Editorial
Live healthy lifestyle to prevent cardiovascular diseases
CARDIOVASCULAR diseases can take a devastating toll on individuals, families and communities but with proper management through diet and exercise, death associated with it could be prevented.
According to a Cardiologist, Dr Martin Tibuakuu, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Akomaplus Health and Wellness Foundation, ‘eight out of 10 deaths related to cardiovascular disease are preventable.
Speaking to the Spectator during the launch of the Foundation to mark World Health Day, Dr Tibuakuu noted that heart disease is a major cause of death in Ghana and globally but he gave the assurance that taking steps such as ABCDE can prevent cardiovascular related deaths.
He explained further that the A which stands for awareness means individuals and communities must be educated about the risk factors of heart diseases as knowledge empowers one to recognise early warning signs and act swiftly.
For the B, which stands for blood pressure or hypertension, which is a silent killer he advised that it should be monitored regularly with routine checks and lifestyle changes.
It is worthy of note that individuals should know their C, which stands for Cholesterol levels, a major risk factor but diet, exercise and in some cases, medication can keep it in check. Additionally, those who smoke must stop because smoking is dangerous to the heart.
Screening for the D which stands for diabetes, and appropriately controlling blood sugar and adopting a heart healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats in addition to avoiding salt, sugar, and processed foods can protect the heart.
The E which stands for Exercise helps people to stay active, and even 30 minutes brisk walking daily strengthens one’s heart, improves blood circulation, and supports overall wellbeing.
The Spectator urges individuals, families and communities to embrace the ABCDE to prevent cardiovascular diseases keeping in mind that diet plays a vital role in this prevention.
It is a pity that in Ghana, the systems are not in place to support people with cardiovascular challenges but prevention should be the key.
Fortunately, one needs no equipment to follow the above-mentioned steps to improve their wellbeing as the steps to follow are within everyone’s reach so let us live healthy lifestyles to prevent deaths associated with cardiovascular diseases.
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
