Happy New Year

"Think about the passing year, reflect on your life, project for a better life in the year which beckons, take modest steps each day, you'll get there" - MAN

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FOR LIVING VOLUME ONE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN AN ONLINE SHOP

Please use this link to make an order and your book will be delivered to your doorstep: https://booknook.store/product/inspirational-quotes-for-living/

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FOR LIVING

Hello all, it's been a while and I hope you didn't miss me too much😀 . I have been working on my first non-science related book and it will be launched in the second week of November. You can order your copies from here https://forms.gle/CZ84WE22Ee1Ne4jD8

Don't dwell on errors, learn to move on

"Don't overflog yourself over your silly mistakes. Dust yourself off, make amends and move on"-MAN

SOME PERSONAL QUOTES_2

"If you try too hard to impress, you end up depressed" MAN

"Those who shout the most get the most attention" MAN

"When you make it, show others how to do it" MAN

A GOLDEN SONG

Agoo!! Agoo!! Shhh!! Shhh!!
What is this that I hear? What is this that I feel?
I can sense excitement in the air.
There is music and merry making
In my curiosity I drew near
Behold, there stood the mini twin towers
Built at the heart of odomankoma’s own suapon KNUST
As I drew nearer, I could hear voices
The whispers were that of praise
Praise for a mother.
Praise for the mighty oak
The tree whose branches know no bounds
And offers shelter to all and sundry
From the North to the South
Continued from the East to the West
Across the continent and beyond the seas
They have all come,
Gathered together to celebrate her goodness
They recounted of her many exploits
That she just turned 2 scores and 10.
The bearer of bearers has chalked half a century
The citadel of wisdom has aged.
Has aged graciously in admiration
She is supple and fresh and has not lost her charm
The mother hen that nurtures her own kind has a mission
The bearer of nation bearers has not lost her passion
Your influence on your generation is immeasurable
I see it in your many offspring and how well placed they are in society
Sowing seeds in their various fields of endeavor
I know of the housewives and teachers
I am very much aware of the entrepreneurs and the socialites
I have been told of the scientists and engineers and all the other professionals birthed
And the excellence they portray everywhere they go
But I know, yes I know that you are not done with us
That you will remain fertile forever, that you would continue to conceive nation builders
What shall I do in return for your love, what can I say for your immense impact. I can eulogize you for days unending and hail you till the rains come
But there is tomorrow and so must words end at dawn.
I only have this to offer, a token of gratitude, a song of gold.

Composed by: Marian Asantewah Nkansah on 3rd June 2017 in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of Africa Hall, KNUST

BIND US TOGETHER

BIND US TOGETHER

Agriculture binds farmers together

Biology binds siblings together

Chemistry binds couples together

Demography binds communities together

Entomology brings insects together

Futurology holds the unknown together

Geography brings nations together

History brings stories together

Illustration brings artists together

Justice binds humanity together

Kinetics brings speeds together

Linguistics brings languages together

Mathematics binds numbers together

Nutrition brings diets together

Organists bring music together

Physics binds friends together

Questions brings students together

Research brings scientists together

Sociology brings cultures together

Theology brings the religious together

Urologists bring men together

Veterinary brings animals together

Waiters bring hungry people together

Xylophone brings sounds together

Yard master brings trains together

Zoology brings animals together

Above everything else, love binds the world together, holds it together and keeps it going round

Marian Asantewah Nkansah (December 2011)

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You taught them all and so they taught

   "TRIBUTE TO A PROFESSOR EMERITUS: A CHEMISTRY LEGEND" who was burried on 21st January,  2016"

You taught them all and so they taught
You taught the retired professor
You taught the professor the retired professor taught
You taught those who were taught by the professor you taught who was taught by the retired professor who you taught that they might ‘prophesy’ one day after having taught
You taught organic chemistry as effortlessly as gathering of pebbles from the seashore
You spoke the queens English so eloquently that none could get bored
You commanded the science from empirical formula determination to mechanisms of reactions and left your audience with awe
You will not practice mediocrity nor tolerate it because that left your head sore
You kept to time and the discipline of chemistry with a nature so pristine
 You taught four generations of scientists from the league of your peers to those grandchildren alike
You taught them all and mentored them all that they may also teach and mentor
You excelled to what to your peers was but a dream
You conducted your affairs like you had a call what to others was like a chore
You chalked laurels both as an academic and a statesman
Yet you will yield to annihilation like all earthly bodies will
A pivot has lost its balance and lost its inertia. Indeed a great molecule has expired from its known state
Evaporated to extinction beyond mortal repair
We despair not for you transition to interment
A transition state unseen with the naked eye unaided
Yet known to exist and perceived by those who know
You leave this temporal state to a place better to go
You leave this transient state to a form to equilibrium so close
You leave this ephemeral world to transcend all odds
That you may be at rest. At rest for that which matters
And had mattered right from the start
The rest, the place of rest for all matter. At rest in eternal inertia
The ultimate fate of all matter that exists and ever will"
Adieu Professor Francis Addo Kufuor
Rest in Perfect Peace
By: MARIAN ASANTEWAH NKANSAH: JANUARY,2016)

SOME PERSONAL QUOTES_1

SOME PERSONAL QUOTES_1

"COVID-19 has exposed our strengths and vulnerabilities as humans of nations. These challenges are universal irrespective of age, gender, race or creed. STI cooperation going forward should be driven by our shared humanity and the quest for a better co-existence (MAN)"

"Speaking the truth is always liberating.  Don't keep up appearances (MAN)"

"Life is a journey but never linear. Do not expect to always be at par with those your started with. Contentment is key irrespective of where you occupy on the ladder (MAN)"

"Universities world wide are established with unique statutes to serve a specific purpose. An attempt to unify how universities are run is tantamount to dimming the shine that diversity and heterogeneity brings to the system (MAN)"

"When the sun goes down on you, don't forget about the moonlight (MAN)"

"Keep that smile on. You may be the only source of light in someone's dark world (MAN)"

"The joy of seeing the fruit of your labour endure is beyond all honour (MAN)"

"The human experience is best lived when shared with others (MAN)"

"Don't be too attached to a place or a thing. Keep evolving (MAN)"

"Sometimes the uncertainties are the drivers we need for the next hurdle" MAN

Never Judge.....

Never judge a book by its cover. Many an opportunity is lost due to the reckless abandon to depth and  shallow attraction to superficial coverings (MAN).

Co-existence during COVID 19

COVID-19 has exposed our strengths and vulnerabilities as humans of nations. These challenges are universal irrespective of age, gender, race or creed. STI cooperation going forward should be driven by our shared humanity and the quest for a better co-existence (MAN)

GHANA’S MULTIFARIOUS RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THROUGH A CITIZEN'S LENS

INTRODUCTION

Since COVID 19 sprung a surprise on the rest of the world after lingering on in China for the last quarter of 2019, nations have reacted differently in their response to this menace. As a citizen of Ghana, I have observed how government, political parties, citizens, scientists and academia, corporate entities, faith based organisations, traditional rulers, etc. have risen up to the occasion to be counted with varied forms of interventions to combat the scourge. The COVID 19 situation in Ghana as reported on the website of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) stands at 2,074 positive cases out of 113, 497 persons tested. Categories under the 2,074 confirmed cases are; 1,845 active, 212 recovered and 17 deaths as of 1^st May, 2020.

It is worth mentioning that, some of the public etiquette that Ghanaians acquired during the outbreak of Ebola between 2014 to 2016 has lingered on though Ghana never registered a case during the epidemic.  The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and gloves in particular are commonplace in most public service places and airports.  On the third of February, I passed through the airport in Accra and temperature monitoring, the use of gloves and masks were visibly present. Around this time, public sensitization and awareness creation on COVID 19 were mainly via reportage from media outlets.

On the 4^th of March 2020, the President of Ghana visited the Kotoka International Airport and isolation and treatment centers of the Tema General Hospital and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital to inspect their readiness in response to COVID 19. He stated that there were designated isolation and treatment centres in all the 16 regions of the Country.                                                      It would be recalled that on the 6^th of March, 2020, while giving the 63^rd Independence Anniversary Speech, the President admonished the populace on the need for handwashing with soap under running water, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and avoidance of unnecessary contact (social distancing). On that occasion, the president instructively and conspicuously did not shake hands with dignitaries (an act which is atypical of such celebrations) throughout the celebration and soon after.

        Regular Presidential Addresses                

On the 12^th of March, 2020, a day after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID 19 a pandemic, the President of Ghana gave the first of what will become a regular feature in the COVID 19 response agenda to the entire nation.  He presented the readiness of the Country and added that the Government of Ghana (GoG) had plans of spending One Hundred Million Dollars ($100 Million) on interventions such as expansion of infrastructure, procurement of materials and equipment, and public education among others. He advised the populace to avoid foreign travel as much as possible and gave the assurance that all points of entry including land borders and airports were ready to screen all incoming travellers.

On the 13^th of March, 2020, the President addressed the nation once more to repeat an earlier report by the Minister of Health together with the Minister of Information on the first two confirmed cases of COVID 19. He re-echoed the need for all and sundry to adhere to the COVID19 social etiquette in order to prevent the spread. He emphasised that the COVID 19 fight is not only a government issue but required all stakeholders to get on board and cooperate with government.  So far, there have been such presidential addresses on the 15^th March, 17^th March, 21^st March, 5^th April and 9th April, 19^th April and 26^th April, 2020. These addresses offer updates on confirmed cases as well as legislated directives.

          Directives on Restricted Movement

These have ranged from an initial directive on the indefinite closure of universities, schools, churches, mosques and a ban on all public gatherings on 15^th March, 2020 to the imposition of a lockdown on the two epicenters namely the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area on the 27^th of March, 2020.

It is interesting to note that, the stance of the National Identification Authority (NIA) to continue its mass registration exercise in the Eastern region after the President’s ban on public gatherings was challenged in court by two individuals with the Ghana Medical Association threatening a strike. Though the court ruled in favour of the NIA, it decided to call off the registration exercise during this pandemic.

On the 21^st of March, 2020, the President of Ghana ordered the closure of all the country’s borders (land, sea and air) to all human traffic and directed a 14 –day mandatory quarantine and testing for all travellers (Ghanaians or residents) from countries with more than 200 COVID 19 cases. At this time, Ghana had recorded nineteen (19) COVID 19 Cases. This was followed by a release on 23^rd March, 2020, from the Ghana Tourism Authority ordering the closure of all beaches in the Country.

In solidarity with the Government’s directive on social distancing, the Chairman of the Kwahu Traditional Council, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II in a press release on the 26^th of March, 2020, signed by the Registrar of the Council, directed all natives of Kwaku outside of the jurisdiction (either in Ghana or abroad) to remain wherever they are and not to attempt to move into the Traditional Area. He said “Kwahus living in Kwahu should remain in Kwahu. No travelling outside of Kwahu until the pandemic is contained.”

These directives were given due to the culture of ‘Easter Home Coming’ among the Kwahu’s. He added that because Kwahu has a large aged population, any mingling with outsiders could expose the already vulnerable group. Though traditional rulers are recognised in Ghana, the legitimacy of the King’s perceived order was interrogated by the public and the Traditional Council had to clarify that their press release was an advice.

On 19^th April, 2020, during his address to the nation lifted the lockdown imposed on the Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi areas. At this point the COVID 19 statistics was; 641 positive cases out of 50,719 persons tested. Categories under the 641 confirmed cases are; 548 mild/responding to treatment, 83 recovered, 2 critical/moderately ill and 8 deaths. Though the numbers had increased significantly since the last update, government indicated that the timing was good since an aggressive contact tracing had been done and all residents at risk had had their samples taken, though some samples were yet to be tested. The President added that his decision was based on science.  The news was received with mixed reactions with some asserting it was premature and others opining that was the best for the economy.

Ghana COVID 19 National Trust Fund and other Funding Interventions and Stimulus Packages

Since the detection of COVID 19 in Ghana, there have been countless cash and kind donations from individuals, churches, the private sector, the aviation industry, the political parties (notably the leading opposition party, the National Democratic Congress) and various entities from all spheres of the country. Some of these donations were made directly to hospitals, research centers, prisoners, destitutes, etc. while others were made to government. In order to have an organised and transparent approach to the collection and disbursement of funds, the President inaugurated a Board of Trustees on the 29^th of March 2020 to oversee affairs of the fund.  The President and Vice President promised their 3-month salaries from April-June to the fund. Some parliamentarians also donated 50% of their April to June salaries to the fund.

The Ministry of Gender and Social Protection in collaboration with National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Faith based Organisations have been involved in the distribution of food and other supplies to the underprivileged within the Communities under lockdown.

Though the experts have advised a total lockdown as the key to eradicating community spread in the two epicenters, government is faced with the dilemma of the inconvenience it will have on the have-nots who have to live from hand-to-mouth and the economic implications of the stimulus packages thereof.

The President during his addresses to the nation on the 5^th and 9^th of April, also announced the provision of free water supply and 50% waiver on electricity consumption for residents from April-June 2020. Front line health workers have been offered a 50% increase in basic salary and a Life Insurance Cover for COVID 19.

Taking a cue from the formation of the National fund, leaders in certain localities have also set up support funds to help the less privileged under their jurisdiction. Notable among them is the One Million Ghana-Cedi fund, set up by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of the Ashanti Kingdom on 1^st April, 2020. 

Public Education and Stakeholder engagement

The Government of Ghana (GoG) since the inception of COVID 19 in Ghana has interacted with faith based organisations, traditional rulers, market women, owners of public transport, pharmaceutical manufacturers and industries, leadership of parliament and others on how best they can partner government and use their various platforms to help in public education, expansion of infrastructure and local manufacture of Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) and other materials needed. Education materials have been translated into eight (8) local languages for effective dissemination. The use of skits and recorded messages by social media influencers have enhanced the coverage.

There have been periodic press briefings led by the Minister of Information with the Media which serves as a channel for information flow and a feedback mechanism from the Government to the Populace and vice versa. Most of the Media outlets continue to offer free airtime and space for public education on COVID 19 and the response strategies. On the 4^th of April, 2020 the President met with the leadership of political parties in opposition to discuss how they could collectively tackle the COVID 19 pandemic. Though the current public education strategy is all embracing, the exigencies of life makes adherence to the social etiquette nearly impossible for the underserved in the society.

Legislation

The President of Ghana has passed four Executive Instruments (E.I) to offer a legal backing to the directives issued in respect of the COVID-19 containment strategy made so far. They are; E.I.63 on ‘Establishment of Emergency Communications System Instrument, 2020, gazetted on 23^rd March, 2020; E.I. 64 on ‘Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic) Instrument, 2020, gazetted on 23^rd March, 2020; E.I.65 on ‘Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic) (No.2) Instrument, 2020, gazetted on 30^th March, 2020 and  E.I. 66 on ‘Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic) (No.3) Instrument, 2020, gazetted on 3^rd April, 2020.

The Financial Sector

On the 16^th, 18^th and 22^nd of March, 2020, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Ltd (GhIPSS) came up with measures such as ease of transaction and waiver or reduction of online transaction charges, to cushion the public who undertake online transactions as well as discourage the use of cash so as to prevent the spread of COVID 19. In addition, the BoG has reduced the monetary policy rate by 150 basis points to 14.5 percent as the central bank bids to stimulate the economy and shield the impact of COVID19.

 The Bank of Ghana has also provided a 1.5% decrease in the Policy Rate and 2% in reserve requirement with a Three Billion-Cedi (GH¢3 billion) facility, to support industry especially in the pharmaceutical, hospitality, service and manufacturing sectors. There is also a 2% reduction in interest rate among others.

The Ghana Revenue Authority has come up with flexible terms such as a 2-month extension of annual tax returns and field auditing and a waiver of penalties for tax payers who redeem their outstanding debts by 30^th June, 2020.

The President in his address to the Nation on 27^th March, 2020, mentioned that “Government, in collaboration with the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), Business & Trade Associations and selected Commercial and Rural Banks, will roll out a soft loan scheme up to a total of Six Hundred Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢600 million), which will have a one-year moratorium and two-year repayment period for micro, small and medium scale businesses.”

Involvement of Science, Technology and Innovation

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has been at the forefront of the battle and influencing government in decision making as far as the COVID 19 pandemic is concerned. This body is responsible for implementation of health related national policies under the control of the Ministry of Health and together with the Ghana Medical Association have been involved in public education on COVID 19 prevention, testing and treatment. The Telecommunication Companies in Ghana have been assisting the GHS with the necessary data for effective contact tracing.  The Ghana Health Service (GHS) runs a real time online monitoring system for COVID 19 in Ghana. It also advises government on strategies for an effective contract tracing and management of COVID 19.

The National COVID 19 team includes, the Presidential adviser on health who is an experienced medic and former Director of Health Services (Dr. Nsiah Asare), Dr. Anarfi Asamoa- Baah a former Deputy Director General of WHO directly appointed to coordinate issues to do with COVID 19 at the Presidency; as well as the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Health (Dr, Okoe-Boye) with Medicine and Public Health background to replace one with Law and Finance background.

Ghana has two equipped centres of excellence namely; the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research (NMIMR) in Accra and the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) in Kumasi responsible for testing samples from the Southern and Northern Sectors respectively.

Academics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and other institutions have been producing alcohol-based hand sanitizers to supply the Ashanti Region and beyond since COVID 19 was reported in Ghana. The College of Engineering of KNUST has also designed and constructed a ventilator called ‘IBV and KNUST Ventilators’ which is awaiting clinical testing.

In addition, Scientists at KNUST together with Incas Diagnostics (a diagnostic company), have created a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kit to help test for the novel corona virus.

The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) serves at the point of authenticating and integration of herbal medicine claims into the COVID 19 management and treatment protocols.

The President in his address to the Nation on 5^th April, 2020 indicated that government was collaborating with the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on how to harness well researched indigenous and modern knowledge in the fight. He also praised a young man who had invented a solar powered handwashing Machine. The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has since waived off a certification fee of Twenty-Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢20,000) and has seen to the expeditious certification of the sample for mass production as soon as practicable. Government is also supporting some local companies in the production of face masks, surgical gloves, scrubs and other PPEs. All locally manufactured products will undergo testing and certification by the Ghana Standards Authority and the Food and Drugs Authority.

On the 11^th of April, the University of Ghana released information on the successful sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from fifteen confirmed cases in Ghana by scientists at their West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) in collaboration with the Noguchi Research Institute of Medical (NMIMR) all in Accra.

On 13^th April, 2020, the Vice President of Ghana launched the Ghana COVID 19 Tracker App. He said “It will help us easily track people with the virus, and those who have had contact with others. It is also useful in quarantine reliability, in case certain individuals need self-quarantine”.

A couple of weeks prior to this, Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo, the Dean of School of the Allied Health and his team at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) had developed a similar tracking app called Covid-19 TECHBOT.

It goes without saying that the global shortage of PPEs and medical supplies has forced the country to look inward and harness resources and potential to design and produce locally what is needed for the COVID 19 battle.

Disinfection of Markets and Lorry Stations

The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development in response to the President’s order started disinfection of all open spaces, markets and lorry stations in the Country starting from the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area on 23^rd March, 2020 as a precautionary measure against community transmission.

Amnesty to Prisoner

On the 26^th of March, the President granted amnesty to eight hundred and eight (808) prisoners upon the recommendation of the Prison Service Council and in consultation with the Counsel of State in accordance with the Ghana Constitution. This was intended to ease overcrowding in the prisons as a response to COVID 19.

CONCLUSION ON THE STORY SO FAR 

The COVID 19 pandemic threat has shaken the core of human existence and countries have found themselves running after the pandemic instead of having a strategy to face it head-on. The interventions outlined here highlight what has been done for the benefit of the public. The successes chalked could be attributed to the prompt response by government and multi-sectorial engagement. These responses have sometimes been saddled with challenges such as adherence to social distancing particularly in poorly structured markets and slums around the regional capitals, implementation challenges such as improper addressing systems for proper contact tracing, isolated cases of abuse of citizenry by enforcement officers with occasional outbursts by the Opposition when their expectations don’t converge with those of government.

Weathering through the COVID 19 pandemic has shown the resilience of the Ghanaian people in adversity and has also laid bare the cracks in the society and the urgency to tackle them.  There is no doubt that Science and Technology stands tall in this fight considering all the evidence before us. Governments all over the world therefore need to commit to the establishment of a National Research Fund to support basic and applied research.

This chronicle of Ghana’s COVID 19 response has key lessons for Africa and the entire developing world.

Some economists cautioned of the potential consequences of the partial lockdown and general restrictions on economic growth, considering the fact that public sector expenditure is on the increase to meet specific COVID-19 financial stimulus and other social intervention demands. Was the lifting of the lockdown premature? Could Government have sustained the interventions any longer? Could we have done it differently? The verdict is yours.

COMPILED ON: 1^st May, 2020

BY: MARIAN ASANTEWAH NKANSAH

Live a life of gratitude

Let us practice gratitude in the face of this adversity. In the midst of the uncertainties and our fears, let's focus daily on the good things in our lives and praise and thank God for them. God never rejects our praise. Songs of praise broke the walls of Jericho. Praise unlocked the chains of the apostles and set them free from prison. Remember that things could have been worse. Let us praise our troubles away by cheering ourselves with the good things we have in our lives. And I bet you, they are many. 

The Dangers of Self-Medicating for COVID-19 and Exposure to Household Poisons

Dear folks, 

I have been planning to write about this topic for sometime now but kept pushing it to the back burner. I decided to write it this morning but wanted to search for relevant sources on line then, viola, I saw this article. It contains everything I wanted to say so here we are:

"Questions about various home remedies and ways to prevent COVID-19 have been circulating on social media and in the news since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic; theories such as gargling hot saltwater, drinking mass quantities of water and taking various vitamins or antibiotics represent a few.

While there may be some “rationality” behind these theorized ideas, Michael Lynch, M.D., director of the Pittsburgh Poison Center at UPMC emphasized the dangers of self-medicating and using home remedies to ward off the virus.

“Be careful what you read on social media, there is all sorts of inaccurate information out there,” said Lynch. “The best thing people can do is maintain their general health, eat a healthy diet and get exercise when they can. Practice social distancing, use good hand hygiene and stay home as you would any other time you feel sick.”

One of the most dangerous prevention methods circulating online is the uncontrolled use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine to thwart COVID-19. Researchers are working to determine if these drugs can slow the virus and the assist the body’s inflammatory response to it.

However, this has yet to be proven and according to Lynch, these drugs can have serious side effects. Usage without medical supervision can result in body toxicity within 30-60 minutes— causing sedation, coma, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac arrest as they can block the way electricity is conducted in the heart.

“Don’t take chloroquine outside of a physician’s recommendation,” advised Lynch. “At this moment the best we can say about the medication is that it has been hypothesized that it can be helpful. People with lupus or other conditions can safely take this when prescribed, but we need a better understanding of the risks and benefits of taking this to treat COVID-19.”

Lynch also noted the increased level of danger for children when dealing with chloroquine stating that “one pill can kill.”

Additional concerns for child safety have been generated by the coronavirus and substances less precarious than chloroquine. As everyone tries their best to maintain proper hand hygiene with hand sanitizer, and a clean home environment with bleach, the Pittsburgh Poison Center at UPMC has seen an increase in calls related to accidental exposure involving children.

Since the beginning of March, Pennsylvania poison control centers have recorded 152 exposures related to hand sanitizer — an 82% increase compared to last year. Of these exposures, 76% — involved children 12 and under—more than half involved children under five.

“We know these are at least 60% alcohol, and are out and accessible to most people, but kids can get into them, getting it in their eyes or ingesting them,” explained Lynch. “Kids can get alcohol intoxication from these and become sick. It’s a widely accessible product that is important to have around, but we want to make sure kids can’t access them if they don’t understand how it’s supposed to be used.”

There have been 118 exposures to bleach reported so far in March, marking a 45% increase from last year with nearly one-third of the cases involving children younger than five.

“We are all appropriately trying to maintain our environments to be as clean as possible, but we know that these chemicals can cause skin irritation or vomiting if ingested. Most cases we are seeing are in kids— getting it on the skin or in the eyes,” said Lynch. “As kids are home more often now, and these things are out and more available, exposure is at a higher risk. We need to be conscious of where we are storing things.”

One final danger to avoid is ingesting household objects for the purpose of intoxication.

“We know liquor stores are closed, and people are advised to stay home,” said Lynch. “People will sometimes drink mouthwash or rubbing alcohol—it’s very abrasive to the stomach and can cause vomiting and abdominal bleeding. It can lead to inflammation of the stomach and pancreas, causing vomiting of blood. Additionally, ingestion of other household and automotive liquids such as antifreeze or windshield washer fluid can result in life-threatening toxicity.”

Anyone with questions or concerns about a potential poison exposure should contact the Pittsburgh Poison Center at UPMC at 1-800-222-1222. Experts are available 24-hours to answer questions—including those about hypothesized COVID-19 prevention methods" 

By: Taylor Andres 

THE 2020 AWAKENING

      The last couple of weeks or months depending on your peculiar situation, more than half of the world’s human population has been on a ‘lockdown’; a security term whose primarily meaning is ‘the confining of prisoners to their cells, typically in order to regain control during a riot’. This word, which was hardly used, has now become a vocabulary so common that not a day passes without one using it at least once. 

      This is what our world has become. A tiny virus, which we cannot even perceive with our naked eyes, has locked all of us in the ‘prisons’ of our own homes. Who wakes up thinking of viruses? Majority of the world’s population don’t really consider viruses in the scheme of things they consider important in their lives. 

      But here we are, startled stopped in our tracks, halted from doing all the things we spend our lives chasing after on a daily basis, because a ‘tiny insignificant virus’ now has our attention. For the not so old, this might be the greatest adversity that has befallen the entire world in our lifetime. To those who experienced the world wars, I don’t know how the two compare. 

      Everybody has been confined to their homes. I want to believe we all love our homes. Yes, but we would love a little walk every now and then, some window shopping and even some real shopping. Our lives have changed. We are no longer in ‘normal’ times. The things we considered ‘mundane’ are luxury because we crave for them but we cannot do them since we want to secure our safety and that of our loved once.  
      From the lowly to the mighty, from the haves to the have nots, from nonentities to celebrities, from the poor to the rich from peasantry to royalty, all have not been spared, by this ‘insignificant virus’. From superpowers to less powerful nations, all have been shocked by this virus. 

      The whole world is in a state of disarray. Governments are at their wits end, scientists can’t say ‘eureka’ yet. Yet we keep hope alive, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

      This should be a time of retrospection and introspection.That there is something higher and bigger than all of us. Let us descend from out high horses, and acknowledge that fact. What do you consider important? Is it you house, your parents, your spouse, your children, your job or your car? None of these can protect you from this ravaging virus.  

      Let us ask ourselves this fundamental question. That at the end of it all, what is the essence of it all?

SOCIAL DISTANCING AND EVENTUAL LOCKDOWN

Folks, I have been observing social distancing since the president of Ghana officially announced the first two cases of COVID 19 in Ghana on 12th March 2020. I went into self-quarantine since the 16th of March and have been up to date. It is not easy since humans are socially wired by nature.

On the 30th of March, the Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi areas of Ghana started a two-week partial lockdown due to increasing cases of COVID 19 in these areas including community spreading with strict adherence to SOCIAL DISTANCING, HAND-WASHING WITH SOAP AND THE USE OF HAND SANITIZERS among other things. The lockdown directive was not an easy decision for the president to make considering the fact that majority of Ghanaians live on a 'hand-to-mouth' bases and are not in a position to buy supplies in bulk in anticipation for the time they are in isolation. Also our social stratification is such that the informal sector drives the economy and the players in this field usually don't have the luxury of reserves to last them days of no operation. Though institutions like the Ghana Medical (GMA) and others advised the Government on the need for a lockdown due to the increasing cases of COVID 19 and the implication on the already overstretched health facilities, Government was hesitant due to the effect a lockdown will have on the majority of the populace. 

Finally government heeded to the advise of the experts and declared a two week lockdown starting from 30th March 2020. 

Today is the 4th day into the lockdown and I have followed the news with keen interest. At the beginning, most Ghanaians were still coming to terms with the fact that they actually cannot go about their lives as they 'normally' do. In the midst of this shock and confusion, and as the days go by, most people are trying their best to respect the law and are staying at home. A few of the citizens however have found themselves in the arms of the law by being found outside their homes with no reasonable justification why they were seen in the streets.

There have been reports of abuse by the police and military who have been charged with the enforcement of the law. All stakeholders are wide awake monitoring how things unfold and it looks like gradually, the Ghanaian has seen the need for this exercise so as to stop the spread of the COVID 19. Let us continue to educate those who don't quite understand what is happening. And let us do our best to be good citizens by adhering to all the directives that come from the presidency. CITIZENS not SPECTATORS

Living life to the full

I would like to start this reflection with the following quote, one of my favorites by Marianne Robinson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Christians are encouraged to live 'temperate' or 'modest' lives and a life of 'humility'. But most of the time, humility is perceived as weakness, timidity or stupidity. I wonder how many of us have been perceived or perceived others this way because they tried to live what the holy book teaches us. Scripture enjoins as to uphold these virtues but we should never get the message wrong and go about belittling ourselves and making ourselves small. Come to think of it, Christ admonishes us to let our light shine. scripture teaches us to put light on a lamp stand and put it in the open and not under a bushel.

I couldn't agree more with Marianne Robinson
(DRAFTED IN 2010)

The Corona Virus Anxiety

Dear fellow citizens of the world. The world has been thrown to a state of anxiety due to the contagious and deadly virus which has now been declared a pandemic. Let us adhere to the very simple precautionary measures like:
1. Frequent hand washing
2. Use of hand sanitizers
3. Social distancing
4. Self quarantining and calling a health facility for testing when exposed to an infected person or have symtpoms

These may seem very simple but require a lot of self descipline to follow. Let us do these to prevent the spead of the virus.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

 *MY VALENTINE*
From that first day when we met
I couldn’t forget that broad smile
And that firm handshake
And finger flip, which followed I knew that somehow……….you may be my valentine

The next time we met, you were so jittery and hyper
When you attempted that awkward hug
And asked me where I was off to though you had asked that earlier
And followed it up with a silly grin I had no doubt that……….you could be my valentine

Then you asked me out for launch
And you showed up with a swag You complimented my looks
And was whao ‘ed by my every expression
You assured that..........you would be my valentine

You make me dream dreams
You make me wake up with a smile
You give me breakfast in bed
You make my every wish your command You make me wonna……….be your valentine

You put me on a pedestal so high
You tell your friends how proud you are of me
You surprise me with those brief work visits
You assure me of how much you care Every day is a confirmation that…....I should be your valentine

You shower me with perks at every opportunity
You whisper sweet nothings in my ear
My mind drifts into daydream of your attention
With you every day is a feast And I can’t wait……….to be your valentine

You send me flowers on our anniversary
Attached to it is a card for dinner
You order icing cake with cherries on top Beneath the cherries is a ring You go on one knee murmuring and mumbling All I could hear is..........please be my valentine

You send me into a quick trance In it I get a flash back Memories full of laughter and joy
Which sends tears running down my cheeks I am speechless and cannot find the words But soon the words will pop out of my tongue-tied mouth
Yes I will , I certainly……….will be your valentine Then hand in hand we make life’s journey

You lift me up when I fall; I lent a crying shoulder when you are down
We help each other accomplish their dreams
Together we build new dreams Till the final call is up, when we part to eternity
You will forever ……be my valentine
THE END

Composed BY: Marian Asantewah Nkansah (MAN) Feb’16

I AM BACK: 2020 HERE I COME

Hi folks, I have been gone for 6 years and have even forgotten the robes of blogging. Forgive me if my style seam old fashioned. I have been fallow for years and may come across as rusty for some time. but I assure you that I will keep you interested. I started blogging when it was not very popular in my part of the world so I lost momentum and enthusiasm with lack of readership and following. Last night, I met a young lady who has started blogging and was sharing her experiences with me. My interest was rekindled and here we are. I want to encourage you all that you stay focused. In this new year 2020, no matter what it is you are doing, someone may be watching and might be urged on to do exploits. Don't underestimate your power to INFLUENCE. `I am encouraged to share this quote by HIS EXCELLENCY KOFI ANNAN that 'you are never too young to lead and never too old to learn'.Enjoy the Journey