Editorial
Maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid kidney disease
A startling 13.5 percent of people in the Ashanti region suffer from chronic kidney disease, Dr. Suleiman Suabil, a physician specialist at the Obuasi AngloGold Hospital, has revealed.
As a result, 17.6 percent of patients in the area need dialysis.
What makes it so worrying is that despite the fact that the disease is a silent killer, many people do not know their kidney status until it is too late.
“Most people admitted to medical wards have chronic kidney disease, but only one out of ten people are aware of their kidney status,” he stated at the World Kidney Day celebration hosted by AngloGold Ashanti in the Obuasi.
He revealed that between 10 and 14 percent of people worldwide suffer from kidney disease, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 14 percent and Ghana for 13.5 percent.
Fortunately, some significant causes of kidney illness have been established, in contrast to breast cancer, the cause of which medical experts are still trying to determine.
The most prevalent causes of chronic kidney disease, according to specialists, are diabetes and high blood pressure, but other factors that have been linked to the condition include poor lifestyle choices, excessive alcohol use, smoking, poor food, misuse of herbal medications, inactivity, and excessive weight gain.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed therefore to address this, preventive healthcare interventions must be prioritised.
In order to prevent kidney disease, which is on the rise in Ghana, we as individuals should be health conscious, refrain from abusing herbal medications, get regular checkups, control blood pressure, manage blood sugar, eat a healthy diet, exercise frequently, stop smoking if you do, and refrain from abusing painkillers.
Furthermore, health institutions must regularly plan outreach programmes to provide people with the knowledge they need to safeguard their health, seek medical attention when necessary, and guarantee that communities receive high-quality healthcare at their doorsteps.
Live a healthy lifestyle to extend your life because kidney disease is a silent killer.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
