ST. Michael Specialist Hospital Marks World Heart Day with Awareness Initiative

Story by Fada Amakye from Daily Sun Media

ST. Michael Specialist Hospital Marks World Heart Day with Awareness Initiative

In observance of World Heart Day, ST. Michael Specialist Hospital, in collaboration with key partners, including the Ghanaian Society of Cardiology and the Stroke Association Support Network, hosted a comprehensive awareness event themed “Use Heart for Action”. The event drew over 300 participants who received various health screenings, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, and body mass index (BMI) calculations, at the hospital’s premises.

According to Dr. Lawrence Agyeman Sereboe, Medical Director of ST. Michael Specialist Hospital, the goal is to address the rising cases of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are the leading cause of death and linked to risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy diets. Dr. Sereboe emphasized that 80% of premature deaths from CVD are preventable by practicing healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy meals, engaging in regular physical activity, and self-monitoring blood pressure regularly.

“The rising cases of CVDs are a major concern for us as healthcare professionals,” Dr. Sereboe said. “However, there is hope. By making simple changes to our daily lives, we can significantly reduce our risks of CVD and better manage our heart health.”

The event featured a series of presentations and discussions led by experts in cardiology and healthcare, focusing on topics such as the importance of early detection, the role of nutrition in heart health, and the impact of stress on cardiovascular well-being. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in physical activity sessions, including yoga and aerobics, and receive personalized health advice from healthcare professionals.