Ghanaians prone to high blood pressure

Accra, Aug. 23, GNA - Mrs. Magdalene Biney, Acting Deputy Matron of the Cocoa Clinic in Accra, has observed that many Ghanaians were prone to high blood pressure and weight-related diseases because of lack of exercise and bad eating habits. She said many people were not aware of this and continued to consume foods rich in cholesterol which generated more problems for the body system.

Mrs. Biney, speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Thursday during this year's Health Fair, noted that being overweight or obese was not a sign of good living but a signal of ailments, which needed medical attention. "There are so many sick Ghanaians out there with high blood pressure who have no idea of the fact that they are suffering and this is why the rate at which people are suffering from stroke is high." Based on this, Cocoa Clinic was offering free medical services on blood pressure, diabetes, weight management and also educating the public on the need to eat healthy foods free of fat in order to maintain healthy-lifestyle, she said.

Mrs. Biney advised Ghanaians to adopt preventive rather than curative health, which was unreliable. Ms. Aturah Roeeyah, a Nutrition Specialist with the regenerative health and nutrition and an exhibitor at the fair, urged Ghanaians to eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid alcohol. She said the consumption of meat and egg should be done in moderation in addition to the local fruits and vegetables. She called on the public to attach importance to what they consumed in order to live long and develop the country for the next generation.