A Senior Physician Specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, Dr Thomas Agbemaple, has urged Ghanaians to adopt healthier diets and lifestyles to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
According to him, excessive consumption of foods high in unhealthy fats, coupled with high blood pressure, contributes significantly to the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, August 26, Dr Agbemaple stressed that prevention should be prioritised over treatment, particularly as stroke cases continue to rise among men.
“Changing our diet, by de-emphasising fried foods, you know, jollof here, fried rice, potato chips, and the typical Western diet, we will be making a lot of headway in reducing the incidence of cholesterol deposition in the walls of our arteries and, therefore, making it very, very unlikely that one will become a victim of stroke,” he advised.
He stressed that reducing the buildup of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries through improved eating habits could significantly lower the likelihood of suffering a stroke.
His comments come as Channel One TV, in partnership with Citi FM, prepares to dedicate September to a healthy living campaign aimed at creating awareness and helping listeners and viewers adopt healthier lifestyles.
The initiative is expected to provide practical guidance to the public on maintaining healthy habits beyond the month-long campaign.
