Features

Positive communications

Published

1 month ago

February 20, 2025

Because most people identify communication with the written and oral word, they often feel that they are not communicating. But this is not the case at all. We are always communicating. People communicate through body language, facial expressions, gestures, mannerisms and even silence. Our ability to communicate shows just as much in what we do not say as in what we do say.

In some cultures, considerable emphasis is placed on non-verbal communication. The Japanese have a word for this: “harrigay”. Derived from two other Japanese words, “harra” meaning stomach and “gay” meaning art, “harrigay” is the art of getting inside another person and trying to understand them with little use of the spoken word. A person is responsible not only for what they say, but for what the other person understands through gestures, mannerisms, expressions, body language, and others.

If you are having problems communicating with others, the first thing you must understand and accept is that YOU are responsible for others not understanding you. More than likely it is the way you come across and the way you nonverbally communicate to other people. All family problems, business communication problems, individual misunderstandings and even wars are rooted in our inability to understand another’s point of view. So let us begin by recognising the fact that we cannot change others, but we can change our attitudes towards them.

Communication is a delivery system for our attitudes. The way we express ourselves is an outward manifestation of what we are thinking inside. Longfellow wrote, “A single conversation across the table with a wise person is better than a ten-year study of books.”

One of the greatest problems that threaten any marriage occurs when both partners have not learned how to communicate with each other. Most failures in business are not really business failures, but people failures. People just fail to communicate. Almost every study shows that employees view a good manager as one who can communicate with them.

Each one of us is a manager. You may be managing a business, family, job, education or a friendship. To be successful, each of these requires positive communication.

Listen! Listen! Listen!

Nothing is more important in communications than listening. Developing a listening skill will prove that you are smart. We all feel that anyone who has the good sense to listen to what we have to say must be a good friend. Listening has become a lost art. Notice when you are talking most people cannot wait for a pause so that they can begin talking. They really do not hear you. They are too busy rehearsing what they are going to say next.

Listening is by far the most vital characteristic of good communication, but it is also the most ignored. A large portion of our lives was spent in learning to read, write and talk, but no time is spent in learning the art of listening. Most of us just want to talk, and if people do not listen, we get very upset.

In order to be a good listener, you must want to be a good listener. Each person with whom you come into contact must be made to feel important. The point is that all people are important and you should let them know this by listening to them. By wanting to be a good listener, you will find out how fascinating people are. People you may have taken for granted or considered insignificant suddenly become interesting. Indeed, there are no uninteresting people, only disinterested listeners.

Self-absorption

This is a simple fact of human nature. We have feelings, emotions, pride and anxieties. But so does everyone else. In order to develop positive communications, we have to take an interest in other people. It is not necessary to be clever, make smart remarks, tell great stories or prove how intelligent we are. What is necessary is that our approach be sincere.

Remember – communication is a two-way situation. Someone has to talk and someone listens. You will not be able to get people to listen unless you first get their attention. And you will not get their attention until you talk about something that interests them. What interests people most is themselves. They want to discuss what they have done, what they plan to do, where they have been and what has happened to them.

A frequent and disastrous mistake in the art of communication is to stereotype people and talk to them on that basis. Some people automatically assume that all a woman wants to discuss is home, recipes or babies. But this is often far from the truth. The smart thing to do is to try to discover the interests of the person with whom you are conversing.

Next to talking about themselves, people like to give their opinions. It is amusing how they will discuss things they know absolutely nothing about. Very few people will admit to not having an opinion. Rather, they will create one, right there on the spot. But while this opinion may be way off base, it is important to let them express it. You will never win a friend by disagreeing with someone’s opinion.

In order of importance, the next thing people like to talk about is OTHER PEOPLE. They derive real pleasure from this. Sometimes what they say about others has no basis in fact but again, they are entitled to express themselves. The trick is to point out the good qualities of the person being discussed without taking exception to what is being said. While no minds may be changed, this tactic switches the conversation onto a more pleasant and positive level.

Keep the conversation centered on the other person. Wait until he asks about you. This will only be when he is ready to listen; after you have given him a chance to first tell you about himself. When you do talk about yourself, it should not be to draw attention to you, but to tie your interest in with those of the person with whom you are conversing.

Words have creative power, the same power as the thoughts that go into shaping our consciousness. As we are always communicating our thoughts, it goes without saying that these should be positive.

On those occasions when you do not feel well, avoid the tendency to complain. If you are a habitual complainer, this is your way of getting attention and sympathy. Complain often enough and people will begin to avoid you because no one wants to associate with someone who makes them feel nauseated. Besides affecting others, you will make yourself sicker by programming your subconscious through constant repetition. “Never tell anyone your troubles. Half the people do not care, and the other half are glad you have them.”

Talk about things that inspire others. Let them know how you enjoy life, and watch them respond. A person who sends out positive vibrations attracts people like a magnet.

Positive conversation also includes learning to keep secrets. You will gain the confidence of people in direct proportion to your ability to be discrete. Learn to say only those things you want to have repeated. If you use this approach, you will discover that your comments will automatically include only positive, constructive, optimistic observations. The burden of holding someone’s attention, whether it be an audience or an individual, falls on you. No one will pay attention to what they do not understand.

By helping others build their self-esteem and making them feel comfortable and secure, they become more relaxed and friendlier. In order to think well of others, you must first think well of yourself. Knowing what pleases you and increases your self-confidence provides some excellent clues as to how you can make others feel self-confident. “When we look at our world and see God and good in everything and everyone, our world looks back at us with the same attitude.”

BY CAPT SAM ADDIAH (RTD)

Features

Urgent need for formalisation of Pastoral group

Published

5 days ago

March 22, 2025

Net News Ghana

We find ourselves in a country where respect for the clergy is part of our culture. Religious leaders are therefore held in high esteem. This has led to a situation where certain unscrupulous people, people I refer to as criminally minded, take advantage of this almost unreserved obedience to the clergy, to exploit innocent Christians and society at large.

Recent happenings is giving credence to the call for formalisation of the clergy or the pastoral practitioners. Incidents of clear manipulation of church members to give out offerings, is becoming a serious societal issue.

We hear of reports of Pastors or so called Prophets indulging in all manner of unscrupulous and disgusting behaviour that brings the name of God into disrepute and makes Christianity unattractive.

Thank God there are still some men of conscience in the clergy fraternity, who have taken it upon themselves to right the wrong, by opening the eyes of the public to what is right and what is wrong as far as Christianity and the scriptures are concerned.

This has brought about an avalanche of attacks on one such leading Pastor of conscience in my beloved country called Ghana. He boldly pointed out the falsehood being perpetrated by some pastors either ignorantly or deliberately to draw attention to themselves as some highly anointed and men or women, instead of focusing their members attention on Jesus, the real deal, author and finisher of our faith as Christians, according to Hebrews 12:2.

These self-seeking Pastors espouses doctrines which has no basis in the Bible. This man, who is a General Overseer of one of the leading Charismatic churches, is enlightening the mind of believers that, there is no power in a pulpit or an altar and that teachings calling on believers to trust in such things are not Biblical.

He further went on in videos gone viral that statements like “I tap into the anointing of Pastor…”, “by the grace upon this house”, “by the grace on this altar”, are all false teachings and ignorant declarations.

These teachings of his, have drawn the ire of the Pastors who are benefiting from these erroneous teachings and as you can imagine, have started criticising him but the funny thing is that those who are criticising him are not basing their criticism on the Bible and some of them even have credibility issues, on top of it all.

The cause of their anger obviously is that, such teachings will deprive them of the control they have over their members, when they become enlightened. In other words it will spoil their business because they are clearly in the Pastoral fraternity for selfish reasons, basically pride and desire to accumulate wealth.

This man of God who is under attack from some of the clergy said, when a person wants to be a Doctor, he goes to medical school, a Pilot goes to an aviation school, a teacher goes to a training college, a Lawyer goes to Law school, an Engineer goes to an engineering school but when it comes to the Pastor, someone who is supposed to shape the moral character of society, then we say he does not need any training.

This clearly does not make sense and that is why I agree with the call for formalisation of the clergy so they appreciate the need for them to become examples of moral uprightness just like Jesus that they profess to follow.

Your Pastor or Prophet or whatever Bishop ends his prayer in the name of Jesus and not in his own name, so he can never be equal to Jesus, so please wise up. God bless.

NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’

By Laud Kissi-Mensah

Features

Toothache: Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options

Published

5 days ago

March 22, 2025

Net News Ghana

A toothache is a painful sensation in or around a tooth, which can be caused by a variety of factors.

It is a common dental emergency that can affect anyone, regardless of age or oral health.

Toothaches can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity, and difficulty chewing.

Causes of toothache

There are several causes of toothache, including:

1. Tooth decay: Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothache. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel of the tooth, creating a cavity.

2. Gum disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause toothache. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth infect the gums, causing inflammation and pain.

3. Cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can cause toothache. This can occur due to biting or chewing on something hard, or due to a blow to the mouth.

4. Dental abscess: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the gum tissue. It can cause severe toothache and swelling.

5. Grinding or clenching: Grinding or clenching the teeth can cause toothache. This can occur due to stress, anxiety, or a misaligned bite.

6. Loose or broken filling: A loose or broken filling can cause toothache. This can occur due to wear and tear, or due to a blow to the mouth.

Symptoms of toothache

The symptoms of toothache can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

1. Pain: A sharp, stabbing, or dull ache in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue.

2. Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour tastes, or pressure.

3. Swelling: Swelling of the gum tissue or face.

4. Difficulty chewing: Difficulty chewing or biting due to pain or discomfort.

5. Bad breath: Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.

Diagnosis of Toothache

Diagnosing toothache typically involves a combination of:

1. Visual examination: A visual examination of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.

2. X-rays: X-rays may be taken to check for signs of tooth decay, abscesses, or other problems.

3. Percussion test: A percussion test, which involves tapping on the tooth to check for sensitivity.

Treatment options for toothache

The treatment options for toothache depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:

1. Fillings: Fillings may be used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma.

2. Extractions: In some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted due to severe decay or damage.

3. Root canals: Root canals may be performed to remove infected pulp from the tooth.

4. Crown or bridge: A crown or bridge may be used to repair a damaged tooth or replace a missing tooth.

5. Pain relief: Pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be prescribed to manage pain and discomfort.

Home remedies for toothache

There are several home remedies that can help to alleviate toothache, including:

1. Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help to reduce pain and swelling.

2. Salt water rinse: Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Cloves: Applying a clove to the affected tooth can help to numb the area and reduce pain.

4. Over-the-counter pain relief: Taking over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to manage pain and discomfort.

Prevention of toothache

Preventing toothache involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including:

1. Brushing and flossing: Brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth.

2. Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help to identify and treat oral health problems early on.

3. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods: Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay and erosion.

4. Wearing a mouth guard: Wearing a mouthguard can help to protect the teeth from injury during sports or other activities.

Conclusion

Toothache is a common dental emergency that can be caused by a variety of factors.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for toothache can help individuals to seek prompt treatment and alleviate pain and discomfort.

By maintaining good oral hygiene habits and avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, individuals can reduce their risk of developing toothache.

By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson

Features

World Kidney Day: Theme: Early detection for a healthier future

Published

1 week ago

March 17, 2025

Net News Ghana

Wednesday, March 13, 2025, marks World Kidney Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of kidney health and reducing the impact of kidney diseases worldwide. This year’s theme, “Early Detection for a Healthier Future!”, emphasizes the significance of early identification and management of kidney diseases to prevent complications and ensure long-term health.

Functions of the kidneys

The kidneys are vital organs responsible for several critical bodily functions:

Waste Excretion: They filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, excreting them as urine.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: They regulate the body’s fluid levels and maintain the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate.

Blood Pressure Regulation: They produce hormones like renin that help control blood pressure.

Red Blood Cell Production: They release erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Bone Health: They activate vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin D from the sun cannot be useful if not activated by the kidney.

Causes of kidney

diseases

Kidney diseases can result from various factors, including:

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time.

Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys.

Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units can impair function.

Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of cysts in the kidneys.

Repeated Urinary Infections: Chronic infections can lead to kidney damage.

Obstruction: Conditions like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can block urine flow and harm the kidneys.

Other conditions are

#Low birth weight

# Obesity

# Abuse of painkillers

# Aphrodisiac/ bitters

# Some herbal medicine

# Prolonged use of prescriptions drugs

Stages of kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is categorised into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures kidney function:

Stage 1: Normal or high GFR (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m²) with some signs of kidney damage.

Stage 2: Mild decrease in GFR (60-89 mL/min/1.73 m²) with evidence of kidney damage.

Stage 3: Moderate decrease in GFR (30-59 mL/min/1.73 m²). This stage is often divided into:

3a: GFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m².

3b: GFR 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m².

Stage 4: Severe decrease in GFR (15-29 mL/min/1.73 m²).

Stage 5: Kidney failure (GFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m²), often requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Early stages (1 and 2) may not present noticeable symptoms, making early detection through regular screenings crucial. As the disease progresses to stages 3 through 5, symptoms become more apparent, and the risk of complications increases.

Prevention of Kidney

Disease

Preventing kidney disease involves managing risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

Control Blood Sugar: Proper management of diabetes can prevent kidney damage.

Manage Blood Pressure: Keeping blood pressure within the normal range reduces the risk of kidney disease.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases the risk of conditions that harm the kidneys.

Avoid Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow to the kidneys and worsen existing kidney disease.

Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake supports kidney function. Drink between 2.5L -3.5Litres of water daily.

Limit Over-the-Counter Painkillers: Excessive use of NSAIDs can cause kidney damage.

Regular Check-ups: Routine screenings can detect early signs of kidney issues, especially in individuals with risk factors.

Healthy Lifestyles Promoting Proper Kidney Function

Adopting certain lifestyle practices can enhance kidney health:

Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports overall health and kidney function.

Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, reducing the risk of kidney disease.

No Alcohol Consumption: Eliminating alcohol intake prevents additional strain on the kidneys.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively affect blood pressure and kidney health; practices like meditation can be beneficial.

By understanding the functions of the kidneys, recognizing the causes and stages of kidney disease, and adopting preventive measures and healthy lifestyles, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing kidney-related health issues.Source—www. worldkidneyday.org/www. verywellhealth.com