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We’re all at risk: Diabetes not ‘rich man’s disease’ – Cardiologist
● Dr. Francis Agyekum, Consultant Cardiologist
In the past, anytime the discussion or education about diabetes came up, many people in the low and middle income categories treated it with contempt because it was believed to be a “rich man’s disease.”
Why would anyone want to pay attention to a subject that, in their opinion, does not concern them? They would rather ignore it.
However, a Consultant Cardiologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra Region, Dr. Francis Agyekum, has said that the days when diabetes was described as a “rich man’s disease” are a thing of the past because everyone can be affected.
He, therefore, advised that people attach seriousness to the subject, as ignorance could make one engage in activities that could lead to getting the disease.
Dr. Agyekum, who is also a Senior Lecturer at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Medical School, advised the public that anything a person consumed could affect the individual negatively or positively.
He said it was better to be well-informed so that one could consciously be involved in lifestyles and eating habits that would help them prevent the disease.
He explained that diabetes was a chronic disease which involved spending money on accessing healthcare and care in various forms that could be a long-term.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of glucose, which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Dr. Agyekum made the remarks at the Merck Foundation Health Media Training in partnership with the First Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation and President of the Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign, and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The programme was, among other things, aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of diabetes, and hypertension.
“Symptoms include excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive appetite (polyphagia), excessive urination (polyuria), weight loss, vision changes, tingling feet and hands, and fatigue,” he said.
Dr. Agyekum, who is also the Vice President of the Ghana Society of Cardiology, said diabetes, a noncommunicable disease, occured from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors, is a leading cause of death worldwide and an emerging global health threat.
While educating the media on Type 2 diabetes, he said it came with risk factors such as a family history of the disease, being 45 years of age or older, being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, having high cholesterol, smoking, and being physically inactive.
He said to prevent it, there was a need to have a healthy body weight, and for the sake of accuracy and also to be assured of doing the right thing, the public should contact a health facility for the necessary assistance.
The Consultant Cardiologist highlighted the need for persons to be physically active, avoid tobacco use, and have a healthy diet, which ideally should be recommended by a dietician so as not to compromise one’s health.
By Dzifa Tetteh Tay
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
