Women Urged to Invest in Their Well-Being

Kumasi: Ms. Agnes Ampofo Agyei, a Midwife and the Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator at the Kumasi Metropolitan Health Directorate, has urged women to invest in their well-being. She explained that women played a crucial role in society and often neglected their health, which sometimes led to complications. According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Agyei discussed hypertension and other health conditions during the Women's Day Celebration, organized by the Ashanti Regional Center for National Culture (CNC) in Kumasi. The event, themed 'Healthy Women, Stronger Workforce,' highlighted diseases such as hypertension and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that women could contract. Ms. Agyei noted that hypertension is a silent killer, potentially triggering other health conditions that could be fatal if untreated. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines hypertension as high blood pressure, typically 140/90 mmHg or above. In 2024, WHO estimated that 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 lived with hypertension, with about 44 percent unaware of their condition. She emphasized the importance of educating the public, particularly women, about hypertension. Globally, May is dedicated to promoting hypertension education, encouraging checks, counseling, and management for those affected. Ms. Agyei pointed out that hypertension is often only diagnosed after a person is checked at a health center, meaning individuals might unknowingly live with the condition until it complicates into issues like stroke, diabetes, or eye problems. She urged women to have their blood pressure checked regularly at health facilities for free. Additionally, she advised women to maintain regular exercise, a cost-effective way to stay healthy, and be mindful of their diet, prioritizing nutrients over taste. She suggested buying vegetables from trusted sources or engaging in home gardening. Ms. Agyei highlighted the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus as a common sexually transmitted infection that could lead to cervical cancer if untreated. While cervical c ancer is treatable, she encouraged women to seek medical advice if they notice changes in their private parts and to consider HPV vaccination. She concluded by stressing the importance of women prioritizing their health, particularly their biological well-being.