A physician specialist and cardiology fellow at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Florence Akumiah, has emphasized the need for Ghanaians to make regular health checks and healthier eating habits part of their daily routine. Cardiovascular diseases can develop silently, leaving people unaware of their condition until serious complications occur. Dr Akumiah's advice is particularly relevant in Ghana, where cardiovascular diseases are a growing concern.
Dr Akumiah urged the public to regularly check their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. She also advised people to reduce their intake of salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, avoid tobacco products, and limit alcohol intake. These practical measures can be incorporated into daily life, and individuals can start by making small changes to their lifestyle. By taking these steps, people can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
The responsibility for creating a healthier population should not rest solely on individuals, according to Dr Akumiah. She called for workplaces, communities, and the government to support healthier environments through accessible screening, healthier food options, effective food labeling, and affordable cardiovascular medicines. This broader approach is crucial in creating a society that supports healthy living.
The consumption of hidden sources of salt is a major concern in Ghana. Dr Akumiah mentioned stock cubes, seasoning powders, instant noodles, canned foods, and salted and smoked fish such as koobi and momoni among foods that require greater attention. The public must become more conscious of what goes into everyday meals, and healthy eating can begin with paying greater attention to ingredients and making healthier choices more often.
Many people in Ghana may have risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol without knowing their status. Even among those who have been diagnosed, some may not be receiving treatment or may have their conditions poorly controlled. The message is simple: knowing one's health status should be followed by action. Regular checks are meaningful only when people take appropriate steps based on the results.
Dr Akumiah recommended at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week as a practical target for people seeking to improve their health. Those already diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes should take their prescribed medicines consistently rather than relying solely on herbal remedies. The initiative by the Communication Initiatives for Change, under its Meatless Monday campaign, also highlights the role of small and sustainable changes in promoting healthier lifestyles.
As Ghana marks World Heart Day under the theme, "Don't Miss a Beat", the occasion serves as a reminder that protecting heart health requires attention before illness strikes. Regular screening, healthier food choices, physical activity, and adherence to prescribed treatment are measures that can help individuals take greater responsibility for their health. Policymakers and institutions must create conditions that support those choices, and the message from the campaign is clear: people should not wait until they feel unwell before paying attention to their hearts.
Key points
- Dr Florence Akumiah urges Ghanaians to prioritize heart health through regular checks and healthier habits.
- Cardiovascular diseases can develop silently, leaving people unaware of their condition until serious complications occur.
- The government, workplaces, and communities must support healthier environments to promote healthy living.
