It’s becoming increasingly common to hear about someone who seemed perfectly healthy suddenly passing away.
Often, people attribute these deaths to spiritual attacks rather than underlying health issues.
According to a nurse at F. Alpha and Omega Specialist Hospital in Madina in the Greater Accra Region, Ms. MaryAnn Ojiaku many people were unaware they have hypertension, a condition also known as a “silent killer.”
In an interview on Sunday on the sidelines of a health screening exercise, she emphasized the importance of knowing one’s body systems to detect changes and seek medical attention promptly.
“Some people don’t know they are hypertensive because either they have never tested or they do not do so regularly, and hypertension is known as a silent killer. And so sometimes people tend to mistake it for a spiritual attack” she explained.
She encouraged people to get tested regularly for hypertension and also for diabetes.
(Diabetes is a condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels)
“If left unmanaged, diabetes could also cause serious complications for a person, and so one must always check their fasting blood sugar as well” she advised.
Ms. Ojiaku stressed the importance of early detection and management of diabetes and hypertension.
“We try to encourage people to get tested regularly and educate them on lifestyle changes that can help manage these conditions,” she said.
“A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest are essential for maintaining good health,” she mentioned.
Ms. Ojiaku listed recurrent headaches, dizziness, palpitations, and blurred vision as symptoms that should not be taken lightly.
She observed that some patients ignored these signs, and the body may temporarily normalize high blood pressure, leading to more severe health problems later.
The nurse advised frequent blood pressure checks and other recommended tests to determine what’s normal and what’s not in a person.
“If you notice any unusual changes, seek medical attention immediately to prevent complications,” she urged.
Ms. Ojiaku also encouraged people to invest in personal blood pressure monitors and seek medical help if they notice any changes.
“Don’t stay at home and pray; do both together,” she counselled. “Take action to manage your health, and let God do His part.”
Ms MaryAnn Ojiaku advising the members of the public to prioritize their health
The free health screening organized by the Holy Family Akan Society of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church as part of events commemorating their 50th Anniversary received positive feedback from members and persons from the community.
A member of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church undergoing screening.
One of such was Samson Owusu. “This free screening exercise has been beneficial to me because I had unlimited access to medical personnel without payment,” he said.
“I received enough information to last me a lifetime, and I’ll spread the word to others. I will make sure I exercise every week, eat well, and also check my BP and sugar level often. I really want to live long and in good health to serve my God.”
The nurse from the F. Alpha and Omega Specialist Hospital commended the church for organizing the free health screening and encouraged other religious institutions to follow suit in supporting their members’ physical and spiritual well-being.
She was of the opinion that, by prioritizing health and taking proactive steps, individuals could reduce the risk of complications from hypertension and diabetes.
The Chairman of the Holy Family Akan Society Anniversary Committee, Patrick Amoah Sarfo, stated that the church had observed that some members were discouraged from seeking medical attention due to the high cost of medical bills, which compromised their health.
Mr. Patrick Amoah Sarfo
He said as part of efforts to address this issue, the church decided to step in and provide support not only to its members but also to the community where the church is located.
“This initiative is an opportunity for us to show that the Church cares for both the souls and bodies of people,” Mr. Amoah Sarfo said.
He expressed appreciation for the massive turnout and encouraged the beneficiaries to adhere to the advice given by the health personnel. “We urge everyone who benefited from this exercise to take their health seriously and follow the recommendations given to them, so they can lead healthy lives,” he added.
The Anniversary Committee Chairman stated that, the church’s efforts to provide free health screenings demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of its members and the community.
He was convinced that, by providing access to medical care and education, the church was empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
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