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Health News of Friday, 13 October 2017

Source: newsghana.com.gh

Poor spinal care can shorten life span - Doctor

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Persons who maintain poor posture and other activities that have negative effects on the spine are likely to have disastrous effect’s in the future if they don’t seek good spinal care.

According to Dr. Charles Jhessim, a Chiropractor, poor spinal care which is becoming quite prevalent in the country inhibits healthy living and could lead to many dangerous repercussions, including a shortened life span.

Dr. Jhessim made the revelation on the side-lines on a free spinal care project for over 400 residents of the Ho Municipality, capital of the Volta Region.

The project which was organised and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ho, in partnership of Dr. Jhessim gave free spinal care to all residents who visited the Ho Rotary Center for the four days, thus 25th to 28th September, 2017, that the project lasted.

The service which costs about GH¢150.00 for consultancy and Gh¢300 and above per head for treatment, depending on case by case basis and the service provider, came at no cost to beneficiaries.

While some were treated in a day, others had to be catered for twice. Those with serious problems were also referred to see specialists at referral hospitals for further care.

Explaining the essence of spinal car, Dr. Jhassim noted that, due to inadequate knowledge and unawareness of the importance of the spine, many indulge in several activities knowing or unknowingly that affects their spine.

Which later affects other functions of their body because the spine and the spinal cord are connected to the brain. Which transfers information to and from the brain to other parts of the body for action or feedback.

To this end, a bad spine will be bad for the body in so many ways including, cardiovascular problems, stroke, poor digestion, chronic back pain, faulty veins, chronic headaches, weakened immune system among several others.

To this end he recommended the need for spinal care awareness and encouraged Ghanaians to check their spine at least once in month to avert any of the problems he mentioned. He also bemoaned the inadequate number of Chiropractors in the country and encouraged young people to venture into the practice to save lives.

Dr. Jhessim who was on leave from his regular routine in a Hospital in Accra, noted that he partnered the Rotary Club of Ho as a way of giving back to the society and also ensuring healthy living among Ghanaians.

The President of the Club, Vincent Asimah and the Project Committee Chairperson, Susana Delali Kudjoe noted that the project which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3; Good Health and Well Being, also meets one of the six focus areas of Rotary International; Disease Prevention and Control.

The president said other projects lined up for the 2017/2018 year include, equipping the Chemotherapy Unit of the Volta Regional Hospital, Free Health Screening for a minimum of 10,000 people under the annual Rotary Family Health Days program, Free Eye Screening glasses distribution, construction of Boreholes in selected communities and Book Donations, among others.

Mr. Vincent Asimah noted that the club will need about GHC100,000.00 ($35000) to undertake its project for the year and called on all and sundry to support their projects either in cash or kind.