By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), May 22, GNA-To maintain a normal Blood Pressure (BP), Dr. Kwesi Gyeni Annor, Health Manager at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, has advised residents of Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality to adopt healthy eating habits and reduce fat intake.
He mentioned that promoting healthy eating habits would not only improve their blood pressure, but it would foster healthy growth and extend their lifespan.
Dr Annor also emphasized the importance of exercising regularly and increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruits.
The health manager gave the advice at the Tarkwa lorry station when he educated shop owners, traders, drivers, buyers, and the public on hypertension during a medical outreach to celebrate World Hypertension Day, which falls on May 17 every year.
AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine collaborated with the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate to organize the free health screening exercise.
The theme for this year is “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer.”
Patrons were screened for blood pressure, diabetes, malaria, eye and dental diseases and other health conditions.
Almost 2000 people benefited from the exercise and medications estimated around GH¢ 300,000 were distributed freely to all those who came for the screening.
Dr Annor recalled that traditionally the Mine’s medical outreaches had focused on their immediate communities like Akyempim, Bankyiem, Mile Eight, Adieyie and Teberebie, but they realized that majority of their workers resided in Tarkwa township.
He said, “With many people converging in the Tarkwa station area, the outreach will significantly contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community.
Once the communities that we operate in are healthy, we believe we have fulfilled our cooperate responsibility to them.”
Mrs Wilhelmina Tiwaah Duah Morttey, Municipal Director of Health Services in Tarkwa Nsuaem, said as part of activities to observe world hypertension day, Ghana Health Service aims to screen one million Ghanaians for blood pressure levels in the month of May.
For Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, she explained they were given a target to screen 7,036 people, adding that, the outreach would aid in achieving their goal.
Mrs Morttey expressed appreciation to Iduapriem Mine for collaborating with the Municipal Health Directorate to bring healthcare services directly to the community.
“Market women typically don’t have the luxury of time to visit hospitals, so this outreach will help them. Today’s setup we have doctors, physician assistants, pharmacists, laboratory personnel, nurses and specialist for ear, eye, and dental care all under one roof,” She stated
Mrs Morttey stressed that after the exercise, the directorate would be able to track and monitor those with high blood pressure and provide them with the suitable treatment.
She appealed to Iduapriem Mine to consider making the initiative an annual event, so they could bring healthcare services to the doorstep of traders, transport unions and the general population.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/Christian Akorlie