The National Cardiothoracic Centre, is entreating Ghanaians to have regular check-up of their hearts to prevent diseases.
According to the centre, such check-ups are significant to avoid factors that trigger heart diseases.
It said that there is the need to intensifying public education on the importance of healthy lifestyles for preventive health and ensuring people from all walks of life who are active now live longer with better heart conditions.
Speaking at the launch of the 2019 edition of the World Heart Day in Accra, the Head of Cardiology of the National Cardiothoracic Centre in Korle Bu Doctor, Abdul- Samed Tanko said Ghanaians should regularly check themselves of their blood pressures and their sugar levels to prevent diseases.
“We have seen people with some high levels of various heart diseases, strokes and kidney failures all because of high blood pressures. That is one of the significant factors of heart attacks. We should move away from living bad lifestyles. People should regularly check themselves of their blood pressures, their sugars especially those who are from families with significant problems,” he said.
He further noted that, “because this day is very crucial, we are launching early before the end of the month.”
“Looking after your heart means taking small but meaningful actions: eating a balanced diet, undertaking regular exercise, reducing your alcohol intake, quitting smoking and all the things that make you not only healthier but also able to enjoy your life to the fullest,” he added.
Mr. Samed Tanko also asked the general public to find ways to be good to the heart since it has become increasingly relevant as reports of obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity in children and young people are becoming more and more common.
The Centre, in collaboration with the World Heart Federation officially launched the World Heart Day awareness campaign, which commences on September 29, 2019.
It is on the theme, ‘creating a global community of Heart Heroes’.
