https://www.watchghana.com/ Ghana's no:1 credible news website that delivers up to date Local news quick and simple, Breaking news and other relevant information on a timely basis. Easy to use website, works quickly, step-by-step and faster en-us Me (developer@w3-multimedia.com) Copyright © 2026 WatchGhana Publication, All rights reserved || Powered By W3 Multimedia Ghana Limited 1970-01-01T00:00:00+00:00 https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12675/enhance-your-daily-routine-with-these-5-quick-health-tipshttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12675/enhance-your-daily-routine-with-these-5-quick-health-tipsIn today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging. Yet, taking small steps every day can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. To help you on this journey, we've compiled a short and impactful YouTube Shorts video titled "5 Quick Health Tips for Everyday Wellness," which you can watch here. Accompanying this visual guide, we delve deeper into each tip, offering insights and practical advice to seamlessly integrate these habits into your daily routine. 1. Stay Hydrated Water is the essence of life. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining optimal body function, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and remember, if you're feeling thirsty, you're already on your way to dehydration. Keep a reusable water bottle handy and sip throughout the day to keep those hydration levels up. 2. Take Short Active Breaks Sedentary lifestyles can lead to numerous health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. Break the cycle by incorporating short, active breaks into your day. Every hour, take five minutes to stretch, walk, or do a quick set of exercises. This not only boosts your physical health but can also enhance your mental clarity and productivity. 3. Eat a Rainbow Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet ensures you're getting a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Each color represents a different set of nutrients, so by "eating a rainbow," you're maximizing the health benefits your body receives. Try to include at least one serving of fruits or vegetables in every meal to make your plate as colorful as possible. 4. Prioritize Sleep Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep can help protect your mental health, physical health, and quality of life. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body and mind to rest and recover. 5. Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness involves paying full attention to the present moment and accepting it without judgment. It's a great tool for reducing stress and enhancing overall happiness. Start with just a few minutes a day, focusing on your breath or surroundings, to develop a mindfulness practice that can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Conclusion Incorporating these five simple health tips into your daily routine can lead to significant improvements in your physical and mental well-being. Remember, small changes can make a big difference over time. For a quick visual guide, don't forget to check out our YouTube Shorts video here. Let's embark on this wellness journey together, one small step at a time.

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]]>Miscellaneous2024-02-12T10:55:31+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12584/evelyn-arthur-health-foundation-launched-in-accrahttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12584/evelyn-arthur-health-foundation-launched-in-accraA Public Health Physician at the Okanta Memorial Clinic in the Ashaiman Municipality, Mr. Eric Kwatia has underscored the importance of preventive health care to improving quality of life of people to stay healthy, happy and independent.    He noted that preventive healthcare can detect certain behaviours, habits, infections, medical problems before they become advanced and help keep such diseases at bay. According to him, certain lifestyle choices and habits can cause severe damage to the body, citing smoking which he said can lead to numerous diseases and conditions such as infertility, respiratory diseases, cancer and even death. Mr Kwatia who was speaking during the launch of Evelyn Arthur Health Foundation in Accra, advised Ghanaians to go for regular check-ups even when they think they are not sick. The Public Health Physician said healthcare providers should not only treat symptoms or diseases but they should encourage healthy lifestyle choices to help reduce the need for diagnostic services.   The CEO of Global Media Foundation, specialized Communications for Development, Research and Advocacy organisation, Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, who was the guest speaker noted that, the non-profit organisations in Ghana through humanitarian work have contributed immensely to the socio-economic progress of the country especially in the health sector.  They have done that through provision of safe drinking water, construction of school blocks, health facilities, supporting communities with income-generating activities, shaping of government policies, advocating for better social interventions especially for the vulnerable and marginalized as well as holding the government accountable, among others. According to him, humanitarian work is very vital in this part of the world because it provides life-saving assistance to people affected by diseases, conflicts, disasters and poverty. He said it also reduces the impact of crises on communities, helping recovery and improving preparedness for future emergencies. Mr Ahenu said humanitarian work helps communities to identify their opportunities and challenges, helping them believe in themselves, and look for sustainable answers for real change. He commended Miss Evelyn Arthur, the founder of the Foundation for her vision to establish the Evelyn Arthur Health Foundation to provide humanitarian services to the good people of Ghana in the area of health, education and youth empowerment especially young women and girls. According to the Human Rights Activist, the health sector in Ghana today is facing a lot of challenges hindering access to quality health care delivery. These include, inadequate budgetary allocation by the government, inadequate access to health facilities, poor working conditions, inadequate health personnel and accommodation and health equipment among others. Mr Ahenu called on the government to ensure that all uncompleted health facilities across the country are completed especially those in deprived and poor districts to help citizens have access to quality health care delivery. He Also urged the government to equip all health facilities especially district hospitals to enhance provision of quality health care delivery at the local level. The Chief Executive Officer of Evelyn Arthur Health Foundation, Miss Evelyn Arthur, said as a health development-oriented NGO, they will work to prevent diseases, promote health, socio-economic development and status of vulnerable and disadvantaged women, children, youths and men in community settings through adoption of Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) strategy. She called for both technical and financial support from public, private foundations and corporate institutions to carry out their activities

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]]>Miscellaneous2022-08-16T08:46:41+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12497/some-few-ways-to-deal-with-dimentiahttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12497/some-few-ways-to-deal-with-dimentiaDementia is a general term that denotes loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with one's daily life. Alzheimer's is said to be the most common cause of dementia. Most health services have revealed that there is good evidence that says a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing dementia. There are many different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being one of the most common. As a person gets older, the rate of developing dementia is high and thus, increases your risk developing dementia. Though symptoms can vary widely from person to person. There are several foods you should regularly include in your diet. As individuals, you should include beans more than three times a week into your diet, berries at least two times a week, and green leafy vegetables such as salad at least six times a week. Also, xperts agree that what is good for your heart is also good for your brain, meaning that you can help reduce your risk of dementia by keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. Avoid being overweight or else, being overweight increases your blood pressure and the risk of type 2 diabetes, both of which are linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Statistics show that one in 14 people over the age of 65 have dementia. Therefore, do your best to avoid it.

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]]>Miscellaneous2021-11-15T08:23:25+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12484/early-morning-actions-to-adopt-if-you-want-to-have-a-successful-dayhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12484/early-morning-actions-to-adopt-if-you-want-to-have-a-successful-dayAs individuals we might want to consider starting a more productive lifestyle if we want to achieve a successful day. Though we can’t control every aspect of our day, we can properly prepare ourselves for a successful morning which will evidently help generate an overall successful day. To start a successful day, there is the need to wake up on time. This helps you to get more time for yourself. This means, you need to sleep on time and also wake up on time because getting a beauty sleep is very important. Remember, when you don't get a beauty sleep, it speeds up your aging process and I bet you would want to avoid that. Secondly, if you want to achieve a successful day, a little morning routine exercise to make it easier to freshen up for a more brighter day. Also, there is the need to psyche your mind to avoid things that won't be of help to you. You can do this to release stress through some peaceful meditation. This clears your mind and in turn prepare you for a big day ahead. Finally, before you start your day, the most important thing to do is to plan your day. You need to have a to-do list that will help you organize yourself. This list will help you to check whether you have achieved your purpose at the end of the day. Try these early morning habits if you want to experience an impact over your life, and also enjoy a stress-free life.

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]]>Miscellaneous2021-11-08T08:35:15+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12481/ways-to-create-an-enjoyable-fitness-planhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12481/ways-to-create-an-enjoyable-fitness-planMany at times, people think “working out” means going to the gym, lifting weights or running. And, this ends up being a barrier to exercise if we don’t like to go to the gym, lift weights or run. Finding a meaningful and beneficial workout plan is much simpler than many people may think. There are a wide range of activities that help to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular health which is overall health. Finding a fitness plan that you can actually enjoy and will stick to is more than simply finding a recommended workout online or a fitness video series you enjoy. There are few steps to developing a plan that works well for you and will set you up for continued success. Here are three simple steps to crafting your own fitness plan, based around activities you actually enjoy, and a schedule that actually works for your lifestyle: 1. what are your fitness goals? Know your goals, and build from there. Is it weight loss? Building muscle? Tone and firm? Are your goals functional, aesthetic, or both? Start by getting in touch with why you want to work out. Then, you can create a plan that helps you achieve those goals. 2. What exercise activities do you like? In order to be active and enjoy your fitness plan, you have to know the activities you enjoy like running, hiking, boxing. There are plenty of fun and enjoyable ways to stay active with physical activities you enjoy and find fulfilling. 3. Create a schedule that works for you. It’s often said that, in fitness, half the work is just putting your shoes on. For many people, the hardest part of creating a new fitness routine is just getting out the door. Whether that’s going to the gym, running in your neighborhood or going to a yoga class, the initiative it takes to get started is truly half the battle. To make it easier on yourself to stick to a new fitness plan, there are a few important scheduling tips to follow: When do you like exercising?What makes sense for your daily schedule? How often do you aim to be active? Do your desired activities require a specific schedule? Taking all these factors into consideration, plan out a basic weekly fitness schedule that works for you. While it’s best for consistency to keep the same schedule each week, it’s also okay if your schedule changes weekly and you need to adjust your fitness schedule accordingly. Stay safe and stay fit.

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]]>Miscellaneous2021-11-04T10:52:20+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12480/thought-of-early-morning-aerobics-check-out-it-s-important-benefitshttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12480/thought-of-early-morning-aerobics-check-out-it-s-important-benefitsWe always wonder if every kind of exercise fall under Aerobics. But to prove you wrong, all kinds of exercises have their own benefits and categories it belongs to. When we talk of Aerobics, it's the use of air to breakdown fat and glucose for energy. Aerobics involves the use of the muscles to increase blood supply and energy in the body. Aerobic exercises include dancing, fitness walk, swimming, bicycling and jumping rope. Aerobic has a lot of benefits and for those who want to loose weight then aerobics must be a great deal for you. Aerobics also decrease blood pressure and strengthens your immune system which helps to keep you away from a lot of diseases. Good news for my ladies, studies show that aerobics decrease your chance of developing breast cancer if you exercise at least three times a week. Inasmuch as aerobics improves your muscles, it can also lower your risk of contacting type 2 diabetes and certain kinds of cancer. Let me not bore you, just bear in mind that regular exercise makes your body resistant to diseases.

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]]>Miscellaneous2021-11-04T10:03:14+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12400/haf-and-fyf-re-commission-yamoransa-model-lab-2https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12400/haf-and-fyf-re-commission-yamoransa-model-lab-2The Helping Africa Foundation (HAF) and the Friends of Yamoransa Foundation (FYF) have inaugurated new additions of the Yamoransa Lab 2 at Gbawe in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. The YM Lab 2 which is one of the eight ultra-modern ICT training centers constructed by the two Foundations under the Yamoransa Model Lab program was re-commissioned and it’s new additions inaugurated to the students, parents and community of Weija-Gbawe to enhance learning beyond ICT. The facility which consisted of a 35-seater capacity Edulab and makerspace for Robotics, 3D printing, and coding, currently has a Home economics center for catering, a sewing center, and a science laboratory and is fully powered by a solar system as its newest additions. These facilities are to help students of the school and community learn skills that would make them competitive and valuable in the job market in the future. The project was managed by IMPLEMENTERS, a non-profit project management organization that partners with charitable organisations, philanthropists and corporate institutions to positively impact communities. As project managers, Implementers undertook all the needs assessments, stakeholder consultations and ensured the effective implementation of the project and would continue with the management of the project for the next few years while monitoring, evaluating, and assessing the impact of the project. Speaking at the occasion to re-dedicate the facility and inauguration  the new additions, Mr. Kafui Prebbie, the Chief Executive Officer of TECHAiDE, a non-profit technology company indicated that the Yamoransa Model Lab 2 was running on a solar panel, big enough to power the makerspace (robotic center), home economics block, administration block, science laboratory block, sewing center, and the entire school. According to him, TECHAiDE which is responsible for the installation of all the Yamoransa Model Labs, would provide the necessary knowledge transfer to the managers  of the Lab for proper management and sustainability. Mr. Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the HAF said the Foundation has a mission to spread computer literacy throughout Ghana and Africa as a whole and disclosed that plans were far advanced for the Yamoransa ICT Model Lab to be introduced in The Gambia and other African countries. He revealed that the Foundation decided to add the Home Economics block to the L & A Memorial Academy because the school provides free breakfast to the students on each school-going day; and that the solar panels were to also reduce the huge electricity cost on the school. Dr. Deborah Rose (Ph.D.), President of the HAF indicated that the main purpose of introducing the Yamoransa ICT Model Labs was to promote the learning of ICT in the rural areas of Ghana. She said the project which is being offered for free is to ensure quality teaching, learning and research works amongst students, teachers, and community members and that the lab should be made accessible to all the schools in the Municipality. Dr. Rose revealed that the HAF and its partners had put in measures to assist the beneficiary communities of the Yamoransa Model Labs to manage and sustain their facilities. According to her, the Foundations had received a request from the Management of L & A Memorial Academy for a bus to be provided for the Centre to transport students to and from the lab. The President of HAF however said that the bus could only be provided on the condition that the city authorities (municipal assembly, member of parliament, and the chiefs) would ensure that the main road to the school is tarred. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija-Gbawe, Madam Tina Ayeley Mensah was not present at the ceremony, but Dr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, MP for Ablekuma South assured Dr. Deborah Rose of his readiness to assist the MP to lobby the Roads and Highways Minister for the road to be fixed. Commending Dr. Rose and her partners for supporting needy communities and impacting lives through the Yamoransa Model labs, Dr. Vanderpuije urged the students to take advantage of the Lab to become the best they could ever dream to become. Mr. Stephen Donkor, Headmaster of the L & A Memorial Academy commended the Helping Africa Foundation and Friends of Yamoransa Foundation for choosing their school to host the lab. He touted the many successes the school had chalked and the large number of influential personalities the L & A Memorial Academy has produced. Mr. Donkor assured the readiness of the school management to offer the needed support towards the sustainability of the lab. The occasion was graced by a representative of the Weija-Gbawe traditional council as a sign of support to the project and an appreciation of the good works of the Helping Africa Foundation.

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]]>Miscellaneous2021-07-07T23:17:05+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12077/mental-and-emotional-recovery-helpline-me-recovery-helpline-a-safe-place-to-remember-when-in-painhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12077/mental-and-emotional-recovery-helpline-me-recovery-helpline-a-safe-place-to-remember-when-in-painOur culture does not encourage opening up when in an emotional pain. In our part of the world, being able to shut up and swallowing it all up when in a mental or emotional pain is mistaken for strength. Unfortunately, research has shown in other parts of the world in recent times that not opening up to reach out when in pain displays weakness and not strength at all. To these parts of the world, when an individual Discover’s that he is in any form of emotional or mental pain, the first step he takes to seek help is a step towards recovery and healing and it is a sign of strength, good energy and hope. The World Health Organization estimates that, in every forty seconds, a person dies of suicide in the world and there are lots and lots of people who attempt suicide but fail worldwide. This Statistics includes Africa and Ghana as well. This point to the fact that we may be isolated geographically but what affects us psychologically is the same worldwide. Let me add that, when we say that we are not alone, we mean to say that, we are connected as a people emotionally and mentally. Why then do we insist on silence when an individual is in an emotional or mental pain in our local communities? I have discovered that, in times past, our people did not have systems available for people who needed help in these areas. Yes, psychologists and professional counselors have always been with us. Unfortunately, not anyone in crises could afford these services. Our people not knowing what to do, shifted the responsibility back to the sufferers and told them to be strong enough to swallow it up. This intervention has never been good enough as there are cases of suicide in Ghana too. People die of suicide or attempt suicide in Ghana too. The more we try to ignore this fact and treat, the subject as a taboo, the more people die. We cannot continue to keep the discussions closed as we are also in danger of it. Three years ago, I sat in the call center of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in Johannesburg as a mental health advocate in training. SADAG is the leading mental health advocacy organization across Africa. Their impact on the country, South Africa in terms of education, support and advocacy in the field of mental health is amazing. Education of mental health is advanced in the country and I can partly attribute this to SADAG’s work in the country. At the SADAG call center, I was impressed at the rate at which people reached out and called their helpline when in crises of various emotional and mental problems. When I think about the striking difference between Ghana and South Africa in terms of reaching out, I can say that culture plays a role.Our people are taught to keep their pain to themselves; our people believe that silence is strength. This intuition can seemingly be equated to telling an Ulcer patient to keep the pain to themselves. If we find this impossible, then let us accept that, we have done more harm than good to the millions of people in our country who have had to deal with depression and other related issues. We cannot continue to adjust to this way of life because of our lack as a people. For if we cannot tell the Diabetic patient to snap out and be strong because there are no hospitals available for their treatment, we should never under any circumstance tell the patient with depression not to be depressed or not to open up because we lack structures that can readily assist them. We must break the culture. Keeping quiet is fatal when it comes to emotional pain. Mental illness does not heal in silence. We must break the chain of silence. The first step in breaking the culture of silence is to ensure that there are structures available for people to reach out to when they find themselves in crises. CNG Foundation has partnered with well equipped psychologists and professionals in the mental health filed to provide free, confidential and professional counseling to people who battle with mental and emotional problems across Ghana. ME Recovery Helpline is a safe space where you can call to access free professional counseling when dealing with life and its many battles. All you need to do is to call our weekday evening helpline on 0302909104 or WhatsApp our 24-hour text line on 0242658035 so that a professional will be tasked to reach out to you. It is very simple to access everywhere you are and at anytime. We believe that this kind of help must be free in every country in the world. For we all need a shoulder to lean on when in pain. And what is real in South Africa and America and other parts of the world is equally real in Ghana; because we are connected to each other in this specific area. We are all at risk of depression and Suicide. We are all at risk of emotional pain sometimes. And the earlier we unlearn the culture of silence, the better it is for us all. We hear rumors and stories of suicide every now and then in our country in recent times. The first few weeks after the incident, we host grand media shows to discuss the subject. However, we forget as fast as possible when the pain of grief and loss is no longer in our hearts. And all of a sudden, the subject becomes a taboo to us. Some People frown on education of Suicide because they feel that it triggers suicidal ideations in others. Funny enough, people die of suicide with or without the mention of it. It is better for us to face it since it has become a real canker in our society. We cannot continue to live and suffer in Silence when there is help in our country. Wherever you are in the country, whatever time it is and how ever the pain may feel, help is a text or a call away. LET US REMEMBER THAT SILENCE IS FATAL AND OPENING UP IS STRENGHT. Visit Website :  http://www.candlenightglobal.org/ Whatsapp 0242658035 Call 0302909104

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]]>Miscellaneous2020-05-31T11:57:42+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12003/covid-19-sir-dr-edward-gyader-presents-john-mahama-ppes-and-csm-vaccines-to-upper-west-health-directoratehttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12003/covid-19-sir-dr-edward-gyader-presents-john-mahama-ppes-and-csm-vaccines-to-upper-west-health-directorateThe leader of the opposition NDC HE John Dramani Mahama this morning presented logistics to the Upper West Regional Health Directorate to fight the novel COVID -19 disease and CSM (cerebral Spinal Meningitis) The items which include drugs and vaccines for the CSM fight also had PPEs for frontline health worker against the pandemic coronavirus. Disposable Coverall, Surgical gloves, Disposable face shields among others. At a brief ceremony at the forecourt of the regional secretariat of the Health Services, a former council of state member and medical personal HE. Dr Edward Gyader said the presentation is been done on behalf of the former President HE John Mahama. Sir Gyader said the situation of the Upper West region is fighting two battles as COVID-19 and CSM have emerged at the same time putting much pressure on our health personal hence the need to donate to the services to enable the frontline workers to fight this disease. ‘’We are happy that our former president, leader of the NDC is fully conscious that the ministry of health, the workers, the nurses, the doctors, they are the frontline soldiers in this battle and that is why we are bringing these things to you here. We have to assist you to fight a good and win the battle’’ the renown surgeon added. With the issue of CSM which has so far killed over 34 people here in the Upper West Region with more than 243 cases recorded. Sir Knight Gyader explained that the region is within the CSM endemic zone in Africa suggesting some preparations should be done to block the insurgent of disease here every year around this time. He, however, said the indicators on CSM has improved as not more one case has been reported this week. ‘’I am told that the curves, the graph is flattening for the CSM. For about one week they haven’t discovered more than one case in any district, it means the control is coming on well and we should prepare against it. Not to wait for more to occur, what we are doing now is damage repair and the damage has already been done’ ’he added. The regional director of the service Osei Kuffor received the items and promised the entourage it will be put to good use. He thanked the NDC for the support and edged that the doors of the service are open for more support to fight the deadly pandemic. ‘‘our sincere gratitude to the NDC, the executives and everybody gathered here for coming to add their support to what we are already doing. Ever since this problem came about, that is COVID-19 and also Meningitis, we called on individuals, personalities, organizations to come to our aid and I believe this has come in to complement what we already have’’ Mr Osei Kuffour noted. He again added that the general public should emulate the kind gesture to enable the health service to fight the pandemics. He again thanked the entourage for the Meningitis vaccines. In the entourage doing the presentation at the health, secretariat included the regional Chairman of the NDC Abdul Nasir Bunas and his executives and other party faithful. The logistics are said to be up to the tune of about fifty thousand Ghana cedis (GH 50,000)

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]]>Miscellaneous2020-04-09T18:24:50+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12000/covid-19-hon-dr-sandaare-supports-daffiam-bussie-issa-health-directoratehttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/12000/covid-19-hon-dr-sandaare-supports-daffiam-bussie-issa-health-directorateThe Member of Parliament for the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI) constituency, Dr Sabastian Sandaare, on Tuesday donated a sum of ten thousand Ghana Cedis to support the DBI health directorate in the fight against COVID-19. In a statement released by his constituency executives described the gesture as an ‘interim intervention’ to fight the novel coronavirus faced by the world. This pandemic has caused several countries to lockdown its citizens in a way to stop the spread of this deadly disease with no known cure or vaccine. The disease which was first recorded in the Chines city of Wuhan in the Hubei Province of China is traced to a live animal market with indications of animal-to-human spread and later human-to-human spread out of Wuhan. Find the statement below.   NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS COMMUNICATION BUREAU, DAFFIAMA-BUSSIE-ISSA Immediate Release 31st March 2020 HON SEBASTIAN SANDAARE DONATES TO DAFFIAMA-BUSSIE-ISSA HEALTH DIRECTORATE The Member of Parliament for DAFFIAMA-BUSSIE-ISSA Constituency, Hon Sebastian Sandaare has, today, donated an amount of ¢GH10,000.00 to the District Health Directorate in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District to help them fight the deadly pandemic, covid-19. He made the donation as an interim intervention to help assist the Health Directorate to train its workers, procure PPEs and other logistics for the health facilities in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District. The Member of Parliament would continue to mobilize more resources to help combat the pandemic. He wishes to admonish all constituents to take the fight against the pandemic seriously by adhering to the recommended preventive measures.  The doors of the Member of Parliament remain opened to the health directorate and any other stakeholder as he is ready to assist within his capacity to ensure that the lives of the people of Daffiama-Bussie-Issa are safeguarded. On behalf of the Member of Parliament and the Constituency Executive Committee, the Communication Bureau urges everyone to try to stay safe in these times of tribulations. It is our hope that with our collective effort as a district and with God on our side, we shall get over this pandemic soon. Our best regards. #StopTheSpread# Thank you. ...signed... Denis Andaban (Communication Officer) 0549734023 Gandiibu Naa Evans (Deputy Communication Officer) 0542196374

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]]>Miscellaneous2020-04-03T16:28:00+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11957/uwrwhere-is-our-ambulance-daffiama-bussie-issa-constituency-roarshttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11957/uwrwhere-is-our-ambulance-daffiama-bussie-issa-constituency-roarsConstituents of the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa district have asked the DCE of the area, Hon. Moro Sanda to account for the ambulances that were recently distributed by the President HE Nana Addo to all constituencies in the country. In a press statement, the NDC constituency communication Bureau is also seeking to know how the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Hafiz Bin Salih could take custody of the ‘health purpose’ vehicle without onwards release to the DBI constituency. The four hundred and forty-seven worded statement cautioned ‘‘It would be very wrong if the ambulance is parked anywhere outside the constituency’’ describing their acts of enquiries as a ‘‘matter in the spirit of probity and accountability’’ The PRO of the Regional Coordinating Council Mr Cletus Awuni in an interview on radio MAk here in Wa last week, disclosed the regional minister had ordered assemblies without warehouses for ambulance purpose to do so before taking custody of the vehicle. He again revealed that the ambulances would be housed at the nearest warehouse to districts that do not have shelter for ambulances. Read the full statement below. NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS COMMUNICATION BUREAU DAFFIAMA-BUSSIE-ISSA CONSTITUENCY 06/02/2020 IMMEDIATE RELEASE. WE DEMAND TO KNOW THE WHEREABOUTS OF OUR AMBULANCE The Communication Bureau on behalf of the National Democratic Congress and the good people of the DBI constituency, wish to ask the District Chief Executive of DBI and the Regional minister where our ambulance can be located. On 29th January 2020, we received information about the arrival of the Upper West share of the ambulances, with the consolation that our emergency health situation in the district would improve. The media reported that our ambulance has arrived in the region and the regional mister received the health purpose vehicle. Indeed, the people of DBI deserve an ambulance. Considering the fact that, Daffiama-Bussie-Issa is a deprived District with inadequate health facilities, affecting quality health delivery, the ambulance is going to help ameliorate the challenge of non-availability of an ambulance in the area which has left even expectant mothers be carried on motorbikes. Even though the delivery was delayed unnecessarily, we think it is a very good intervention only if the facility is managed and maintained well. Sadly, after we were told of the arrival of these ambulances, we still cannot find it in the constituency. No explanation has been given, whatsoever, on why the facility has not yet arrived at the constituency after we are told it was at the RCC there in Wa. We wish to state that the ambulance was procured for the people of Daffiama-Bussie-Issa. It would be very wrong if the ambulance is parked anywhere outside the constituency. We wish to call on the District Chief Executive to give us an update on where the ambulance is located since our checks indicate that, it is not in the constituency. We also demand that the ambulance be moved to the constituency. This would enable residents of the constituency to have immediate access to it. The constituents who are the direct beneficiaries of the ambulance deserve to know the whereabouts of the ambulance as they equally deserve to enjoy from such health policies by the government of this country. We wish to assure the good people of the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa constituency, that as a party whose ideology represents the interest of the people, we shall do the needed advocacy on the matter in the spirit of probity and accountability and ensure, as well, that the constituency owns and uses the facility given to it. If there is any attempt to shortchange the people, by keeping the ambulance anywhere outside the constituency, we shall vehemently resist that in the collective interest of the constituency. Thank you. Denis Andaban Communication Officer (0549734023) Hon Naa Evans Gandiibu Deputy communication Officer (0542196374)

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]]>Miscellaneous2020-02-07T11:37:10+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11868/deputy-masloc-ceo-abibata-makes-timely-donation-of-medical-items-to-yendi-hospitalhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11868/deputy-masloc-ceo-abibata-makes-timely-donation-of-medical-items-to-yendi-hospitalThe Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of MASLOC, 2020 Aspiring Member of Parliament (MP) for Yendi Constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah has made a timely donation of cartons of medical consumables to the Yendi Municipal Government Hospital in the Northern Region. The donation follows her usual natural drive to give back to the society, and the public outcry over the frequent shortages of basic medical supplies or consumables the hospital has been grappling with. The items donated by the Aspiring MP and her team included cartons of Disposable Gloves, Cannulas, Giving Sets, Plasters, Syringes, Gauze and Needles, Methylated Spirit and Cotton wool among others worth thousands of Ghana cedis.  Presenting the items to the Assistant Medical Superintendent of the Yendi Municipal Government Hospital, Hajia Abibata emphasized that giving back to society was of great importance to her. “As a proud daughter of Yendi who was born at this very hospital, it is my desire to see the hospital in a better shape than its present state, and I am going to inform the appropriate institutions responsible to pay special attention to the hospital”. The Deputy MASLOC CEO said she confident that coming through with those medical supplies would also offer her the opportunity to assess the true state of the facility, how healthcare services are being delivered to patients and some of their challenges or immediate needs. According to her, the Yendi Municipality which is the second largest city after the regional capital, Tamale, deserved the best in terms of health facilities to prevent some of the needless deaths especially maternal and infant mortalities. Hajia Abibata therefore told the Management, staff and all the patients of the hospital of her personal commitment to lobby the relevant bodies to give the hospital the needed facelift. “I will continue to support this hospital in the best ways I can, because this is all we have for now and we must maintain it to serve our people well”. Hajia Abibata indicated that one of the key needs of the citizenry was quality health care and that the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was working assiduously to improving the health system across the country. She assured the good people of Yendi that very soon the one district one ambulance initiative of the Government would be a reality. She was conducted round the various wards and units by the hospital’s administrator where she interacted with patients and some nurses. She revealed her plans to make quality healthcare delivery one of her topmost priorities. The Yendi Municipal Government Hospital authorities expressed their profound gratitude to the NPP parliamentary aspirant for her foresight and sensitivity to support the facility, as they had run out of stock of most of the items donated.  “We thank the Deputy CEO for this kind gesture and we are highly overwhelmed with the donation. The equipment donated will improve healthcare delivery in this hospital and boost the morale of the patients and staff” Some of the nurses who spoke to WatchGhana.Com on the sidelines complained that they were sometimes compelled to use their bare hands to lift accident victims and other patients with strange diseases which put them at high risk. They said the donation had come as a huge relief to them and even the patients of the hospital. “The items donated by Hajia Abibata will relieve us in the delivery of our duties. Most of our clients are bedridden and so we take a lot of efforts to move them around and this is being done by we the nurses”. Meanwhile, the Yendi Municipal Hospital is the only referral facility with an Emergency Centre in the Eastern Corridor of the northern region, but lacks basic facilities such as monitors, thermometers and many more. They thus appealed to government to come to their aid in order to render quality health care to the people of the Yendi Municipal and its environs.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-08-20T10:03:01+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11818/ue-minister-launces-bolga-hospitals-needy-child-fund-donates-ghc10000https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11818/ue-minister-launces-bolga-hospitals-needy-child-fund-donates-ghc10000The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Paulina Patience Abayage has launched the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital’s Needy Child Fund and made a first donation of GH¢10,000.00 to the fund. She indicated that the fund stands to serve as a life saver for many children with health conditions that are bigger than the incomes of their families. In order to sustain the initiative to benefit children yet unborn, Hon. Abayage passionately appealed to corporate organisations, agencies and departments in the region and beyond to donate generously to the fund to save the lives of disadvantaged children who through no fault of theirs suffer certain wrench health conditions. At the official launch of the Needy Child Fund held at the Bolgatanga Regioanl Hospital’s Conference Hall in Bolgatanga, the Regional Minister, said if the children of Ghana would really be the trustees of the Country’s prosperity, then there was the need for all and sundry to provide them with quality and accessible healthcare. She explained further that society must create the suitable safety nets that are needed to provide the health needs of children as a basic right. “The collective society must come to complement the efforts of government and health service providers in bridging the access gaps in healthcare’’ she added Hon. Abayage commended the leadership of the hospital for the laudable initiative which seeks to affect the lives of many children positively. The Head of Paediatric Department of the Hospital, Mr. Mark Anthony Azongo said the initiative to introduce the Needy Child Fund is part of the department’s campaign for the survival of the child. He said within the last half year, seventeen parents and care takers have had to abscond with their children on admission because they had no valid insurance card and could not afford their hospital bills amounting to GH¢5,864.00. Mr. Azongo added that the number of sick children referred to higher facilities for further attention and could not afford the cost of medical bills is on the ascendency and as a result three of such innocent children died during the last quarter. He explained further that the cost of ambulance fee from Bolgatanga to Tamale Teaching Hospital is GH¢1,000.00 which is far beyond the affordability of most parents, hence they resorted to hiring commercial saloon cars with their own mobile oxygen and is about GH¢250.00 of which some parents of the needy children still struggle to afford. As a result, the unit took the initiative to launch the Needy Child Fund to save the lives of innocent children. He therefore, pleaded with the general public, organization, corporate bodies and individuals to contribute regularly to the fund.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-07-11T07:21:33+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11780/mtn-educates-students-on-substance-abusehttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11780/mtn-educates-students-on-substance-abuseMTN Ghana, has organized a programme to educate school children on the need to stay away from drugs in order to save their physical and mental health as well as their hopes and aspirations. The programme, which is organized in collaboration with Narcotics Control Board, is to assess the impact of substance abuse on the youth and how it translates into destroying their future and robbing the nation of quality human resource. Speaking to the GNA on the sidelines of the programme at the Manheam Community Centre, Tema Newtown, the Human Resource Executive of MTN, Madam Amma Benneh-Amponsah observed that Ghana “has a lot of potentials; there is a lot that we can do within our country,” and therefore the need to build the right environment for citizens, mostly the youth to prosper. Madam Benneh-Amponsah indicated that Ghana has had substance abuse in the past “but the rate is becoming extremely high. We are conservative people and to see substance abuse permeate our country is a bit sad. The onus is on businesses and organizations to take advantage and support the fight against substance abuse.” Madam Benneh-Amponsah said MTN chose Tema Newtown for the programme because it was a community with many cluster of schools, “A community that required support and a community we believe would make a difference.” She indicated that once they had walked into Tema Newtown, MTN would become part of the community “and we will continue to support the community and partner with the schools to ensure that our effort does not end anyhow, but one that is continues and would see results coming.” Madam Benneh-Amponsah asked other corporate bodies to join in the struggle to rid the menace of substance abuse from the Ghanaian society. Madam Juddy Mensah, Divisional Supervisor, Narcotics Control Board, observed that the situation of substance abuse in Ghana was very alarming, “And that is why MTN has seen the need to collaborate Narcotics Control Board.” She said, “You look into our communities and you will observe that it is pathetic, it is worrying. Young able-bodied men and women are in the rehab centres and little do we care about what we do with them.” Madam Mensah urged everyone to be part of the fight against the use of illicit drugs and the harm it could cause to Ghana’s socio-economic development.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-06-25T04:14:15+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11777/wa-regional-hospital-to-be-operationalised-soon-dr-nsiah-asarehttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11777/wa-regional-hospital-to-be-operationalised-soon-dr-nsiah-asareThe 160-bed capacity Upper West Regional Hospital will soon be inaugurated to cater for the health needs of the residents of Wa and the entire region. The Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare who made the revelation to Mugabe Maase, host of Inside Politics on Power 97.9 FM said the facility filled with modern equipment was undergoing its last phase of medical and laboratory testing ahead of its opening later this year. Dr Nsiah-Asare said the testing and calibration of the equipment which would ensure the safety of health workers and clients was necessary since they would also assure the functionality of the medical devices. “As I am talking to you now a team is at the Wa Regional hospital. The facilty is undergoing its last testing…We have to test the sewage system, gas and all other equipment” the GHS boss said. He also added that a group of persons who will be working at the facility is being trained to to be able to effectively work with the equipment to deliver quality health care to the people. The Akufo-Addo government has come under intense criticism after it missed the deadline to operationalise the health facility in the latter part of 2019. But Dr.Nsiah-Asare said the hospital is one of the hospitals that will be operationalised soon after the team inspecting it is done. About the Wa Hospital The Upper West Regional Hospital is one of the nine medical facilities that were constructed by an Egyptian capital investment company – Euroget De-Invest S.A under the erstwhile Mahama administration. The hospital which was initially priced at $61 million has not been operationalised despite its completion almost 2 years ago to treat more complex health conditions and also serve as a referral facility for the region and beyond. The Wa Hospital features a combination of single storey and high-rise structures spread about on a 133,000m² land area, and connected by a fine network of disability-friendly walkways, with an attractive green of growing grass on the outside of the walls in between the drainage system, according to Euroget. It hosts 12 different clinics – including pediatric, maternal health, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and dental facilities, with an accompanying pharmaceutical department that has a storage space fitted with drug-preserving refrigerating equipment. It also boasts seven different theatres: four of them on a surgical suite, two at the obstetrics and gynecology department, and one at the emergency and casualty department. There is an administrative block, an emergency/casualty unit, a radiology unit, a laboratory and blood bank, a physiotherapy unit, a burns unit, an intensive care unit, a three-storey in-patient block, a mortuary facility, three structures of 20-unit staff accommodation, and a parking space for 300 cars.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-06-25T04:02:49+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11772/depression-among-women-registering-disturbing-trend-in-berekum-municipalityhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11772/depression-among-women-registering-disturbing-trend-in-berekum-municipalityThere is increasing trend of depression among pregnant women and girls in the Berekum Municipality in the Bono Region, Mrs Salomey Mensah, the Berekum Municipal Mental Health Coordinator has said. This is because most men who impregnate women and girls neglected and abandoned them, whilst many parents in the area also fail to accept their girls who are impregnated. She said cases of depression and teenage pregnancies were common, and highly recorded at Berekum Zongo, Senease, Kato, Koraso, and Ayoronpe communities. In an interview with newsmen on the side-line of a training workshop on maternal mental health held in Berekum, Mrs Mensah said 80 percent of the about 1,485 cases of mental health were depression. Organised by MIHOSO International, a health centered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) the training workshop was attended by 30 maternal mental health patients in the Municipality. They are made up of leaders from self-help groups established and being supported by MIHOSO undertake livelihood empowerment programmes such as bead and soap making, livestock production, hair dressing dressmaking to enable them buy drugs and fend for their families. The training workshop is in line with a project titled “enhancing maternal mental health of 29,520 pregnant women and mothers and their children to realise child health in Ghana”, being implemented by MIHOSO with funding from CMB, International, an NGO. Aimed at improving access to quality and appropriate maternal and child health services to target women and children, the three –year project is being implemented in 18 Districts and Municipalities in the region. Mrs Mensah who is a Principal Nursing Officer indicated that this year alone about 60 new cases of mental disorders had been recorded in the Berekum Municipality with depression, epilepsy, psychotics and substance abuse being common. She regretted that many men and families abandoned their wives and relatives who one way or the other had mental disorders, a situation she added were affecting the recovery or treatment processes of many of the patients. Mrs Mensah spoke on and condemned public stigmatization of patients saying because of high stigma and discrimination, some of the patients put on drugs had failed to go for check-ups. Many of the maternal mental patients who spoke during the training expressed discomfort over intermittent shortages and high cost of drugs, and appealed to the government to do something about it. Mr Thomas Benarkuu, the Programme Director of MIHOSO, appealed to the various District and Municipal Assemblies in the three regions to support the patients to access drugs for their treatment. He said mental health remained a huge health burden, adding that patients could be treated if they continue taking the course of drugs. Mr Benarkuu expressed appreciation to CMB International for the project, which he said was making huge impact on the socio-economic livelihoods of the patients.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-06-19T06:56:01+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11749/ghana-aids-commission-trains-media-for-more-hivaids-reportinghttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11749/ghana-aids-commission-trains-media-for-more-hivaids-reportingThe Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has trained health reporters in the Central Region on HIV and AIDS Reporting. GAC urged the Journalists to use their medium to accurately educate the masses, reduce stigma and encourage behaviour change. Speaking at the training, Mr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, the acting Director General of Ghana AIDS Commission noted that stigmatization is making it difficult for people to check their HIV/AIDS status. He added that, HIV has no cure but there is a scientifically proven therapy to suppress the virus, which is the anti-retroviral (ART) that works when taken diligently. However, as at December 2018, only 113,000 out of the nearly 335,000 persons living with HIV were on anti-retroviral treatment. This low uptake of ART is due to the fact that many diagnosed people are in denial of having the virus or are not aware of the treatment. This according to him, called for media capacity enhancement, to ensure frequent education to inform people. “I encourage you all to use your reach and influence to give people the information they need to protect themselves from HIV, educate them on the treatment in case they are infected with the virus and help reduce stigma and discrimination”, urged Mr. Atuahene. Making a presentation on the HIV situation in the Central Region, Dr. John Oto, the Cape Coast Metro Health Director noted that, Central Region with a population of about 3 million has over 26,000 persons living with HIV, comprising about 9,000 males and 17,000 females. However, the Health Service has been providing anti-retroviral treatment to only about 68.2% of these persons living with HIV. He emphasized that, the media has more work to do, to sensitize and educate people in order to achieve the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (2016-2020) with the goal to end AIDS by 2030 and accomplish the “90-90-90 fast track target by 2020. In explaining the strategy, Dr Oto indicated that, by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV are expected to know their status, 90% of people diagnosed with HIV infection are to receive sustained anti-retroviral therapy and 90% of people receiving anti-retroviral therapy will have viral suppression. Participants expressed their gratitude to GAC and UNDP and noted that the training has broadened their knowledge and will enable them to raise more awareness on the importance of early detection of the virus. They also assured the organizers that, going forward, more education will be tailored to help reduce HIV related stigma and discrimination to encourage uptake of HIV services. “We are going to do a lot of education and advocacy on our airwaves from now onwards. The knowledge gained will also help us in our reportage, in order to change people’s perception about persons living with HIV”, stated Jennifer Rashida Yoke, Benyiwa FM, Cape Coast. The training had 36 participants from print, broadcast and online media, who were encouraged.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-06-05T12:08:12+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11695/avoid-littering-to-guard-against-outbreak-of-diseases-sunyani-mcehttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11695/avoid-littering-to-guard-against-outbreak-of-diseases-sunyani-mceMrs Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive has advised people in the Municipality to avoid littering of plastic waste and containers to guard against the outbreak and spread of diseases. She said with the onset on of the rains, plastic containers and bags would create fertile and breeding grounds for mosquitoes to thrive and cause malaria. Mrs Owusu-Banahene said poor environmental sanitation and unhygienic condition could also contribute to the outbreak of cholera, and advised households to guard against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the regional capital. She said the Assembly was determined to ensure that refuse containers and waste bins were placed at vantage points and in neighbourhood, saying people who would be caught littering around would be prosecuted. Mrs Owusu-Banahene gave the advice when she performed ground breaking ceremony for work to begin on construction of a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church hospital at Abesim in the Sunyani Municipality. The ultra-modern hospital project, costing US$35,000, and to be completed by the end of the year, is being funded by Pastor Guillermo E. Biaggi, the General Vice President of the SDA in response to an appeal by Barimah Kumi Acheaw, the Chief of Abesim. Barimah Acheaw made the appeal in November last year, when Pastor Biaggi held an evangelism crusade in the town to propagate the Word and win souls to the Kingdom of God. Mrs Owusu-Banahene said good health increased productivity, and advised Ghanaians to balance their diet, eat more fruits and drink enough water and avoiding eating late. She commended the SDA church for the hospital project which needed to be extended to other deprived communities in the Municipality. Pastor Paul Twumasi Danquah, the President of the Midwest Ghana Conference of the SDA advised the people in the town to cherish and promote peace, unity and social cohesion.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-05-17T22:21:21+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11694/sda-church-constructs-us35000-hospital-at-abesimhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11694/sda-church-constructs-us35000-hospital-at-abesimThe Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive, Mrs Justina Owusu-Banahene has performed ground breaking ceremony for work to begin on the construction of an ultra-modern hospital at Abesim in the Municipality. The project, estimated at US$35,000, and expected to be completed by the end of the year, is being funded by Pastor Guillermo E. Biaggi, the General Vice President of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church. It followed an appeal by Barimah Kumi Acheaw, the Chief of Abesim, and Kyidomhene of Dormaa Traditional Area during an evangelism crusade held by Pastor Biaggi in the town in 2018, to spread the Word and win souls for the Kingdom of God. Mrs Owusu-Banahene emphasized the church remained a key partner towards accelerated national development and the government recognized and appreciated its significant contributions to nation building. She said the government would forever be grateful to the SDA church for helping to address the health needs of the people and improving and promoting quality education as well. Mrs Owusu-Banahene indicated that aside the spiritual development of members, it behooved on churches and religious bodies to also promote the developmental and societal needs of the people to make life comfortable for them. She emphasized that the government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of building a better Ghana, and rallied the support of all religious institutions, corporate bodies and civil society and non-governmental organizations. Pastor Paul Twumasi Danquah, the President of the Midwest Ghana Conference of the SDA Church said as key development partner, the conference would continue to collaborate with the Municipal Assembly to push forward development. Barimah Acheaw, the Chief of Abesim, thanked the church for the project, and hoped that on completion the facility would provide first class and quality services to improve on the health status of the people.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-05-17T22:11:37+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11674/charcoal-toothpastes-dont-whiten-teethhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11674/charcoal-toothpastes-dont-whiten-teethCharcoal-based toothpastes, which claim to whiten teeth, are a "marketing gimmick" which could increase the risk of tooth decay and staining, says a review in the British Dental Journal. The charcoal products, which are increasingly popular, often contain no fluoride to help protect the teeth. And there is no scientific evidence to back up the claims they make, the authors say. Excessive brushing with them can do more harm than good, they add. They advise people to go to their dentist for advice on bleaching, or whitening, their teeth. And they say it is better to stick to using a regular fluoride-based toothpaste. Charcoal was first used for oral hygiene purposes in ancient Greece, as a way of removing stains from teeth and disguising unpleasant odours from diseased gums. Celebrity effect Dr Joseph Greenwall-Cohen, co-author of the study from the University of Manchester Dental School, said "more and more shops are selling charcoal-based toothpastes and powders", including Superdrug, Boots and Tesco, after celebrities had started talking about using them. But he said the claims they made had been found to be unproven by a 2017 US review of 50 products. Some said they were "anti-bacterial" or "anti-fungal", that they helped with "tooth whitening" and would "reduce tooth decay". The review said people were brushing regularly with the charcoal-based products in the hope that they would offer "a low cost, quick-fix, tooth-whitening option". But too much brushing could lead to tooth wear and more sensitive teeth and, with few of the products containing fluoride or making the ingredient inactive, any protection from tooth decay was limited, it said. 'Don't believe the hype' "When used too often in people with fillings, it can get into them and become difficult to get out," Dr Greenwall-Cohen said. "Charcoal particles can also get caught up in the gums and irritate them." He said charcoal toothpastes and powders were more abrasive than regular toothpastes, potentially posing a risk to the enamel and gums. The charcoal contained in today's toothpastes is usually a fine powder form of treated charcoal, the review says. Charcoal can be made from materials including nutshells, coconut husks, bamboo and peat, and possibly wood and coal. Prof Damien Walmsley, from the British Dental Association, said: "Charcoal-based toothpastes offer no silver bullets for anyone seeking a perfect smile, and come with real risks attached. "So don't believe the hype. Anyone concerned about staining or discoloured teeth that can't be shifted by a change in diet, or improvements to their oral hygiene, should see their dentist."

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-05-15T21:50:45+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11656/gynecologist-warns-women-against-skin-bleachinghttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11656/gynecologist-warns-women-against-skin-bleachingDr James Boakye Fordjour, an Obstetric Gynecologist has warned young women against skin bleaching, saying the practice destroys the melanin content in the skin and cause skin and related body cancers. The melanin content, he explained was a black substance contained in the skin which protects it from sunlight and other poisonous elements that might infiltrate the body through the skin. Dr Fordjour gave the advice when speaking at a health seminar held in Sunyani and organized by the Mid-West Ghana Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church for young women in the church. Topics treated during the seminar on the theme “beauty for Christ” included - dangers of skin bleaching and beauty and skin care. Dr Fordjour who is a gynecologist at the Regional Hospital in Sunyani advised women to keep their natural complexion and beauty and refrain from body “make-ups” to remain healthy particularly during their old age. Pastor Paul Twumasi Danquah, President of the Midwest Ghana Conference advised the youth against sexual promiscuity, and “honour God with their bodies”. He observed that uncontrolled use of the social media was contributing to moral decay and acts of immorality among the youth, and advised the church to use the social media wisely to intensify evangelism and win souls for the Kingdom of God. Pastor Danquah told the youngsters what they read and watch on the social media influenced and impact on their thinking pattern, and cautioned them against watching pornographic on the internet and rather spent their leisure hours in reading the Bible and Christian literatures. Mr Yaw Ofori-Amanfo, the Head of the Centre for Technological Education and Training (CTET) at the Ghana Technology University advised parents to be responsible towards the holistic development and proper upbringing of their children. He observed that though social media had advantages, if not controlled it numerous disadvantages could ruin the future of the youth.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-05-06T23:02:16+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11655/it-tears-every-part-of-your-life-away-the-truth-about-female-infertilityhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11655/it-tears-every-part-of-your-life-away-the-truth-about-female-infertilityInfertility is a condition that affects approximately one out of every six couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple that has been unsuccessful in efforts to conceive over the course of one full year. When the cause of infertility exists within the female partner, it is referred to as female infertility. Female infertility factors contribute to approximately 50 percent all infertility cases, and experts say female infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all infertility cases. Scenarios “It’s like a judgment on your femininity and you do feel like less of a woman.”, Jocelyn, 45-year-old news caster said she spends most of her 30s trying to have a child and the failure to do so left her depressed, she says sometimes in tears. She confides “no specific issue is diagnosed with my uterus, ovulation, cervix and fallopian tubes, yet I am unable to get pregnant. I felt I was short of what is required of me as a woman and the failure to get pregnant made me obsessed, frustrated, envious and angry”. Jocelyn attributed her mindless triviality of moving from one clinic for infertility tests, and one prayer camp for spiritual healing to frustration. But, in all these disappointments, she said she haboured a nervous feeling that one-day she would be able to bear children. For Salamatu, the situation was more disturbing. At age 28, when she was already married, and after unsuccessful period of trying to have children, she took an infertility test and learned she had no problem with her ovules, fallopian tubes and cervix. The uncertainty, growing expectation of disappointment, according to Jocelyn and Salamatu a-44-year-old “waakye” seller highly exerted great stress on their marriage. But, they said their hopes of being pregnant and having babies were resuscitated when they heard that female infertility could be treated and prevented as well. Female infertility; causes, treatment and prevention Studies reveal most common causes of female infertility include problems with ovulation, damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, or problems with the cervix. Age can however contribute to infertility because as a woman ages, her fertility naturally tends to decrease. Medicine proves that ovulation problems may be caused by - hormone imbalance, tumor or cyst, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, alcoholism and drug abuse, excess weight, stress, intense exercise that causes significant loss of body fat and extremely brief mental cycles. Pelvic inflammatory diseases, previous infections, polyps in the uterus, endometriosis or fibroids, scar tissue or adhesions, chronic medical illness and birth defect can damage the fallopian tubes or uterus and lead to female infertility. More so, abnormal cervical mucus can also cause infertility - abnormal cervical mucus can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or make it more difficult for the sperm to penetrate the egg. Diagnosis Potential female infertility is assessed as part of a thorough physical exam and it will include a medical history regarding potential factors that could contribute to infertility. Health service providers may use urine or blood test to check for infections or a hormone problem, including thyroid function and a sample of cervical mucus and tissue would also be sued to determine if ovulation is recurring. Pelvic exam and breast exam as well as laparoscope inserted into the abdomen to view the condition of organs and to look for blockage, adhesions or scar tissue are also necessary to check female infertility. Treatment Female infertility is most often treated by taking hormones to address a hormone imbalance, endometriosis, or a short menstrual cycle, medications to stimulate ovulation, supplements to enhance fertility, antibiotics to remove an infection, and having minor surgery to remove blockage or scar tissues from the fallopian tubes, uterus, or pelvic area. Way forward It is established fact there is usually nothing that can be done to prevent female infertility caused by genetic problems or illness, however there are several things that women can do to decrease the possibility of infertility. These include prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), avoiding illicit drugs and heavy or frequent alcohol use, as well as adopting good personal hygiene and health practices and regular checkups. According to Dr Kwadwo Addai Darko, an Obstetric Gynecologist it remains extremely difficult for couples to have babies if they denied themselves sex for a long time. Preferably couples must have sex thrice a week to be able to bear children and guard against infertility, he status. Dr Darko, an obstetric gynecologist at the regional hospital in Sunyani said most often couples were unable to bear children, not because they are infertile, but because they denied themselves sex for a longer period. He said the best period for women to give birth was between 18 and 25 years, and cautioned couples to avoid late child birth, possibly give birth at shorter intervals. Dr Darko observed that it was also not good attitude for couples to stay or lived at different locations if they expected to give birth. Infertility, he explained was becoming a national health problem, and advised couples who were unable to have children to seek early medication and avoid the use of herbal medicine as well. Dr Darko noted that herbal medicine has no potency to manage or treat infertility, but it rather worsened and aggravated the condition of patients saying early diagnosis advanced treatment processes. He regretted that instead for especially women suffering from infertility to go for early medication, they comb around prayer camps and applied herbal medicines and concoctions which could not cure them. “When they are unable to meet their hopes and aspirations, they then visit hospitals which sometimes becomes too late for them”, he added. Studies, he said showed that many cases of female infertility were as a result of a breakdown or blockage of ovules and tubes due to infections such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV. In such cases, Dr Darko said if patients were placed on early treatment, there was the possibility for them to be treated and be able to give birth.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-05-06T22:57:56+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11653/gynecologist-advises-couples-to-have-sex-regularly-to-avoid-infertilityhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11653/gynecologist-advises-couples-to-have-sex-regularly-to-avoid-infertilityDr Kwadwo Addai Darko, an Obstetric Gynecologist has observed it remains extremely difficult for couples to have babies if they denied themselves sex for a long time. Preferably couples must have sex thrice a week to be able to bear children and guard against infertility, he told our correspodent in an interview. Dr Darko, an obstetric gynecologist at the regional hospital in Sunyani said most often couples were unable to bear children, not because they are infertile, but because they denied themselves sex for a longer period. He said the best period for women to give birth was between 18 and 25 years, and cautioned couples to avoid late child birth, possibly give birth at shorter intervals. Dr Darko observed that it was also not good attitude for couples to stay or lived at different locations if they expected to give birth. Infertility, he explained was becoming a national health problem, and advised couples who were unable to have children to seek early medication and avoid the use of herbal medicine as well. Dr Darko noted that herbal medicine has no potency to manage or treat infertility, but it rather worsened and aggravated the condition of patients saying early diagnosis advanced treatment processes. He regretted that instead for especially women suffering from infertility to go for early medication, they comb around prayer camps and applied herbal medicines and concoctions which could not cure them. “When they are unable to meet their hopes and aspirations, they then visit hospitals which sometimes becomes too late for them”, he added. Studies, he said showed that many cases of female infertility were as a result of a breakdown or blockage of ovules and tubes due to infections such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV. In such cases, Dr Darko said if patients were placed on early treatment, there was the possibility for them to be treated and be able to give birth.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-05-06T22:44:44+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11635/bill-gates-lauds-ghanas-medical-drone-delivery-projecthttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11635/bill-gates-lauds-ghanas-medical-drone-delivery-projectCo-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates has lauded Ghana for adopting drone technology to supply essential medical supplies to health facilities across the country. Ghana last month, inaugurated the Omenako centre in the Eastern Region to serve as a point from where blood and other essential medicines and vaccines will be distributed by drones to hospitals and other healthcare facilities. In a tweet, the business magnate and philanthropist commended Ghana and Zipline, the company responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of the drones for implementing the innovative idea. He tweeted: “It’s amazing to think about the creative ways we’ve delivered vaccines over the years (even by dog sled, when necessary). Today, a startup called Zipline is even using delivery drones to reach the most remote parts of the world.” Background The $12 million initiative, known as ‘Fly to Save a Life Project’, will fly special purpose drones from the Omenako centre to distribute essential medical supplies to health facilities in the Eastern Region, parts of the Ashanti and Volta regions as well as the entire Afram Plains. Constructed and operated by the San Francisco-based drones manufacturer and logistics services provider, Zipline, the new service will make emergency delivery of 150 different vaccines, blood products and life-saving medications on demand. Three more centres will be constructed at strategic locations in the country.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-05-01T17:20:17+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11630/upper-west-citizens-project-to-buy-ambulance-in-three-monthshttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11630/upper-west-citizens-project-to-buy-ambulance-in-three-monthsA group of well meaning citizens of the Upper West Region has launched a crusade to buy an ultramodern ambulance within the next three months to support emergency health service delivery in the region. The launch held at the Regional Library Complex hosted several patrons who gathered to show their support for such a wonderful citizens project in the region. The organisers explained the need for the Ambulance was very urgent in this time to augment the only two functional ones in the whole of the Upper West region. Testimonies of situations where luck of ambulance had caused people their lives were however shared by some residents to further back the need to have such a vehicle. The Chief Campaigner of the crusade and Regional Manager of GHACEM, Mr. Brain Seidu Sotaa, explained that "as humans our purpose in life is to benefit society irrespective of benefactor". Mr. Brain added that the originator of the crusade Miss Kadija is not resident of the region yet she saw the need to mobilize resources to buy an ambulance for the region. He described it as a well intended course that society must support massively to achieve. He said the collective efforts in this plight should be accepted by all as it stands to benefit everyone. He again used the gathering to call on other well meaning citizens to support in making the dream come true. In a speech by Campaigner Lawyer Shakur Saed the Regional State Attorney referencing to Martin Luther King Jr, said "citizens must ask what they can do for their country and not what their country can do for them". He said it is time every citizen of the region came on board. Lawyer Shakur went further to state the movement is nonpolitical and should be respected as such cautioning members to desist from using the crusade to score political points. Miss Kadija Erasung, the Originator of the crusade pledged to commit resources to achieve dream of an ultramodern Ambulance for the Upper West Region. She however thanked the Campaigners for their relentless drive so far in the quest to make her dream come through by calling on Upper West Youth Connect platform to continue to be ambassadors. The Chairman of the campaign Mr. Kalla Gaitten said said it is of great concern that citizens took upon themselves to make impact into society emphasizing on the human resources available from the Upper West Region to contribute their widows mite. An amount of GH¢ 200,000 is expected to be raised to purchase the ultramodern Ambulance for the region.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-05-01T14:14:49+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11621/feature-clinic-five-experience-a-person-living-with-hiv-tells-her-storyhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11621/feature-clinic-five-experience-a-person-living-with-hiv-tells-her-storyAfiba was tested in 1998 after they announced at the International AIDS Conference in Vancouver that combination therapy was effective. She supposes she needed to know that there was some treatment that would work first before she wanted to know. Back then, she was told that HIV might take five or 10 years off her life. Now, her life expectancy is the same and they call it “life altering” not “life limiting”. Afiba said she did not take it very well and for a while she stopped having sex and felt dirty, as she experienced a lot of grieving, lost a lot of friends and lovers, which was not easy. “I can’t say I was delighted when I was diagnosed, but I wasn’t totally freaked out” she confides. It all started when postmortem examinations showed that she had something compromising her immune system. That something was HIV. Although she said her first thought was to keep her diagnosis a secret, she discovered there were many women Sebastian had slept with before her who also needed to know their status. So said Afiba, she decided to be as open as she could, but “it was hard and though. Many women he had slept with would hardly believe Sebastian had HIV and some of them would even blame me”. “I did not disclose my status to anybody including my mother one day when I mustard courage and inform a nurse and in fact this was the beginning of my stigma and predicament”. Clinic Five In the Ghanaian society, they have come up with a name for it: “deadly HIV disease” “HIV patients”, and “HIV positives”, and indeed a name which conjures up an image in people’s minds on the infection. Realizing the efficacy of the Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART), Afiba said she was introduced and placed on an ART at the “Clinic Five”. Clinic Five is a “special unit” at the Brong-Ahafo Regional Hospital in Sunyani of which people living with HIV go for ART services. The facility offers free Counseling and Testing of HIV and AIDS to interested people in the Sunyani Municipality and the region who desire to know their status. According to Afiba, things were going normal when she started going for the free ART services, and her immune system was gradually building up. To her dismay, her HIV status has spread like wildfire after months she was placed on the ART as colleagues and even relations closer to her begin to point fingers at her. Afiba said she was in a state of dilemma and many thoughts were going through her mind. Thoughts of who was exactly behind the disclosure of her HIV status. Unending stigma at Clinic five Even a child at the regional hospital habour the perception that the moment a patient is referred to clinic five, it means he or she is diagnosed with, or suspected of HIV and AIDS. Initially, the situation was quite different until other patients who have chronic diseases – hypertension, diabetes and others, were also introduced to the Clinic Five for treatment. Investigations reveal that the decision taken by the hospital officials to make other patients to share the clinic with people living with HIV was minimize stigmatization, but it rather ended up in worsening the stigma situation. A sign post mounted in front of the Clinic Five provides information on services rendered at the clinic five ad that alone place societal stigma on people living with HIV who go for ART services. Various categories of chronic diseases including HIV have been listed on the sign post with days and period patients go for medication assigned to them. So when you sight a relative or friend at Clinic Five on Wednesdays, what goes through your mind is whether the person is going for HIV counseling and testing or accessing ART services. Not knowing, some friends and relations of Afiba spied and followed her secretly to the Clinic Five whenever she left house on Wednesdays to go for ART services. Their action, according to Afiba was to confirm whether she truly has HIV as speculated in the nieghbourhood. In fact when Afiba narrated her ordeals, I shared her sorrows and I decided in mind to find out the truth. My experience started when I conducted HIV test at the Clinic Five. Though I was confirmed negative, I decided to visit the clinic every Wednesday with the pretext of going for ART services. Officially, I introduced myself to one of the nurses on duty and in fact she gave me the human-face and the support to carry out with my investigations. For some weeks, I started visiting Clinic Five, I could realized people in my neighbourhood started behaving odd towards me and many of those I interacted regularly with started avoiding me. I informed my wife when I started this mission, so she was already aware of what I was trying to unravel and to my shock, she reveal to me one night that people in the neigbourhood had secretly inform her that I am “HIV positive”. Supposedly my HIV positive status had spread like wildfire in the neighbourhood and that was when I begin to feel the psychological and emotional trauma and what stigmatization and discrimination could have on people living with HIV in the Ghanaian society. Consequences of Stigma For fear of stigma, sexually active people are not going for the free HIV/AIDS voluntary counseling and testing to ascertain their status, to prevent the spread of the virus. According to Mr Ahmed Ibrahim Bimbilla, the Brong-Ahafo Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), despite the Anti Retroviral Therapy, HIV is still prevalent in the region with new infections spreading fast in rural than urban area. Speaking at a workshop for selected Health Journalists on HIV Reporting at Abesim, near Sunyani, Mr Bimbilla said it required concerted efforts to address challenges of stigma and discrimination because the HIV/AIDS situation in Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions was worrying. About 15 journalists attended the workshop, which was organised by the African Centre for Development Reporting, a Non-governmental Organisation, and sponsored by the United States Embassy in Accra. Recommendation A key trending and challenging issue contributing the spread of HIV is the growing population of female sex workers in three regions thus the need intensified campaign on safe sex and HIV and AIDS. According to experts, this is because people in rural areas mostly had unprotected sex - they do not use condoms and other contraceptives. Though the regions saw a sharp decline in HIV prevalence in 2017 of 2.0 from 2.7 in 2016, Mr Bimbilla said HIV/AIDS was fast spreading in the Sunyani, Wenchi and Kintampo municipalities. Ms Golda Asante, a Consultant on HIV/AIDS issues, said HIV remained a national development priority. She said Ghana had had several frameworks and strategic plans and interventions, which guided the nation in responding to HIV/AIDS. Ms Asante said currently the national population of HIV/AIDS was estimated at 316,613 people comprising 289,883 adults and 26,730 children. Current figures on new infections are estimated at 17,649 comprising 15,085 adults and 2,564 children.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-04-29T23:31:33+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11605/world-malaria-day-ghana-targets-100-malaria-testing-by-2020https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11605/world-malaria-day-ghana-targets-100-malaria-testing-by-2020As World Malaria Day is marked globally today, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) has revealed that it is pushing to achieve 100% malaria testing by 2020. Dr Nana Yaw Peprah, an Epidemiologist with the NMCP, said although malaria parasite prevalence among Ghanaians is reducing, lack of testing for the disease before medication remains a challenge. Speaking on the AM Show on the Joy News channel on MultiTV, Wednesday, Dr Peprah said malaria mortality figures for Ghana have taken a dip, revealing that in 2018, 428 people died from malaria, compared to 2,137 in 2015. “The gap is in testing. We are not having all the suspected cases being tested and, therefore, [people] don’t confirm malaria before [they] treat. So those are some of the few challenges we have. But per our objective, we want to achieve 100% testing. “Meaning that by 2020, we want to ensure that every suspected case in our [health] facilities is tested. We are doing more training with the prescribers…our hope is that as we engage [the prescribers], we give them the RDTs [Rapid Diagnostic Tests] to ensure that when people come to them they are tested,” he said. He added that it is important for people to get tested first for malaria before taking malaria medications because as parasitaemia levels drop “the mosquito can bite you but you will not get the malaria parasite. So the symptoms people will be showing may not necessarily be malaria.” He cited an instance where, in one region, an outbreak of meningitis was mistaken by many as an outbreak of malaria until health personnel detected the problem. World Malaria Day On Thursday, April 25, the NMCP will head to Somanya in the Eastern Region to launch this year’s World Malaria Day. First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, is billed at the launch. The choice of Eastern Region town – Dr Peprah told Mamavi Owusu-Aboagye, AM Show hostess – is in recognition of the relatively high malaria prevalence rate in the region compared to others. The theme for the 2019 World Health Day is “Zero Malaria Starts with Me.” The theme is a call for personal and stakeholder responsibilities to prevent and eradicate the disease in Ghana at a fast pace. Ghana is currently at the malaria control phase and is yet to move to the pre-elimination, elimination and eradication stages respectively. Dr Peprah said before Ghana can get to the elimination, the government must adequately fund control programmes by making the eradication high on its health agenda. ”For countries that have eliminated malaria, it was high on their agenda. Everybody kept talking about it – from the President to the Labourer,” he stressed. Meanwhile, statistics show that Ghana was doing well in all aspects of anti-malaria interventions. Under-five malaria fatality rate has reduced from 0.6% in 2012 to 0.16 per cent in 2018, representing a 73 per cent reduction, while malaria-related admissions regarding all ages have also reduced from 428,000 in 2012 to 351,163 in 2018, which was 18 per cent reduction.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-04-25T08:07:58+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11562/feature-infertility-an-unforgettable-dilemma-of-the-african-womanhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11562/feature-infertility-an-unforgettable-dilemma-of-the-african-womanCenturies in the Ghanaian society, if a couple is unable to have a baby; it is considered an abomination and a woman’s problem. For Abi and Dede, a fertile couple in their 20s, they have being having regular unprotected sex but there was no chance of conceiving each month. Some body will then ask what was amiss. The answer largely depends on how old the couple was. While the man‘s (Abi) age is thought to play a role, the medical definition of infertility focuses on Dede. A woman under 35 years old is considered infertile if she fails to become pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected sex. But for those over 35, the threshold is six months instead of 12. Diagnosis After two months of trying to conceive, the couple upon advice by a neighbour consulted their gynecologist for a referral to a fertility specialist. They undergo series of tests – blood test, ultrasound examination, and semen analysis. Blood Test - A series of tests that establish if there is a hormonal basis for the couple’s infertility- this may be connected by the hormonal supplements. Other tests will check for rubella, blood group, sperm antibodies and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C. Ultrasound Examination – This gives information on what the ovaries and uterus look like. Specialist will look at the growth of the eggs, the thickness of the lining of the uterus (if thin, it can indicate hormonal problems), the presence of the fibroids or polyps or the uterus as well as possible signs of endometriosis or ovarian cysts. Semen Analysis – Men need to provide a semen sample this allows specialists to assess the number of sperm, how well they swim (known as motility) and the presence of sperm antibodies. Predicaments Finding out Abi was infertile or sub-fertile; Dede said brought a sigh of relief to her, though she was going through serious predicaments and marital problems in attempts to save her marriage from collapse. According to her, she was left in a traumatic experience in the past 10 years of her marriage, as she experienced feelings of blame, denial, guilt, torture and anger which placed stress on her relationship. Though Dede was not responsible for not conceiving a baby, she said society has placed the responsibility on her, and labeled her with names. “As Christian I strongly believe that God gives children. That is my motivation because my in-laws and friends have on several occasion lured me to see a native doctor but I failed to so do knowing obviously that God’s time is the best”, she explained. But, Dede said she could no more stand the disgrace, stigma, insults and beatings from her in-laws and with advice from her spiritual father decided to open up and reveal results of the infertility test they conducted seven years ago. “In fact the revelation saved my marriage and brought me hopes to bear children because whilst I go through the unforgettable nightmares, my husband careless and failed to be put on treatment”, she said. After knowing the outcome of the infertility results, Dede said her in-laws carried some doubts, however, it took the intervention of the family specialist who conducted the tests to confirm it. So in the long run my husband could not resist the pressure from my in laws and accepted to be put on treatment. Types of infertility Both men and women suffer infertility problems and these are no more common in one sex than the other. Sometimes multiple factors are involved in one or both partners. Among couples who are infertile, medicine proves that about 40 percent of cases are exclusively due to female infertility, 40 percent exclusively to male infertility, and 10 percent involve problems with both partners. In the remaining 10 percent, the cause is unknown. Women can suffer from disorders such as hormone imbalances, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis or abnormalities of the reproductive organ. On the other hand men can infertility if they have problems with the number and shape of their sperm, produce antibodies against their own sperm or have blocked spermatic cords, but in some cases the exact cause of infertility cannot be explained. Treatment Proper diagnosis of infertility will help in selecting an appropriate treatment plan that maximizes the chances of becoming pregnant, but going through the treatment is an emotional rollercoaster for patients who failed to become pregnant after a number of cycles. According to Dr Edem K. Hiadzi, a Fertility specialist with the Lister Hospital and Fertility Center in Accra, it might take a while before a couple undergoing infertility treatments becomes pregnant. This is because there are many factors to take into consideration, but, he encouraged early treatment for couples with infertility problems. The beginning of a cycle is full of hope, anticipation and the anxiety of wondering “am I pregnant” and this can be quickly followed by dealing with the disappointment and despair of failed cycles. Ultimately, Dr Hiadzi who is the President of the Fertility Society in Ghana added the prospect of never having children might have to be faced. Way forward Speaking at a training on “role of the media to break the stigma around infertility and infertile women in Africa” recently held in Accra, Dr Hiadzi noted that illnesses such as tuberculosis and mumps could easily lead to infertility among men and women. Negative and outmoded cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation, and prolonged obstructed labour due to delays by unskilled birth attendants sometimes leads to fistula with the women leaking feaces or urine or both. The Ghana Journalists Association in collaboration with the Merck Foundation, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA , Germany organized the health media training to equip reporters to report accurately on infertility issues in the country and help control stigma. Dr Hiadzi said alcoholism, smoking, chronic Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as well as unsafe abortion were other contributory factors to infertility and advised Ghanaians to shun unhealthy lifestyles.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-04-09T09:25:39+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11559/give-your-partners-oral-sex-and-swallow-their-semen-to-avoid-miscarriage-studyhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11559/give-your-partners-oral-sex-and-swallow-their-semen-to-avoid-miscarriage-studyWomen who regularly give their male partner oral sex may be less likely to suffer recurrent miscarriages, scientists claim. Researchers believe swallowing semen strengthens a pregnant woman’s immune system in a way which makes foetuses more likely to grow healthily. This could be, they say, because it contains hormones and proteins from the man’s body, to which it could be useful for the mother to build up a tolerance. Vaginal exposure to semen – so unprotected sex – could also play an important role in a couple trying to conceive, but semen may be better absorbed in the gut. Researchers from Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands tested their theory comparing the pregnancy history and oral sex habits of 234 women. They acknowledged the study was small and did not provide evidence that swallowing sperm was leading to the lower miscarriage rate. But they believe their results are strong enough to suggest a link between the two and warrant more research. Some 97 of the women had suffered from recurrent miscarriage – a condition in which a woman has three or more miscarriages in a row. The condition is thought to affect around one in 100 women in the UK and may be triggered by genetic or hormonal problems, or infection. Many cases are unexplained. In their study, the scientists found the women having regular miscarriages were giving their partners significantly less fellatio. While 73 per cent of women in the non-miscarriage group regularly gave oral sex, only 57 per cent of those in the miscarriage group did. ‘Oral exposure to seminal fluid seems to… influence pregnancy outcome in a positive way,’ the researchers wrote. They added: ‘Our results suggest an association between less oral sex and the occurrence of recurrent miscarriage.’ By building up the mother’s tolerance to substances from the man’s body, the parents could give a foetus – half-made of the father’s DNA – a better chance of thriving. This could, the theory explains, make the mother’s immune system less likely to reject the baby and lead to its death. Past research may have focused too much on the mother’s own biology, the scientists suggested, instead of the impact of the father’s bodily fluids. The study was published in the Journal of Reproductive Immunology.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-04-09T07:46:50+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11526/be-professional-in-your-duties-in-spite-of-challenges-hon-amidu-chinnia-to-nurseshttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11526/be-professional-in-your-duties-in-spite-of-challenges-hon-amidu-chinnia-to-nursesDeputy Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Amidu Chinnia has called on nurses to discharge their duties in a professional manner in spite of challenges they face at their facilities. This he said is necessary to enable the country to meet the Universal Health Coverage we are currently committed to achieve as a country. This the Deputy Minister said during the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Lawra Municipal Hospital in Lawra yesterday as watchghana.com can report. He called on the need to improve way treatments to given to patients. “We also need to improve our client services skills as healthy professionals so that we can handle the sick well and give them the best of services when they visit our facilities” he added. Hon. Chinnia disclosed the Municipal Assembly was in collaboration with the member of Parliament for the area Hon. Anthony Karbo to build a modern Accident and Emergency Center, Neonatal Care Unit and a Fence wall for hospital. He assured Health facilities the NHIS has received clearance from the Central Government to defray all arrears owed here in the region. The Regional Director of the Health service Dr. Osei Kuffour Afreh, addressing the gathering said the theme for the celebration “90 years of quality Health Service delivery to the people of Lawra and beyond: Success, challenge and way forward” is most suitable as critically examining the past, present and future aspirations of Health Service at the facility needed to be looked at. The Member of Parliament for the constituency Hon. Anthony Karbo presented a first batch of 50 beds to the facility awaiting 100 more beds in the come months.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-03-24T09:50:12+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11478/unemployment-divorce-major-cause-of-mental-problem-in-ghanapsychiatristhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11478/unemployment-divorce-major-cause-of-mental-problem-in-ghanapsychiatristA Psychiatrist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Gaynor Ama Ankamah, has attributed the alarming rate of mental health cases being recorded in Ghana to unemployment, rampant divorce and substance abuse. Currently, she said one out of every four persons has mental health disorder, a situation which required urgent attention from the government before it worsens in the next five to 10 years. This is basically due to intermittent shortages of mental health drugs and impeding recovery process of patients. In an interview with the our correspondent on the sidelines of a specialist psychiatric outreach programme held in the Nkoranza Municipality, Dr Ankamah, a second year resident psychiatrist at the KATH said high unemployment, divorce and substance abuse were the major causes of mental problems in the country. Specifically, she mentioned abuse of tramadol as the highest cases being recorded at the KATH, and called on the government and Ministry of Health to up measures to control the sale and abuse of the drug among the youth. Dr Ankamah said cases were taking dangerous dimensions because many of the patients looked aggressive and they could harm people if they were left to roam on streets More than 100 people with various mental health problems in the Nkoranza Municipality benefited from the outreach programme, organised by MIHOSO International Foundation, a non-governmental organisation. Beneficiaries were screened and supplied with drugs to enhance their recovery processes during the day’s exercise, which forms part of a mental health project being implemented by the MIHOSO and Basic Needs UK, an international NGO with funding from the Department of International Development (DFID). Titled “enhancing maternal mental health of 30,000 pregnant women and mothers and their children to realise maternal and child health in Ghana”, the three-year project expected to end by 2020 is being implemented in 18 districts in the Brong-Ahafo Region. Dr Ankamah explained that though many mental health problems could not be treated, cases could be managed if patients put on drugs strictly adhere to the course and appealed to care-givers to support patients. She explained that mental health problem remained huge national challenge which affected all, and called for concerted efforts to help recover patients. Dr Ankamah dispelled the wrong societal perception that epilepsy was linked to witchcraft and curse, saying epilepsy could be treated if detected early among patients. Mr George Kwame Osei, the Nkoranza South Municipal Mental Health focal person, said about 1,088 new mental health cases had been reported at the Nkoranza Health Center with epilepsy and substance abuse recoding high figures. He explained that many of the cases were also not specified, adding that peri-natal disorders, schizophrenia, and attempted suicides were also recording alarming trends. Last year, Mr Osei said about 16 cases of attempted suicide and 99 cases of epilepsy were reported, but regretted about lack of drugs for patients. He added that drugs such as olanzapine, carbanazepam, phenobarbitone, chlrorpromazine, rasperidone, fluoxetine, amitriptyline and diazepam were needed urgently to aid the recovery process of patients and appealed to NGOs, and our development partners to support them. Mr Osei also called on the government to ensure that mental health problems were covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme saying drugs were costly and patients could not afford them.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-03-09T23:24:50+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11465/hivaids-fatality-rate-high-in-brong-ahafo-region-medical-directorhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11465/hivaids-fatality-rate-high-in-brong-ahafo-region-medical-directorHIV/AIDS fatality rate is assuming alarming proportion at the Brong-Ahafo Regional Hospital, says Dr Emmanuel Kofi Amponsah, the Medical Director. This means that 20 people out of every 1,000 reported cases of HIV/AIDS died at the Regional hospital, he explained and called for concerted approach and intensified public education to help reduce new infections. He said hypertension and diabetes also recorded high fatality rates and were among the leading cause of deaths at the hospital 2018. Dr Amponsah stated this when Lysaro and McHall Farms, a wholly owned Ghanaian company presented medical items and detergents worth US$55,000 to the hospital and other two health facilities in the region on Friday. The Regional hospital in Sunyani and the Dormaa Ahenkro Government Hospital received 10 beds each in addition to the detergent, whilst the Amasu health center received an ambulance. Dr Amponsah regretted over high rate of new HIV infections in the region, and the Sunyani Municipality in particular, despite intensified public education and appealed to the people to avoid unprotected sex. He said the hospital was faced with several challenges including obsolete medical devices and thanked the donors for the gesture and appealed for more support. Nana Kwadwo Asante, the Commercial Director of Lysaro and McHall Farms said the presentation was in line with the company's corporate social responsibility Programmes to address the health needs of citizens. He said this year the company intends to distribute 10 Ambulances and 1,000 hospital beds across the country to improve on healthcare delivery services and urged the hospitals to take good care of the items.

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]]>Miscellaneous2019-03-02T19:28:07+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11136/531-certified-odf-communities-in-upper-west-regionhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11136/531-certified-odf-communities-in-upper-west-regionStakeholders on the need to achieve ending Open Defecation in the Upper West region last week launched the regional League Table on Open Defecation Free for the region at SAMB Lodge here in Wa. The gathering hosted Traditional Rulers, MMDCEs, Coordinating Directors, Environmental Officers and other champions of ODF. The League is supported by UNICEF and other implementation agencies and covers all eleven districts in the region. Nandom, Wa West and DBI assemblies are the top three whiles Sissala East, Jirapa and Wa Assemblies at the bottom of the table. On the table, it was disclosed that out of a total of 1,167 communities in the region by 1st November this year, only 531 of them had attained ODF status. This represent 45.5 percent of the total population. The ceremony also created the opportunity for best practices to be shared amongst the various assemblies to better achieve the desired targets for an ODF region. This feat may how ever be the biggest challenge to succeed as five assemblies could not make a 50 percent coverage with the Nadowli and Wa assemblies scoring just 19 percent at the bottom of the scorecard. Of about a total population of 689,160 only 23,137 Household Latrines serve the huge number of people in the region with only 148, 902 living in ODF communities, and scoring 21.6 percent of the total population. The Dep. Regional Minister Amidu Chinnia who represented the regional minister at the meeting, noted that the ODF League is aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the regional development through sanitation and improvements made where targeted support is needed. He noted that issues of sanitation deserve utmost attention as commitment to duty and change of attitudes towards work by major stakeholders is very important in achieving a total ODF in the region. Participants at the gathering were encouraged to emulate best ODF practices in achieving an ODF status from the districts that performed better on the League Table. Participants however called on the assemblies to give the field officers the enabling environment to operate to achieve the national targets in our localities. Some personalities and assemblies also received some motivation in the form of rewards for their contributions to the successes chalked so far in ODF in the region.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-12-05T10:10:19+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11057/uwrregional-hospital-lab-opens-two-days-after-a-close-downhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11057/uwrregional-hospital-lab-opens-two-days-after-a-close-downThe Upper West regional Hospital laboratory started duty yesterday after an earlier statement by Kankpi Thea the head of the Laboratory on Monday stated a closure of the laboratory. Some challenges such as luck of reagents and other logistics were attributed to the close down. The statement prompted the invention of the regional minister, Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan, who held separate meetings with the laboratory staff and the hospital management. Information available to watchGhana indicates attempts were made to prevent the minister from meeting the laboratory technicians alone. Deep throat sources indicates lots of issues were exposed during the separate meetings compelling the minister to purchase the said logistics to cushion the situation at the hospital. The statement issued on Monday indicated, the laboratory unit was no longer functional due to delays in the supply of requested logistics earlier these year. According to Mr. Gameli Emmanuel Adzraku , the Regional Chairman of Ghana Association of Laboratory Scientists, explained that medicine had moved to evidence based treatment hence the need to test a patient before treatment begins, making the laboratory very integral in medical treatment and didn't deserve the kind of state the unit currently faces in hospitals. ‘nearing hot season would result to testing meningitis yet, reagents and logistics are not readily available at most laboratories across the region” he added. He also revealed the state of the regional facility was a reflection of hospitals across the region and called on the hospital managements to consider the welfare of their lab technicians. Speaking from the laboratories at the Wa regional hospital, the chairman of the laboratories association called on the general public to raise their voices to hospitals authorities to dedicate a fund for the laboratories for smooth operations. Operations at the facility is back to normal as patients are accessing the lab for diagnostic purposes.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-11-16T14:23:34+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11026/uwrschool-pupils-to-receive-free-optical-support-in-the-regionhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/11026/uwrschool-pupils-to-receive-free-optical-support-in-the-regionBlissful Sight for Kids a child support program under the auspices of Bliss Eye Care here in Wa, is set to give free Optometric solutions to children in our public schools across the region. The clinic in partnership with Ghana Education Service is carrying out several eye screening exercises in the basic, junior and Senior High schools including kindergartens within the various districts of the Upper West region. The exercise carried out over the period at, Nadowli, Jirapa, Nandom, Wa West, Wa Central and the DBI districts are already benefiting children in these places. In a recent screening exercise 335 pupils in the Wa Central district benefited from the screening. Tendamba cluster of schools, Limanyiri Models School, Nuriya Islamic, Falahia Islamic. Nokori schools, Sieyeri Bishops Primaryand Dignafuro Islamic were captured with 15 to receive free eye glasses to solve their visual challenges faced in the class room. In the DBI district, Daffiama Senior High and basic and Junior High and St. Theresa vocation schools also got their turns. Of 134 screening, 31 students are recorded to be given eye glasses whilst the rest received assorted eye drops to treat other eye conditions they are facing. Faustina Gaamuo a nine year old got her vision managed after several attempts by her father at an age of six months. She was just lucky to have benefited from the Blissful Sight for Kids projects being at a screening in the Nandom district. Speaking to watchghana.com at Bliss Eye Care here in Wa, Dr. Zakarea Al-has an Balure, team leader of Blissful Sight For Kids edged parents to encourage their wards to attend screening exercise as an impairment detected early can be better managed. The exercise he again disclosed is for free and no parent is expected to pay for treatment received by their children as there is sponsorship from Mr. Roland Studer and his PRO VISUS organization and the Family of Hans K. Maeder and Dr. Fasnacht all of Schaeffhausen, Switzerland. Dr. Zakarea assured that all critical cases recorded in the last screening of Wa and Dafiama has their eye glasses readily available for delivery and expressed happiness that the beneficiary students can now study effectively at school.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-11-07T13:28:39+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10949/adogla-writes-cause-for-alarm-as-lifestyle-diseases-gain-groundshttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10949/adogla-writes-cause-for-alarm-as-lifestyle-diseases-gain-groundsMany may be unaware but Ghana has been steadily losing ground in the incursion by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Listening to the organic foodstuff entrepreneur convey cynicism of the average urban diet or the tracksuit-wearing 60-year-old man who works the treadmill every morning, one would think a number of us are on our toes. But NCDs seem to have found a firm foothold in Ghana. The numbers paint a picture of a nation that slumbered into an ambush from NCDs, or lifestyle diseases, as they are also known. Without being alarmist, Ghana’s NCD Control Programme Officer, Dr. Efua Commey, noted that “generally, the [NCD] numbers are quite high.” “It is even projected that chronic diseases will overtake the infectious diseases and we are seeing that trend clearly,” she said. The idea of a double disease burden in developing to poor countries almost feels like a platitude in 2018. Poverty and NCDs — the four main ones being cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes — have been established as the best of friends. The data shows that the major causes of death in Ghana have shifted from predominantly infectious diseases to a combination of communicable and chronic diseases over the last few decades. In 2016 for example, cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) led in the causes of death for admitted patients, according to the Ghana Health Service. Cardiac failure, hypertension and diabetes were also in the top 10. Thanks to better medication and immunisation, the likes of malaria, cholera and the fabled six childhood killer disease brood no longer loom large as the sole health-related bogeymen for the average Ghanaian. Hypertension, stroke, diabetes and cancers have become top 10 causes of death in Ghana and on the bigger health canvas, NCDs are projected to become the commonest cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa by the year 2030. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) stark figures show NCDs were responsible for 101,000 deaths in 2017, constituting 44 percent of deaths in Ghana. This is way up from 2012, where WHO estimated that NCDs accounted for an estimated 34 percent deaths and 31 percent of the disease burden in Ghana. Amid all this NCD action, hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, reigns supreme. “For hypertension, in terms of numbers, I would say that per the data we have, it is leading… in 2017 for instance, we reported more than 600,000 people reporting with hypertension to either clinics, hospitals or health centres,” Dr. Commey disclosed. The 2011 national policy on NCDs indicated that the prevalence of adult hypertension in Ghana was increasing in ranges from 19 percent to 48 percent. At the time, up to 70 percent of persons identified to have hypertension were not on treatment and only 0 percent to 13 percent of those with hypertension were receiving treatment for blood pressure issues. Whilst the better-off may be able to better contend with the high costs of battling NCDs, citizens living within the firm grasp of poverty begin a sometimes futile duel with death when stricken with certain NCDs. What used to hound the wealthy didn’t know what it was missing until it had a bite of the poor 30-year-old living hand to mouth; one who can’t gather enough coins for a checkup, much less chemotherapy. NCDs have never been more comfortable than among the hustle of dearth. It sparks a harrowing cycle that worsens poverty, which in turn is firmly rooted among the contributors to the rising rates of NCDs. The World Poverty Clock hasn’t given us much of a breather. It tells us more than 2.8 million Ghanaians, representing about 10 percent of the population, are living in extreme poverty; they spend $1.9 a day. We can look back to turn of the millennium as the period we stepped in the NCD snare. In 2000, world leaders drafting the millennium development goals (MDGs) were apparently too engrossed in the slew of challenges befalling the third world they forgot about NCDs. For countries that rely on a lot of donor support, this meant not much attention and even less funding. The effects of this are still seen today in Ghana as Dr. Commey observes. “…when it comes along funding lines, there is more funding allocated to the infectious diseases because they are more dramatic. It takes a real short time for people to come out with the diseases and the outcomes are really poor. But for chronic diseases, sometimes it takes decades.” There has been some change for the better as SDG targets found under Goal three (good health and well-being) are placing an emphasis on combating NCDs. On a basic level, NCDs are by-products of urbanization, changing lifestyles that manifest from poor diets and weak health systems. A place like Accra, with all the stress, traffic, overcrowding and pollution, is the perfect breeding grounds. I don’t know whether we needed this realisation but one of the urban dwellers I spent time with was keen to point out that juju was not a contributor to the growing NCD rate. “Nowadays, it [NCDs] are very common and people divert it saying it is witchcraft which is destroying us. But is rather it is our food and the stress that is bringing those problems.” On one’s daily grind, there is limited access to a variety of healthy foods and some Ghanaians even sneer at the fruits we are encouraged so heartily to consume as part of a healthy lifestyle. “The chemicals, are too much. Everything we plant now; chemicals. Right now if you buy pineapples, chemicals. For watermelon, if you put it down, within some seconds it will turn to water,” a man lamented to me. At least exercise seems like a sure bet even though I cannot vouch for the well-being of one’s lungs after a jog by our dusty feeder roads. Another platitude comes out when dealing with lifestyle diseases: prevention is better than cure. Providing further insight was Nikki Boah-Amponsah, a health therapist who has consulted on diets for about 10 years. In her experience, her advice almost always comes too late for clients. She is on the wrong side of the prevention barrier and mostly engages children and adults, who are already obese or suffering from a lifestyle disease, after doctors’ referrals. A lot of her work involves drawing up diet and exercise plans, and she says the modern urban Ghanaian doesn’t eat a balanced diet, a far cry from the countryside. Simply put, “we are doing all the wrong things” diet-wise, Nikki said. “Those who live in the villages and the small towns, their lifestyle and their eating habits are perfect because they try not to eat over processed foods and all that. It’s more natural.” Her remedies revolve around sleep, diet and exercise. Salt, carbs, oil and cholesterol are normally the components to be jettisoned in a bid for a healthier lifestyle. Why does it take so long for people to start thinking about better lifestyles? “Most people, they need to be scared first,” Nikki remarked. “Immediately they go to the hospital and they say if you don’t stop doing this, you are going to die then they will find the time.” It’s not to late turn the tide though. Sowing seeds for a healthier lifestyle should start with kids. The irony, Nikki observed, is that some kids develop a taste for fried foods at school where the canteens offer oil-rich delicacies like fried yam, kelewele, fried rice and stews with a generous covering of oil. Catching them young with lifestyle classes as part of the basic school curriculum is also worth a shot, according to her. Beyond that, parents can take it upon themselves to have the ‘NDC talk’ with their kids. “When you have gotten something like a lifestyle-related disease, the first people you should be talking to should be your children. The younger ones… we have to make sure our youth understand that they have to eat well,” Nikki said. Counting the cost Though the effect of our nation being ambushed by NCDs leaves its harshest marks on the individual, the bigger picture is not spared. A couple of years ago, WHO estimated that in developing nations, heart disease, strokes, and diabetes alone reduce gross domestic product (GDP) by between 1 percent and 5 percent each year. The cumulative economic losses to low- and middle-income countries from the four diseases are estimated to surpass US$ 7 trillion by 2025. All this does not even consider the societal costs, which Dr. Commey notes is “ultimately much higher.” The only good thing about this NCD ambush is that more and more people are slowly becoming aware of the growing chronic disease burden. As Nikki noted, fear is proving to be the best form of awareness. We have wandered in the dark for too long and after stepping on shards of glass and rusted nails, there is a sense Ghana is at least limping towards the wall in search of a light switch. There have been a series of low-level interventions over the last decade or so and it took until October 2011 for the National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases to be put together. Following the national policy, the NCD Prevention and Control was also established as one of the departments under the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service with the mandate to aid policy development, advocate for legislation that facilitates healthy living and promote NCD prevention and control interventions at all levels using accessible and affordable strategies and technologies, among others. These efforts haven’t been too effective, as Dr. Commey admitted. “It trickles down from the top. If the country is not making it a priority, what can we expect.” “When you talk about these infectious diseases then everybody knows that but now that the chronic diseases have started coming up, even at the global level, the attention is also shifting a bit. Unfortunately, the response is a lot slower than we would have wished.” With a hint of cynicism, she also suggests that enough of the people who matter are also starting to feel the constrictions of NCDs. “Government agencies are also noticing the trend and a whole lot of noise is being made at the top. If you take government agencies, the possibility that more than 50 percent of them will one form of NCD is really high… As the awareness is being created now questions will be asked; why are policymakers just quiet? Why is nothing being done on the ground?” When it comes down to is, sometimes, it’s simply about the money. Money has always made the world go round. A sad it may seem, the high health care costs, not the body count may also spark some change, Dr. Commey said. “The donor agencies feel that for us not to put so much money into our health budget, maybe we should address these preventive aspects. It makes economic sense when we are able to bring it down to the money.” In the short term, our lives are in our hands, quite literally; by the food we eat, our dumbbell reps and the like as some risk factors are generally modifiable. “Because these are lifestyle-related diseases, the national effort is there but ultimately it comes down to the individuals effort to modify their lifestyle, eat healthily, exercise more so if the individuals don’t take it upon themselves as well, in addition to all the national policies we have, it becomes a bit more difficult in tackling these conditions,” Dr. Commey counseled.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-10-25T10:42:59+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10863/bima-doctor-receives-first-ever-telemedicine-licence-in-ghanahttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10863/bima-doctor-receives-first-ever-telemedicine-licence-in-ghanaBIMA, the leading provider of mobile-delivered insurance and health services in emerging markets, has received the very first telemedicine licence ever issued in Ghana by the Health Facility Regulatory Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The license is a major step in recognising telemedicine as a standalone health service and in setting standards of best practice in Ghana. A press statement issued by the BIMA Ghana Country Manager, Danien Gueroult Tuesday, June 19, 2018, said BIMA Doctor saves customers money on transportation, consultation and lost income for the day, providing an immediate medical advisory service before the customer's health condition worsens. He said BIMA's mHealth service brings affordable health advice and care to under-served consumers and revolutionises access to healthcare in Ghana. He noted that BIMA Doctor uses disruptive mobile technology that digitises the user experience to deliver convenient, affordable and quality health services across the county. The Ghana mHealth Division Manager, Christina Tuemmers for her part explained that “receiving this licence is a confirmation of the high clinical standards and customer service that underpin the delivery of the BIMA Doctor Service” added that “it is the consecration of two years of development.” The Chief Medical Officer of BIMA Doctor, Dr David Sunu, said “BIMA Doctor has a team of medical practitioners who are licensed by the Medical and Dental Council to practise medicine in Ghana, noting that the team receives periodic training on telemedicine protocols to ensure the highest standards of medical quality. BIMA (Milvik Ghana Ltd) uses mobile technology to deliver affordable insurance and health products to under-served customers in emerging markets and families who cannot access these vital products through traditional channels. BIMA Ghana launched its operations in 2010 with the mobile operator Tigo and currently provides about 1.8 million Ghanaians with insurance policies.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-06-20T12:25:30+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10862/abandoned-ofankor-health-centre-opens-next-monthhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10862/abandoned-ofankor-health-centre-opens-next-monthThe abandoned health centre at Ofankor near Accra would be commissioned next month after the facility has been furnished, the Health Director at the Ga West Municipality, Dr Doris Arhin, has said. “Although the facility has some requisite equipment to operate with, it does not have furniture for patients and the doctors who will serve them,” she explained. Dr Arhin told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday that the directorate was waiting for the municipal assembly to provide furniture before the hospital could be opened to the public. “We are waiting for the Ga West Municipal Assembly to provide the furniture before we can open the health facility at Ofankor to the public, so that when patients visit, they will get chairs to sit on. We are having a meeting with the assembly today and hopefully by July the facility will be operational,” she said. According to Dr Arhin, the Ghana Health Service was also providing the needed equipment to make the facility functional, although it was a gradual process, adding that with the 40-beds installed, the facility could still not handle very serious cases because it was under-resourced. “With support from the municipal assembly and other corporate organisations, the health centre will soon receive new facilities while the Ghana Health Service was procuring more equipment to improve the quality of health care delivery at the centre. “Currently, the centre has theatre tables, delivery beds, weighing scales and medications which we received from the Ministry of Health to immediately begin health care services in the community,” she added. Dr Arhin said health professionals who would be working at the centre were ready and were waiting for the refurbishment to be completed. She pointed out that the facility would start operations without any inaugural ceremony because the community was in dire need of the facility. Facility A visit to the facility confirmed that the huge facility had been abandoned with its main gate locked. The facility has a maternal ward, a theatre, a child welfare centre and an Outpatient Department (OPD). “It is expected to begin basic services such as general consultation, child welfare and deliveries”, Dr Arhin said. Ministry responds The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Health, Mr Robert Cudjoe, assured of the ministry's readiness to complete the project on schedule. He said the hospital would contribute to improve heath care delivery service in the Ofankor community and its environs. Background The Ofankor health centre was a component of the George Walker Bush N1 highway project. Construction works on the health facility ended a year ago, with funding from the African Development Bank, but the centre has remained shut, due to what the authorities said, was the lack of funding to fully resource it.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-06-20T12:23:58+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10861/182-female-students-benefit-from-scholarship-programmehttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10861/182-female-students-benefit-from-scholarship-programmeThe MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme has supported about 1,000 young women to pursue tertiary education across the country. The programme being implemented by the Campaign for Female Education, Ghana (Camfed Ghana), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, is aimed at supporting the education of girls in senior high schools (SHSs) and tertiary institutions across the country. The beneficiary students received financial support for their fees, uniforms, books and supplies, transportation, accommodation and stipends for the whole of their tertiary education. Graduation At a ceremony in Tamale on Thursday, June 14, for the passing-out ceremony of 182 beneficiaries of the scholars programme, the National Director of Camfed-Ghana, Mr John Asibi Ali, said the programme targeted about 4,000 SHS students and 2,000 students in tertiary institutions, stating that about 1,000 tertiary students had so far benefited. He noted that the programme sought to support the education of brilliant, needy girls to enable them become productive in the future and contribute to the development of the country. “Apart from the support for the beneficiaries, we also build their capacity on values of life, such as leadership skills and how they can develop the spirit of giving back to society, and so far we can see that some of them have started initiating some projects back at their communities,” he said. Advice The General Manager of Media General Ghana, Mrs Petra Aba Asamoah, who graced the occasion, admonished the beneficiaries to always remind themselves of the challenges in life and work hard with determination to be able to break through the challenges. She said the job market was choked and, therefore, there was the need for them to collaborate and initiate projects to create job avenues for themselves rather than stay at home for non-existent jobs. “You are privileged to have acquired degree and diploma certificates so do not take things for granted, commit yourselves and explore all opportunities to be able to succeed in life,” she advised.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-06-20T12:21:47+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10764/uer:-health-stakeholders-meet-to-discuss-mbfhi-sustainabilityhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10764/uer:-health-stakeholders-meet-to-discuss-mbfhi-sustainabilityThe Upper East Regional Health Directorate in collaboration with UNICEF and other health-related Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the region have met to discuss strategies to continue the Mother and Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative (MBFHI) after its expiration in September this year. The MBFHI programme, which started implementation in 2015 is being piloted in the Kassena-Nankana West, the Bongo District, and the Bawku and Bolgatanga Municipalities aimed at reducing infant and neonatal deaths. It also aims among other things to strengthen the leadership and collaboration for maternal and newborn health, breastfeeding as well as improve facility-based quality of care for both mothers and newborns. The programme uses interventions such as advocacy and focus group discussions to ensure increased demand for ante-natal and post-natal services, early initiation to breastfeeding within 30 minutes after birth, exclusive breastfeeding and promoting basic new-born care among others. The MBFHI initiative, financed by the UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with support from Ghana Government is being implemented by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and other health-related NGOs in the implementing regions. The two-day meeting brought together stakeholders in the health sector, including doctors, nurses, donor partners, caregivers, advocates, and NGOs. Present at the meeting included the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Tamale, Margret Gwada; Health Specialist and Focal Person for MBFHI, Dr Priscilla Wobil; Regional Focal Person for the MBFHI, Rofina Asuru, and the Upper East Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS), Dr Winfred Ofosu. Dr Ofosu said all plans discussed at the meeting would be harmonised to ensure full implementation and sustainability of the programme to help improve newborn care and maternal health services in the region. He commented all the implementing districts for coming up with new strategies to continue the project after its official expiration in September. He expressed delight that the continuation of the project by the implementing districts would help to improve newborn and maternal healthcare services in the region. Dr Ofosu, however, urged the donor partners to continue to support the programme even after its official expiration since the programme had contributed greatly to newborn and maternal healthcare in the region. Executive Director of the Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment-Ghana (RISE-Ghana), one of the implementing NGOs, Mr Awal Ahmed Kariama, said “we have no excuse not to sustain the project activities and gains”, noting that “issues of newborn care and maternal health is a human rights issue”. He gave an assurance that “we will work with community groups to ensure that our activities are captured in the medium term plans of the districts”. He also said the NGOs would continue to collaborate with the media to strengthen accountability towards related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ms Gwada commended the Regional Health Directorate and the implementing NGOs for their active participation in the programme and also the meeting to discuss plans to continue the project after its official expiration in September 2018. She said “traditionally, sustainability planning meetings are not held in most development programmes before they expire” by the implementing bodies, hence praising the stakeholders of the programme in the region for their initiative. Dr Priscilla, who presented annual work plan ending September, this year, said the health directorate would focus on all the four outcomes of the project through the use of an integrated approach to ensure that babies are saved. For his part, Dr Winfred implored health workers in the region to continue to adopt best practices in their respective facilities, particularly when dealing with newborn babies. He noted that it is only when health workers provide good services at the health facilities that would encourage people to patronise their services.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-06-04T07:53:18+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10712/we-don't-need-nearly-as-much-protein-as-we-consumehttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10712/we-don't-need-nearly-as-much-protein-as-we-consumeIn the early 20th Century, Arctic explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson spent a collective five years eating just meat. This meant that his diet consisted of around 80% fat and 20% protein. Twenty years later, he did the same as part of a year-long experiment at the New York City's Bellevue Hospital in 1928. Stefansson wanted to disprove those who argued that humans cannot survive if they only eat meat. But unfortunately for him, in both settings he very quickly became ill when he was eating lean meats without any fat. He developed "protein poisoning”, nicknamed “rabbit starvation”. His symptoms disappeared after he lowered his protein intake and he raised his fat intake. In fact, after returning to New York City and to a typical US diet with more normal levels of protein, he reportedly found his health deteriorating and returned to a low-carb, high fat, and high protein diet until his death aged 83. His early experiments are some of the few recorded cases of high protein intake having extreme adverse effects - but despite soaring sales of protein supplements, many of us are still unsure how much protein we need, how best to consume it, and if too much, or too little, is dangerous. Despite obesity rates doubling over the past two decades, we're becoming increasingly conscious of what we're eating. In recent years many of us have swapped white bread for brown and wholemeal bread and full-fat milk for skimmed. Taking centre stage in our health kick is protein, with protein balls, bars and enhanced protein versions of staple products, from cereals to soup, dominating supermarket shelves. And with the global protein supplements market valued at $12.4bn (£9.2bn) in 2016, it's clear we're buying into the idea that we need as much protein as possible. But some experts now argue that foods with inflated protein (and prices) are a waste of money. Protein is essential for the body to grow and repair. Protein-rich food such as dairy, meat, eggs, fish and beans are broken down into amino acids in the stomach and absorbed in the small intestine, then the liver sorts out which amino acids the body needs. The rest is flushed out in our urine. Adults who aren't especially active are advised to eat roughly 0.75g of protein per day for each kilogram they weigh. On average, this is 55g for men and 45g for women - or two palm-sized portions of meat, fish, tofu, nuts or pulses. Not getting enough protein can lead to hair loss, skin breakouts and weight loss as muscle mass decreases. But these side effects are very rare, and largely only occur in those with eating disorders. Despite that, most of us have long associated protein with building muscle. This is accurate. Strength-based exercise causes a breakdown of protein in the muscle. For muscles to grow stronger, the proteins need to rebuild. A type of amino acid called leucine plays a particularly big part in triggering protein synthesis. Some experts even argue that not consuming protein post-workout could cause the breakdown of muscle to be higher than the synthesis - meaning there's no net gain in muscle mass. Supplement brands advise drinking protein shakes after a workout to help the growth and repair of muscle tissue, usually in the form of leucine-rich whey protein, a by-product of making cheese. Many consumers agree. Research company Mintel's 2017 Report found that 27% of Brits use sport nutrition products such as protein bars and shakes. This figure rises to 39% for those who exercise more than once a week. But more than half of the individuals who use the products (63%) find it difficult to tell whether they're having any effect. Protein bars are really just candy bars with a bit of extra protein Indeed, research on the muscle-building power of protein supplements is varied. A 2014 analysis of 36 papers found that protein supplements have no impact on lean mass and muscle strength during the first few weeks of resistance training in untrained individuals. Over time and if the training becomes harder, supplements can promote muscle growth. However, the paper also concludes that these changes have not been proven over the long term. A 2012 review paper further says that protein “increases physical performance, training recovery and lean body mass”… but for the benefit to be optimal, it should be in combination with a fast-acting carbohydrate. But even if athletes and gym goers may benefit from a post-workout protein boost, that doesn't mean they should reach for the supplements and smoothies. Most people get more than their daily recommended allowance from food, says Kevin Tipton, a sport professor of the University of Stirling. “There's no need for anyone to have supplements. They're a convenient way to get protein, but there's nothing in supplements you can't get in food. Protein bars are really just candy bars with a bit of extra protein.” Tipton adds that even among bodybuilders, products like whey protein aren't as critical as they are hyped up to be. “There's too much focus on which supplements to take, as opposed to getting in the gym and working harder. There are so many other variables, such as sleep, stress and diet,” he says. We need to maintain our muscle mass as we age, because we become less active and frail Most experts agree with Tipton that protein is best consumed in food instead of supplements. But there are some exceptions, such as athletes who find it difficult to hit their daily protein targets, points out Graeme Close, professor of human physiology at Liverpool John Moores University. “I believe most need more than the recommended daily allowance, and there's good evidence to support this,” he says. In this case, he says, a shake can be useful. Another demographic who can benefit from extra protein? The elderly. That's because as we age, we need more protein to retain muscle mass. But we also tend to eat less protein as we get older because our taste-buds begin to prefer sweet over savoury. Emma Stevenson, professor of sport and exercise science at Newcastle University, is working with food companies to get more protein into snacks that the elderly are known to regularly buy, such as biscuits. “We need to maintain our muscle mass as we age, because we become less active and frail,” she says. Close says the elderly should increase protein intake to around 1.2g per kg body weight. Fortunately, it's difficult to have too much protein. While we do have an upper limit of protein intake, it's “virtually impossible” to reach, says Tipton. “There are concerns among some dieticians that a high protein diet can hurt the kidneys and bones, but evidence in otherwise healthy people is minimal. It is possible there could be a problem if someone with an underlying kidney [issue] eats high amounts of protein, but the odds of any adverse effects are very low.” If you're trying to lose weight, it's more important to have a high-protein breakfast But while protein itself isn't harmful, many protein supplements are high in carbohydrates called FODMAPs that trigger digestive symptoms like bloating, gas and stomach pain. Stevenson advises reading labels carefully on supplements, bars and balls. “Often, they're very high in calories and contain huge amounts of carbs, often in form of sugar. You shouldn't necessarily think that because it says it's high protein that its healthy,” she says. Weight loss Protein has long been linked to weight loss, with low-carb, high-protein diets such as Paleo and Atkins promising to prolong the feeling of fullness. People fail to lose weight often because they feel hungry, and MRI studies have shown that a high-protein breakfast can help stop cravings later in the day. There is sufficient evidence that protein is satiating, says Alex Johnstone of the University of Aberdeen. If you're trying to lose weight, it's therefore more important to have a high-protein breakfast, such as beans on toast or a dairy smoothie, rather than to have supplements. But she doesn't advocate “Atkins-type” diets and has found that cutting out carbohydrates has adverse affects on gut health (and we now know that maintaining a healthy gut is crucial to many aspects of our health and well-being). Instead, Johnstone recommends that overweight people eat a high-protein and moderate-carb diet, consisting of 30% protein, 40% carbs and 30% fat - compared to the average diet of around 15% protein, 55% carbs and 35% fat. But, of course, upping protein intake alone won't help you lose weight. Choosing lean meat such as chicken or fish is key. Studies also show that eating large amounts of animal protein is linked to weight gain and red meat in particular is linked to an increased risk of cancer as well as heart disease. Consuming more protein than need is wasteful in terms of money, and it's paid down the toilet There are, though, healthy proteins which are not meat like mycoprotein, a plant-based protein derived from fungi. Mycoproteins like Quorn are high in fibre as well as protein. Researchers now are looking into how this unique composition (of both protein and fibre) can affect satiety and insulin levels, which are linked to type two diabetes. One team compared a mycoprotein diet to a chicken diet and found that the insulin levels in those who ate quorn achieved the same sugar control, but needed less insulin to be produced by the pancreas. The risk of consuming too much protein is small, but the bigger risk might just be falling for overpriced products offering us more protein than we need. “Some products labelled as high protein aren't, and they're quite expensive. Anyway, consuming more protein than need is wasteful in terms of money, and it's paid down the toilet,” says Johnstone.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-25T23:17:02+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10653/coconuts,-watermelons-and-tomatoes---urgent-need-to-prevent-them-from-wastinghttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/10653/coconuts,-watermelons-and-tomatoes---urgent-need-to-prevent-them-from-wastingThe almost forgotten abbreviation —“cwt” — that we were taught in Science at school in the 1960s, stood for “hundredweight”. This is a unit of measure which has one hundredweight equivalent 100 US pounds, or 112 Imperial or British pounds. My experience is that, while fruits and vegetables are weighed and sold by the pound or kilogramme in many African countries I have visited, Ghana does not sell fruits and vegetables by weight, even though we do so for meat. Therefore, during the season of plenty, coconuts, watermelons and tomatoes (cwt), as well as all perishable agricultural commodities, sell cheaply. During the lean season a few months later, prices rocket to space. There is no canning to serve as a buffer for balance. Watermelons Recently, I moved out of my comfort zone to explore some parts of Accra I had not visited in a long while. The commonest landmark I saw either on the ground in their hundreds, or being transported to be dumped on the ground at their final destinations for sale were watermelons. There is a glut of the fruit everywhere. Farmers are forced to sell them cheaply because of their perishable nature. Unfortunately unlike meat, fruits and vegetables are not sold by the weight in Ghana. Indeed, my observation applies to tomatoes, oranges, onions, plantains, yams, fish etc. They are cheap and rot away with very high post-harvest losses. We still use “olonka” and “margarine tin” as a unit of measurement for rice, maize and other cereals at our markets. Fruits are weighed by sight! A rough approximation of the average-sized watermelon is about the size of a football. Five such jumbo-sized watermelons were recently bought for GH¢10 at Ada Junction. The alternative for the farmer is to leave the melons to rot and go hungry, which is not a realistic option. As soon as the peak season is over, prices will start rising. In the lean season, one watermelon sells for over 20 cedis! This is an annual ritual. A few months back, tomatoes suffered the same fate with a glut on the market. As I write,the price of tomatoes has shot up because the season is over with the coming of the rains. Questions I asked myself, why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we decide to continue to operate so close to nature with all the knowledge and science and technology around us? Are our leaders or “misleaders”, as African leaders are described by the Kenyan civil rights activist, Professor PLO Lumumba, interested only in themselves and their families and friends? Even if they did not know before becoming leaders, they travel outside Ghana and see the thinking that has gone into basic operation such as canning of fruits and juices. Ghana had the Nsawam Canneries as far back as the 1960s. Over 60 years after independence, why do farmers watch helplessly as their fruits and vegetables rot while our shops are filled with expensive fresh and canned fruits from other parts of the world? Why can we not have a cannery in the general area of Ada-Dawhenya for watermelons and tomatoes, and one for citrus in the Asamankese-Kade area? How about mangoes which grow all over the country? Expatriate An expatriate who worked in Ghana as a government official retired on his return to his country. He returned to Ghana immediately as a private citizen and established a pineapple farm on the banks of the Volta River. Using local labour, he had his pineapples sliced and canned on the farm. Customs did their certification and the canned pineapples were shipped to his country! Is this Rocket Science our leaders need to be schooled in? Business destruction Unfortunately, people I have talked to contend that Ghanaian businessmen and women have not recovered from the psychological damage done to businesses during the revolutionary days of the 1970s and 1980s when all successful businessmen were declared thieves and hounded. Examples are given of the destruction of the local soap industry of Dr Ephson and Mr Appiah-Menkah, the poultry industry of Mr Darko and indeed the Tata Brewery whose owner, Mr Siaw, had to flee to die in penury in another country. Solution In advocating solutions, I may be guilty of reinventing the wheel. This is because there is nothing new to tell Ghanaians which we have not known since I was a little boy in the 1960s. The problem has been bad leadership and unfortunately continues to be leadership. We had the Bolgatanga Corned Beef Factory, Pwalugu Tomato Factory and Nsawam Canneries for fruits and vegetables. Nantwi Milk was produced at the Agricultural Farm at Amrahia. Today, milk produced in the Volta Region is left to rot for lack of market, the result of bad roads. Meanwhile, Ghana imports milk and dairy produce. We import tomatoes while local tomatoes in Ningo-Prampram rot away. Outside Ghana, I have drunk canned coconut juice. Why do we still drive whole coconuts from the Western Region to Accra only for the husks to add to our insanitary conditions? Leadership Our problem is leadership. Leaders are paid to solve problems, and not talk copiously to explain why they have failed to solve problems. Leadership will be effective if it is selfless and honest with integrity. Over 60 years after independence, we have no reason to continue importing food, fruits and fruit juices which Ghana produced in the 1960s. Coconuts, watermelons and tomatoes (cwt) deserve better and so do Ghanaians! Governance is not Rocket Science!

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-22T12:05:49+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9771/london-mayor-sadiq-khan-plans-tfl-'junk-food'-advert-banhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9771/london-mayor-sadiq-khan-plans-tfl-'junk-food'-advert-banJunk food advertising could be banned across the entire Transport for London (TfL) network, City Hall has announced. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, says he wants to tackle the "ticking time bomb" of child obesity in the capital. If the proposal is approved, adverts for "unhealthy food and drink" will be banned on the London Underground, Overground, buses and bus shelters. The scheme is backed by child health experts but the Advertising Association said it would have "little impact". The junk food advertising ban forms part of Mr Khan's London Food Strategy, which has been published for consultation. TfL's director of TfL's transport strategy Lilli Matson said it had a "large advertising estate with a diverse audience", and is supporting the mayor's attempts to make London healthier. Mr Khan wants to "reduce the influence and pressure that can be put on children and families to make unhealthy choices". He said: "I am determined to do all I can to tackle this issue with the powers I have and help Londoners make healthy food choices for themselves and their families. "That is why I am proposing to ban adverts for harmful junk food from our entire Tube and bus network." Mr Khan intends to ban adverts for food and drinks high in fat, salt or sugar. A spokesman for the mayor's office said if the ban comes in "everyone will be affected, whether it's the biggest fast food chain or the most niche", and their products will be assessed against the nutrient profiling model developed by the Food Standards Agency. Companies could, he added, choose to swap their adverts for burgers or fizzy drinks for "healthier products within their range, such as salads or bottled water". Chef and health campaigner Jamie Oliver - who has said London "now has the most overweight and obese children of any major global city" - described the proposal as "bold". City Hall says the capital has one of the highest child overweight and obesity rates in Europe, with almost 40% of children aged 10 and 11 either overweight or obese. It has identified "stark differences" between boroughs, with children from poorer areas "disproportionately affected". Young people in Barking and Dagenham are almost twice as likely to be overweight as children from Richmond-upon-Thames, it says. "We need to ensure those families have access to nutritional and healthy food but aren't disproportionately exposed to adverts for unhealthy foods," Mr Khan told BBC Radio London's Vanessa Feltz, adding that there are some parts of London "where you simply haven't got access to fresh fruit and veg". Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said advertising was "one of the leading contributors for the growth of child obesity", adding: "It is therefore vital, especially in cities like London where deprivation is high, that it is tackled." An Advertising Association spokesperson said the UK already bans advertising of high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) food or drink products in all media where under 16s make up more than 25% of the audience. He added that for outdoor advertising, such as posters on the Underground, there is a recommendation that no sites can carry HFSS advertising within 100m of any school. "International experience and independent research has shown an advertising ban would have little impact on the wider societal issues that drive obesity," he said.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-11T09:22:35+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9475/korle-bu-doctors-re-attach-severed-wristhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9475/korle-bu-doctors-re-attach-severed-wristA team of medical experts at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has successfully conducted a landmark surgery by re-joining the completely severed wrist of a patient. Mr Victor Atikpo, a factory worker, had his wrist completely chopped off when a colleague accidentally switched on a machine he (Atikpo) was servicing. The surgery, which took place on April 21, 2018 and lasted about seven hours, saw the repair of about 25 structures in the wrist. The medical team worked on blood vessels, tendons, nerves and the wrist bone. The Head of the medical team that conducted the surgery, Dr Edem Kofi Anyigba, explained to the Daily Graphic that preparations for the surgery, which included preparing the severed wrist and the patient, were started at 6 p.m. when the patient reported to the hospital. According to him, the success of the surgery was largely dependent on factors such as the timely reporting of the accident to the hospital, preserving the severed wrist properly and having the right expertise. “We have a way of keeping the wrist. You keep it in plastic bag, tie it and then put it on ice. Usually when you have an amputation, you need to keep it cool and away from water,” he said. Microscope Dr Anyigba considered the availability of a powerful microscope as a major factor for the success of the surgery, as many hospitals had the expertise but did not have the microscope. The Carl Ziess Opmi microscope, which was donated to the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre of Korle Bu was capable of enlarging by 30 to 40 times the original size of things, according to him. “In the whole country, I think we are the only centre that has a microscope which is one of the best in the world,” he said. He called on health and safety regulators in the country to ensure that workers operating machines and equipment in factories were well trained and certified. He advised workers to wear protective gear at all times and also encouraged factory owners to acquire censored machines that were responsive to human interference. “The world standard is that generally they should have censors. As soon as the human body goes there, the machine stops immediately. Certainly, that is not the kind of machines we are using,” he observed. Narration Mr Atikpo, who works in a rubber factory in Accra, said he was working on a machine when a colleague unsuspectingly turned on the machine, which resulted in his hand being chopped off. He was quickly rushed to the LEKMA Hospital, then the 37 Military Hospital and subsequently Korle Bu. Mr Atikpo, who was discharged from the hospital last Saturday, May 5, 2018, was optimistic that he would recover fully, as he was capable of moving his hand well.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-08T09:35:06+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9467/ghana-introduces-‘test-and-treat’-policy-to-combat-hivhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9467/ghana-introduces-‘test-and-treat’-policy-to-combat-hivGhana is now implementing the test and treat policy which is aimed at testing and treating persons diagnosed with HIV instantly at the health facility to ensure that all HIV persons are enrolled unto the antiretroviral medication treatment. The test and treat policy that became operational in 2017 would also help bridge the gap of missing people who test for HIV positive at health facilities and centres but refuse to go back for follow-ups, and to start treatment immediately. The test and treat policy which also served as a guideline was to help officials to enrol people quickly onto the antiretroviral treatment. Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) officials said that waiting period before putting on medication gave room for some persons diagnosed with the virus to either escape the treatment or go hiding and only come back with serious implications. The test and treat programme is said to help prevent new further infections and spread of the virus thereby saving lives of people. In the case of pregnant women, the test and treat programme would help reduce the rate of infection to the unborn baby. Dr Naa Ashley Vanderpuje, Chief Executive Officer of the West African AIDS Foundation who announced this at a day's media training workshop in Accra, said the test and treat policy was being enrolled in all health facilities across the country. The GAC in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association, organised the training workshop on “HIV and Its related Issues” for health reporters within the Greater Accra Region. Dr Vanderpuje said there was still no cure for AIDS, but there was treatment available for every person diagnosed with the virus, saying, “even though these days people think HIV is gone-HIV is not gone, HIV is still there, and we are seeing it amongst pregnant women and it's amazing the number of pregnant women who are still tested positive on a daily basis in the country”. She reminded the people that HIV was still a big issue in Ghana because new infections were being recorded every day, especially among pregnant women, female sex workers, men sleeping with men, all who stood at a higher rate of transmitting HIV infections, “so the prevalence among these groups are much higher than our national prevalence of 1.61 percent”. She said 20,000 new infections were recorded among pregnant women every year while the total new infections increased by 21 percent across all ages in 2016. Dr Vanderpuje noted that among persons aged 15 to 24 years, new HIV infection increased by 45 percent in 2016, and that meant that people were not protecting themselves against the Virus. She said the 90-90-90 campaign being implemented currently in Ghana was to ensure that 90 percent of all people living with HIV would know their status, 90 percent of people diagnosed with HIV infection would receive sustained antiretroviral treatment and 90 percent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy would have viral suppression by 2020. She, therefore, urged the media to help raise campaign on all the measures being rolled out by the GAC and its partners while the populace embrace and patronise various programmes to help end the epidemic. “The Media has a crucial role to play to end the AIDS Epidemic by 2030 but first support us in fast-tracking our implementation of the Global 90-90-90 campaign by giving HIV and AIDS prominent news coverage; using your reach and influence to give people the information they need to protect themselves and those they love”. Mr Kyeremah Atuahene, Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation of GAC, said the Commission see the media as a strong partner in helping to break the myths concerning HIV and mobilising society to fight the HIV epidemic, which was still spreading fast among the youth. Ms Angela Trenton Mbonde, Country Director of UNAIDS, said persons living with HIV remained critical parts of the society and as they stayed religiously to their treatment, they would continue to contribute to developing society. She reiterated the need for the media to help combat the epidemic from Ghana.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-08T08:15:03+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9459/side-effects-of-masturbation-you-should-knowhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9459/side-effects-of-masturbation-you-should-knowMasturbation, the art of self-pleasuring, is no longer the taboo it once was in most progressive circles. However, it is not without stigma in some cultures, and there are still concerns around whether the act is harmful to your health in some way. While research has proven that there are no dire consequences from masturbation, are there some other side effects you should know about? Why Do People Masturbate? As researchers have found, masturbation is something men see as part of their normal sexual development. Women still struggle with the “right” and “wrong” of it all, but many have embraced it as part of their sexual life. So what are the possible reasons people masturbate? Masturbation is mainly a good form of sexual release. It comes in handy for those who are not in a sexual relationship or want to avoid relationships. For some, it may be a way to have “safe sex” without the need for protection, with there being little to no risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For adolescents with raging hormones, masturbation is an outlet for their endless sexual energy without risking unwanted pregnancy. Even for those in a healthy relationship with a sexual partner, masturbation allows some “me time.” And who would know what you want better than you yourself! Why Masturbation Is A Double-Edged Sword On the one hand, masturbation is often suggested by experts like sex therapists to help couples improve sexual intimacy and the quality of their sex lives. Joint masturbation may also be suggested to bring couples closer or improve their awareness of each other. Besides self-awareness, it equips you with knowledge you can pass on to your partner on how to pleasure you better - and potentially achieve more orgasms. On the other hand, however, it can cause cracks in a relationship if one partner becomes obsessed with masturbation at the cost of the relationship with the other person. In a study of young adults in sexual relationships, the self-esteem of women was lower and their perception of their relationship quality and sexual satisfaction was lower when their partner used porn to masturbate. Psychological Impact While masturbation on its own doesn't cause problems, your attitude toward it could make a difference. For people who come from more conservative backgrounds or traditional homes, where masturbation is looked down upon or seen as “sinful,” masturbating can have different consequences. While the act itself may give pleasure, afterward, there are chances of it bringing up feelings of guilt or negative emotions. Sexual Media Overuse A risk you run if you use sexual media as an aid to masturbation is that it could potentially develop into an addiction in some cases. While most people are able to use pornographic content as part of a healthy sexual life, it might turn into an obsession for others. Porn addiction, unfortunately, has darker consequences. When men use sexual media to masturbate, they often do it alone, not with a partner. As a research found, it actually causes negative relationship satisfaction in the men.6 So what causes the emotional distancing? This could be due to unrealistic ideals and expectations created by viewing porn or due to the process of leaving the partner out of the sexual experience. The men may become emotionally withdrawn and begin to distance themselves from their sexual partner or whoever they are in a relationship with. The secrecy around porn use and masturbation may even impact the intimacy with their partner. Interference With Daily Life As with a porn addiction, you might find yourself skipping engagements or canceling plans to make room for more time to masturbate. If your work life, social life, or personal life is beginning to suffer because you are planning life around masturbation, you have a problem and may need to seek professional help for the addictive behavior. Are There Any Physical Side Effects? Masturbation should be pleasurable and doesn't usually cause any physical harm to your body. But there are some instances when things can go south. If you masturbate a lot in a short period of time, it could cause soreness in the genital area. If you indulge in heavy and rough masturbation, you may be left with bruises or cuts. If your body feels sore after a session of masturbation, you need to ease off a bit. Enlarged swollen penises may also detract from the fun of the act. This swelling, called an edema, occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissue in your penis. It takes a few days to subside. Those with a compulsive masturbation issue could also develop chronic penile lymphedema. It occurs as a result of scarring and persistent lymphatic irritation. If you indulge in joint masturbation with your partner and take turns aiding each other, you may run the risk of passing on STIs. While the likelihood is low, be careful not to get genital fluids on your fingers or other parts that come in contact with your partner. There have been some suggestions that masturbation could be linked to prostate cancer risk, but these claims have not been backed up with adequate, conclusive scientific study. As the NHS explains (in the context of one study that held this claim), the causes of prostate cancer are not fully understood, and masturbation and normal sexual function should not be impacted by such research, at least for now.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-08T07:55:11+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9111/dealing-with-causes,-effects-of-teenage-pregnancy:-adolescents-need-direction-and-guidancehttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9111/dealing-with-causes,-effects-of-teenage-pregnancy:-adolescents-need-direction-and-guidanceAccording to the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) of the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service, teenage or adolescence literally means to “grow up”, a term given to one phase or stage in the growth and development of human beings. Teenage pregnancy is, therefore, getting pregnant at this adolescent or teenage period. Adolescent or teenage pregnancy is caused by many factors that have serious consequences for individuals, family, society and national development. Some of these factors are the high levels of poverty throughout communities, early marriage, gender discrimination based on historic unequal gender roles, the lack of sexual and reproductive health education, lack of access to contraceptive use and discrimination against reproductive rights for young women. Causes and effects Understanding both the individual and societal causes and effects of teenage pregnancy is important to effectively reducing the high rates in Ghana. Addressing a press conference organised by the Brong Ahafo Presbytery to round up its 52nd presbytery session in Sunyani on the theme: “Let the earth hear,” the Chairperson of the Brong Ahafo Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Dr William Kwabena Ofosu-Addo, spoke about the issue of teenage pregnancy. He disclosed that statistics from the Ghana Health Service showed that 10,476 cases of teenage pregnancy were recorded in the region from January to October in 2015, explaining that out of the figure, 280 of the pregnant girls fell between 10 to 14 years, while 10,196 of them were between 15 to 19 years. Rev. Ofosu-Addo, who was unhappy about the situation, appealed to chiefs and other stakeholders to collaborate to bring the situation under control. He encouraged colleague pastors to use their pulpits to preach against immoral sexual activities and educate their members to refrain from pre-mature sex. Way forward The right of adolescents must be protected for them to develop into a well-balanced people who are adequately prepared to enter adulthood. Parents and guardians must fulfil with care the rights and responsibilities of adolescents. They must provide direction and guidance to their adolescent children in the exercise of their rights. States parties must take effective measures to ensure that adolescents are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Adolescent girls should have access to information on the harm that early marriage and early pregnancy can cause. Adolescent boys and girls should be given the opportunity to participate actively in planning programme for their own health and development. Finally, adolescents should be helped to feel appreciated, have believe in their own worth, know their rights and responsibilities and have a sense of belonging, as well as hope for the future. Those who had already fallen in the trap should not be neglected. They should be encouraged to attend antenatal and post-natal. They should be supported financially and emotionally. Parental responsibility They should be helped in taking care of their babies. They should let them know that they have a right to health care etc. It is the responsibility of parents, friends, teachers and everyone to encourage them to not give up their education when the need comes for them to go and deliver. They should be empowered to pursue their dreams and go high. Teenage pregnancy affects the teenage mother, the nation and the child. But it can be largely prevented. This is when we appreciate that the problem of adolescent pregnancy is everybody's concern. It is not far from you and neither is it far from me. We all have to play our roles respectively, to ensure that our adolescents are given the needed care and support to prevent this problem.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-01T14:53:44+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9110/the-ketogenic-diet-craze---facts-and-mythshttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9110/the-ketogenic-diet-craze---facts-and-mythsThe rapidly growing menace of overweight and obesity arising from the westernisation of our meals and sedentary lifestyles has brought with it the increased incidence of diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, hypertension, kidney disease and fatty liver disease. This has also brought into sharp focus the need for lifestyle modification, including dietary modification and exercise in order to stay healthy. The desperation in losing weight to change health outcomes leads many to try many diets. The desire to lose weight rapidly with very little effort has led many attempting any new diet that comes up - from the Paleo diet to the Mediterranean diet, the Dr diet to the blood group diet and now to Atkin's Ketogenic diet. Many of these dieting regimes have come and gone only to resurface at a later date in different countries. In Ghana now, the blood group diet, with its attendant challenges, is gradually giving the stage to the latest diet in town: The Ketogenic diet or keto-diet. This diet, like many others, originated from the United States of America in the 1970s when the obesity epidemic was at its peak and attention had been brought to it as a potential public health problem. It seems as though Ghana is gradually getting to that level, especially in its urban and peri-urban areas. Hardly a day goes by without a dietician being asked if it is okay to go on a ketogenic diet and requesting to be put on such a dieting regime. This is why I have painstakingly done extensive research on peer-reviewed articles, as well as meta-analysed articles, to help our countrymen and women with an objective position on what the advantages and disadvantages of the ketogenic diet are. A ketogenic diet in simple terms is a low carbohydrate, high fat and normal protein diet that reduces the reliance of the body on glucose and turns more to fat for the supply of energy. When carbohydrates are eaten, they are digested into smaller molecules known as glucose which are stored as fat in the liver when in excess of what the body needs. This leads to fat accumulation in the liver and results in a non-alcoholic fatty liver, as well as a fat build-up on other parts of the body. In a person on a keto-diet, due to the drastic reduction in carbohydrate (about just 50g carb) intake a day, the body does not store up fat in the liver. It rather breaks down all glycogen (stored glucose) and fat in the liver for the body to use. After this, it then relies on and metabolises the high fat taken in rapidly to provide energy for the body. This leads to the accumulation of ketones. Advantages In the short term, a ketogenic diet is known to lead to rapid weight loss, improvement in insulin function leading to the control of blood “sugar” levels, correction of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, reduction in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and the reduction in size of LDL (bad cholesterol) levels but not quantities. The resultant weight loss is theorised to be due to the suppression of appetite, easy satiety from proteins and fats, as well as the high-energy expenditure involved in the metabolism of fat for energy production. Weight loss as with keto diets is thought of as being very effective between eight and 12 weeks. Some studies even pushed it up to 18 weeks, after which there it difficulty in compliance and a possible rebound in weight gain. It is also known to be good at preventing seizures in epileptics and improvements in many neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis. This is what currently in Ghana we mainly use the Keto diets for. Disadvantages The concerns for many have been with the long-term effects of headaches, kidney stones, dehydration, osteoporosis, dizziness and dyslipidemia (out-of-control blood fat levels) due to the intake of a bit more protein. This is associated with high uric acid levels, depletion of calcium and increased need for water. A Ketogenic diets is, therefore, thought of to be problematic and not sustainable in the long term. The benefits, however, in the short term are real. The question arises as to if we want a weight loss which is a quick fix that may not be sustainable or one that is gradual but possible to inculcate into a lifestyle change that can be continued for the long haul without looking back on any possible side effects over time. Another question is whether it is more about low calories or low carbs? If we arbitrarily take high fat and protein way beyond what our body needs, the rebound weight gain is also real. High carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates, as are in pastries, polished cereals and grains, roots and tubers etc. are definitely not good. Reducing them to an appreciably low level and ensuring that we have complex (with fibre) forms of those is in no doubt beneficial. Which fat is better to take? The scientific world is inconclusive in their support to the proponents of high saturated fats consumption as being safe. It is, however, conclusive that polyunsaturated fats such as in nuts, seeds and oily fishes are safe. It should, therefore, make sense that even if you would want to increase your fats intake, they should be on these generally accepted to be safer ones. Recommendation So a proposition of a modified ketogenic diet, which is also the well-balanced diet, with reduced carbohydrates (whole grains and cereals), adequate “good” fats, moderate saturated fats, adequate proteins and high fibre (vegetables, fruits), is the most plausible way, in my view, to maintaining a good balanced health that reduces the risk on disease onset and can lead to the loss of appreciable weight over time. You do not want to, in the long term, create another problem while solving one. Why sit aloof and allow weight gain to get to an uncontrollable level where you will have to do something as drastic as a keto-diet to lose weight? Taking just adequate complex carbs, coupled with the right quantity of good fats (poly unsaturated fats) and adequate proteins puts one at no risk of cancers, diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver etc. Definitely, refined carbohydrates or any nutrient for that matter taken in excess of what the body needs is not healthy to do. A perpetual or back and forth ketotic state can in no way be a healthy thing as is in the ketogenic diet. Some still believe that it is possible to have your cake and eat it by doing a short-term keto-diet for about a month or two and maintaining weight with a reduced calorie balanced diet without rebounding. To them, I can only wish well and ask that this should be done with supervision of your dietician. Balance and moderation with exercise will continue to be the time tested, unchanging words of healthy eating while every new diet craze will come and pass. Life is precious, so eat to live. The writer is a Dietician / Lecturer (UHAS) For Ghana Dietietics Association (Media and Apologetics Committee) Email: nowusu@uhas.edu.gh Tel. 0244967408

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-01T14:51:10+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9109/wesoamo-brings-hope-to-children-with-cancerhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9109/wesoamo-brings-hope-to-children-with-cancerShe had been with her daughter through thick and thin just hoping that one day she would see her child grow into a beautiful adult to continue their lineage. Unfortunately, this wonderful dream was dashed on the night of March 10, 2018, when death laid its icy hands on Nicole who happened to be Mrs Gloria Abla Pwamang's first child. The late Nicole Wesoamo Pwamang could simply be described as a fighter whose positive attitude made her survive all the harsh conditions of childhood cancers. Her dream was to be an oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for persons diagnosed with cancer). However, her battle with cancer left her keen to never see another child go through the pain she endured. Nicole's main ambition was to support children with childhood cancers, assist with treatment of needy children with good prognosis and support children requiring palliative care. It is no wonder she opted to study Science to enable her to fulfil her goal. Although she is gone, her legacy, the Wesoamo Child Cancer Foundation (WCCF), lingers on to give life to children battling cancer in Ghana. Nicole's battle with cancer At the initial stages of Nicole's condition, she was told it was an infection, and after a biopsy, she was told it was a tumour. At the time, she had no idea it was cancer. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a type of cancer in the bones) in her right femur in 2013 and had a successful limb salvage surgery the same year in India. She went through months of painful tests, chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation, physiotherapy and other medical procedures to cure her of the cancer. Thankfully, after all those months, Nicole was cured of cancer. Nicole returned to India again in 2014 for a second surgery to have a lung nodule removed from her lungs. Her experience with cancer and the difficulties pertaining to patient care propelled her to establish the WCCF in 2014 upon her return to Ghana. In February this year, Nicole had a recurrence of the disease in her lungs and battled the diseases as she did previously. Regrettably, she was not lucky this time and passed on to glory. Parent's memory According to Mrs Pwamang, Nicole was born at a time they were finding their feet as a couple and young adults. “We were not sure of our careers and many other life decisions but as soon as she arrived, things started taking shape. It was her dream to be able to sponsor children who need cancer treatment due to how expensive treatment for cancer is.” “Nicole was always strong and healthy. We were, therefore, surprised when the thigh pain we thought was a muscle pull turned out to be a tumour. Doctors had to refer people to her for encouragement and her smile alone kept hope alive,” she narrated. Nicole was also trying to find answers to why most African countries did not have a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. This type of scan can show how body tissues are working, as well as what they look like; and it is used to test for cancer. She was passionate about raising funds to help acquire a PET scan for Ghana. Recounting some of the good times shared with her daughter, Mrs Pwamang revealed that at the tender age of eight, Nicole helped her by recording sales at her shop on weekends and during vacation. “She became a young makeup artist at age 10 and worked mostly on flower girls during weddings. She also managed my Facebook page enthusiastically,” she said sadly. “Her keenness to learn and acquire additional skills got her to enrol at various skills training institutions in India on part time while seeking treatment in that country. She acquired certificates in baking, Computer Networking and Computer Animation. Nicole was born on November 24, 2003 to Mr Camillo Pwamang, a Clerk of Parliament who hails from Navrongo, and Mrs Gloria Abla Pwamang, a trained teacher who comes from Anloga. She started her primary education at the Fountainhead Christian School, Sakumono in 2009 and completed junior high school at the same school in 2017. She gained admission to the Akosombo International School (AIS) to pursue Science. She was the first of four siblings. The rest are Emmanuella, Wekem and Akiwele. Nicole was writing a book and working on a blog to share her story with the world before she passed away. However, her parents have promised to complete the book and launch it on her birthday on November 24. Advocacy for hospice facility Having gone through a lot as parents, one thing that the foundation seeks to champion is for the government to establish a hospice facility to lessen the burden on women who normally take care of family members whose medical conditions have been declared hopeless. Hospice is specialised care for those facing a life-limiting illness, their families and their caregivers. Hospice care addresses the patient's physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Explaining to The Mirror how it was challenging for them as parents to send Nicole from Korle Bu to the house when her condition was finally declared a terminal case, Mrs Pwamang recalled: “It was a traumatic experience as we had to go round searching for oxygen to use for her at home because she couldn't breathe properly. “Finally, we had a mobile oxygen from the Greenville Hospital in Tema Community 25. The owner of the facility who was touched by Nicole's condition decided to give the oxygen to us for free and even added a nurse to assist us take care of her, with the support of our consultant at Korle Bu by name Dr Nihad Salifu.” Mrs Pwamang, who was traumatised by the terminal stage of her daughter's sickness, said: “Telling us to send Nicole back home was almost like sitting on a time bomb. We knew death would certainly come but as to when and where was the scary part of the whole thing and we couldn't tell her what the doctors had said. Imagine if she had died home in the presence of her younger siblings; the trauma they would have gone through till date.” “Even though she died in the hospital finally, we've all abandoned her room. It has not been easy. Just after Nicole's passing, about two parents contacted me to find out how we went about taking care of Nicole at the terminal stage at home because they were facing similar conditions with their children who are less than five-year-olds suffering from leukemia at terminal stages,” she added. She stated that it was obvious that such parents were going through a lot emotionally and a hospice facility would be the best for them at this critical stage. “For example, sometimes the broader hospice team involves dieticians, massage therapists and volunteers who provide companionship and friendship to hospice patients,” she noted. Mrs Pwamang said currently, they were trying to put up a trust fund where children with cancers could access some funds to support their treatment. “You will be surprised that there are parents who do not have as little as GH¢ 50 to enable them to do even x-rays. Sometimes while on admission with Nicole, we met such cases and we ended up assisting them to pay. “We don't want to sit down and look on because we've lost Nicole; we have to help save lives of children with cancers. As you know, the treatment for cancer is very expensive; therefore, the foundation is aiming at raising about 50,000 pounds, but we will start with a seed money of 10,000 pounds so that at least three patients can be assisted and then the number will be increased as and when the fund grows,” she revealed. Touching on treatment, Mrs Pwamang appealed to the government to consider adding childhood cancers to the National Health Insurance Scheme.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-01T14:47:38+00:00https://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9108/pregnant-women-asked-to-subscribe-to-mobile-phone-for-healthhttps://www.watchghana.com/en/details/9108/pregnant-women-asked-to-subscribe-to-mobile-phone-for-healthPregnant women and nursing mothers have been encouraged to subscribe to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Mobile Phone for Health (Mp4H) text code programme in order to receive authentic timely health messages on their pregnancies and how they can take care of their newborns. The Programme Manager of the Family Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Mr Emmanuel Ayire Adongo, gave the advice in an interview and stated that the messages subscribers of the programme were likely to receive included how to prepare for delivery, when to go for antenatal, what they should eat, danger signs in pregnancy and what to do when they see them. Others are danger signs to look out for during the early newborn period, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, post-natal check-ups when to go for child welfare clinics (otherwise known as weighing) and the medicines their newborns were likely to receive at every stage of their lives. What is Mp4H The Mp4H is a private-public partnership between the GHS and Tech-Valley Gh, a technology company. It is designed to provide authentic key and timely child-care and maternal health-care messages during pregnancy, post-natal and childcare to pregnant women and nursing mothers. Subscribers would have to text ‘baby' or ‘mother' (depending on whether they are nursing mothers or pregnant women) to the shortcode 1880 to receive the text messages. For pregnant women, once they text to the shortcode, it will request for the gestational age and once that is provided, they would start receiving weekly text messages about the pregnancy. Once they deliver, the programme would automatically roll them on to the childcare one. When nursing mothers subscribe, it will also request for the age of the child and once that is provided, they will receive messages till the child is two years. “We know that the health worker-population ratio in the country is not adequate and we want to reach out to everybody by giving them reminders such as those mentioned above to enable them to care for themselves and their children and to alert them of any danger,” Mr Adongo explained. Text code He said some nursing mothers and pregnant women also tended to forget the messages given to them at the clinic but subscribing to the text code would help them to have all that they had forgotten. Mr Adongo said the country was currently experiencing high neonatal death rate and pointed out that ignorance was responsible for this. “Ignorance is killing most of our children and these messages have been introduced to remind parents of how to take care of their children in order to reduce neonatal deaths in the country. The messages come with tips on how parents can take care of their children's emotional and psychological needs,” he said. Mp4H subscription The (Mp4H) programme was started last year and has so far registered 10,000 subscribers. Of the number, Mr Adongo said, 60 percent were subscription by pregnant women for messages on their pregnancy while the remaining 40 percent were for child healthcare messages. Interested people can subscribe to all mobile networks: MTN, Tigo, Airtel and Vodafone.

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]]>Miscellaneous2018-05-01T14:45:19+00:00