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.