Akatsi: The Akatsi South Municipal Health Directorate has intensified its public education efforts on hypertension as part of the activities commemorating World Hypertension Day and Hypertension Awareness Month. The campaign, spearheaded by Mrs. Justine Sefakor Alornyo, Municipal Director of Health, seeks to motivate residents to routinely check their blood pressure and embrace healthier lifestyles to curb the increasing cases of hypertension and associated complications in the municipality.
According to Ghana News Agency, the campaign is themed 'Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Defeat the Silent Killer.' Mrs. Alornyo emphasized the need for the public to take proactive measures towards maintaining healthy hearts and extending their lifespans. She highlighted that hypertension is often termed a 'silent killer' because it typically exhibits no warning signs yet can lead to severe health conditions such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, vision loss, and heart failure.
The Directorate advised residents to regularly monitor their blood pressure, consume healthy meals with reduced salt intake, participate in regular physical activities, maintain a healthy body weight, avoid tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, and adhere strictly to prescribed medications. It also encouraged the community to be aware of their blood pressure levels and seek early medical intervention to prevent complications related to the condition.
Officials from the Directorate, during an engagement with the Ghana News Agency, mentioned that small yet consistent lifestyle changes could significantly lower the risk of hypertension and enhance overall well-being. Furthermore, the Directorate urged families, community leaders, and stakeholders to back the awareness campaign to foster healthier communities and contribute to national development. The campaign carries the message: 'Healthy Hearts, Healthy Homes, Healthy Nation.'