Editorial
Eat more local foods to stay healthy
Dietitians have stated that people should eat more locally grown foods in order to maintain their health as consuming processed meals frequently is linked to a host of diseases.
According to them, the population is becoming more likely to suffer from diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity, as a result of the rise in the intake of junk food and highly processed foreign foods.
Food that is extremely low in nutrients is called junk food. They have a lot of additives, processed sugar, salt, and bad fat.
Additionally, junk food that is high in sugar, bad fats, and processed components can have a negative effect on skin health, leading to conditions like acne and inflammation. Regrettably, both urban and rural-urban regions now consume large amounts of these foods.
In Ghana, meals high in fibre that facilitate digestion, including yam, kenkey, and kontomire, should be preferred over processed foods, which have less fibre and do not allow individuals to reap the benefits mentioned above.
Additionally, whole foods like millet, sorghum, yam, cassava, green vegetables, beans, and an assortment of fresh fruits have long been staples of Ghanaian diets, particularly those in the north of the country.
Local food is fresher, tastes better, and is packed with a variety of vital elements that support optimal nutrition and health, like vitamins, minerals, fibre, and healthy fats.
Sadly, some people have developed the bad habit of continuously consuming highly processed meals at the expense of their health, which leads to them eventually becoming afflicted with a variety of ailments that they could have prevented.
This is in contrast to consuming local foods, which would help the agriculture industry.
It should be emphasised that while eating local foods is healthy, it is still important to prepare food in a hygienic manner to avoid contamination and foodborne illnesses. If you do wish to eat junk food, do so in moderation as there are several short- and long-term health concerns associated with frequent junk food consumption.
In order to help prevent some chronic diseases and to support heart health, digestive wellness, and lifespan, The Spectator is advising Ghanaians to eat more locally grown foods that are high in fibre, vitamins, and protein.
By doing that, we can help families avoid illness and repeated hospital visits for bill payment, freeing up a large sum of money for purposes other than healthcare.
To be less stressful make sure you get adequate sleep and drink lots of water in order to help eliminate sugar sweetened beverages.
Parents need to be mindful of the snacks they pack for their children to school to keep their children from developing a junk food addiction. These snacks need to be nutritious.
A public education campaign about the advantages of eating more locally grown foods – such as Wasawasa, Tubaani, Zambarima Zugu, Kapala, Plantain, Cocoyam, Kontomire (Cocoyam leaves), and local spices like Prekese and Dawadawa – must be spearheaded by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. These foods have long been staples of the Ghanaian diet.
The push to promote native grains – like millet, fonio, and sorghum – which are more resilient to climate change and more nutrient-dense than imported wheat and rice – must also be spearheaded by stakeholders.
October is marked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to increase attention and support for the early diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care of breast cancer.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the disease’s warning signs, promote regular screenings like mammograms, and provide support for patients and survivors. The pink ribbon serves as a global symbol of hope and support during this time.
So far, organisations have already started reminding women about the importance of breast self-examinations. Free breast cancer screenings are being organised for women, and survivors have also been sharing their experiences to encourage others to know their status.
According to health experts, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in most countries. The majority of women who die from breast cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, where most cases are diagnosed at late stages due to a variety of factors.
Reports indicate that in low- and middle-income countries, the incidence of breast cancer has been rising steadily due to increased life expectancy, changing reproductive patterns, and the adoption of Western lifestyles.
Although breast cancer can often be cured when detected early and when adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, many cases are detected late, making curative treatment no longer an option.
Last weekend, thousands of Ghanaians joined Breast Care International (BCI), a leading breast cancer advocacy organisation, and its partners in a walk through the streets of Kumasi, echoing a resounding message: “No woman should die from breast cancer because she is poor.”
Painting a picture of the ceremony, our reporter indicated that the city — right from the Post Office at Adum to the revered grounds of Manhyia Palace — was covered in pink and white, the colours of breast cancer, as participants marched under the theme, “A Cure Worth Fighting For.”
The Spectator gives a thumbs up to the Founder and President of BCI, Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafi Addai, who joined the procession with a sobering message: “Breast cancer can be conquered, but we must fight together and save lives, especially those of young women who die needlessly and prematurely.”
She speaks against the stigma and myths that still surround breast cancer and is particularly vocal about the dangers of misinformation and the belief that the disease is caused by witchcraft.
Another message she shares is that men must stand by their wives during diagnosis and treatment rather than abandon them. She added that although over 2,300 women in Ghana die from breast cancer every year, early detection and prompt treatment save lives.
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Dear Editor,
I write to draw the attention of the authorities and the general public to the deplorable state of the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra. The facility, which was originally meant to be a safe recreational space for children, has now turned into a source of worry for parents and residents alike.
Most of the play equipment has become obsolete and poses a serious danger to children who use them. The swings and slides are either rusted or damaged, while the seesaws are no longer functional. The park is also poorly maintained, with litter scattered around and overgrown weeds creating an unpleasant environment.
At night, the park becomes a hideout for miscreants due to the absence of lighting and security. Children need safe spaces to play, socialize, and develop, but the current state of the park denies them this opportunity.
I therefore appeal to the municipal authorities, as well as private stakeholders, to urgently renovate and maintain the park. Doing so will not only provide our children with a safe recreational facility but also beautify the community.
I hope this letter will prompt swift action to restore the park to its original purpose.
Kwame Ampiaw
Osu
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