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Exercise regularly to reduce risk of erectile dysfunction – Dr Nyarkotey
Men have been urged to cut down on eating processed foods and maintain a regular exercise routine to help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
According to Dr Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, Honorary Professor of Holistic Medicine, erectile dysfunction is common in patients with cardiovascular disease but much of it has to do with lifestyle.
He told The Spectator that frequent and regular erections were a sign of good cardiovascular health however erectile dysfunction was not always a sign of a heart problem, as it could also be caused by anxiety, fear, discomfort, or other psychological challenges.
“If psychological issues are not your problem, and you have gone three months without an erection, then I would advise you take a look at your lifestyle,” he said.
He noted that sexual function was important for the quality of life of men, however, erectile dysfunction could be “a sign of a more deadly problem.”
Dr Nyarkotey maintained that men must always check their lifestyle, try to change their diet, exercise regularly, and take useful dietary supplements, adding that lifestyle changes and some medical treatment could help improve sexual function.
“The inability to function sexually can be embarrassing to a man, there are many stigmas tied to a man’s manliness and his ability to rise to the occasion.
“Because of the strong links between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular problems, and perhaps the stronger links between cardiovascular health, diet, and exercise, I see the penis as a barometer to a man’s health,” he said.
The renowned Researcher and Holistic Medicine Advocate, citing a review article in the European Heart Journal, indicated that more than half of men over 50 years and more than two-thirds of those over age 70 had erectile dysfunction, and that the condition had strong connection to heart disease.
He explained that a chemical known as Nitric Oxide is “mainly responsible for widening the arteries during physical activity, but it also helps bring blood flow to the male organ during sexual intercourse.”
He, however, said that when the arteries became hard and clogged by an unhealthy lifestyle, “the arteries in the penis take a hit just as much as the arteries in the heart and erections do not happen.”
He further asserted that the inability to get an erection is a common problem, but “it is not normal.”
Dr] Nyarkotey believes that a healthy man should experience three to four-morning erections a week but there’s no need to panic when the ‘organ does not want to cooperate’ as that could happen as result of stress.
He, therefore, called for the consumption of water melon and Hibiscus tea, for a “great and healthy penis”.
Source: Ghanaian Times
Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
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A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
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