DISEASE OUTBREAK RESPONSE

Got in Satan's halitosis with no escape, earnestly struggling for air. That is how it felt trying to dissect this medical mystery. 

A Wedding, a Pandemic, and the Lessons in Between

After a beautiful wedding ceremony, Mr. X began to feel an unexplained eeriness. His temperature rose gradually until he was boiling hot, and his bowels began to spew their contents with the rapidity of a tornado. His whole world suddenly changed. Instead of enjoying his honeymoon, he was confined to the four corners of a hospital room with IV medications connected to his veins.

 

The Unfolding Mystery

From then on, things went from bad to worse. The very next day, Mr. X had reddened eyes, and on auscultation, a diastolic murmur was heard. His blood pressure was dropping by the second, necessitating a dobutamine infusion for days. It was clear this was not a simple case of enteric fever. There were more questions than answers.

A diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic fever was being contemplated, with the Marburg virus as a leading concern, as it had recently been confirmed in Ghana. It was a Herculean task to get his sample to an accredited facility for proper analysis. Although, in this case, it turned out not to be Marburg, the experience revealed significant gaps in our healthcare system.

 

A Deeper Dive and a New Perspective

Somehow, there was a solution to it all. An echocardiogram revealed that he had viral myopericarditis. A deeper dive into his history revealed that he had been diagnosed with Covid-19 two months prior, and he was now suffering from post-Covid complications.

More than ever, Covid-19 has shown the grueling impact of a pandemic and the essence of having a robust disease outbreak response. Undeniably, its roar and subsequent backfired triumph led to better advances in public health.

 

Moving Forward

Our disease outbreak response should be nothing but top-notch. With the advent of Digital Disease Detection (DDD), sequencing of viral genomes, and rapid diagnostic tests, we should be singing a different tale.

On July 23, 2022, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, declared the monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This was a step in the right direction, given that it took so long for SARS-CoV-2 to be declared a public health emergency. 

Knowledge is power, so be aware and stay safe!

LIVING A SOFT LIFE

Happy? We are mostly never taught how to be happy. Someway somehow we either figure it on our own or lash onto someone for it. Some say being happy is akin to living a soft life. When I first heard of the term soft life, I immediately thought of ease and comfort. But it is more than that. It is about living a balanced life that brings you happiness. More importantly, it is about maturity. 

First, living a soft life involves molding yourself into a person who is able to accept things for what they are and not stress over them. Like it is famously said, "this too shall pass." It is also a gentle reminder of the 4A's of stress management: avoid, alter, adapt or accept. 

Looking, praying and wanting can seem daunting if not sprinkled with the medicine called Laughter. Trying to laugh in the pain can break and melt problems away. Unwrap the tortuous whirlwind of thoughts and just laugh. Often times, over thinking and analysing can turn the most innocuous thing into a mountain. 

One way or another you have to cut out toxic people out of your life or manoeuvre your way around them so as to have as little interaction with them as possible. These are people who make feel unhappy, insecure and unwanted. Be choosy of those you put in your inner circle. Everybody isn't your friend. 

In a recent episode of the Kardashians, Kendall Jenner was struggling to cut a cucumber and we saw how quickly Kris Jenner called for their personal chef. Sometimes, you just have to make things easy for yourself. Ask for help, call for support, don't try shouldering all the burden. More often than not, you don't enjoy your life because you tend to do everything yourself. 

Make time to unwind and relax. A little party here and there, a little break here and there..., a little nap here and there. And travel whenever you get the chance. Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battut

Glam up and show out. Dressing up can be therapeutic. Feeling good is looking good.

Having a soft life is about having the "can't be bothered mindset". This is where you don't let things get to you. You don't let your emotions control you, and really really don't care what people think about you.

Cheers to living a soft life! 

Xx, 

Liz. 

7 LESSONS FROM THE ULTIMATE CULT CLASSIC DIRTY DANCING THAT YOU CAN USE TODAY

I was randomly searching for a dance movie when I chanced upon Dirty Dancing, a rare and mystical cosmic finding. Primarily, it's a coming-of-age story that revolves around Frances "Baby" Houseman, who goes on a summer vacation with her family at a resort and ends up falling in love with the charismatic dance instructor, Johnny Castle. The editing, cinematography, and sound were pure excellence, but what truly resonated was how it subtly touched on powerful themes of classicism, prejudice, and justice. And of course, there’s the Oscar-winning song, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," which perfectly accompanies the phenomenal final choreography.

Beyond the iconic dance moves and the sizzling romance, the film is packed with powerful lessons that still hold true today. Here are seven of the most important takeaways from Dirty Dancing.

Tell the Truth

I am of the view that if Johnny hadn't taken responsibility for Penny's pregnancy, he would have had a better start with her father, Jake Houseman. In essence, don't blatantly shoulder another's burden when you aren't sure that they would do the same for you.

Believe in Yourself

You can do anything you put your mind to. Believing in yourself has to be innate and organic. Baby showed that trait the moment she committed to learning the Mambo.

Be Helpful

Who would have known that helping with the watermelons was going to open up a whole new world for Baby? Who would have known that volunteering to cover for Penny would lead to her learning some intricate dance moves?

Be Brave and Prepared

The film depicted the injustice to entertainers—where they are forced to stick to a particular formula because that has always been what worked. For Johnny, even though he was fired, he was brave enough to step on the stage to deliver the final dance he always did. Oo, the Johnny came prepared to slay. Even though Baby didn't have the heads up about Johnny's storming in, she was dressed to perfection.

Speak Up

Stand up for yourself and for others. As Frances Houseman so famously said, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” She was so willing to speak up in defense of Johnny as an alibi, knowing the possible consequences.

Practice Makes Perfect

In the beginning, Baby was such a terrible dancer, but after weeks of constant practice, she nailed the Mambo and gave us the climactic lift.

Be humble

It was so bold of Mr Houseman to admit his wrong into he end. Like they say, pride goes before a fall.

Still smiling in the dream world... 

Almost A Fairytale

  Heart pounding like a blacksmith's hammer, feet trembling like a tunning fork, hands shaking like a leaf ... 

The fire engulfed the surroundings, dark flames rubbed and licked the air, smoke crawled into my nostrils, enraged roar striked to and fro, but I was stuck in the tower with absolutely nowhere to go. I looked on with terror as the dragon spited fire and I found myself staring at death right in its face.

Out of nowhere, I see a knight in shining armour fighting the dragon. He vigorously kicked the creature and stabbed into its body with an exceptionally large sword. Pain shrieks arose as its life dissipated, exploding into ashes.

He expertly climbed the tower like a mercenary on a rescue mission. I felt a halo of warmth as he wrapped me in his arms. I was saved! Just like a fairytale!

Somehow, by some freakily captivating ancient magic, true love manoeuvred its way into the depths of our beings- the instant we locked lips.

The emperor throws a big wedding feast for us the next day. And we live happily ever after.

-------

The music echoing from the vintage music box jolted me out of my daydream. 

   The undiluted truth is that as I read more and more of these fairytales, I was mesmerized and wanted to live out my own, despite its Improbability in this new world that preaches about being miss Independent and rescuing oneself. I wanted my own Gen Z vision of an enthralling love story, etched in stone as a fairytale rolling on from on generation to the next. 

Above is a gist of the story of Alison who wants to live her fairytale, but life shows her something that is completely opposite, but equally captivating. 

To learn more about her story, click on the image below. 

My book "Chasing the Fantasy" is also available on Amazon. You can buy it using this link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097TNCW6D

Still smiling in the dream world... 

12 WAYS OF HARNESSING THE SUPERPOWER CALLED MYSTERY

When people keep guessing, when people keep wondering... that gives you mystery.  

The oxford dictionary describes it as: "something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain". Mystery is needed in order to be interesting and classy. It is the most attractive jewelery a person can wear, especially in a world where privacy is striped away. These are 12 ways to keep an aura of mystery.

1. Don't overshare on social media: Some people clip their daily activities on social media like a pinterest board. They are so traceable- it is pathetic. 

2. To be mysterious, you have to simply shut up and move in silence. Talking too much can land you in trouble- you never know when what you are saying would get around to other people. Don't be eager to clarify rumours or gossip through the grapevine.  

3. Don't go into detail: No one deserves to know all about you in a split second. Let people earn the right to know certain things about you; more so, be discrete about your personal information. You don't have to he over exposed to be seen as genuine or authentic. You definitely, don't have to always reveal what you are doing. Say something and leave the rest to the imagination.

4. Sometimes you don't have to reply or explain yourself to nosy individuals. Let people think what they think about you, you certainly do not have to fill in the gaps. In all honesty, what they think of you is none of your business. 

5. Don't wear your emotions on your sleeve: Be less animated, giggly and smiley. Simply put, appear calm and collected. Emotional privacy is really helpful in a professional environment, and it is a sign of maturity.  

6. Don't be a pleaser, seeking approval from others. Someone else opinion doesn't have to be your reality. Trying to do so makes you appear desperate.

You can be the ripest, juicest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody that hates peaches~ Dita Von Teese

 7. Be yourself: Keep your own individuality. Well, don't fit in, stand out, for authenticity is power.

8. Set boundaries: learn to say no and never anyone to walk all over you. 

9. Exude confidence: People smell confidence and are attracted to it. Like they say, "confidence is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets. 

10. Avoid attention seking behaviors. As pink said: "once you've discovered what respect tastes like, it tastes better than attention".

11. Be busy: get busy with your goals and dreams; people are not into those that are always available to them, especially men. 

12. Shift focus unto the other person: ask people about their lives and problems. People love to be heard and talked to about themselves.

Love, 

Elizabeth. 

SEASON GREETINGS

What a year it has been-

From the cocky headed covid 19 that brought the whole world to a halt, showing us just how much we needed one another, to the boring yet scandulous election that almost pulled the rug from under our feet, testing our democracy in the most daring and craziest of ways; and the numerous aha moments that made footprints in history: racial awakening, protests, blatant corruption, etc

Hmm... a lot has been learnt! Perhaps, the biggest lesson being that we learn just as much from the things that go wrong than we do from the things that go right... yet through it all, God has showed himself faithful and we so close to defeating Covid 19 (ain't so tough after all).

Gradually the year is ebbing away like the ink of an old manuscript, growing fainter and fainter... but fortunately, it is the most wonderful time of the year. 

Whether you are outside or stuck indoors, I hope you're snugged perfectly in the arms of Joy, hugged with glee and reverberated with peace.

Merry Merry Merry Christmas!!! 

L♥️ve, Elizabeth. 

FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN: THE FILMMAKING PROCESS

Have you ever watched a movie, then said to yourself "it could have been better"? As innocuous as the question may be, you must realise that it shows your potential film making prowess. When I first watched the sun is also a star, I was really moved by the storyline, but I did not like the cinematography. So I did what any normal human being would do, I googled the ratings and checked its performance at the box office. Truth be told,  it was abysmal.

Boredpanda.com

Most people watch rom- coms for the feel good effect, but looking beyond that, there is a lot more to learn. When you are able to dissect a film and write what you like and what you don't like about it, you learn so much more. That's what most film directors, actors and producers do. They incorporate the lessons in their future projects, and boom we have blockbusters!

I love to dance, more than anything I love to write. It is amazing how from a writer's mind, we end up with timeless classics and blockbusters. When Margaret Mitchell wrote the novel, Gone with the wind in 1936, she did not anticipate how massive it was going to be. Immediately it was adapted to film, it set a whole different tone and vibe in film making. Ultimately, 1939's Gone with the wind, the first multicolored film, has received 10 Academy awards  and holds the title of highest grossing film of all time when adjusted for infation. Though it has been deemed problematic in the wake of the black lives matter movement,  we cannot deny its pure genuity. 

In the same vein, 1941's Citizen Kane, 1972's Godfather, 1997's Titanic and a host of others have led to modern remakes, sequels and derivatives. For instance, If you've watched closely, you see striking similarities between 2001's  white chicks and the 1959's Some like it hot.

 

With the advent of Computer- generated Imagery (CGI), filmmaking and story telling have conquered new feats where fantasy and reality are seemingly one. The marvel cinematic universe, star wars, jurassic park and DC extended universe franchises are proof of the wonder of CGI.

Elitereaders.net

From the gruelling process in the writing room where scripts are revised and rewritten to when they are finally end up on our screens, this whole film making process can be said to be an arduous yet satisfying one. As I am editing a self made film and adding music here and there,  I challenge you to write down a list of 10 films you have watched more than once and what made each special.

 

Here is my list:  

1. To all the boys I've loved before

2. Pretty Woman

3. Legally Blonde

4. Mr and Mrs. Smith

5. 16 candles

6. The devil wears Prada

7. Bridget Jones' Diary

8. The Princess Diaries

9. Miss congeniality

10. Creed

Thanks for stopping by. 

With love, 

Liz.

Still smiling in the dream world...

TAKING THE POLITICS OUT OF POLITICS

Day in and day out, there is a new story about another gargantuan loan the incumbent government has gone for. These come with stringent and dreadful conditions that are concealed from the citizens. Indeed, this whole pandemic has served invariably as a portal for politicians to hoard money in the full glaring view of the populace. And when questioned, they mumble fallacies. But after all, we are in an election year. You catch my drift?

On the campaign train, big promises are made, yet almost never fulfilled. What they sell is almost always a facade. And that triggers doubt about the appeal of the whole process. It is sometimes irritating when the ruling government is so bent on not continnuing laudable projects of the past administration or imbibing the ideal ideas of the opposition. The bigotry of it all! 

It is tempting to fall into comparison, thinking that the grass is greener elsewhere, but they've all got their issues; issues of control of the democracy by funders and what's more. Nevertheless, politics, though not perfect, works. 

Politics is so much interwined with our daily lives, yet sadly majority care less about it or simply know only enough to carry on a conversation. This apolitical attitude stems from people feeling incapable of making input to the change. So most end up being preoccupied with solely what's happening in their own little corner and solving their own manageable problems.

Like Pericles stated, "Just because you do not take interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't affect you". The price of the product you buy at the grocery store and even health insurance are all dictated by politics. Again, the locomotion during this social distancing period and likely, the distribution of covid- 19 vaccines are prevised by politics. 

Politics is about creating an atmosphere of growth and advancement,  justice and peace. However,  when the true essence of politics is lost, it becomes a factory for making personal wealth and sponsoring egocentric ambitions. Taking the politics out of politics is about being selfless, compassionate and preserving the national heritage. It is call on politicians and citizens alike to be better and do better. 

With love,

Elizabeth.

#takingthepoliticsoutofpolitics #staypositive #staysafe #stayhome