nagging problems that need some more intensive work, you’ll want to opt for the Elite or the Pro.

    The Prime has all the basic features of the more expensive devices, but at a more reasonable Cyber Monday special price of $224 (regularly $299). At 2.2 pounds, it weighs the same as the Elite, so based on our experience with that model (see below), the Prime should be quite easy to move around to hit all parts of your body without straining your arm, hand or wrist.

    The battery has a listed run time of 120 minutes, but based on our tests with the other models, we wouldn’t be surprised if it lasts even longer. The Prime comes with four attachments: the dampener, standard ball, thumb and cone.

    This device is also the first in the lineup to be equipped with Bluetooth capabilities. You can pair the Prime, Elite or Pro to Therabody’s companion app, which guides you through certain workouts and even allows you to control the speed right from your phone. It has five built-in speeds — 1,750 PPM, 1,900 PPM, 2,100 PPM, 2,200 PPM and 2,400 PPM — that you can toggle through if you don’t want to use your phone.

    If you just want the essentials of a massage gun without many extra features, the Theragun Prime is a great option with its ergonomic shaping and hefty motor. If you’re looking for more convenience or even more power, check out the Elite and Pro.

    The Theragun Elite is the next iteration of Therabody’s most popular massage gun, the Theragun G3 (which is now discontinued). The fourth generation brings loads of improvements, like more speed settings, a more powerful motor and much longer battery life.

    Therabody claims the Elite is 75% quieter than the previous generation, and while we couldn’t test that firsthand, we can confirm that it is surprisingly quiet. We had to turn up the television a couple of notches while using it, but the Elite wasn’t obnoxiously loud even during a neck massage (though we still wouldn’t recommend any late-night massage sessions if you have roommates in close quarters trying to sleep).

    So how is the Elite, which costs almost $100 more at the special Cyber Monday price of $299 (regularly $399), better than the Prime? The main improvements are a higher stall force, which means you can get deeper into those sore muscles; a force meter that displays on a new OLED screen, which helps you gauge just how hard you’re pushing; an additional attachment (the wedge); wireless charging capabilities; and the ability to locally store preset routines on the device. None of these is a game changer by itself, but combined, they make the Elite a much more well-rounded product, with both better performance and convenience than the Prime.

    When we tested the Elite, we really enjoyed its triangular shape. Since it’s heavier than the mini, at 2.2 pounds, the ergonomic hold was needed to make it easier to target harder-to-reach areas like the back. We used the Elite in tandem with the app, which made the massage experience feel like an actual regimented workout instead of just blasting those sore quads willy-nilly. On the app, you can select routines for specific body parts like forearms or the lower back to help you target your aches and pains. You can also choose a massage routine that helps with relief from specific activities like running, tennis or even traveling on a plane (though we won’t be doing that anytime soon).

    Once you select the routine, the app tells you which attachment to use, where to hold the device and how to move it around for the best results. It even has a timer that counts down and lets you know when to switch areas (from the left side of your back to the right, for example).

    The battery on the Elite, like the others we tested, exceeded expectations. It’s listed as having a run time of up to 120 minutes, but ours lasted for an impressive 197 minutes. That’s more than enough time for multiple recovery sessions before a charge.

    Unfortunately, after we concluded our testing of the Elite, we attempted to update it — but it turned off and won’t turn back on again. Still, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty, it wouldn’t be an issue to swap it out for another one.

    The Theragun Elite lives up to its name as a premium percussive device in design, performance and price. At $299 for Cyber Monday, it takes quite a chunk of cash, but the Elite can revamp your muscle recovery in easy-to-use and effective ways.

    If you need the best of the best, or are looking to add a massage gun to your arsenal as a personal trainer, there’s no doubt the Theragun Pro should be your weapon of choice. The Pro adds an adjustable arm and swappable batteries and packs a much bigger punch than all the other Theraguns in the lineup. Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty, compared with the one-year warranty that comes standard with the other devices in the release.

    The Theragun Pro has an amplitude of 16 millimeters with 60 pounds of stall force. That means you can apply massive amounts of pressure to get deep into your tissues for the ultimate massage recovery. We tried pushing it into our muscles to get it to stall and it took a couple of tries. You can basically push as hard as you want with the Pro without worrying about it stopping.

    The biggest advantage in comparison with the rest of the lineup is definitely the Pro’s adjustable arm. It has four positions that allow you to really hit all the parts of your body while maintaining a comfortable grip. We would swap the positions with the click of a button to better target that aching back, or just make it more comfortable to hold while we hit other areas like calves or forearms. We can only imagine how useful it would be for a professional physical therapist.

    Another great feature of the Pro is its swappable batteries. They pop in and out easily for a quick switch if one dies, and each lasts 150 minutes, giving a combined run time of up to 300 minutes. When we ran our battery test it landed right on the mark, with one battery lasting 145 minutes.

    The Pro was the loudest of all the Theraguns we tested but was by no means headache-inducing. The highest speed applied to the neck can be a little rattling, but even so the Pro sounds surprisingly smooth for how powerful it is. We think its construction helps with this, as the Pro has a matte, grippy covering in contrast to the shiny, hard plastic of the Elite. The hard plastic could rattle around, making the device louder, but the Pro didn’t have that issue.

    The Theragun Pro has all the features you’d ever want from a high-end massage gun. Its price is lofty with a Cyber Monday special price of $449, regularly $599, but it’s an investment worth making for any hardcore athlete or health or fitness professional who’s in the market for a massager.

    Therabody’s new line of fourth-generation Theraguns is a nice next step in the field of percussion therapy. Our favorite is the Theragun mini, which is the most accessible massage gun Therabody has ever made. It provides a solid massage experience in a tiny device that won’t break the bank at $174 for Cyber Monday (originally $199).

    The Theragun Prime and Elite are a few steps up from the mini, with the Prime giving you just the essentials and the Elite offering more performance and convenience. At $299 and $399, they are pricey, but with the companion app, they provide an easily implemented recovery routine that can help you feel better after any workout.

    The Theragun Pro is truly a top-of-the-line massage gun, perfect for any athlete who needs the best recovery or for a working physical therapist. The two-year warranty gives a little more peace of mind for the $599 investment. It has key features that set it apart from the other Theraguns, including a ridiculous 60 pounds of stall force and the adjustable arm.

    So whether you’re new to massage guns or you’re looking for a top-notch upgrade, Therabody’s new Theragun line can percussion away your problems, no matter your needs or your budget.

    Source: CNN

  • What happens if you wake up before your alarm? Tips from 3 sleep experts

    Many people dread the blaring sound of an alarm clock, signaling the start of a busy workday. Others wish that they weren’t already awake and that the sound had actually woken them up.

    Waking up minutes or even hours before the alarm is not a new phenomenon, sleep experts tell CNN, but it can cause people incredible discomfort. The additional stress factors from the ongoing pandemic have exacerbated our collective sleeping struggles.

    More than a third of Americans get fewer hours of sleep a night than the minimum recommendation of seven hours, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the National Institute of Health, studies across the globe show anywhere from 10% to 30% of the population struggles with insomnia, defined as the consistent difficulty falling asleep and the inability to return to sleep after going to bed.

    Those experiencing insomnia can have a combination of “nocturnal awakenings” and what’s categorized as “early morning awakenings,” according to a 2009 study from the Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center and other universities. The study finds that some people may experience early awakenings without other insomnia symptoms such as “difficulty initiating sleep,” “nocturnal awakenings” and “non-restorative sleep,” meaning sleep that isn’t substantial even with the recommended hours.

    “That’s a little bit of a myth that insomnia is only falling asleep,” said sleep specialist Rebecca Robbins, an instructor in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “A common complaint is excessive sleepiness and waking up and feeling very unrefreshed.”

    While insomnia treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, other daily tips can have an impact on early morning awakenings. An acute sleep disorder could be at play for someone not experiencing chronic insomnia but waking up early.

    “Sleep is an artifact of our waking lives,” Robbins said. “If you’re experiencing hardship, trauma or something unsettling happening … those events loom large for our sleep.”

    The constant waking up before that daily sound is coupled with an immense frustration about not falling back asleep. The stress can feel isolating and all-consuming, taking more precedence than the initial sleep problem.

    “You start ruminating about it, and then you start doing things that make insomnia worse,” said Dr. Rajkumar Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles. “Don’t start telling yourself … ‘I’m going to make myself stay in bed until I fall asleep.’ ”

    So, what can you do about it?

    Don’t watch the clock or your phone

    If you wake up suddenly — in what feels like the early morning hours — resist checking the clock. Finding out it’s 3 a.m. when you set the alarm for 7 a.m. can cause increased stress about the hours of sleep you hoped to attain.

    “The anxiety and the frustration build. … Clock watching becomes habitual, and that habitual response of frustration and anxiety also causes a stress response in the body,” said sleep specialist Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral scientist at Rand Corp.

    When the stress takes precedence, cortisol levels increase, and the body becomes alert. This process is counterproductive for maintaining drowsiness; the brain becomes hyper-engaged.

    “You look at the clock. It’s 3 o’clock in the morning like clockwork, and immediately tension might grit your teeth. You think of all the demands … how awful it is going to be when you’re sleep-deprived,” Troxel said. “All of this mental processing and agitation is antithetical to the sleep state. It’s making you more alert and aroused … versus sending the signal to the brain that it’s OK to drift.”

    If your alarm is on the phone, checking the clock can pose an even more significant trigger. Consider getting an alarm that isn’t attached to your phone.

    “Our phone is our strongest signal to our waking lives,” Troxel said. “You’re getting the light exposure from your phone, which can directly stimulate your circadian signal for alertness. The content of what we are consuming on our phones can be very activating, whether it’s scrolling through social media or reading the news. These can all stimulate emotional states that are more activating rather than relaxing.”

    Get out of bed

    So paradoxically, experts say to get out of bed. Yes, even at 3 a.m.

    “Abandon the idea of getting back to sleep,” Troxel said. “When you do that, when you let the pressure go that sleep isn’t so effortful, sleep is more likely to come back.”

    In a stimulus control technique, you can distract your brain with a mundane task to help bring back drowsiness faster than staying frustrated in bed.

    “As soon as that little voice comes on, change the environment. Get out of bed,” Robbins said. “Try to reset your brain and keep the lights low.”

    Mentally assigning the bed with sleeping helps people associate positive sleep thoughts with their space. Leaving the room when agitation sets in can separate the frustration from the bed.

    Anything from reading a book to knitting or listening to soft music (but not using a phone) can positively distract the brain. Once drowsiness sets in again, head back to bed.

    Log what works and what doesn’t

    Dasgupta recommends keeping track not only of when you went to bed and woke up on a given night, but also the calming techniques, environmental factors — and even nutrition and exercise routines that seemed to help you sleep that day.

    “Perfect sleep is like having a puzzle, and you need all the right pieces,” Dasgupta said. “People who have insomnia, they’re missing one of those sleep hygiene pieces. When you make your recommendation, like a muscle relaxation, maybe that’s not the thing that they were missing. Maybe sound wasn’t the key part. Maybe you need more of that weighted blanket.”

    It also depends on our given circadian rhythm, or the 24-hour solar cycle the body runs on that alerts us when sleepiness sets at night. If any environmental factors change — such as travel, work schedule or lighting — the body’s circadian rhythm may be off, signaling an uncomfortable early wake-up before the alarm, Dasgupta said. In this case, changing the lighting in a given room or getting alternative lighting could help.

    Progressive muscle relaxation may work — start at the toes, clench the given muscles for three seconds and release. Breathe through this process. The 4-7-8 breathing exercise coupled with muscle relaxation can be successful, Dasgupta said. You breathe in for 4 seconds, hold it for 7 seconds and breathe out for 8 seconds.

    Relaxing breath

    Follow along as Dr. Ellen Vora guides you through the 4-7-8 breathing technique.

    Source: Courtesy Dr. Ellen Vora

    Others may find that yoga, meditation or reading can help when they wake up before their alarm.

    The key here as well is to get out of bed.

    The same techniques don’t work for everyone, but practicing various strategies that may affect sleep is critical, ultimately building a well-followed routine.

    “Take it in stride,” Robbins said. “That’s the reason we consciously use this word ritual before bed because it’s ideally strategies that you build into your routine. It’s your toolkit.”

    If the problem continues beyond three times a week for three months, Robbins recommends talking to a sleep specialist. It may require more than a simple habit change.

     

    Source; CNN

  • Exposure to any light during sleep linked to obesity, serious health issues, study finds

    Even dim light can disrupt sleep, raising the risk of serious health issues in older adults, a new study found.

    “Exposure to any amount of light during the sleep period was correlated with the higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity and hypertension in both older men and women,” senior author Phyllis Zee, chief of sleep medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, told CNN.

    “People should do their best to avoid or minimize the amount of light they are exposed to during sleep,” she added.

    A study published earlier this year by Zee and her team examined the role of light in sleep for healthy adults in their 20s. Sleeping for only one night with a dim light, such as a TV set with the sound off, raised the blood sugar and heart rate of the young people during the sleep lab experiment.

    An elevated heart rate at night has been shown in prior studies to be a risk factor for future heart disease and early death, while higher blood sugar levels are a sign of insulin resistance, which can ultimately lead to type 2 diabetes.

    The dim light entered the eyelids and disrupted sleep in the young adults despite the fact that participants slept with their eyes closed, Zee said. Yet even that tiny amount of light created a deficit of slow wave and rapid eye movement sleep, the stages of slumber in which most cellular renewal occurs, she said.

    Objective measurements

    The new study, published Wednesday in the journal Sleep, focused on seniors who “already are at higher risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said coauthor Dr. Minjee Kim, an assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in a statement.

    “We wanted to see if there was a difference in frequencies of these diseases related to light exposure at night,” Kim said.

    Instead of pulling people into a sleep lab, the new study used a real-world setting. Researchers gave 552 men and women between the ages of 63 and 84 an actigraph, a small device worn like a wristwatch that measures sleep cycles, average movement and light exposure.

    “We’re actually measuring the amount of light the person is exposed to with a sensor on their body and comparing that to their sleep and wake activity over a 24-hour period,” Zee said. “What I think is different and notable in our study is that we have really objective data with this method.”

     

    Zee and her team said they were surprised to find that fewer than half of the men and women in the study consistently slept in darkness for at least five hours each day.

    “More than 53% or so had some light during the night in the room,” she said. “In a secondary analysis, we found those who had higher amounts of light at night were also the most likely to have diabetes, obesity or hypertension.”

    In addition, Zee said, people who slept with higher levels of light were more likely to go to bed later and get up later, and “we know late sleepers tend to also have a higher risk for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.”

    What to do

    Strategies for reducing light levels at night include positioning your bed away from windows or using light-blocking window shades. Don’t charge laptops and cellphones in your bedroom where melatonin-altering blue light can disrupt your sleep. If low levels of light persist, try a sleep mask to shelter your eyes.

    If you have to get up, don’t turn on lights if you don’t have to, Zee advised. If you do, keep them as dim as possible and illuminated only for brief periods of time.

    Older adults often have to get up at night to visit the bathroom, due to health issues or side effects from medications, Zee said, so advising that age group to turn out all lights might put them at risk of falling.

    In that case, consider using nightlights positioned very low to the ground, and choose lights with an amber or red color. That spectrum of light has a longer wavelength, and is less intrusive and disruptive to our circadian rhythm, or body clock, than shorter wavelengths such as blue light.

     

     

    Source: CNN

  • Napping regularly linked to high blood pressure and stroke, study finds

    People who often nap have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure and having a stroke, a large new study has found.

    “This may be because, although taking a nap itself is not harmful, many people who take naps may do so because of poor sleep at night. Poor sleep at night is associated with poorer health, and naps are not enough to make up for that,” said clinical psychologist Michael Grandner in a statement. Grandner directs the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic at the Banner-University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, and was not involved in the study.

    Study participants who typically napped during the day were 12% more likely to develop high blood pressure over time and were 24% more likely to have a stroke compared with people who never napped.

    If the person was younger than age 60, napping most days raised the risk of developing high blood pressure by 20% compared with people who never or rarely nap, according to the study published Monday in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal. The AHA recently added sleep duration as one of its eight essential metrics to optimal heart and brain health.

    Senior man having a nap during day time on sofa.

    The results held true even after researchers excluded people at high risk for hypertension, such as those with type 2 diabetes, existing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep disorders and who did night-shift work.

    “The results demonstrate that napping increases the incidence of hypertension and stroke, after adjusting or considering many variables known to be associated with risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Dr. Phyllis Zee, director of the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

    “From a clinical standpoint, I think it highlights the importance for health care providers to routinely ask patients about napping and excessive daytime sleepiness and evaluate for other contributing conditions to potentially modify the risk for cardiovascular disease,” said Zee, who was not involved in the study.

    Longer naps are worse

    The study used data from 360,000 participants who had given information on their napping habits to the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database and research resource that followed UK residents from 2006 to 2010.

    Tired overworked man is sleeping on keyboard in office at work.

    People in the UK study provided blood, urine and saliva samples on a regular basis, and answered questions on napping four times over the four year study. However, the study only collected nap frequency, not duration, and relied on self-reports of napping, a limitation due to imperfect recall.

    “They didn’t define what a nap should be. If you’re going to be sleeping for an hour, two hours, for example, that’s not really a nap,” said sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

    “A refreshing power nap that’s 15 to 20 minutes around noon to 2 p.m. is 100% the way to go if you’re sleep deprived,” said Dasgupta, who was not involved in the study. “If you have chronic insomnia we don’t encourage napping because it takes away the drive to sleep at night.”

    Most of the people in the study who took regular naps smoked cigarettes, drank daily, snored, had insomnia and reported being an evening person.

    Many of these factors could impact a person’s quality and quantity of slumber, Dasgupta said. Poor sleep causes “excessive daytime fatigue which can result in excessive napping during the day,” he said.

    “I do believe napping is a warning sign of an underlying sleep disorder in certain individuals,” he added. “Sleep disorders are linked to an increase in stress and weight regulation hormones which can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes — all risk factors for heart disease.”

    Source: CNN

  • 11 work tips to help you leave an amazing life

    If you want to live a smart, successful, vibrant life; you have certainly come to the right place. Read on to discover just how you can improve your working life by following these simple tips.

    Say no to 1 hour meetings

    No one has ever said, “I adore one-hour meetings.” Meetings lasting one hour are frequently unnecessary. You can usually finish what you thought would take an hour in 30 minutes. You’ll be forced to be concise and on topic if you only have 30 minutes.

    Do the Steve Jobs walk

    Some of Steve Jobs’ most crucial meetings were held when he was out for a walk. This is something I do all the time. To begin with, holding meetings in conference rooms may be a rather rigid experience. Second, taking people out of their usual environment may cause them to perceive things in a different light. Third, being physically active throughout your meeting may aid in clearer thinking. So open the door, take a deep breath, and go for a walk.

    Visualize your success

    Consider three teams of basketball players.
    *The first group would spend 20 minutes a day practicing free throws.
    The second group would envision themselves making free shots rather than practicing them.
    The third group would not do any sort of visualization or exercise at all.
    What were the outcomes? In the second group, there was a significant improvement. They were virtually as good as the previous squad. This is a real experiment conducted by Alan Richardson, an Australian Psychologist.

    Imagine yourself preparing for the interview, nailing it, and signing the employment offer if you want to get that new job. Make a mental picture of what you want your future to look like.

    Listen first before speaking

    First and foremost, seek to comprehend. How can you offer an intelligent comment on something if you haven’t first observed what’s going on? You only have one mouth and two ears. That’s because there’s a reason for it.

    Keep your daily to do list small

    Rather than making a massive to-do list every day, concentrate on accomplishing the three most critical items each day. This forces you to prioritize your activities in order to get the most out of your time and energy. “Do I really need to do this today?” you might wonder.

    Celebrate progress

    It’s possible that getting to your objective will take a long time. As a result, make sure you take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments along the route. Dinner should be enjoyable. Give your teammates a high five. Make a gong sound. Make a fist pump using your hands. scream from the rooftops because achievement is something to be proud of.

    Figure out your ‘Why’

    It’s a fantastic question that doesn’t get asked nearly enough. What difference does it make? Figure out why you want to do something, and that will be the source of your inspiration. Whether it’s to support your family or to make a difference in the world, knowing why you do what you do is essential to taking your job to the next level.

    Understand your strengths and amplify those

    You’ll either be naturally gifted in particular areas or you’ll pursue a skill until you’ve mastered it. Rather of attempting to be mediocre at everything, concentrate your efforts on enhancing your talents. It’s preferable to be a master of a few skills rather than a mediocre jack of all trades!

    Don’t burn bridges

    We’ve all worked with jerks at some point in our careers, so I understand. What does it matter? Allowing it to affect you is not a good idea. It’s unnecessary to say anything negative about them. If nothing else, try to laugh it off, learn from it, and go on. You’ve got more important things to think about. As if you could be the most spectacular version of yourself possible.

    View challenges as opportunities

    Have you ever waited in line at the post office for a long period to ship something? I’m sure I have. Instead of whining about the process, what if you designed an app that allows you to request a driver to come to your house and pick up and deliver your item for you? You could have invented Shyp, an outstanding app that accomplishes just that, if you had regarded that issue as an opportunity

    Source: novelodge.com

  • 8 reasons why you wake up tired, and how to fix it

    You sleep for seven to eight hours almost every night, only to feel unrested through the morning or even most of the day. How could you be following a golden rule of sleep so right, yet feel so wrong?

    This discrepancy is often due to a heightened state of sleep inertia, a circadian process that modulates memory, mood, reaction time and alertness upon waking, according to a 2015 study. Some people experience impaired performance and grogginess in this period after first turning off the alarm. The effects of sleep inertia usually go away after 15 to 60 minutes but can last for up to a few hours.

    Sleep inertia impairs more sophisticated cognitive skills such as evaluative thinking, decision-making, creativity and rule usage, and gets worse the more sleep deprived a person is.

    But even if your job isn’t saving lives or driving a truck overnight, experiencing sleep inertia for hours can still affect your quality of life.

    The way to address this begins with evaluating your sleep using the “two Qs,” said pulmonary and sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. “If you’re getting the good quantity sleep, the next question is, ‘Am I getting good quality sleep?’”

    Dasgupta suggested seeing a sleep specialist, who can check for an underlying or primary sleep disorder. But there are other more easily modifiable factors that could be interfering with the restoration and recovery processes — such as memory consolidation, hormone regulation and emotional regulation or processing — that need to happen during sleep.

    1. Fatigue

    “There are a lot of conditions that cause fatigue, but they don’t necessarily make people feel like they’re ready to fall asleep,” said Jennifer Martin, a professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

    These can include chronic pain conditions, metabolic or thyroid conditions, anemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

    8 myths about diet, exercise and sleep

    If you’re feeling inexplicable fatigue, “an important first step might just be a routine physical with your family doctor,” Martin said.

    Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation has said healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, so you might need more than eight hours of sleep to feel energized. You could try going to sleep an hour earlier or waking an hour later than usual and see if that makes a difference, said Christopher Barnes, a professor of management at the University of Washington who studies the relationship between sleep and work.

    2. Sedentary lifestyle

    If you’re sedentary, your body can get used to only having to expend low levels of energy — so you might feel more tired than you should when trying to do basic daily activities, Martin said.

    The World Health Organization has recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity weekly, while pregnant people should do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic and strengthening exercises per week.

    3. Anxiety or depression

    Having anxiety or depression can be energetically taxing, Dasgupta said. These conditions can also negatively influence the time needed to fall asleep, as well as whether (and how many times) you wake up throughout the night, he added.

    And sometimes the medications used to treat depression or anxiety can have side effects such as insomnia or blocking deeper stages of sleep, Dasgupta said.

    4. Inconsistent sleep

    Sometimes our schedules differ on weekdays versus weekends, Barnes said. Schedules can also fluctuate for people with shift-based jobs.

    What happens if you wake up before your alarm? Tips from 3 sleep experts

    “A very common practice would be to say, ‘OK, well, it’s Friday night. I don’t have to work tomorrow morning, so I can stay up a bit later,’” Barnes said. Maybe you stay up even later Saturday night since you don’t have to work Sunday either, then go to bed earlier on Sunday ahead of the work week.

    But by this point, you’ve already adjusted your sleep schedule back by a couple of hours in a short period of time. “This is very much analogous to jet lag,” Barnes said. “That rapid reset doesn’t work very well.”

    5. Dehydration

    More than 50% of your body is made of water, which is needed for multiple functions including digesting food, creating hormones and neurotransmitters, and delivering oxygen throughout your body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Being dehydrated has been linked to decreased alertness and increased sleepiness and fatigue.

    The Institute of Medicine recommends women consume 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of fluids daily, and that men have 3.7 liters (125 ounces) daily. This recommendation includes all fluids and water-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and soups. Since the average water intake ratio of fluids to foods is around 80:20, that amounts to a daily amount of 9 cups for women and 12 ½ cups for men.

    6. Poor sleep environment or routine

    Having good sleep hygiene includes keeping your bedroom dark, quiet and cold at night — and only using it for sleep and sex.

    Exposure to any light during sleep linked to obesity, serious health issues, study finds

    Avoid consuming caffeinated drinks less than six hours before bedtime; and limit the consumption of alcohol and heavy or spicy foods at least two hours before bed. Alcohol can prevent deeper stages of sleep, and such foods can cause digestive issues that interfere with restorative sleep.

    7. Sleep partner problems

    “The person (or pet) with whom you share a bed has a big impact on your sleep,” Martin said.

    Maybe your bed partner has a sleep disorder and snores or tosses and turns. Or maybe they have a different schedule that’s disruptive to your sleep. Pets can also disrupt your sleep schedule since they don’t have the same sleep patterns as humans, she added.

    “The most important thing — if your bed partner snores — is to get them to see a sleep specialist and have them evaluated for sleep apnea,” Martin said. Sleep apnea — a condition wherein breathing stops and restarts while someone’s sleeping — is common in people who snore, she added.

    8. Sleep disorders

    On that note, sleep disorders are another factor that can dramatically diminish sleep quality, Barnes said.

    Someone with sleep apnea might wake up 50 times, 100 times or even more throughout the night, he added.

    Hot sleeper? Here are 22 products that can keep you cool (Courtesy CNN Underscored)

    “Once you’re awake, you’re no longer in the deep sleep and you don’t get to usually drop immediately into the deepest sleep,” Barnes said. “Bringing people out of that deep sleep by waking them up is going to generally result in less time spent in the deepest stage of sleep.”

    Other sleep disorders  that can affect daily energy levels include narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    The ideal way to track sleep quality and quantity — especially if you think you could be diagnosed with a sleep disorder — is undergoing polysomnography at a sleep clinic, Barnes said.

    Apps and electronic wearables — such as watches or rings — that measure sleep aren’t as accurate as clinic tests, but still provide sufficient information for healthy adults, Barnes said. “I’d want to know that it was developed and then validated against another, more accurate device.”

     

    Source: CNN

  • How to help kids develop the confidence to try new things

    This story is the fourth in a series looking at ways we can help our children restore, with patience and love, some of what the pandemic has taken away.

    One might hope that children’s capacity for boredom would be matched by an appetite for all things new — if only parenting were so easy. Trying new things is difficult for many children, whether a different food, activity or skill. They like what they know, and they know what they like.

    The pandemic didn’t help.

    Access to novelty and the unknown was cut off these past few years. There was less exposure to other people’s cooking, limited extracurricular activities and traveling, and fewer playdates with new friends whose homes have different smells, foods and rules, among other missed opportunities. Making matters worse, Covid-19 turned the world into a scarier place, where all things new and unknown came with an additional risk of getting sick.

    “When kids are anxious, they tend to prefer predictability, familiarity and repetition, and they don’t like uncertainty, unpredictability and change. Those last three words are a big part of living through the pandemic,” said Eli Lebowitz, director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center and author of “Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents.”

    “All kids experienced loss, whether loss of their normal lives, their family’s livelihood or loved ones,” Lebowitz said. “It’s not surprising that we are seeing kids retreat into the places where they do have control.”

    One of my main jobs as a parent is to expose my children to a wide variety of people and experiences. I do so with the hope that they become more open-minded, collecting a broad spectrum of colors with which they can paint the story of their lives.

    Many kids are struggling as they come out of pandemic isolation. Experts advise what may help with the transition

    Unfortunately, we are all a little rusty. Children need encouragement to get out there and experience the world, and parents and caregivers need help figuring out how to provide that help without making them feel insecure or overexposed. Such balance requires thoughtfulness and intention, which is not, fortunately, impossible to achieve.

    Here are expert-approved tips on how to get your kids to try new things without freaking them out.

    Start with what they know

    Take something your kids already like or are good at, and push them to try it in a new environment or slightly different way, said Maurice J. Elias, professor of psychology at Rutgers University and co-author of “Emotionally Intelligent Parenting: How to Raise a Self-Disciplined, Responsible, Socially Skilled Child.”

    It's important for parents to project confidence in their children, experts say.

    “We want our kids to feel confident about their strengths and use that as a springboard to try something new. What are our kids good at? What are they comfortable with? How can we help them advance in that?” he said. For example, “if they play a musical instrument, what is another venue where they can play that instrument?”

    There’s no need to learn a new instrument, figuratively and metaphorically speaking — just an opportunity to push your child to try something new with the skill or hobby they know.

    Routines are your friend

    Sometimes a new thing works best when it is part of an old thing. This is a particularly helpful tactic with neurodiverse children as well as others averse to change, said Karen VanAusdal, senior director of practice at the Chicago-based Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning.

    “Routines and rituals can be very comforting and useful,” she said. “I believe in keeping them and then stretching one piece (of them) to add in something new, while allowing the kid the agency and power to decide if they want to do it.”

    Here’s a small example of my own: My sons and I often go out for Korean food on Thursday nights. Recently, we tried a new restaurant where the food was a little different. They, much to my surprise, didn’t mind! The idea of eating at a Korean restaurant together felt so safe, exciting and familiar that they were willing to try foods they had never had before.

    Make a list

    Ask your child what new things they want to try out — or have them write a list, VanAusdal said. Help them figure out what it is they are worried about when they avoid new things, whether it’s a sleepover at a friend’s house or a new pasta dish.

    Yes, your kid can change the world. Here's how

    Sometimes the act of identifying and naming fears can help diminish them. It’s a way to feel in charge of your emotions and understand the connection between feelings, thoughts and actions.

    “As part of this conversation, you can have them do an exercise in which they imagine doing something they love to do. And then ask them to think about if they never tried that,” she said. “It will help them see how while there might be a little risk involved (in doing new things), the reward can be huge.”

    Sympathize and encourage

    Lebowitz encourages parents and caregivers to practice both recognizing their child’s fears and expressing certainty that their child can handle the task. Both are equally important, he said, and not always intuitive. Some are inclined to tell children that something they fear is not scary, which can invalidate their emotions. Others are inclined to comfort and tell them that it’s OK if they don’t want to do something that scares them, which can validate their fears.

    “Communicate acceptance. Acknowledge that something might be scary or distressing or uncomfortable or hard,” Lebowitz said. His advice: Tell them directly that you know that this is scary or hard for them. Make it OK. But don’t stop there.

    It’s important to project confidence in your child, Lebowitz added. “Say you believe they have the capacity to handle those challenges and tolerate the discomfort or worries or negative feelings” that might come along with doing new or scary things.

    Parents and caregivers are like mirrors for children, he said, and “if the reflection the parent creates is vulnerable, weak or incapable, then that is how they see themselves.”

    Consider if they are doing enough

    Parents and caregivers should also do some reflecting of their own, Lebowitz said. Does your child really need to try tofu, martial arts or a sleepover at grandma’s house?

    Your kids may need help making friends after the big pandemic pause. Here's how

    Or, maybe, are they doing perfectly, imperfectly, OK?

    He said it’s helpful to conceive of this process through the lens of food. Is their diet so restricted that they are harming their health? Or do they eat a mostly balanced diet that you, the parent, wishes was more adventurous but poses no risk to their well-being.

    “It really matters which one it is. If your kid is functioning overall, they are doing the basics, they have some friends, then be encouraging, but don’t overstress on everything they are not doing,” Lebowitz said. “Sometimes doing that stops us from focusing on the things they are doing.”

    Elissa Strauss covers the culture and politics of parenthood. Her book on the radical power of parenting and caregiving will be published in 2024.

    Source: CNN

  • Boujee on a budget: 5 affordable restaurants to hangout after work

    “Accra we dey” where we stay by a plan. From the everyday hustle and bustle in the streets of Accra to beating the tussle of heavy traffic to make it through the end of the week.

    Ladies and gentlemen the relief that comes with Friday whether you want to Latin it with “carpe diem” or abbreviates it with “YOLO,” go the extra smile to treat yourself once in a while.

    Luckily, we got you covered with some cool spots where you can have a really good time on a budget.

    Here is a list of affordable restaurants in Accra to help you relax and eat cheap on a budget while feeling boujee from a luxurious setting.

    Not too old a place, La Brasa is a perfect Friday night hangout spot. Its superbly charcoal-grilled chicken wings are fastly earning it a reputation. treat yourself with a pair of these wings and spicy Jollof, or some golden-fried yam and some after dessert or cocktail. La Brasa is surely a good deal.

    Mojo Bar

    My search for affordable restaurants in Accra led us to Mojo bar, which is one of the coolest hideouts but a fun hangout spot. The cafe is a great place to meet up with friends because it is located in Osu one of Accra’s hottest spots so be sure to have a mojo night when you stop by.

    Escobar Village

    Still in the vicinity, how about veering to Escobar village located in the middle of Accra’s trendiest neighborhoods East legon. amazing foods and cocktails to your taste while soaking in the beautiful lighting and ambiance.

    Coco Vanilla (Adiriganor)

    The attention to detail in Coco Vanilla is pretty astounding, from the antique bar counter and stools to the lovely private sitting area. Everything is quite reasonably priced, The attention to detail extends to the food as well so. to enjoy a relaxing evening stopping over during or after work doesn’t seem excessive at all.

    The Republic Bar

    Republic bar is a hidden spot in the back alley of Accra’s popular Oxford Street. pretty small space but If you’re in the mood for a long night try their drink menu. Their flagship cocktail, Anyone for “Okokroko“? Gin combined with Ghanaian chili and mint. Pow!

    Chez Clarisse Mama Africa

    Clarisse has a delightful atmosphere made by soft conversation and Francophone music for such a reasonably priced restaurant, making for a wonderful dining experience. looking forward to a mouth-watering traditional meal, Start with a calabash of the local drink, and depending on how deluxe the grilled tilapia is. It is only wise to enjoy genuine attieke, alloco (kelewele) on the side.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • Dumenu Charles Selorm: Real men cry

    Before James Brown sang ” It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”, a large majority of cultures of the world have always been patriarchies. It is seemingly a man’s world,but I think men tend to leave it earlier for women to control.

    This weekend has been marked by an avalanche of activities and buzz on social media connoting the expiry of the Queen of England. Condolences have poured in from far and near and deferring opinions have flared on social media and more.

    One of Voltaire’s sayings goes “we owe respect to the living; to the dead, we owe only the truth.” This is a sharp contrast to our realities here in Ghana,I am even tempted to say Africa. We refrain from dishonoring the dead and rather celebrate them irrespective of how questionable their character may have be.

    Nigerian Prof. Uju Anya received a lot backlash for her opinion about the late Queen Elizabeth. Some people were equally receptive of her position. Seeing the Queen as complicit in the UK’s role in slave trade and the aftermath. The wars, brutalities,the excesses. How they have lived off Africa’s resources,building themselves a kingdom,a fortune and an “eldorado” in comparison to the realities of most African territories they colonized.This is a big subject l on its own that I intend shelving but I am beginning to have the opinion that, this draconian experience of slavery and colonialism left Africans with a lot of traumas and complexes (Inferiority Complex and also the Stockholm Syndrome).

    These may be the reason why we may proudly start hanging the late Queen of England on our walls,cry profusely about her demise,name streets and monuments in remembrance of her but we want nothing to do with our ancestors.We still find our ancestors who fought “intruders” that came to oppress us unworthy of our respect and love.Europeanized,we think they are of the devil and everything connected to them is ungodly.

    I have deduced from the Bible that Adam and Eve’s primary responsibility was supervision and maintenance of what was created. These and many more our ancestors have done prior to the coming of the slaveships and the bible. The customs and traditions we have discarded today were never in contravention with the laws of nature. They only preserved and multiplied what the creator gave with so much sacredness attached.

    If you have been thinking our ancestors are burning in “hell” ,you may be disappointed. They have honored the creator and have been responsible and accountable. What is more important to the creator than his/her creation?

    As much as bitterness about the past may not be helpful, our lack of reverence for our ancestors and the bubbling love for our oppressors, I believe is a mix of Inferiority Complex and Stockholm Syndrome. I hope we are healed of these traumas we live with as Africans.

    I have also seen videos of the gold reserves of the UK,haven’t you? I nurse the wish that at least 10% of it is returned to where most of it was looted from as we await our reparations. Yes,the Gold Coast of yesterday and the Ghana of today.

    Although,the UK has a life expectancy of about 78.6 years for males and 82.6 years for females,Queen Elizabeth has indeed lived a long life. In Ghana figures are about 63.7 years for males and 69.2 years for females. In the USA the figures are 76.1 years for Male and 81.1 years for females. From the numbers women tend to have more longevity than men. Don’t you agree?

    There is a common assertion that women are more emotional than men are. At least it is very believable at this part of the world. As Ghanaians our culture bars men from being emotionally expressive. It is demeaning for men to cry or openly express their love in our society. These are signs of weakness on the scales of our society. Education has not yet succeeded in helping us unlearn this.

    Women tend to cry more often than men generally and a study suggests that women have 60% more of the hormone prolactin compared to men and this hormone stimulates tears in both sexes. Crying comes with many advantages which include relieving us of emotional stress. Emotional stress may cause changes in our body and affect our overall health. Times have become hard and has brought so much stress to many.Crying may be useful in getting a relief from emotional stress and this comes to our women easily whiles many Ghanaian men bottle up their emotions to show strength and masculinity. This may have dire long term consequences on the health of some men.

    As African men,it is about time we start crying too even if in secrecy.Just like smiling ,we may add some days,weeks,months or even years to our lifespan. There is no shame in crying.Even Jesus Christ wept,and Christians will confirm this. Prophet Muhammad also cried profusely when he visited his mothers grave. Men it is our time to cry,hahaha. Long live Ghana.

     

     

    Source: Dumenu Charles Selorm

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

     

  • Do you have a burnout personality?

    Burnout is when you have high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and low levels of personal accomplishment. It’s more than just hating your job. Burnout is a multidimensional construct consisting of three separate but related dimensions that include emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment.

    Emotional exhaustion comes from feelings of tension and frustration due to your fears that you will be unable to sustain your past levels of work performance. This internalized stress saps your energy to consider adaptive alternatives. You’re just too exhausted to think differently.

    Depersonalization is when you distance yourself from your work by creating dehumanizing perceptions of tasks, clients, or coworkers. By doing this, you create barriers in an effort to lessen some of the negative outcomes you’re experiencing at work.

    Lastly, (reduced) personal accomplishment, which is when you have self-evaluative feelings of incompetence and lack of achievement at work. This is a component of the imposter syndrome, which is when you doubt your skills, abilities, or achievements and possess a chronic internalized fear of being “found out” that you’re really a fraud.

    These three dimensions, which were assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI; Maslach, Jackson, & Leiter, 1997), are corrosive to your work life, and the more burnt out you are, the greater the likelihood it spills into your home life and personal relationships.

     

    Source: Psychology today

  • Dear men, here are 5 sexual fantasies women often have

    Even the most sex-positive folks can find themselves feeling confused and uncertain when reflecting on the arousing, erotic mental images — otherwise known as sexual fantasies.

    Everyone has fantasies, whether they want to admit them or not. Some fantasies come true, others are simply in the mind.

    Apart from the regular and monotonous sex routine, women have strange and sexy fantasies that they want to fulfil, from time to time.

    Here listed are some of the sexual fantasies that women like to dream about a lot.

    • Role-play fantasy

    Women love to have the role-play fantasy play out in their heads where they are either the dominating one or the submissive one. Role-playing is a very exciting aspect of sex that can make any boring sex routine very thrilling.

    • Sex in a forbidden place

    Many women dream about having sex in a place where it is incredibly difficult to do so. But the thrill of doing it or getting caught is what gets their adrenaline pumping. Places such as the library, public washroom etc. are places where women try to have sex at least once in their lifetime.

    • Threesome

    There’s just something about a threesome that people usually can’t resist. Women have this fantasy of having a threesome with their partner and another person. Getting two people to attend to your body and make you writhe in pleasure is immensely sensual.

    • Office sex

    Most women dream of having a steamy office romance where they can get dirty and down on the office table. Something about this gets the blood pumping and having sex in the office in secret is very exciting.

    • Taking control

    Women love it when their partner is the one in control. Especially when they are out in a public place and the woman’s partner is the one who directs her accordingly. This is an extremely sexy scenario for some women as they love the concept of being the submissive one in certain situations.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • Stylish corporate workwear looks to rock this week

    Picking the right outfit for work can be a little stressful so we have found the perfect muse to lead your search.

    They say style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. How you appear in the midst of people says a lot about you every single time.

    It is very stressful to pull off a stylish look to work even when you have a wardrobe full of clothes.

    Mostly, people even spend a lot of time searching through their wardrobe for what to wear to work each day which takes a lot of time.

    Here is some beautiful work wears to rock this week inspired by your favourite celebrities.

    Consider this your guide to navigating chic, workwear style whenever, wherever.

    Check the photos below:

    • Monday

    A bright red for a Monday to start the week.

    A bright red for a Monday to start the week.

    Corporate styles for the week

    • Tuesday

    Royal blue with a spice of pink will do the magic.

    Corporate styles for the week

    • Wednesday

    Take it easy and calm with a sea blue dress. you can also spice it with a slit.

    Corporate styles for the week

    • Thursday

    The weekend is getting closer. Nothing will be too gorgeous than a nude outfit.

    Corporate styles for the week

    • Friday

    Want to have a fantastic Friday, an orange two pieces fit will do. It’s a way to spice up the weekend.

    Corporate styles for the week

  • Garden egg stew is a popular stew in Ghana commonly served with Ampesi.

    It is delicious and easy to make.

    Ingredients

    9 garden eggs

    8 large tomatoes or 1 can of tomato puree

    2 large white onions

    1 tablespoon of red pepper powder

    1 habanero pepper

    1 teaspoon of nutmeg

    1 (grated) small ginger root

    1/2 lb of steamed or dried fish

    1 cup of dried shrimp

    1 cup of palm oil

    Salt ( to taste)

    Method

    Boil the garden eggs for 12-15 minutes, then remove the skin and seeds.

    Dice the garden eggs and place them in a bowl.

    Heat palm oil in a cooking pot for about three to five minutes over medium heat.

    Dice one onion and fry for three minutes.

    Add pepper powder and nutmeg to frying onions and let simmer for three minutes.

    Add dried shrimp to the frying onions.

    Blend tomatoes, habanero pepper and another onion, then add.

    Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes on medium heat.

    Add one cup of water to the sauce and let simmer for another 20 minutes.

    Add the fish and diced garden eggs to the sauce and mix well.

    Let the stew simmer for another 30-40 minutes on low heat.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • Bridesmaid goals: Nadia Buari has the perfect inspiration for the role

    Being chosen as a maid of honour or bridesmaid comes with commitment and hard work. Nadia Buari has all the inspiration we need this season.

    Being chosen as a maid of honour or bridesmaid comes with commitment and hard work. Nadia Buari has all the inspiration we need this season.

    Being one of the bridesmaids definitely is not always easy, that is why gifts are often given to them to show that they are appreciated.

    For one, you do not want to draw attention from the bride. For another, you want to maintain a low-key, elegant, understated look.

    Naturally, it’s the bride who will be the focus of attention on her wedding day, but the bridesmaids need to look gorgeous too. Choose something simple and not over-decorated or detailed, but which will make you look elegant, sophisticated and feminine.

    Interestingly we have found the perfect inspiration for you if you have been assigned the role of a bridesmaid.

    Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari has proved over the years that she is a great woman who understands fashion and how to dress effortlessly for any event.

    Evidently a trendsetter, Nadia is redefining style and fashion for upcoming celebrities.

    The fashion icon does it to perfection and we love every detail of her looks.

    Just because we want you to classy at your next duty as a bridesmaid, we have spotted some inspiration from Nadia Buari that we want to share.

    We spotted the actress on her ‘gram’ serving the perfect bridesmaid inspiration this season. She was clad in beautiful floor-sweeping burgundy red lace apparel while flaunting her curves.

    Complemented with her flawless makeup and infectious smiles, the trendsetter played the role to perfection. Her wrapped matching Gele had a life on its own.

    We love the way flaunts her lovely body without holding back. Want to bring some sass to that wedding party? Rock this outfit.

    Check the photos below:

    Nadia Buari

    Nadia Buari

    Nadia Buari

     

    Source: Pulse

  • Here’s what happens to your vagina if you wear wet underwear

    Maintaining underwear hygiene is a must when you talk about intimate health.

    We wear underwear for comfort and to keep our vagina clean and dry.

    While it may be good to wear underwear, wearing wet underwear possesses a high risk of bacterial growth, poor odour, itching, and other unpleasant side effects.

    The wetness can come from not wiping yourself well after a bath or after a poop session, urinary incontinence, sweat or even excess vaginal discharge.

    Below are some risk factors of wearing wet underwear and how to maintain overall underwear hygiene:

    • Damp underwear can cause vaginal irritation, redness, or rashes.
    • It can also lead to unpleasant things like yeast infections in the vaginal area.
    • Due to the infection, you may experience inflammation of the vagina, redness, intense itching, and pain during urination, or sex.
    • This condition is quite common but damp underwear can increase the risk for you because moisture allows the bacteria to grow at a faster rate.
    • If you don’t change the wet underwear, that wetness down there can also mess up your pH balance.

    How to maintain proper vagina hygiene

    Innerwear or underwear is an essential component of good hygiene and maintains the health of your vagina. So, regardless of the type of underwear you prefer, comfortable cotton briefs or something fancier. You should be aware that it can have an impact on your vaginal health.

    Not wearing the right kind of underwear can impact your overall comfort. If you are one of those ladies who do not care about wearing wet underwear occasionally, you should stop and think again. The vagina has pretty sensitive skin that is incredibly vulnerable to infections and the risk of irritation.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • Why spiritual compatibility is as important as sexual compatibility in your relationship

    Religious differences with your partner can unsettle your relationship.

    The likelihood that two people will be happy together in a relationship or marriage is predicated on their ability to find a common ground on many things. Couples in healthy relationships and happy marriages see eyeball to eyeball on so many subjects – sex, finances, communication, etc.

    It is what makes relationships tick; that connection of thoughts and a like-mindedness on all important matters of life. If you ever wonder why couples break up for irreconcilable differences, this is it: Their ideas of how things should work in the relationship became unworkably disconnected, detached to such extent that redemption could no longer be found for them.

    And here is what is more important to learn in this compatibility discourse: it is never enough to find agreement on just the insignificant aspect[s] of life. Partners’ views on life’s issues have to be in sync, particularly on matters that are fundamentally important to their togetherness – like sex and spirituality.

    Having said that; it’s about time we also touched on the spiritual angle of relationships and marriages, an issue that doesn’t get as much attention in the mainstream as other relationship issues, despite being just as important.

    In a society like ours where religion is a big deal and romantic relationships with huge potentials have been cut off due to religious differences, religious compatibility is something to reckon with when going into relationships. And while it may be an insignificant thing at the beginning when two people are just sizing each other up, going on dates and all, difference in religious beliefs could snowball into the a real dealbreaker when people somehow find themselves connected on all other important levels except on the subject of their faith.

    This is why it is important to ask from the get-go if differences in religious beliefs will be an issue down the road or not.

    While some will say their partner has to compulsorily practice the same religion as them, some aren’t so strict on the rule.

    Even when practicing the same religion as a partner, you need to know if your understanding of the religion is in the same line, or maybe theirs is a brand too zealous than you can handle.

    In Christianity for example; some folks have no problem giving all their income to God as seeds and covenant offerings. Is your Christian faith strong enough to the point that this won’t be an issue especially when a partner keeps doing it like, every month?

    There was a[n] [unconfirmed] story once reported on social media of a husband who gave up the only family car as an offering right in the middle of a church service, only for the wife to throw a very wild tantrum on their return home before going to get the car back from the man of God.

    Would it be an issue for you if, somewhere along the line, your partner becomes too invested in the things of the spirit to the point that it affects their outlook on life, dressing and appearance, child raising, sexual activities, availability, etc?

    It has become such a cliché soundbite to hear single people speak of a desire for only God-fearing partners. And while that may be admirable, it is also important that whether before or after getting those relationships, partners need to gauge and discuss their ideas on religious beliefs and spirituality; such that they’re always on the same page and operate on the same plane when it comes to the things they do in their faith, and how those things affect their relationship and marriage.

    Just as a disconnect in sexual energy can disturb the balance of a union and set a foundation for resentment, spiritual incompatibility also has the ability to cause some serious damage to that relationship or marriage you currently have, or the one you’re aspiring to.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • Here are 5 ways to do PDA that’s actually cute, not disgusting

    Putting your relationship out there without being distasteful about it.

    They’re those touches, kisses, hand holding and other acts of love you do with other people around and you really don’t care whether or not they watch or witness.

    PDA as it is more conveniently called has no doubt become more prominent with the popularity of all the social media platforms everyone now ceaselessly uses.

    Since it’s something so common, and apparently so desirable, how does one go about this both in real life situations and online without overdoing it and disgusting other people?

    If you don’t mind doing it in public, then, fine. Just keep the tonguing at the most minimal.

    And if you must share it on social media, once in a while is the best way to go about it. You can post as many cheek kisses as possible though.

    Hand holding, cuddles, embraces and snuggling up to each other are really cute and inoffensive, too.

    It goes without saying that if the people around you are starting to get uncomfortable about it, it may be time to actually stop, particularly if you’re being gross about it.

    You know, because anything worth doing at all should be done very well. You don’t want your picture appearing on Instagram blog pages looking like this:

    Your partner may be cool with PDA but only to a certain extent. You may love some ass-grabbing but your partner does not like being groped like that in public. And that should be OK because, even in relationships, people have boundaries and you should learn to respect that.

    As for social media, watch the words you use if you are writing about your partner on social media. Don’t give out too much information that m\y either haunt you, or make your partner feel awkward or embarrassed.

    No need for indecent exposure or other outrageous acts. Always try to avoid heavy petting, or dipping your hands in your partner’s most intimate parts. Leave out that part till you are behind closed doors.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • How to have the best sex if you live with your parents in the same house

    Having sex when your parents are sleeping in the next room sounds absolutely awkward.

    Our parents want us to have children but they look at us in another way if they know we are having sex.

    You and your wife or husband have to have sex, but is really awkward when you wake up and your parents give you a shameful look.

    If you are in that situation too where you have parents in the next room and it is awkward for you to even mention anything related to sex, let alone standing very close to your partner then worry not, we have some tips that will help you out.

    Scroll down to know these tips on having sex if you live in the same house with your parents.

    • Do it on the floor

    Instead of the creaking bed, you could try having sex on the floor itself. Throw in a few blankets and some lush cosy pillows to make it cosy and comfortable. This prevents the squeaky sounds or the headboard banging and you can do it easily.

    • Add some background music

    Just to avoid any awkward situation, it’s best to play some background music.

    You can turn on the radio or TV for the best cover-up. Just keep it real and normal so that it does not look out of place.

    • Do it in the bathroom

    If your bathroom is in your room then bolt your room from inside and head to the bathroom for a hot one-on-one. You could make a routine where you wait for your parents to retire to their bedroom even if for an afternoon nap and then do it in the bathroom.

    • Try weekend trips

    The best way to have fun, take it slow or experiment without meeting your parents in the hallway while you are at it, would be to take weekend trips.

    Try a hotel in the corner of their city or any suitable place away from home. You could call it a night out at a friend’s place but go to the place instead.

     

     

    Source: Pulse

  • How to select the best hairstyle and makeup for your wedding

    When it comes to wedding hair and makeup, the possibilities are endless!

    Find the right makeup and hairstyle for your big day.

    When it comes to wedding hair and makeup, the possibilities are endless!

    But the most important thing to remember is that you want your style on the wedding day to reflect you.

    On the day of your wedding, you will want to put your best face forward. However, to achieve perfection, it’s easy to get lost behind layers of foundation, eye shadows, and glosses.

    Maybe you’re feeling completely lost in a sea of pictures on the internet, or maybe you have no idea where to even begin with your search. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

    Here are some things to keep in mind while the best hair and makeup styles for your wedding:

    • Your outfit

    Turn to your wedding attire if you’re stuck on the topic of how to choose a wedding hairstyle and makeup look. What you’re wearing to the celebration can serve up plenty of beauty inspiration, so focus on the neckline, shape, material, colour and formality to help clue you in on the hair and makeup look that’ll make you look (and feel) best.

    • Your hair and skin type

    When it comes to choosing a wedding hairstyle and makeup look, it’s best to keep in mind what you’re working with. The length and texture of your hair may lend itself to certain styles more than others. Similarly, your skin type may inform your makeup choices.

    • Your venue

    If you’ve already picked your venue, your wedding hair and makeup can easily be based on that decision. Your wedding setting can determine what bridal hair and makeup look might work best, like loose waves and a bronze glowy look for a beach wedding. If you’re getting married in a formal ballroom, try an elegant hairstyle like a sleek top knot or smooth curls.

    It’s also important to consider the weather. If it’s going to be humid, an updo might be the best call, whereas crisp outdoor weddings might be the perfect occasion for a beautiful blowout.

    • Your wedding time

    The time of day of your wedding celebration can help inform your bridal hair and makeup decision. This is especially important as different lighting often calls for different makeup. If you’re planning on a casual daytime ceremony, you can opt for a lighter beauty look, but if your wedding is a black-tie evening affair, you may need a bolder look to stand out in the dim lighting.

    • Your colour scheme

    If you have your wedding colour palette picked out, you can use those colours as inspiration for your wedding day look. Incorporate the hues you’ve selected for your wedding day into your hair and makeup. For example: If purple is your accent colour, consider a muted violet smokey eye to match. If you’re going for simple green and white colour scheme, keep your hair and makeup on the same level by opting for a natural beauty look.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • How long is too long without sex in a relationship

    Sex is a human need.

    It may not be the only factor in a happy and healthy marriage, but it does hold quite some value.

    Every orgasm is known to release oxytocin, which is also known as the love hormone. The hormone is known to help improve heart health, reduce stress, limit the risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and better sleep quality.

    Sometimes, couples agree not to have sex or they stop having sex.

    The question: Is sex a big part of a relationship and what happens when a couple doesn’t have sex for a long time? Is it normal to be in a relationship with no sex and how long is too long?

    Read this article to know how often couples should have sex and how long they can do without it.

    What happens when you don’t have sex for a long time?

    If you are going through a prolonged spell of no sexual activity, you could potentially be storing up a host of problems.

    Not having sex can be bad for you? There are many ways that a lack of action can affect your body.

    Sex is a powerful thing. It has the power to improve your mood and even whittle your waistline, and sex once a week can even increase longevity. But what if you’re not having regular sex—or any sex at all? The health effects of celibacy vary based on your health, how old you are, and even what kind of sex you were having but you will likely see some impacts.

    How often should a couple have sex?

    It’s completely natural to have insecurities around how much sex you and a partner engage in. But, it’s important to keep in mind each relationship is different, with varying sexual needs.

    More sex does not always equal a better relationship. Instead, focusing on the quality of sex, your connection with a partner, and what’s best for your relationship can make your bond stronger.

    Can a relationship survive without sex?

    It is not surprising to hear about sexless marriages. Most couples enjoy much sex at the beginning of their relationship but this can diminish over time as other things, including children, demand your energy and attention.

    While sex has its benefits, how important it is will greatly depend on an individual couple. If you are not interested in sex and you don’t need it to be happy, you can be in a sexless relationship. This should happen only if you both have agreed to it.

    How long is too long without sex in a relationship?

    The amount of time one can stay without sex varies from one person to another.

    Ultimately, there is no right amount of sex that one can have, and going for long without having sex should not impact your health negatively. However, it can take a toll on a relationship if the lack of sex makes one or both partners unhappy or affects the entire relationship.

    Studies have shown that couples that have sex at least once a week are happier than those that don’t get intimate once a week. Depending on the reason for having less sex.

    Meanwhile, don’t focus on how much and when to have sex in a relationship more than the feelings of intimacy and closeness you enjoy. You would rather enjoy satisfying and thrilling sex, even if it means once a month than have lots of bad sex that will only leave you unsatisfied.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • DIY Recipes: How to make Mango ice cream at home

    This mango ice cream is very easy and simple to make.

    The recipe does not have any added sugar as the sweetness from condensed milk is simply enough to sweeten the ice cream.

    Ingredients

    3 medium mangoes

    1 can sweeten condensed milk

    3.5 cups whipping cream

    1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – optional

    Method

    Rinse and then wipe dry 3 medium-sized mangoes. Then chop the mangoes.

    Pour the chopped mangoes into a blender jar or a bullet mixer.

    Then add 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (400 grams).

    Blend until smooth and set aside.

    Freeze for some minutes and serve.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • BOST holds first Annual General Meeting 29 years after its establishment

    The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Limited Company has held its maiden Annual General Meeting since its establishment in 1993.

    The event, which took place at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, had many dignitaries gracing it with their presence.

    The AGM also comes as a great achievement to the company, as it signifies a financial breakthrough from several years of indebtedness.

    The Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who in his capacity as the sector minister is the authorized representative of the shareholder of BOST, applauded the company’s achievements over the years.

    “I have had the opportunity to take a look at the state of the company in January 2017 from a copious report I received and was surprised at the financial and operational out-turns of the company for the year 2021 which report I believe shall be a cardinal part of this Annual General Meeting.”

    He continued, “From a debt position of US$624 million owed suppliers and related parties, BOST has over the five years preceding the year in focus, 2021, paid US$611 million with IGF contributing about US$423 million. The BOST portion translates into an average of US$84.6 million of company generated cash per year being spent on debts accrued through the trading activities of the company in the past.”

    He further congratulated the Board of Directors and management of the company for the financial performance in the year ended 2021.

    “I am confident more can be achieved if the same momentum is sustained. A profit before tax of GH¢164 million from a previous year of GH¢2 million,” he added.

    The Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, tasked the Board of Directors of BOST to work harder towards making the company a dividend-paying enterprise following this first AGM.

    “BOST in 2021 made a turnaround from a heavy loss position of GH¢458.64 million in 2016 through a minimal loss of GH¢291.02 million in 2020 to a profit position of over GH¢160 million in 2021. I have learnt that this feat is the first in 11 years and I seize this opportunity to commend the current Board and Management for striving to attain this success. It is my fervent hope that Management will continue to tread this path to the extent of paying dividends to government, in accordance with the vision of the President.”

    Financial and Operational Performance

    BOST achieved a net profit after income tax of GH¢160,718,361 for the financial year 2021 after all provisions. This compares to a loss of GH¢291,017,758 in 2020 which contained a provision of GH¢292,935,973 for deferred taxation, resulting from the revaluation of the company’s assets in that year.

    Of greater significance is the increase in operational profit from GH¢1,918,215 in 2020 to GH¢163,871,810 in 2021.

    BOST saw a significant improvement in its core business in 2021 with an overall increase in gasoline and gasoil sales revenue of 83%. Revenue from gasoline sales increased by 144% from GH¢140 million to GH¢341 million with diesel sales also increasing by 46% from GH¢227 million to GH¢331 million.

    Revenue from our marine transportation business increased by 412% from the previous year’s revenue of GH¢2.9 million to GH¢14.9 million. This was mainly due to the full deployment of all four barges of the company after they had undergone extensive renovation. Storage and rack revenue also saw a steady growth of 4% from GH¢50.4 million to GH¢52.6 million.

     

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Mahama has still not recovered from the whipping I gave him in 2016 and 2020 – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said that former President John Dramani Mahama is still pained for losing twice to him in the general elections.

    He said the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 general elections is still reeling from the 2016 and 2020 defeats.

    Speaking on his 2-day tour of the Volta Region, President Akufo-Addo said Mr. Mahama still cannot believe he beat him twice.

    Akufo-Addo holds that it is the failure to accept his electoral losses that has triggered Mahama to be making certain hard-hitting comments about him and his government.

    “Mr. Mahama still has not been able to assimilate his defeat twice to the man who he had said could never come to power in Ghana and I think every night when he goes to bed, he is confused about the man who has not just come back but given him a good whipping on two separate occasions.

    “We won the landslide in 2016 and again decisive margin in 2020. He has never got the figures that I have got in elections in Ghana, he knows” Akufo-Addo said in an interview on Ho-based Stone City FM days ago.

    He holds that criticism of his government was a way by Mahama and his supporters to rubbish the progress his government continued to make despite challenges at hand.

    “He knows that significant progress and achievements have been made and that it is necessary for him and his supporters to denigrate that exercise, to go out of their way and to poo-poo everything that we have done,” he added.

    Mahama beat Akufo-Addo in the 2012 elections and also won a petition Akufo-Addo filed after the vote. In 2016, he lost his re-election bid with Akufo-Addo winning his first term as a result.

    In 2020, Mahama lost again to Akufo-Addo at the polls and in court, where his petition was unanimously dismissed by the court.

     

    Source: Pulse

  • Kwesi Pratt casts doubt on IMF boss’ commitment to finalize deal by end of year

    Seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has reiterated his position on Ghana seeking financial help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Ghana seeks IMF bailout of US$3 billion to help the country navigate through her economic crisis resulting from the adverse effects of the deadly coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

    President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Monday, 5th September 2022, met with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

    The IMF boss expressed the institution’s determination to work with government and the Ministry of Finance and ensure an agreement before the end of the year.

    “We have started very constructive discussions already and to the people of Ghana, like everybody on this planet, you have been hurt by exogenous shocks.”

    “We have to support Ghana because your strength contributes to the strength of your neighbours; it contributes to a stronger world,” Kristalina Georgieva pledged.

    But Mr. Pratt maintains his position that IMF deal is not, has not and will never be a good deal for the country in terms of development and progress.

    He replied; “The President said that our proposal to the Kwesi PrattIMF is ready. As at that time, it had not been submitted. As at the time of the closed-door meeting, that proposal has not been submitted . . . So, what is basis for the IMF Managing Director’s statement that the deal will be finalized by December?”

    He further alluded to the stringent conditions that accompany the IMF help to the country which do not benefit the citizenry.

    “We have gone to the IMF for seventeen (17) times and it didn’t help us. What’s the assurance that going for the 18th time will help us?”, he questioned.

    He made these submissions on Friday’s edition of “Kokrokoo” on Peace FM.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • How a lesbian movie role nearly ended my career Kumawood actress

    Twenty-eight-year-old Kumawood actress Esther Donkor, popularly known as Esi Guy Guy has expressed regrets about playing a role of a lesbian in a movie.

    It would be recalled that a video went viral in 2018 in which a lady was seen begging her colleague friend not to break up with her promising to give her whatever she desired.

    The said video was a trailer for a movie Esther Donkor was the main actor.

    Speaking in an interview monitored by MyNewsGh.com, the popular Kumawood actress revealed that the trailer almost ended her career and ruined her hard-earned reputation.

    “The lesbian video was intentionally recorded to promote a movie we were shooting but later, I realized that the video went viral and dominated trends that we expected.”

    “I was tagged as a lesbian by the majority of Ghanaians who saw the video and I was chastised on social media. Some of my friends who watched the video decided to end their friendship with me,” she lamented.

    Esi Guy Guy added: “When the video went viral, I received a lot of proposals from some lesbians on social media but I took my time to advise and counsel them to desist from that ungodly act.”

    “Though the lesbian video which went viral almost ended my career, what makes me happy is that I was able to change some lesbians and I think the purpose of the video was achieved,” she explained.

    “I have regretted shooting that video because, after the video, I realized that people were pointing fingers at me. Some family members lambasted me when they watched the video.”

    “I consulted some family members and friends for their advice before I went to shoot that video. They gave me their support to do that. I will never be a lesbian no matter the offer a lesbian will bring on the table.”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Black Sherifs ’embattled’ investor signs new talent

    The embattled investor of sensational Ghanaian musician, Black Sherif has signed a new talent to his record label, Wayne Chavis Entertainment.

    Despite the issues he has with Black Sherif Snap C does not have any problem with investing in other talents who are equally good in the industry.

    According to him, he has the record label at heart which is why he is determined to do proper investing and project other musical talents to the world.

    Against that backdrop, he has signed Cojo Rae, who is a fine young artist and is currently a form 3 student of Opoku Ware School in Kumasi.

    The record label believes that Cojo Rae is stepping in the great shoes of Kontihene, YPee, and Yaw Tog who are all old students of Opoku Ware to come out with a hit song before the completion of his Senior High School.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • GOGSPA sues Tullow Ghana over alleged local content violation

    An Accra High Court (Commercial Division) on September 8, 2022, adjourned the hearing of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction to restrain Tullow Ghana Limited from re-awarding any petroleum contract being executed by indigenous Ghanaian companies to foreign joint venture companies.

    The motion was brought by the Ghana Oil and Gas Service Providers Association (GOGSPA) pursuant to a writ of summons issued against Tullow Ghana Limited in suit number CM/BDC/0692/22.

    GOGSPA said it was seeking the order of the court to restrain Tullow Ghana Limited, its agents, assigns and any person acting under their instructions from violating the Local Content and Local Participation, (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (LI 2435) in the award of petroleum contracts in Ghana pending the determination of the suit.

    The plaintiff said the decision to sue followed many complaints that services reserved for indigenous Ghanaian companies under the laws in the upstream oil and gas sector were being taken away and awarded to foreign venture companies.

    Plaintiff said it raised the concerns of the indigenous companies with Tullow in a petition in June 2022 highlighting that any award of contract reserved for indigenous Ghanaian companies to foreign joint venture companies after February 17, 2022, would be in violation of the existing laws regulating the award of petroleum contracts reserved for local businesses.

    The plaintiff said the action of the defendant if not restrained by the court would lead to the mass unemployment of skilled Ghanaians in the upstream oil industry.

    The plaintiff therefore, prayed for a declaration that the award of petroleum contracts for the provision of goods and services exclusively reserved for indigenous Ghanaian companies under Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation Regulations) LI 2204 (as amended) by Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (LI 2435) to Joint Venture Companies in Ghana by the defendant is Illegal.

    They also wanted a declaration that the award of any petroleum contracts for provision of goods and services reserved exclusively for indigenous Ghanaian companies under Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation Regulations) LI 2204 (as amended) by Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (LI 2435) to joint venture companies in Ghana by the defendant is null and void.

    GOGSPA sues Tullow Ghana over alleged Local Content Violation
    The plaintiff seeks an order from the court directing the defendant to cancel every contract awarded for the provision of goods and services in contravention of the provisions of Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation Regulations) LI 2204 (as amended) by Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (LI 2435).

    “Damages in favour of the plaintiff against the defendant,” the plaintiff said.

    They are seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, whether personally, through their agents, servants or privies or any person acting under their express or implied instruction from awarding any Petroleum contract in contravention of Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation Regulations) LI 2204 (as amended) by Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (LI 2435) and other laws regulating the awards of petroleum contracts in Ghana.

    At the hearing of the suit, the legal representative of Tullow Ghana requested more time to respond to the application filed by the plaintiff. The court also advised parties to seek an amicable resolution of the matter, the case was thereafter adjourned to the 10th of October, 2022 for hearing of the motion.

  • Why Togbe Afede rejected Kennedy Agyapong’s ‘Yam Festival’ gifts

    On Friday, September 9, 2022, it emerged that Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, rejected some gifts presented by Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, MP, Assin Central, as part of his contribution to the people of the Asogli State who are celebrating the annual Yam Festival.

    In a graphic online reportage, some sub-chiefs and elders at the Asogli State Palace at Ho-Bankoe, in declining the MP’s gift made it clear to him that the Agbogbomefia was not ready to accept any homage whatsoever from him.

    Like any other festival, Kennedy Agyapong, who was officially invited by the Asogli State Council to join in the celebration of the Te Za (Yam Festival), turned up with his entourage at the Asogli Palace at Ho-Bankoe to pay homage to the Chiefs and people of the Asogli State. The Paramount chief by then was sitting in State at the Asogli State Palace forecourt, but he was not allowed to do so.

    Agyapong, who was then sitting close to the Volta Regional NPP Chairman, Kafui Woanya, was seen waving at a section of the audience who were at the durbar grounds and left the palace when his items were rejected by the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State.

    A spokesperson of the palace explained to graphic online that, the decision to turn away the MP’s gift was based on “his gross lack of respect” for the Agbogbomefia.

    “A few years ago, Kennedy Agyapong [had] referred to our Agbogbomefia as a corrupt person who used his position as the chairman of the National Investment Bank board to do fishy deals.

    “We have also not forgotten the comment Kennedy Agyapong made some years ago about the Ewe and Ga people,” said the palace spokesperson.

    Some sections of the media had reported that Kennedy Ohene Agyapong was chased out of Asogli State Palace but the palace spokesperson indicated that those reports were not factual.

    He stated that Kennedy Agyapong “left without anyone running after him soon after we told him that his presence and homage were unsolicited.”

    The Assin Central MP, graphic online report said, left the palace peacefully into a waiting vehicle after waving a section of the crowd.

    Kennedy Agyapong’s gifts which included cartons of bottled water, were packed back into the vehicle that brought them to the palace.

    This year’s yam festival of the Chiefs and people of Asogli State is being climaxed this weekend under the distinguished patronage of Togbe Afede XIV.

    The festival started on August 6, 2022, and is expected to end on Sunday, September 11.

    The one-month festival seeks to highlight unity, reconciliation, stocktaking and development and is also a platform for the annual reunion with the ancestors and the re-affirmation of allegiance by all chiefs and their subjects in the Asogli State to the Agbogbome Stool.

     

     

    Source:Ghanaweb

  • Bank of England delays interest rate decision after Queen’s death

    The Bank of England has postponed a key decision on interest rates following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

    It said that “in light of the period of national mourning”, the Monetary Policy Committee’s decision would now be announced at midday on 22 September.

    It follows moves by several public bodies to change their plans for the coming week after the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

    The Bank had widely been expected to increase rates on Thursday.

    Economists had been predicting that the UK’s central bank would raise rates to 2.25% – the highest level since December 2008.

    Last month, the Bank raised interest rates by the highest margin in 27 years in an attempt to keep soaring prices under control. It also predicted that the UK economy would fall into recession later this year.

    Higher interest rates can make borrowing more expensive, meaning people have less money to spend and prices will stop rising as quickly. However, some have question how effective UK rate rises can be when inflation is caused by global issues.

    Energy prices climbed sharply when lockdown was lifted and the economy started to return to normal. They have increased further as Russia sharply cut its gas supplies to Europe. It has pushed up the price of gas across the continent, including in the UK, having a huge knock-on effect on consumers.

    Speaking in front of the Treasury Committee earlier this week, the Bank of England’s governor, Andrew Bailey, defended its track record: “The person going to put the UK in recession is Vladimir Putin, not the MPC [Monetary Policy Committee].”

    He also said the Bank would take Prime Minister Liz Truss’s energy plan announcement “into account” when next deciding on interest rates.

    During her campaign, Ms Truss hit out at the Bank of England, accusing it of being slow to react to rising prices and protect vulnerable households.

    But the new Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, has reiterated his “full support for the independent Bank of England and their mission to control inflation, which is central to tackling cost of living challenges”.

    He has also said that he and Mr Bailey would meet twice a week from now on to discuss the rising cost of living.

    Prices are rising at its fastest rate in 40 years, with inflation at 10.1%.

    On Thursday, the prime minister has announced that the government would limit energy bill rises for all households for two years in an attempt to prevent widespread hardship.

    A typical household energy bill will be capped at £2,500 annually until 2024.

    Analysts say the huge support scheme could cost up to £150bn, but announcing the package Ms Truss said “extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures”.

    Further detail is expected by the end of the month, as the chancellor is expected to set out costings in a “fiscal event”, where he will outline the level of borrowing necessary and any new tax measures he deems necessary to fund the package of support.

    Source:BBC

  • Legon Cities confirm signing of former Hearts of Oak striker Kofi Kordzi

    Ghana Premier League side, Legon Cities FC have confirmed the signing of strong striker Kofi Kordzi.

    The highly-rated forward spent last season with Hearts of Oak after signing for the team on his return from abroad.

    Unfortunately, he had issues with the technical team after leaving camp to play a match when Hearts of Oak had a match to play.

    Due to the unresolved issues, he was released at the end of last season.

    On Friday, September 9, 2022, Legon Cities FC officially announced that Kofi Kordzi has been signed.

    “𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐘𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐁𝐀 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋⚜️

    “When Philip Treacy said, “Royalty is completely different than celebrity. Royalty has a magic on its own”, he meant 𝐊𝐎𝐅𝐈 𝐊𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐙𝐈,” Legon Cities FC said in a statement.

    Kofi Kordzi is in line to feature for his new club this weekend when the team takes on Medeama SC on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

     

    Source: Football Ghana

  • Rev. Lawrence Tetteh eulogises Queen Elizabeth II

    Renowned Evangelist, Reverend Lawrence Tetteh, has paid glowing tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday.


    Read the full tribute below:

    Queen Elizabeth Regina II had the gift of turning things around especially when situations looked dire and hopeless. She was often attracted to people from all walks of life by her firm disposition and the apparent solidity of her judgement. May the good Lord keep you safe. May God forever bless our Queen!!!

    It was an honour to know you personally as our queen and head of the commonwealth community.

    As a student at London School of Economics (LSE), I had always cherished your presence and sound sense of judgement. What makes you unique to my entire family was when my wife Barbara and I received your invite to be your guest at the Buckingham Palace. My fondest memory of you was your calmness yet a very unforgettable presence.

    Your acceptance to people of all walks of life was uncomparable. You lived long and served on the throne for more than seven decades, which was a sign of immense blessings. Rest well my Queen in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
    Our prayers are with King Charles III and the entire Royal family.

    Rev. Canon Dr Lawrence Tetteh World Renowned Evangelist

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • King Charles III: A guide to his Accession Council and proclamation

    The new king is due to be proclaimed by an Accession Council at 10:00 Saturday. What exactly does that mean?

    Charles is already king – under the terms of the Act of Settlement 1701, he automatically became so on the death of his mother. So the purpose of the Accession Council is basically a ceremonial one – it officially announces the name of the new monarch.

    Normally, this happens within 24 hours of the death of the sovereign. But on this occasion a little more time will have passed between the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the ceremony at St James’s Palace in London.

    In another break with tradition, King Charles III has decided that for the first time the Accession Council will be televised.

    Who attends, and what can we expect?

    The council is attended by members of the Privy Council (a group of senior politicians that formally advise the monarch), the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and senior judges and officials.

    The Accession Council is divided into two parts, and Charles will only be present for the second.

    In the first part, the Lord President – the MP Penny Mordaunt, appointed by Liz Truss on 6 September – will announce the monarch’s death.

    She will then ask the clerk of the council, currently retired civil servant Richard Tilbrook, to read out the Accession Proclamation, which confirms the name of the new monarch.

    The proclamation is then signed by the members of the Royal Family, the prime minister, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor and the Earl Marshall – the Duke of Norfolk, who is responsible for organising state ceremonies.

    After the signing, Ms Mordaunt will call for silence then read out the outstanding items of business, which include disseminating the proclamation and directing that artillery guns will be fired at Hyde Park in central London and the Tower of London.

    The proclamation will then be read out from a balcony above the Friary Court at St James’s Palace by the Garter King of Arms, England’s senior herald. He is joined by the Earl Marshall and other officials wearing traditional heraldic garments.

    The proclamation will also be read in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, and other locations around the country.

    The accession of Queen Elizabeth II and the proclamation of her accession in 1952PA MEDIA

    The accession of Queen Elizabeth II and the proclamation of her accession in 1952

    What is Charles’ role?

    Part two of the Accession Council is the first meeting of the Privy Council held by the new monarch, and Charles is expected to begin with a personal declaration.

    According to Robert Hazell, professor of government and the constitution at University College London, this usually has three elements. The king will commemorate the Queen, affirm his fidelity to the constitution and express “hope for the support of the nation in his heavy responsibilities”.

    Under the terms of the Act of Union, new monarchs are also required to make an oath to maintain and preserve the Church of Scotland. Usually, this takes place at part two of the Accession Council and the new monarch signs two copies of the oath.

    Charles can say if he objects to any of the oaths he is asked to make, although the last time a new monarch did so was in 1910 when King George V rejected the anti-Catholic wording of the declaration oath. The government of the time evidently agreed with him as they changed the wording in the Accession Declaration Act 1910.

    After the Accession Council concludes its business, it may be some time before Charles’s coronation takes place. Some 16 months passed between the death of Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, in February 1952 and her coronation in June 1953.

     

    Source: BBC

  • Charles III to be proclaimed king at historic ceremony

    Charles III will be formally proclaimed king at a historic ceremony at St James’s Palace on Saturday morning.

    Flags lowered in mourning for the late Queen will fly full-mast after the Accession Council, which will be televised for the first time.

    A wave of further proclamations will take place across the UK until Sunday, when flags will return to half-mast.

    It comes after the King pledged to follow his “darling mama’s” life of service in an emotional first address.

    He told the nation on Friday evening of his “profound sorrow” at the loss of his mother, praising her warmth, humour and “unerring ability always to see the best in people”.

    The King promised to serve the nation with the same “unswerving devotion” as the late Queen had during her 70-year reign.

    Charles became king the moment his mother died, but the Accession Council is held as soon as possible after death of a sovereign to make a formal proclamation of the successor.

    At the council, which starts at 10:00 BST, the King will make a personal declaration about the death of the Queen and make an oath to preserve the Church of Scotland – because in Scotland there is a division of powers between church and state.

    Among those attending will be Camilla, Charles’s wife of 17 years who now has the title of Queen Consort, and the King’s son, William, the new Prince of Wales.

    Heralds and City dignitaries cheering the Queen at the Royal Exchange on 8 February 1952GETTY IMAGES

    The King’s accession will be proclaimed in the City of London’s Royal Exchange, as his mother’s was more than 70 years ago

    The first public proclamation is due to take place from the Friar Court balcony of St James’s Palace in London at 11:00, a moment that is usually accompanied by centuries-old pageantry, with trumpeters playing a fanfare and gun salutes fired in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London.

    Although they are not part of the formal proclamation, the words “the Queen is dead, long live the King” are often added afterwards.

    On Friday, Charles was met by cheers and shouts of “God save the King!” as he met people in the crowds who had gathered at Buckingham Palace.

    Later, he gave his televised address, expressing a wish that Prince William and his wife Catherine would – as the new Prince and Princess of Wales – “continue to inspire and lead our national conversation”.

    • The Accession Council, a formal ceremony to proclaim Charles as king, will be held at 10:00 BST
    • From 11:00, flags will fly full mast and royal gun salutes will be fired
    • Further public proclamations take place from a balcony at St James’s Palace and the City of London
    • Senior members of government will swear an oath to King Charles III in the House of Commons
      He expressed his “love for Harry and Meghan” and praised the “steadfast devotion to duty” of the Queen Consort.

    The King acknowledged that his life had now changed, saying he would not be able to give “so much of my time and energies” to the charities and issues he had supported for decades as heir to the throne.

    The 73-year-old monarch said he hoped that despite their sorrow at the Queen’s death, people in the UK and the Commonwealth “remember and draw strength from the light of her example”.

    What happens at the Accession Council?

    • Historically, it is attended by all members of the Privy Council, a body of advisors to the sovereign that dates back to the time of the Norman kings. But with the membership standing at 700, mostly past and present politicians, only 200 are to be summoned.
    • They initially gather at St James’s Palace without the King. Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt, appointed Lord President of the Privy Council by Prime Minister Liz Truss, will announce the death of the sovereign.
    • The clerk of the Council reads aloud the test of the Accession Proclamation, including Charles’ chosen title as king – which we know to be Charles III.
    • The proclamation is signed by a group including the Queen Consort, the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York and the prime minister.
    • The Lord President calls for silence and reads the remaining items of business, dealing with the public proclamations and orders for the gun salutes at Hyde Park and the Tower of London.
    • The King enters for the second part of the council, attended only by privy counsellors and makes a personal declaration about the death of the Queen.
    • He takes an oath to preserve the Church of Scotland and signs two documents to record it, with the Queen Consort and the Prince of Wales among those witnessing his signature.
    • Privy counsellors will sign the proclamation as they leave.

     

    Source: BBC

  • Health Minister launches National Health Promotion Strategy 2022- 2026

    The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has launched the National Health Promotion Strategy 2022-2026, at the second Ghana Health Service, Senior Managers’ Meeting, in Accra.

    The theme of the meeting, “Promoting healthcare, planning for healthy lives: where healthcare systems meet healthy behaviours”, was in resonance of the theme with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 which states “Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Wellbeing for All at All Ages”.

    The Health Promotion Strategy 2022-2026, is expected to improve the quality of health promotion services at all levels, improve the health of communities in Ghana and increase collaboration and partnerships for health service provision.

    Mr. Agyeman-Manu, in his keynote address stated that, “The ability and leadership of the Ghana Health Service to coordinate the development of this meeting and the launch of the National Health Promotion Strategy 2022-2026 is a major step towards ensuring we have a roadmap to realize the integration of demand generation, behavior change and health service delivery. It is these essential elements that, when effectively planned and implemented with see measurable improvements in key health indicators and a healthier society.”

    At the meeting, the Director of the Health Promotion Division, Dr. Aboagye DaCosta, stated that the strategy will seek to build healthy public policy, create supportive environments, strengthen community action, develop personal skills and reorient health services.”

    He also expanded on the purpose of the strategy, to inform Ghanaians on how to stay healthy and to support the initiatives in the communities that influence health and wellbeing.

    He remarked that this will increase the ability of Ghanaians to increase control over and improve their health, involve the population in the context of their everyday lives and drive activities that are geared toward promoting health and preventing ill-health rather than focusing on people at risk for specific diseases.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • From a cook to ‘galamsey queen’: How Aisha Huang ‘metamorphosed’

    A former small scale miner, Robert Owusu, has disclosed that Aisha Huang came to Ghana as a cook for small scale mining engineers when small scale mining began some where in 2002.

    An Accra Circuit Court has remanded Chinese national, Huang Ruixia alias Aisha Huang and three others for allegedly engaging in illegal mining in Ghana.

    The accused persons were charged for engaging in sale and purchase of minerals without a licence.

    The other three are Jong Li Hua; Huang Jei and Huiad Hiahu, all Chinese nationals. Aisha Huang is facing an additional charge of engaging in mining without a licenceFrom a cook to ‘galamsey queen.

    She was arraigned last Friday [September 2, 2022] and her plea to the charges are yet to be taken by the court presided over by Bright Acquah since the court had no Chinese interpreter at the time.

    Speaking on Okay FM’s ‘Ade Akye Abia’ programme, Mr Owusu who chronicled how Aisha Huan entered the country explained that she was first brought into the country to help her colleague Chinese nationals as a cook for them.

    He, however, noted that Aisha Huang developed an interest in galamsey and rapidly grew her business after getting connections with top Ghanaian government officials.

    Source: Ghanaweb 

  • 3 excavators, 3 pump action guns retrieved as police arrest 3 more Chinese over galamsey

    Police in the Western Region have arrested six Ghanaians and 3 Chinese nationals in an anti-galamsey swoop.

    According to a report by Onua FM, the police, during the arrest, retrieved three pump action guns and 3 excavators.

    The operation comes after the earlier arrest of five other Chinese nationals in connection with two missing excavators and illegal mining activities.

    Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive of Ellembelle, Kwasi Bonzo, and four others have been arrested and granted police enquiry bail over an incident involving one of the missing excavators.

    The DCE is accused of interfering in police duties by seeking to stop the transportation of the excavator to the Western Regional Police Command in Takoradi.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Medical therapy and spiritual regeneration: Blurring the lines

    Psychedelics haven’t changed my mind, but I can’t get them off my mind. I’m not a psychologist nor a medical researcher, and I have no aspirations of getting a certificate in psychedelic guidance counseling. What interests me, and is now firmly stuck in my mind, is how religious the psychedelic renaissance is. The potential medical benefits are stunning, the promising therapeutic breakthroughs are remarkable, and the palpable public excitement about these drugs, undeniable.

    But let’s face it, the religious undercurrents and more visible spiritual landmarks associated with the mainstreaming (mainlining?) of psychedelic drug treatment in the body politic also cannot be denied, and may serve as a useful focal point to better understand what is likely to bear on significant cultural shifts in American religious life. For a few minutes, consider the psychedelic renaissance as a religious moment and movement, embodying the usual attributes often associated with religious life.

    Two quick points.

    First, remember the ’60s? When psychedelics exploded on the scene and captured the imagination of the nation, medical use and therapeutic benefits did not frame and inform public conversations. Instead, along with the usual demonizing by more conservative voices fixated on hedonism, addiction, and death, was the proselytizing by high priest Timothy Leary and others about the spiritual value of and revolutionary possibilities available via psychedelics. Clearly, this was a different era than ours today, and the fear of spiritual contamination via mind-altering and consciousness-shifting drugs also most certainly was a factor in the larger disaster known as the “war on drugs” that took shape in the early ’70s.

    Second, in America today, roughly 30 percent of the population will identify as “none” when asked about their religious affiliation, a trend that truly picks up steam in the last three decades or so. That is a long and complicated story, no doubt, but it is important because the psychedelic renaissance has emerged and captured the imagination of Americans in this religious landscape, and during an era of spiritual reconfigurations and sacred realignments.

    The religious culture of psychedelics is readily evident in the testimonials of consumers, in clinical trials or outside of them, who speak of transformations and insights, alterations of consciousness and behavior, with words and language often ill-equipped for capturing what they experienced and witnessed while tripping. The data from utilizing the MEQ (Mystical Experience Questionnaire), discussion sections from published scientific studies, and self-reports from voluntary subjects in medically controlled research studies all provide evidence of religious powers that may or may not be associated with notions of God in these substances. Or listen to more celebrated, and perhaps more authoritative, religious testimonials from well-known celebrities like Meek Mill, or Aaron Rodgers, two among many entertaining examples.

    In addition to providing the uninitiated with personal accounts of the transformative if not salvific power of psychedelic use, these testimonials demonstrate how often notions and ideals associated with health, medicine, and healing can overlap with religious sensibilities and orientations. But, as I mentioned earlier, the power and potency of psychedelics as therapeutic agents are their primary value in public and political consciousness now, and the rigors of science rather than rogue spiritual gurus will back up the seemingly miraculous efficacy of their use.

    In today’s psychedelic religious culture, informed and informative public figures help frame and validate the increasing presence of DMT, mushrooms, MDMA, peyote, LSD, and other drugs in the media, online, in books, and across expanding communities of interested consumers. Whether you think of them as prophets or priests, or celebrities or saints, trailblazing pioneers like Terence McKenna, Michael Pollen, Roland Griffiths, and others are convincing people to change their minds about or, since we are talking about religion, perhaps convert them to a new orientation toward, the special powers of psychedelic substances that can heal beyond the mental, emotional, and physical.

    Given the unique qualities of these special powers and their uniquely ambiguous status in contemporary culture—medicine, sacrament, recreational, or all three at once; easily accessed or tightly controlled—we are also likely to see a crowded field of psychedelic experts seeking to command the attention, faith, and following of the growing number of Americans open to psychedelic experimentation and looking for impressive and effective experiences of healing and self-knowledge.

    The religious implications of the psychedelic renaissance are profound though submerged for the most part beneath the weight of medical research and clinical studies, which is probably for the best, for now. In our contemporary moment though, it is becoming increasingly clear how the boundaries of religious life are not only expanding but bleeding into other cultural spheres of everyday life. Dynamic and fluid forms of congregational life are thriving outside of churches and synagogues and temples and other traditional sites of worship, and the congregating around psychedelics from Hollywood to Johns Hopkins and beyond is already in full swing.

    Whatever one may say about the inner, psychological effects of ingesting psychedelics, they clearly have a long history of bringing groups of people together, formidable substances that have social potency and centripetal energies. Psychedelic medicinal therapies are not only affecting individual lives on multiple levels of consciousness including the spiritual, but they are also making an impact on the collective consciousness, and social divisions between the sacred and the profane that will inspire clear forms of religious life.

     

    Source:Psychology today

  • Menzgold customers plan Sept. 12 protest, set to petition Akufo-Addo

    Some aggrieved customers of the defunct gold collectable company, Menzgold, have served notice to walk to the office of the president to intervene in the payment of their locked-up funds on Monday, 12 September 2022.

    The walk according to the group will start from customs car park near Ministry, Accra to the Independence Square for press briefing and from there present a petition to the President at the Jubilee House.

    The operations of Menzgold were shut down in September 2018 by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The company’s operating license which had initially been granted in 2014 by the Minerals Commission of Ghana was primarily for gold trading and export.

    However, as reports of a gold-investment scheme with high returns started to circulate, the Bank of Ghana begun to publish warnings which cautioned citizens to be wary of dealing with the firm and warned the firm against taking cash deposits.

    Some customers were adamant while the company also called the bluff of the regulatory authorities.

    Customers deposit at Menzgold have been locked out since the shutdown and can’t access their investments, leading to numerous demonstrations at its various branches to no avail.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Pass anti-LGBTQ+ Bill by October ending or we hit streets – Pentecostal Council to Parliament

    The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, GPCC, has given Parliament a deadline by which time to pass the anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer; LGBTQ+ Bill, currently before the House.

    The bill, officially known as ‘The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill’ was laid before the House earlier this year and referred to the relevant Committee for among others, public consultation.

    With Parliament due to resume in the coming weeks, President of the GPCC, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, has asked that the Bill should be passed by end of October.

    He cautions further that the GPCC will organize protests if that deadline is not met.

    “I wish to use this opportune platform to remind Government and in particular, the leadership of Parliament and its Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs that GPCC would not hesitate to call its members onto the streets should they fail to pass the Bill into law by the end of October 2022,” Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso stated.

    He was speaking at a farewell service held outgoing General Secretary of the group, Rev. Dr Emmanuel Teimah Barrigah.

    The event that took place in Accra last Saturday, also saw the induction into office of Apostle Immanuel Nii Okuley Tettey as the new General Secretary of the GPCC.

    The Bill is a private members bill sponsored by eight MPs, it seeks to criminalise all anti-LGBTQI activities in the country.

    It has generated widespread support across the social spectrum and a lot of heat especially after a group of academics and members of civil society openly backed the same-sex movement asking government to stay out of the sexual lives of the citizenry.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Should you be able to keep a secret from your spouse?

    Being honest with your spouse does not necessarily mean you must share every single thought, dream, fear, or fantasy with this person. In fact, honesty may be a double-edged sword in your marriage.

    Knowing what to share and what not to share is an important communication skill for couples to learn and use in their marriage. It may also be something that can help or hinder peace and harmony with your spouse.1

    Keeping Secrets and the Right to Privacy

    It is important to remember that you do not have to share everything with another person in a relationship. Some things to remember in any relationship:

    • You have the right to privacy in any relationship, including with your spouse, partner, and family.
    • In any relationship, you have the right to keep a part of your life secret, no matter how trivial or how important, for the sole reason that you want to.
    • You also have the right to spend some time alone and with only yourself.2

    In a healthy relationship, you honor the sense of emotional and physical privacy needed for yourself and your partner. Otherwise, ironically, you end up limiting your intimacy with one another, not enhancing it.

    You can’t be truly intimate with your mate without being in touch with the innermost parts of yourself, too.

    Is Honesty Always the Best Policy?

    There are valid reasons for keeping a secret from your spouse. You shouldn’t have to defend not revealing embarrassing or hurtful moments from your past. It is possible that the secret involves someone else who asked that the story not be told.

    There are many couples who have been married for a long time who have personal secrets that they haven’t shared with their spouses. The sense of space and the sense of a private part of oneself is important to many people.

    How to Decide When to Share a Secret

    If you have a secret that you think you should share, but you are unsure about it, look at your own physical responses when you are hiding the secret.3 If your blood pressure increases, or you find yourself blinking a lot faster, or your breathing is heavier, or you are perspiring more, then these could be clues that you should share that particular secret.

    If you are keeping a secret because you don’t want to face responsibility, this can create problems in your marriage. Withholding facts or information your spouse needs to know in decision making is harmful manipulation.

    Secrets that can hurt your marriage are ones concerning:

    • Having an affair
    • Job problems
    • Keeping an addiction or substance use habits hidden
    • Legal problems
    • Lending money
    • Lying about how you spend money
    • Not paying bills
    • Not revealing an illness
    • Seeing family and friends secretly

    Poor Times to Share a Secret

    If you are going to share a secret or difficult issue with your spouse, note that the following times are not a good time to have important conversations:

    • At bedtime
    • During periods of grumpiness
    • If either of you is drunk
    • When either of you is in a stressful situation
    • When either of you is tired or ill
    • When you or your spouse are angry
    • When your spouse is already dealing with bad news

    Seeking Help

    Honesty and trust are vital to the success of a marriage. It’s a thin line between what secrets are acceptable and which ones will haunt an individual and hurt a marriage.

    A partner who discovers that they have been directly lied to, given a half-truth, or not told critical information can feel an enormous sense of betrayal. These betrayals can be hard to come back from and your partner may never feel a full sense of trust again. If this situation applies to you, the sooner you face it the better.

    If you begin to feel the distance in your marriage and think it may be the result of a secret, then it is time to consult a professional therapist.

     

    Source: verywellmind

  • Aisha Huang is a Chinese spy deployed to wage economic warfare – Prof. Aning alleges

    Director of Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Professor Kwesi Aning, has asserted that notorious illegal small-scale mining kingpin Aisha Huang is a Chinese spy who is waging economic warfare on the country.

    In a September 7 interview with Accra-based Joy FM, Prof Aning anchored his argument on the reasons given by the state for the deportation of the Chinese national in 2018 when she was arrested for illegal mining activities otherwise known as galamsey.

    According to him, Aisha Huang was no ordinary person if the influence she wielded could affect the Sino-Hydro loan the country was seeking from China at the time of her deportation.

    He believes the galamsey kingpin is engaging in galamsey activities to pollute the country’s waterbodies, eventually affecting cocoa crops.

    “There’s a massive institutionalized trafficking scheme enabled by high-level corruption and collusion. And we find this in galamsey. In the Rosewood criminal enterprise, the Chinese merchant involved or the state agent involved is Huang Yan Chen, also known as Helena Huang, so what we are looking at is that these criminal enterprises are not just by ordinary people.

    “These are state agents who are almost untouchable because if we go back to 2017 and 2018 escape of Aisha Huang and the argument that she has been released because we were looking for the Sino-Hydro loan and that was she to be prosecuted, it would affect the loan, then Aisha is not an ordinary Chinese gangster. She’s an agent of the state. She’s a spy.

    “And her expertise is in economic warfare; deliberately destroying our environment and our water bodies through galamsey so that the cyanide and the mercury will go through our underground water, come through the food chain and destroy the cocoa crop. And we know that Japan, in particular, that loved our cocoa beans, is now disturbed because they found traces of chemicals in our cocoa beans. So we need to elevate this conversation over and above ordinary people stealing excavators,” Prof Aning said.

    Aisha Huang was recently arrested for engaging in galamsey-related activities. She is reported to have entered the country via the Togo border after her deportation.

    Aisha Huang has since been remanded by an Accra High Court and is set to reappear with three others on September 14.

    The Attorney General’s office has also assured that it will prosecute Aisha Huang for her past and present crimes.

    It will be recalled that Aisha Huang gained notoriety as an illegal mining kingpin in 2017. She was arrested for the same conduct but later deported, with the state discontinuing the trial against her.

    Justifying why the state had to deport the Chinese national, the Senior Minister, Nana Yaw Osafo Maafo, addressing some concerns of Ghanaians in the diaspora at a town hall meeting on April 18, 2019, revealed that, “Putting that woman [Aisha Huang] in jail in Ghana is not going to solve your money problem. It is not going to make you happy or me happy.”

    But President Akufo-Addo, in 2019, said the deportation of the Chinese galamsey kingpin was a ‘mistake’.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Murder of Tweneboa Kodua student: No show in court due to judge’s absence, family worried

    There was no show at the Jacobu District Court hearing the case in which three people are standing trial for the alleged murder of a final year student of the Tweneboa Kodua SHS.


    After waiting for long hours on Tuesday (September 7), the court adjourned the case to October 4, due to the absence of the presiding judge Joseph Akuoko.

    The late Daniel Osei-Mensah was allegedly stabbed by his attackers at Benebene near Manso Odaho in the Ashanti Region. His lifeless body was later found in a nearby bush in the area.

    The three suspects: Eric Anning, Jeptha Boadi, and Adu Philip have since been remanded into prison custody. The family of the deceased is however concerned over the slow pace of the court process.

    “Today the court adjourned the case, and the back and forth is affecting us financially as we have to travel all the way from Odaho to Jacobu. The slow pace of the court process is worrying”, said Amakwaa Isaac, the Head of the bereaved family.

    “We are appealing to the police and the court to expedite action to get justice for the deceased because the parents are still unsettled over the untimely death of our son”, he added.

     

    Source: dailymailgh.com

  • How India is building a pearl farming industry

    In 2016 Narendra Garwa was facing a desperate financial situation. His small book store in the village of Renwal, Rajasthan, was running at a loss.

    With a family to support and little education, he searched the internet for other money-making ideas. He had some success growing vegetables in plastic bottles, but then came across a potentially more profitable crop – pearls.

    “Rajasthan is a dry area with water issues. It was a challenge to think of growing pearls with limited water but I decided to try,” he says.

    Pearls are formed when a mollusc reacts to an irritant in its protective membrane. The mollusc deposits layers of aragonite and conchiolin, which together form nacre, also know as mother-of-pearl.

    In the wild, pearl formation is rare so most pearls sold these days are from farmed molluscs, usually oysters or freshwater mussels.

    A Kuwaiti diver searches for shells containing pearls during the annual pearl diving season on July 30, 2019 off the coast of the port city of Khairan, 100 kms (62miles) south of Kuwait City.
    Pearls are still gathered by divers from wild oysters and mussels

    To spur the mollusc to form a pearl, an irritant is artificially introduced into the creature. However, it is a delicate process and the mussels or oysters must be carefully handled, as Mr Garwa found.

    “My first attempt was a disaster,” he admits. Of the 500 mussels he purchased, only 35 survived.

    Mr Garwa had travelled to Kerala to buy the mussels – a journey of 1,700 miles involving a 36-hour train journey. He also used his savings and borrowed money to come up with the 16,000 rupees (£170; $200) needed to buy the molluscs.

    In addition, Mr Garwa had dug a 10ft by 10ft pound in his back garden to keep the creatures in.

    Despite the setback, he did not give up. Instead, he took a five-day course in pearl farming.

    “Growing an oyster is like bringing up a baby,” he says.

    “Monitoring the the water throughout the growth period is crucial to achieving high quality and volume of produce.”

    Now he has a 40ft by 50ft pond, which he treats with multivitamins and alum which maintains the correct pH level required for growth.

    A pearl technician prepares a mantle tissue from a donating oyster during nucleation process in Autore pearl farm at Malaka village, Gulf of Nara on March 21, 2022 in Lombok, Indonesia.
    Pearls are formed by oysters or mussels reacting to irritants

    The survival rate of his mussels has risen from 30% to more than 70% since becoming more familiar with the process. Mr Garwa expects to produce around 3,000 pearls this year, which he can sell for between 400 and 900 rupees (£4-£10; $5-$11).

    The Indian government has been encouraging pearl fishing as part of its Blue Revolution, a plan to modernise the nation’s fishing industry.

    Under the scheme the government pays for half the cost of setting up a pond for pearl fishing, and so far the Department for Fisheries has given financial support to 232 pearl farming ponds.

    “Pearl farming is one of the most lucrative aquaculture businesses and the government is encouraging farmers to take up this farming,” says Jujjavarapu Balaji, Joint Secretary of Marine Fisheries.

    Workers sort out pearls at a factory on July 20, 2022 in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province of China. (

    Not everyone is impressed with this wave of pearl farming activity. Critics include Gunjan Shah, who is the fifth generation of his family to be in the pearl trading business.

    “The culture of pearl farming has increased in India but I think the pearls grown in every nook and corner are not of very good quality” says the owner of Babla Enterprises, based in Mumbai.

    He says India is producing too many of the wrong kind of pearls.

    “What India needs at present is people who can grow sea water pearls if we want to compete with China. Indian oysters are small but China has hybrid oysters which produce large pearls.

    “Cultured South Sea pearls are the most valuable type of cultured pearl on the market today. These pearls come in a gorgeous variety of sizes, shapes and colours. A strand of South Sea pearls can be as expensive as $10,000 (£8,500) or more. They are very rarely produced in India.”

    He says the government should be looking to develop this part of the industry.

    In its defence, the government says it will take time to build up a competitive pearl farming sector.

    “Pearl family is specialised farming, so this sector will take time to grow. The plan is to see the increase in the next three years,” says Mr Balaji, from the Department for Fisheries.

    “Once we are able to grow enough pearls for local consumption then we can focus on exports,” he adds.

    Reena Choudary at her family's pearl farm

    As for Mr Garwa, as well as farming pearls, he also offers courses for those who want to learn how to do it.

    Reena Choudary, 28, was one of his students, and just like her tutor her first effort last year was a failure.

    “I lost all the oysters – none of them were able to produce,” she says.

    But this year, she expects to produce around 1,000 pearls.

    Starting an independent business was a big leap for her, particularly as women in her region are often expected to look after the home rather than work.

    “For people like us this smells like freedom,” she says. “We have learnt how we can be independent, help towards contributing to the family and have a say in family matters.”

     

     

    Source: BBC

  • BoG to impose sanctions on banks that breach digital financial services guidelines

    The Bank of Ghana may impose on banks or Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions, an administrative sanction of not more than 10,000 penalty units for breach of new guidelines on digital financial services.

    In the case of continuous breach, an additional penalty of not more 50 penalty units shall be imposed for each day the breach continues.

    This is in accordance with section 92 of Act 930.

    Again, in accordance with section 44 of the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Act, 2008 (Act 774), the Central Bank may impose on a non-bank financial institution, an administrative sanction of not more than 10,000 penalty units for breach of this directive.

    In the case of continuous breach, an additional penalty of not more 50 penalty units shall be imposed for each day the breach continues.

    The Disclosure and Transparency Directives for digital financial services and products is aimed at providing the minimum disclosure and transparency framework to guide providers of Digital Financial Services and Products.

    The objectives of the directive according to the Central Bank is to provide a framework to guide providers with regard to the disclosure of information pertaining to digital financial services and products in a manner that repose trust and confidence in consumers, protect consumers of digital financial services and products by ensuring that institutions that provide these services, do so in a transparent and fair manner by disclosing to the consumers and prospective consumers, among others.

    Delivery of information

    The report stated that providers (banks, SDIs) shall ensure that all materials provided to consumers, are clear, complete, accurate, understandable and not misleading regardless of the delivery channel.

    Again, they shall be liable for all information delivered to the consumer.

    Delivery Channels

    A provider shall ensure that delivery channels for DFS do not expose consumers to undue risk of scams and fraud.

    They shall ensure consistency in the style and delivery of information and consistency in the medium of communication.

    Channels to deliver transaction confirmation

    At a minimum, a provider shall deliver a transaction through a short messaging service (SMS) or electronic mail (email).

     

     

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Aisha Huang: National Security handling issue because of sensitivity Immigration

    Director of public relations of the Ghana Immigration Service, GIS, Supt Amoako-Atta, has disclosed that the Aisha Huang case is currently being handled by National Security.

    He explained in an interview with Accra-based TV3 that the sensitivity of the matter was the reason why it had been taken over by National Security despite her interception by Immigration officers.

    Aisha Huang is a Chinese national who became notorious for her involvement in illegal small-scale mining, galamsey, and was deported in 2018 after the state discontinued a case against her.

    Asked what possible immigration charges Huang could face, he responded: “That is an illegal entry and currently as we speak, National Security is handling the issue because of how sensitive it is, and she was taken to court and a remand taken against her.

    The GIS spokesman also denied that Huang had been in the country for more than three months as reported by some media outlets. “The information I have from our officers is not the three months that you are talking about.

    “By mid-August and second September, she was intercepted by our officers… when it comes to the borders, we have not hidden the fact that our borders are porous especially in the subregion, and it is not peculiar to the West Africa subregion alone but across the world,” he added.

    Aisha Huang arrested

    On Monday, September 5, 2022, the Accra Circuit Court 9 presided by Samuel Bright Acquah, remanded Aisha Huang, into custody.

    This was after Miss Huang, together with three other Chinese nationals, were brought before the court on charges including engaging in the sale and purchase of minerals without a licence and mining without a licence.

    The court could not take into record the pleas of the four suspects because there was no interpreter to help translate proceedings for the Chinese nationals.

    The accused persons were not represented by a lawyer. The court adjourned sitting on the case to Wednesday, September 14, 2022.

    How she re-entered the country without detection till her recent arrest has been the major question on the minds of many Ghanaians.

    She had reportedly re-entered the jurisdiction through the eastern border with the name, Huang Fe.

    Aisha Huang arrested in deported from Ghana in 2018

    Ms. Huang, who was described as “untouchable” on some media platforms, was in 2017 charged with undertaking small-scale mining operations contrary to Section 99 (1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).

    She was also charged with providing mine support services without valid registration with the Minerals Commission, contrary to Section 59 and 99 (2) of the Minerals and Mining Act; and also charged with illegal employment of foreign nationals (in breach of section 24 of the Immigration Act and regulation 18 of the Immigration Regulations).

    Her deportation meant the state discontinued the trial against her.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • A free and vibrant press: An indispensable part of democratic governance in Ghana

    Democracy by definition is the system of government that allows individual citizens to participate in the governance process of a country. However, the term “democracy” is also known to have been defined by Abraham Lincoln in the year 1863 as “Government of the people, by the people and for the people.”

    Critically subjecting the definition of democracy by Abraham Lincoln, a lawyer by profession who served as the 16th president of the United State of America from 1861 until his unfortunate assassination in 1865, it could be observed that the term “People” is being repeated three (3) times in his definition.

    Nevertheless, the analysis is that, it is a set or a group of people who adopt unto themselves, a system of government that allows them to make decisions on their own freely. This clearly shows that, this system of government is people-centered whereby decisions are made by the people themselves and for their own good and benefit without necessarily involving military influence, dictatorship, and authoritarianism whatsoever.

    Ghana as a sovereign country has come far in its democratic dispensational journey. It must be brought to the knowledge of my most respected and revered readers that, Ghana has gone through myriad political struggles and happenings in the past before its citizens (Political Actors) eventually adopted the path of democracy in the political system. Nevertheless, in practicing democratic rule in Ghana, free and vibrant press is indispensably needed to ensure effective democratic governance.

    Again, it is also equally important to succintly talk about what a free and vibrant press means; having strong, effective, and efficient media houses such as the Print media (Newspapers), Magazines, Radio and Television news reports and others to ensure that the citizenry have the platform to express their views, opinions and thoughts on issues relating to the performance of the government of the day in a democratic manner.

    From the perspective of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the freedom and independence of the media are guaranteed under Chapter 12, Article 162 which is also nicknamed as the fourth estate of the realm. In fact, in a modern democracy, the Press forms an integral part of the democratic system which helps to put the government of the day on its toes and also objectively and constructively criticize its actions and inactions. However, a free and vibrant Press is an indispensable part of democratic governance in my most considered view basically owed to the following reasons:

    Constructive Criticism Machinery/Tool

    In democratic governance, the actions and inactions of the government of the day ought to be constructively and objectively criticized in order to put the government on its toes. This also tries to point out to the government of the day the shortcomings or loopholes identified by the citizenry whose interest the government is serving. However, this in effect, ensures that those identified shortcomings are finally corrected. It must, however, be noted also that, a free and vibrant press in Ghana ensures that this activity of objectively and constructively criticizing the government is done in a democratically structured system of government.

    More Deepened & Strengthened Democracy

    Obviously, one of the functions, in other words, benefits of the vibrancy of the Press is to deepen the democratization of our governance system. This can be done by way of offering the citizenry the opportunity and the platform to vent their criticisms and freely express their views, opinions, and thoughts in the democratic governance process adopted in our society.

    In fact, it must be stated that, if we have a very vibrant Press in our governance system, it will immensely contribute to a more democratized governance system and practice. Once again, it must be emphasized here that, a free and vibrant Press invariably gives the opportunity to the citizenry to freely express their frustrations, disappointments, anger, needs, and wants to the government for one-stop redress and attention in order to forestall further deterioration of the prevailing situation.

    In the same vein, a vibrant Press also grants and guarantees the citizenry, the avenue to shower praises on the government of the day whenever things seem to be going well for them.

    Correctional Rod/Mechanism

    Just like we the human beings, governments, both past and present do make mistakes in the process of discharging their constitutionally mandated duties and responsibilities to the citizenry who are important stakeholders in the governance process and procedure of our dear country Ghana. However, the operations of a free and vibrant Press then present to the government, the finest opportunity to fine-tune its performance in the democratic governance process.

    Ostensibly, a free and vibrant Press also ensures that the mistakes of the government of the day are pointed out to them to as a matter of necessity make corrections so that the system meets the myriad expectations of the citizenry as far as Ghana is greatly concerned.

    Essentially, the government is now presented with the finest opportunity to ensure that wrongs that were done either deliberately or indeliberately by them are righted so as to ensure that the citizenry is happy and comfortable in going about their businesses and lives in Ghana.

    Effective Channel for Dissemination of Information and Communication
    Agreeably, one of the important functions of every government all over the World is to effectively and timely disseminate information to the citizenry to keep them updated as to how the government is being run or fared in the country.

    However, it must be brought to the knowledge of my revered readers that, through the effective activities and operations of a free and vibrant Press in Ghana, the government can communicate its policies, plans, and programs to the citizenry. However, it is also worth mentioning that, a free and vibrant Press ensures that government advertises its procurement processes, job vacancies, and commissioned projects to the general public.

    Conclusion

    I would like to bring my article to a conclusion at this juncture by reiterating the fact that, a free and vibrant Press is extremely indispensable in the democratic governance of Ghana. However, this my position is ably supported with the expatiated points or reasons above.

    In fact, I want to bring to the knowledge of my most cherished readers that, the existence and operations of a free and vibrant Press are non-negotiable. That said, it really forms an integral part of our quest to democratize our governance systems, structure, and processes; this promotes freedom of speech and expression of the Ghanaian citizens as amply enshrined in Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

     

  • Stronger regional cooperation between tax authorities critical to success of AfCFTA

    Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority, Rev Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah has emphasized on the need for deepening regional cooperation between tax authorities of member states of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, as part of efforts to ensure its success.

    This, he believes will be critical in preventing tax evasion and aid in detecting various financial and customs related crimes.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony 7th Annual congress of the African Tax Administration Forum in Accra, Rev Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah also said the implementation of the AfCFTA will require the use of technical skills, enhanced processes and the use of technology and the cooperation of competent authorities such as the Ministry of Trade, Customs authorities, tax authorities, and other law enforcement agencies.

    “the need for regional cooperation between tax authorities is now more important than ever. Tax and customs authorities play a key role in the collection of information including beneficial ownership information and financial information, as well as the use of tax identifiers that link individuals to the companies in which they are shareholders.

    As border control, customs authorities are key in detecting and preventing smuggling, counterfeit goods and overall illicit trade, but in a future single market, one national authority cannot effectively execute this duty on its own. Cooperation between tax authorities, in particular, will be extremely important in preventing tax evasion and avoidance schemes,” he said.

    A deputy Minister of Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, delivering the keynote on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta stated that it is critical for member-states under the African Continental Free Trade Area to resort to innovative revenue enhancing measures to boost customs revenue and domestic tax revenue mobilization.

    She noted that this will help mitigate the possibility of the slow pace in revenue growth resulting from the implementation of the AfCFTA in the initial stages.

    “With regards to the tax and revenue implications of the AfCFTA, it is likely that customs revenue will not see an upward movement in the short-term; however, this impact would be marginal compared to the share of intra-African exports as a percentage to total African exports, which is estimated around 21 percent in 2021. This figure remains relatively low compared to levels in Europe (69 percent), Asia (59 percent) and North America (31 percent).

    In the medium term, AfCFTA is expected to improve trade, and therefore, would impact positively on GDP. To boost customs revenue mobilization in the short-term, African countries could resort to other revenue enhancing measures that target domestic taxes,” she noted.

    The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA) is an initiative by African States focused to help develop Africa.

    AfCFTA is possibly the largest trade block by member-states, being a single market covering the entire African continent with a total population of 1.3 billion and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of almost US$ 3 trillion.

     

  • Revenue Authorities, Ministries of Finance need to work on revenue losses from AfCFTA

    The Commissioner-General of GRA, Rev Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, says Revenue authorities will need to work with Ministries of Finance to fill in the revenue losses expected from the lowering of import duties in the implementation of the AfCFTA.

    The parties in the AfCFTA will have to reduce tariffs on “90% of goods that are traded within the continent” and this may result in short-term tariff revenue loss to most African member countries where trade taxes remain a key source of revenue.

    He said the execution of the AfCFTA would require technical skills, enhanced processes, and the use of technology by cooperating with competent authorities such as the Ministry of Trade, Customs authorities, tax authorities, and other law enforcement agencies involved in detecting various financial and customs-related crimes.

    Dr Owusu Amoah was speaking at the opening of the three-day African Tax Administration Forum and African Tax Research Network 7th Annual Congress on the theme: Tax and Revenue Implication of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

    He said as African Countries began trading under AfCFTA, they must recognize the critical role of tax and customs authorities and enhance their capacity and skills to operationalise the tariff concessions, administer the rules of origin and ensure that non-AfCFTA originating goods exploit the preferential treatment vis-à-vis the overlapping rules of the regional economic communities.

    Mr Owusu Amoah called for stronger regional cooperation between tax authorities now more than ever.

    “Tax and customs authorities play a key role in the collection of information including beneficial ownership information and financial information, as well as the use of tax identifiers that link individuals to the companies in which they are shareholders.

    “As border control, customs authorities are key in detecting and preventing smuggling, counterfeit goods, and overall illicit trade, but in a future single market, one national authority cannot effectively execute this duty on its own.”

    He said cooperation between tax authorities, in particular, would be extremely important in preventing tax evasion and avoidance schemes.

    He said ATAF, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU must establish deeper engagement to protect the future revenues of our anticipated union.

    He highlighted information sharing and the use of technology, emphasizing the reshaping of the legal frameworks to enable the sharing of tax information between competent authorities.

    This could have multiple advantages including, preventing the duplication of efforts, detection of fraud, tax evasion, or avoidance schemes that make use of multiple jurisdictions, identifying and track the movement of goods.

    “Today is an opportunity to begin this engagement between key authorities to map the road towards an operational customs union,” he said.

    In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Finance Minister, said regarding the tax and revenue implications of the AfCFTA, it was likely that customs revenue would not see an upward movement in the short-term.

    However, this impact would be marginal compared to the share of intra-African exports as a percentage of total African exports, which is estimated at around 21 percent in 2021.

    “In the medium term, AfCFTA is expected to improve trade, and therefore, would impact positively on GDP,” he said.

    According to the World Bank, real income gains from the full implementation of the agreement would increase by 7 percent or nearly US$450 billion.

    This would increase the domestic income levels of individuals and corporate entities and consequently increase both direct

    and indirect domestic taxes.

    He said to boost customs revenue mobilization in the short-term, African countries could resort to other revenue-enhancing measures that target domestic taxes.

    Mr Logan Wort, Executive Secretary ATAF, said the benefits of AfCFTA were expected to boost industrialization, and economic diversification and ensure sustainable,employment-generating growth for the whole of Africa.

    However, this may result in short-term tariff revenue loss to most African member countries where trade taxes remain a key source of revenue.

    “Therefore, since tariff revenues are currently a vital revenue source for many African countries, we must critically strategize on innovative ways to bridge these revenue gaps,” he added.

     

     

    Source: GNA