Priceless prescriptions from your favourite doctors (1)

I do not need any further and better particulars to draw the conclusion that knowledge about health improves the quality of one’s life.

Every authentic information you can lay hands on is priceless and unlike the waters of the “Pierien Spring where shallow waters intoxicate the brain and drinking deep makes the mind sober again”, every bit of appropriate health information will positively add onto your health arsenal.

This week we begin a journey in which I reproduce verbatim critical information shared by seasoned Ghanaian health professionals. In the future we will enter their “personal space” and learn what they do to keep healthy and fit. Behold these priceless gems from your favourite medics:

1.“Studies have shown that there is an increase in blood cancers. Blood cancers are called leukaemia. Some of the warning signs are tiredness, which may be due to anaemia, recurrent fever from repeated infections and bleeding. You may feel some swellings called lymph nodes in your neck, armpit and other areas. You may also develop a big tummy when some organs like the liver and spleen are enlarged.” – Dr. Yvonne Dei-Adomakoh, Consultant Haematologist/Lecturer.

2.“Brush your teeth twice daily; after breakfast and just before you go to bed at night. The evening brushing being very important since the oral bacteria get very active at night.” – Dr. (Mrs.) Princess Adu Boahen. Dentist. White Dental Clinic.

3.“Risk factors for cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol are on the increase especially among young people. Prevention is key through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, increased exercise, weight loss, stress management and adhering to recommendations from healthcare professionals.” – Dr. Josephine Akpalu, Lecturer University Of Ghana Medical School & Head of Endocrinology Unit Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

4.“High Blood Pressure is a SILENT KILLER. You can only know your blood pressure if you check or measure it. This means the sphygmomanometer (instrument for measuring blood pressure) not only measures Blood Pressure but also measures COMMON SENSE. Please check your blood pressure TODAY to safeguard your life.” – Dr. Kojo Essel, Wellness Entrepreneur.

5.“Exercising 30 minutes to one (1) hour a day at least five (5) days a week will help reduce your blood pressure, cholesterol and risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus.” – Dr. Frank Anim Addo, Consultant Cardiologist.

6.“Stroke in the young – Time for action. An alarming increase in devastating strokes amongst young persons aged less than 45 years is being noted at the Stroke unit in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Risk factors?

a.Uncontrolled Hypertension b. Poorly Controlled Hypertension c.Undiagnosed Hypertension d. Refusal to take blood pressure medication Hypertension is KEY to STROKE. Control your blood pressure, check your blood pressure and avoid getting a stroke!!!! We need our men and women in the productive age groups to keep our nation great and strong!” – Dr. Albert Akpalu, Head of Neurology and Stroke Units, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

7.“There are four (4) types of dental problems; Decay, Gum Disease, Oral Cancer and Acid Erosion. Current evidence based advice suggest that all patients (including those who are not at risk) should be accorded the benefit of advice with regard to their dental and general health.

a.Prevention of Decay; brush twice daily, last at night and on one other occasion. Spit out your toothpaste after brushing and do not rinse. Frequency and amount of sugary foods should be reduced and when eaten should be restricted to meal times.

b.Prevention of Gum Disease; brush twice a day. Do not smoke. Clean in between teeth using floss or interdental brushes.

c.Prevention of Oral Cancer; do not smoke. Do not use smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco). Increase fruit and vegetable intake – 5 portions per day.

d.Prevention of Erosion; avoid frequent intake of acidic foods or drinks (orange, grapefruit, lemon, black currant juices).

Nana Kofi Acheampong, Dental Surgeon UK, Clinical Tutor University of Ghana Dental School Korle Bu.

I am sure we will all take these tips seriously: make the appropriate modification to our lives, seek professional advice as soon as we see or experience suspicious signs and symptoms and do not be stingy, spread the information.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Moms’ Health Club

(dressel@healthclubsgh.com)

Dr Essel is a medical doctor and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.

Thought for the week – “Mouth washes are a total waste of time EXCEPT for treatment of ulcers and bleeding gums – meaning 1 week use only.”