By Erica Apeatua Addo
Mehutem (W/R), Feb. 25, GNA-Adingelah Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has launched the ”Heart and stress management programme” to address the high rates of hypertension and stress-related conditions in Mehutem, a community in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality.
The two critical health concerns were identified by the Foundation in 2024 when they organized a mental health awareness and medical outreach for the residents.
“Fostering a healthier, stress-free Mehutem community” was the theme for the programme and it’s a follow up initiative by the Adingelah Foundation.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs Benedicta Adingelah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation recalled the 2024 outreach revealed that nearly 30 per cent of the screened adults were hypertensive, with 22 cases of stress-induced bodily pain recorded.
The findings, she explained, highlighted an urgent need for sustained health interventions focused on cardiovascular health and stress management, saying, “If left unaddressed, these conditions could lead to severe complications such as stroke, heart disease, and chronic pain disorders”.
The CEO noted that the ”Heart and stress management programme sought to provide continuous monitoring and support for individuals diagnosed with hypertension, educate the community on-stress reduction techniques and lifestyle changes.
Mrs Adingelah said the programme would introduce low-cost, sustainable interventions such as guided relaxation, exercises, and diet modifications as well as train local health volunteers to offer support.
Dr Sylvester Newton, Senior Medical Officer, Gold Fields Damang Mine, debunked the assertion that some hypertension drugs caused erectile dysfunction in men.
He encouraged patients with chronic illnesses such as hypertension that by taking medication as prescribed, they could manage their conditions effectively, reduce the risk of complications, and improve their overall quality of life.
To maintain a healthy heart, Madam Judith Oppongwah, Psychiatric Nurse at the Huni-Valley health centre advised the residents to eat balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engage in regular physical activity such as walking, get enough sleep, limit sodium intake, quit smoking, socialize with people and laugh a lot to reduce stress.
Madam Mimi Yeboah Mensah, Physician Assistant at Huni-Valley Health centre, commended all those who visited her facility after they were referred in the pervious medical outreach to undergo further treatment, saying, ” l applaud you for taking a bold step when it comes to your health.”
She said regular health reviews could help identify potential health problems before they become severe and, also help individuals with existing medical conditions manage their health more effectively.
Some residents from Mehutem and its surrounding communities who attended the event with their children were screened on various diseases and given free medications.
The medical team also schooled the residents on the importance of the heart, wellness, and stress management.
A patron, Mr Mark Arthur, expressed gratitude to Adingelah Foundation for continuously organising a medical outreach and health education for them, adding, ” many of us suffer all kinds of diseases, but we cannot visit the hospital regularly because of the lack of money. God bless this Foundation for coming to our aid.”
GNA