Accra: Dr Angel Abena Tiwaa, a Medical Officer, has urged families to know their medical history and undergo regular health checks for early disease detection. She emphasized the importance of understanding family health history to identify susceptibility to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and sickle cell disease, enabling preventive measures to be taken.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Tiwaa made these remarks during a 'Health Sunday' programme organized by Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries International, Dansoman-My Father's House. The event, themed 'Stewarding the Family's Health,' aimed to promote proactive health management among families. Dr Tiwaa advised against waiting for symptoms to develop before seeking medical attention, advocating instead for regular health checks and prompt action when abnormalities are detected.
Dr Tiwaa highlighted the necessity for individuals to understand their bodies, identify potential health risks, and make informed decisions to protect their health. She also encouraged parents to closely monitor their children's health and development, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, which are critical to long-term health.
Furthermore, Dr Tiwaa urged patients to engage actively with healthcare professionals by asking questions about their conditions, treatments, and preventive measures, rather than relying solely on information provided during consultations. She noted the importance of taking prescribed medicines as directed and seeking medical attention promptly when unusual symptoms arise.
Dr Tiwaa called on families to plan for routine medical check-ups, prepare financially for unexpected health needs, and utilize health insurance. She specifically encouraged men to undergo regular medical examinations, noting from her experience that they generally frequented health facilities less often than women. She emphasized the importance of men taking their health seriously due to their familial responsibilities and encouraged early care-seeking for disease detection and management.
Dr Tiwaa stressed that family health should not be left solely to healthcare professionals, urging individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles, engage in regular exercise, manage stress, obtain adequate sleep, and avoid unhealthy habits. She cautioned against excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and recommended incorporating physical activities, such as regular walks, into daily routines.
She also advised Christians to combine prayer and healthy living with professional medical care, reminding them that faith should not prevent seeking medical attention or following medical advice. Dr Tiwaa highlighted the importance of accurate health information for preventive care and urged reliance on credible sources, including qualified healthcare professionals, rather than solely on social media.
Dr Tiwaa acknowledged that social media platforms like TikTok could offer useful health information if users could distinguish credible information from misinformation. She encouraged families to discuss health openly and support one another in making healthier choices, emphasizing that a healthy family contributes to a healthy church and society. Dr Tiwaa advocated for a proactive approach to health through knowledge, prevention, and early health-seeking behavior.