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HYPERTENSION: SILENT BUT SERIOUS

What you don’t know can't hurt you right? WRONG High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, yet many people don’t realize they have it until it causes serious damage. It’s often called the silent killer because it develops slowly, without obvious symptoms, while quietly harming vital organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. Why Hypertension is a Silent Threat Did you know that the changes in your blood vessels leading to high blood pressure can begin much earlier than we think? Even in your 20s or 30s, lifestyle habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress can start affecting the health of your arteries. Over time, these changes make the heart work harder to pump blood, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and vision problems. Myths vs. Facts About Hypertension There are many misconceptions about high blood pressure. Let’s clear a few up: Myth : “I feel fine, so my...

Wellness Begins Within: 5 Lab Tests Every Woman Should Prioritize

 As a Ghanaian woman navigating life, family, career, and community, your health often takes a back seat. But your body is your greatest asset, and by age 40, certain health checks should become routine—not just for peace of mind, but to catch silent threats before they grow louder. These aren't just tests for “when you’re sick”—they're smart steps toward prevention, early detection, and overall wellness. Here are 5 essential health tests every Ghanaian woman should prioritize  1. Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Check (BP) – You can feel perfectly healthy and still have high blood pressure or prediabetes—and in Ghana, many women only find out after a stroke or hospital emergency. These "silent killers" quietly damage your heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain over time. Regular checks, especially if you’re overweight, stressed, or have a family history, can help you catch issues early and take control before complications set in. Check it as often as you can, just pass by th...

Tired All the Time? Understanding Chronic Fatigue in Women

 Feeling exhausted even after a full night's sleep? Struggling to get through the day no matter how much you rest? You’re not alone — and it’s not just in your head. Chronic fatigue is a silent struggle many women face, often dismissed as “just stress” or “doing too much.” But for many, it’s a real and persistent condition that impacts daily life, relationships, and mental well-being. What Is Chronic Fatigue? Chronic fatigue isn’t just about being tired after a long day. It’s a deep, ongoing exhaustion that doesn’t go away with rest. It can affect your ability to work, care for your family, worship, or even enjoy simple things like chatting with friends or cooking your favorite meal. Many women in Ghana ignore these signs or get told, “You’re just stressed,” or “That’s how adulthood is.” But fatigue that lingers for weeks or months should not be brushed aside. Why Are So Many Ghanaian Women Always Tired? Let’s break it down. Here are some common causes of fatigue that often go...

MANAGING A CHILD WITH ASTHMA – THINGS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW

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Asthma Asthma Asthma a condition that keeps you on your toes because you’ll never know when it’ll sneak up on you. Whether you're a seasoned asthma parent or newly navigating your child’s wheezy breathing, this post is for you. As a pharmacist and health blogger, I’ve seen asthma from all angles — prescriptions, puffers, panicked parents — and I’m here to break it down for you, one scoop at a time🥣 So, What Is Asthma? Think of asthma as your child’s airways being a little dramatic. One minute they’re fine, the next minute they’re tight, swollen, and flooded with mucus. This makes it harder to breathe and is triggered by things like dust, cold air, exercise, or even laughter– yes, excessive laughter can trigger an attack not to talk of emotions– yes, too much anger, excitement or anxiety can trigger an attack.   Key Things Every Parent Should Know 1. Know Your Child’s Triggers– Triggers are like that one friend who always shows up uninvited and takes over the whole show🙄. Commo...

When Medicines Stop Working: What You Need to Know About Antimicrobial Resistance

 Imagine going to a hospital for an infection that is considered a simple one and is easily treatable with antibiotics, only to find out that everything has changed and the antibiotics don’t work anymore. Doesn’t that sound horrifying? That is exactly what is happening around the world, and the phenomenon is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While it sounds like it is extremely technical, it is something that affects every one of us, and it is vital that we understand what is going on.  What is Antimicrobial Resistance? Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs (like bacteria or fungi) stop responding to the medicines meant to kill them — mainly antibiotics. This means that even common infections, like a urinary tract infection, can become difficult or impossible to treat. Simply put, antibiotics are misused - and as a result, germs become stronger and our medicines weaker. Why should we care? Because AMR can affect anyone . It can make minor infections dangerous ag...

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight and Prevent Obesity

  How to Maintain a Healthy Weight and Prevent Obesity Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall well-being and can help prevent serious health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease . In Ghana, common factors such as unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and stress contribute to weight gain. The good news? With the right lifestyle changes, you can maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity! Here’s how: 1. Eat a Balanced Diet Your diet plays a major role in weight management. The goal is to focus on nutritious foods while cutting back on unhealthy options. ✅ Eat More Whole Foods Load up on vegetables & fruits (e.g., kontomire, garden eggs, oranges, mangoes). Choose whole grains over refined ones (e.g., brown rice, whole wheat bread). Include lean proteins like fish, eggs, beans, and chicken. ❌ Reduce Unhealthy Foods Cut down on processed foods (e.g., fast food, instant noodles). Limit sugar and sugary drinks (e.g., sodas, sweet fru...