By Samuel Ofori Boateng, GNA
Manso Agroyesum (Ash), May 30, GNA – Medical doctors at St. Martin’s Catholic Hospital at Manso Agroyesum in the Amansie South District have raised alarm over a steady increase in hypertension cases being recorded at the facility.
The doctors are warning that self-medication and excessive consumption of energy drinks are major contributing factors.
The concern was raised during the celebration of this year’s Hypertension Month at the hospital, where health professionals engaged residents in education and awareness creation on the dangers of uncontrolled high blood pressure and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
Dr. Owusu Berkoma, the Medical Director of the hospital, attributed the rising cases of hypertension partly to the stressful nature of mining activities in the district, which he said continues to expose many residents, especially miners, to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
According to him, a significant number of residents frequently resort to self-medication by purchasing drugs from pharmacies and chemical shops without proper medical consultation or prescription.
He warned that such practices were unsafe and could worsen health conditions, including hypertension and other cardiovascular complications.
Dr. Berkoma further expressed concern about the widespread consumption of energy drinks among young people and workers in the area, noting that many of these products contained high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that could increase heart rate and elevate blood pressure when taken excessively.
He cautioned that the combination of work-related stress, poor dietary habits, self-medication, and excessive intake of energy drinks were placing many residents at higher risk of developing hypertension, often without early detection.
Dr. Berkoma therefore urged the public to make regular hospital visits for blood pressure checks and general medical screening, stressing that early detection remained key to preventing severe complications such as stroke, heart disease, and sudden death.
“Many people are living with hypertension without knowing their status. Regular checkups, proper diet, and lifestyle modification are very important in preventing avoidable deaths,” he emphasized.
Mr. Paul Ralph Odum, the Health Service Administrator at the hospital, cautioned the public against excessive consumption of processed and packaged foods, which he said contributed significantly to the rising burden of hypertension in the country.
He explained that foods and drinks such as instant noodles, biscuits, canned beverages, and other processed products contained high levels of salt, sugar, and preservatives that were harmful to human health when consumed frequently.
Mr. Odum encouraged residents to adopt healthier dietary practices by eating more natural and locally grown foods, fruits, and vegetables, while also engaging in regular physical exercise and reducing stress.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Samuel Ofori Boateng