A Cardiologist at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), Dr Aba Folson, has advised the public to consider physical activities such as routine workout sessions as a habit for a healthy lifestyle.
Physical exercises should be encouraged and practiced at least five times a week for about 30 minutes to aid the heart to perform its functions well as well as other organs in the body, she said.
Dr Folson said this at the Ghana News Agency’s weekly health platform, dubbed: "Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility!” in Tema.
It aimed at promoting health-related communication to influence personal health choices through improved literacy.
Dr Folson was speaking on the topic; "Measure blood pressure accurately, control it, and leave longer," which was the theme for the "May Measurement Month" and the World Hypertension Day commemoration.
She said physical activities helped to keep one’s high blood pressure under control by aiding the pumping of blood into the heart and other organs from the blood vessels, adding that living a healthy life should be a choice.
"Going to the gym is a good lifestyle practice, even though others who cannot afford the cost should not be discouraged from exercising but rather engage in brisk walking for at least five minutes daily.”
"People should also use gardening, which also serves one with organic foods, washing, and physical activities that help keep the body fit and the cardiovascular system healthy.”
Dr Folson said bad lifestyle practices such as high intake of red meat, salty foods, and foods with excess fats, such as saturated and trans fats, may cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to hypertension and other chronic diseases.
Foods with low salt content and those rich in fibre such as fruits, vegetables, wheat, oats, sorghum, and beans helps in preventing hypertension.
"You have a choice to live a healthy life; make the right choice," she emphasized.
Mr Francis Ameyibor, the GNA Tema Regional Manager, called on traditional and social media managers to devote some time on their platforms for health professionals to educate the public on healthy living.
"The education we offer today through our media platform may save a life tomorrow,” he said.
Latest Stories
-
Six universities now offer AICPA & CIMA’s CGMA Finance Leadership Program in Ghana
6 mins -
World Health Organization (WHO) Mauritius launches set of health priorities for new two years
28 mins -
7 tips from Kaspersky on what to do if someone tries to hack you
30 mins -
Northern Ghana to experience another bout of dust pollution – Ghana Meteorological Agency warns
52 mins -
Mukuru distributes millions in aid to vulnerable Africans
55 mins -
Kwaku Antwi-Boasiako: Is Anti-LGBT+ Bill more supreme than the 1992 Constitution?
59 mins -
Mahama promises to build university in six new regions
1 hour -
Mahama promises to enhance ‘Okada’ business with electric tricycles, maintains need for legalisation
1 hour -
Ghana’s land litigation concerns presents threat to solar energy projects
1 hour -
African Games 2023: Joseph Commey makes semis; Walid Omar, two others eliminated in boxing event
1 hour -
African Games: Ghana’s men’s doubles duo one win from medal zone
1 hour -
More tough times ahead for Ghana’s cedi; cedi is 3rd worst currency in Africa – Bloomberg
2 hours -
IMF Boss urges Ghana to foster inclusive society amid anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
2 hours -
Recent depreciation of cedi not worrying; trend to reverse soon – Prof Turkson
2 hours -
We won’t allow aliens to elect our MP for us anymore – Effutu NDC PC James Kofi Annan
2 hours