Make heart health an everyday priority

The call on Ghanaians to make regular health checks and healthier eating habits part of their daily routine should not be treated as a message reserved for people who are already ill.

The advice from a physician specialist and cardiology fellow at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Florence Akumiah, is particularly relevant because cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) can develop silently, leaving people unaware of their condition until serious complications occur.

Speaking at a training for journalists organised as part of activities to commemorate this year’s World Heart Day (WHD), 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 are practical measures that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives. However, the responsibility for creating a healthier population should not rest solely on individuals.

Dr Akumiah also called for workplaces, communities and the government to support healthier environments through accessible screening, healthier food options, effective food labelling and affordable cardiovascular medicines.

That broader approach is important. If people are encouraged to live healthier lives, they must also have access to the information, services and choices that make such lifestyles possible.

Of particular concern is the consumption of hidden sources of salt. 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, therefore, become more conscious of what goes into everyday meals. Healthy eating does not necessarily require dramatic changes.

It can begin with paying greater attention to ingredients, reducing salt and making healthier choices more often.

Equally worrying is the number of people who 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, therefore, is simple: knowing one’s health status should be followed by action.

As Dr Akumiah put it: “Know your numbers and act on it.” Regular checks are meaningful only when people take appropriate steps based on the results, including following prescribed treatment.

Her recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week also provides a practical target for people seeking to improve their health.

Those already diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes should, she said, take their prescribed medicines consistently rather than relying solely on herbal remedies.

The initiative by the Communication Initiatives for Change (CIC), under its Meatless Monday campaign, also highlights the role of small and sustainable changes in promoting healthier lifestyles.

The Executive Director of CIC, Mr Emmanuel Fiagbey, said the initiative encouraged people to avoid meat on Mondays and replace it with plant-based foods.

As the country marks World Heart Day under the theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat”, the occasion should serve 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.

At the same time, policymakers and institutions must create conditions that support those choices.

The message from the campaign is clear: people should not wait until they feel unwell before paying attention to their hearts.

Prevention begins with awareness, regular checks and everyday choices.

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