Editorial
Heart disease not illness for old people illness
It has been the belief of most Ghanaians that heart disease affects only old people. This belief is wrong and must change.
Heart disease can affect both the young and the old. Therefore, people should not ignore symptoms simply because they believe they are too young to have a heart problem.
Dr Penelope Adinku, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has cautioned the public against such misconceptions.
She urged Ghanaians to pay attention to warning signs including chest pain or discomfort, unexplained shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, palpitations, dizziness or fainting, and swelling of the legs.
Although these symptoms do not always mean that someone has heart disease, persistent, new or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a health professional.
Sadly, many people wait until their condition becomes serious before seeking medical help. Some dismiss symptoms, while others believe that heart disease cannot affect them because of their age. This must change.
Regular health checks are important because conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol may not show clear symptoms but can increase the risk of heart disease.
Speaking with The Spectator, Dr Adinku rightly noted that, “prevention and early detection are just as important as treatment.”
The paper therefore urges Ghanaians to take greater responsibility for their health by eating healthier foods, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and going for regular health checks.
However, individuals cannot do this alone. Ghana’s health system must also be strengthened to provide timely and affordable cardiac care.
Limited access to specialised heart services remains a concern. Some patients report late to health facilities, while others face financial difficulties that delay diagnosis and treatment.
Government and other stakeholders must invest in specialised equipment, improve referral systems and train and retain more cardiac specialists and other health professionals.
The cost of treatment must also be addressed so that patients are not denied essential care because they cannot afford it.
Public education is equally important. Schools, workplaces, communities and the media must help dispel myths about heart disease and promote healthy living.
Ghana has made progress in cardiac care, but more needs to be done.
The country must focus not only on treating heart disease but also on preventing it and detecting it early.
Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the poor state of the railway crossing area of the Neoplan Station, near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, which is increasingly disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
The damaged section of the road has become a major inconvenience to motorists, as vehicles are forced to slow down considerably when approaching the crossing to avoid damaging their tyres, wheels and suspension systems.
This situation causes unnecessary delays, particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes are high.
The crossing is an important route for commuters and commercial drivers who use the Circle area to connect to other parts of the capital.
The deteriorating road surface therefore affects not only individual motorists but also the general movement of vehicles through this busy transport hub.
Beyond the inconvenience, the situation could increase the risk of minor accidents as drivers brake suddenly or attempt to manoeuvre around damaged portions of the road.
I respectfully appeal to the Department of Urban Roads, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant agencies to inspect the affected section and undertake urgent repairs to restore the smooth movement of traffic.
Timely intervention will reduce delays, improve road safety and make commuting through the Circle area more convenient.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen
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Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the authorities and the general public to the increasing cost of hostel accommodation, particularly for students in tertiary institutions.
The high cost of hostels has become a serious challenge for many students and their parents.
In some areas, hostel fees have increased significantly, making it difficult for students from low- and middle-income families to secure decent accommodation.
Apart from the hostel fees, students also have to pay for transportation, food, learning materials and other academic needs.
The rising cost of accommodation therefore puts additional financial pressure on families and, in some cases, forces students to live in overcrowded or poorly maintained facilities.
I believe hostel owners and relevant authorities must work together to ensure that accommodation remains affordable while maintaining acceptable standards.
Tertiary institutions should also consider expanding student accommodation and encouraging affordable private hostel projects.
The government and local authorities could further support the development of low-cost student accommodation through appropriate policies and incentives.
I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Education, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to treat the issue as a matter of urgency.
Affordable and decent accommodation is essential to creating a conducive environment for students to study and succeed.
This has in a way also empowered the private people in the accommodation sector to take undue advantage of the situation to charge exorbitant rates for their services.
Kwame Ampiaw,
Accra
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