Watch your lifestyle – GAMA advises

By Amandla Reporter
The Ghana Association for Medical Aid (GAMA) has advised the Ghanaian community to be wary of their lifestyles. The precaution was given to the congregation of the Ghana Methodist Calvary Church, Irvington New Jersey, February 23 as part of GAMA’s outreach to the community on basic primary and preventive healthcare.
Sowah (APN) highlighted risk factors associated with coronary artery diseases (CAD) – a condition of unhealthy fatty deposits (plaque) collected and deposited on the innermost walls of the arteries – that thicken and narrow the innermost layer, thereby decreasing or blocking blood flow to the heart.  She pointed out that about 600,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. due to CAD and challenged the audience to inculcate changes in their daily lifestyles.
She pointed out that with the exception of hereditary heart disease, almost all the indices of CAD are preventable with little discipline and commitment. She said that risk factors such as high blood sugar, obesity, high cholesterol, alcoholism, stress, among others, are controllable.
She warned that it is imperative to see a physician immediately upon experiencing chest pains, light headedness, nausea and other discomforts of the upper torso because it could be signs or symptoms of a potential and complicated heart problem. Healthy diet, physical activities, weight management, reducing stress and quitting smoking are cardinal points to sustain a healthier life.
Edem Tagboto (WHNP, CNM), focused her presentation mostly on self-examination of the (female) breast. Supplementing the presentation with visual aids, she distinguished between a normal and abnormal breast and the techniques employed in self-examination.
Dr. William Rockson gave the audience a good dose on Pediatric Dentistry. He explained causes of tooth eruption and necessary steps to minimize or prevent gum diseases. He said the rule of thumb to maintain healthy gum is to brush and floss the teeth at least twice a day. He demonstrated good brushing techniques. He also encouraged a balanced diet as a way of minimizing gum disease. These two, when properly adhered to, have the  tendency to reduce or present gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Ultimately, he advised regular and scheduled visits to the dentist. “Don’t wait until your gums hurt.” He urged.
Constance Kwarteng (RN, BSN) discussed Men’s Health on prostate cancer, benign prostate hypertrophy colorectal cancer/screening as well as skin cancer. She also touched on men’s testicular self-examination and the importance of men to know themselves.
Founded and incorporated summer of last year, GAMA is made up mostly of health and other professionals that seek to bring health awareness within the community and beyond. Headed by Dr. Andrew Baddoo with Dr. William Rockson as Vice President, the non-profit organization has had about 10 visits to churches and associations in the Ghanaian community and elsewhere.

Posted by admin on Mar 14 2014. Filed under top stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry