Make heart health an everyday priority
The call on Ghanaians to make regular health checks and healthier eating habits part of their daily routine should not be treated as a message reserved for people who are already ill. The advice from a physician specialist and cardiology fellow at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Florence Akumiah, is particularly relevant because cardiovascular diseases … The post Make heart health an everyday…
Dr Florence Akumiah, a cardiologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, urged Ghanaians to integrate regular health checks and healthier eating habits into their daily routines. This advice is especially pertinent as cardiovascular diseases can develop silently, leaving individuals unaware of their condition until serious complications arise.
During a training session for journalists in celebration of World Heart Day, Akumiah emphasized the importance of monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. She also advised reducing salt and processed food consumption, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake.
While individuals bear the primary responsibility for creating healthier environments, Akumiah called for workplaces, communities, and the government to support healthier living through accessible screening, nutritious food options, effective food labeling, and affordable cardiovascular medicines. Hidden sources of salt, such as stock cubes, seasoning powders, instant noodles, and canned foods, require particular attention.
Beyond personal responsibility, addressing risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol is crucial. Many people remain unaware of their conditions, and even those diagnosed may not receive proper treatment or have their conditions poorly controlled. Knowing one's health status and taking appropriate action, such as adhering to prescribed medication, is paramount.
The Ghanaian Times, in collaboration with Meatless Monday campaign by Communication Initiatives for Change (CIC), underscores the significance of small, sustainable lifestyle changes. CIC's Executive Director, Emmanuel Fiagbey, highlighted the campaign's promotion of plant-based foods on Mondays, encouraging people to reduce meat consumption.
Celebrating World Heart Day with the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat,” the campaign serves as a reminder that proactive measures, including regular screening, healthier food choices, and physical activity, can empower individuals to take charge of their heart health. Policymakers and institutions must also create supportive conditions for these choices, ultimately fostering a culture of prevention before illness strikes.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
