We can commit to a simple PROMISE and follow through with it and that will turn the tables in our favour. 29^th September is World Heart Day and this year as always we are keeping things simple; let us take care of our hearts and that of our loved ones. World Heart Day raises awareness about cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease including heart disease and stroke.

DOING NOTHING MAKES THESE WORSE

• 100 Million people a year fall into extreme poverty because of unaffordable healthcare costs.
• Circulatory diseases are the worlds number 1 cause of disability and death
• Circulatory diseases strongly affect quality of life
• Circulatory diseases place a heavy financial burden on individuals and on health systems
• Together, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease lead to more than 20 million deaths each year.

REVERSE THESE BY MAKING A PROMISE

We can reverse these trends by making promises and keeping them. I am starting now so join me and kindly add to the list and send me an email. I PROMISE to post your promises.

1. I PROMISE to cook and eat more healthily; more fruits and vegetables and less salt, sugar and unhealthy fats…and will encourage my loved ones to do the same
2. I PROMISE to increase my daily physical activity. I will encourage my loved ones to do the same and children are included.
3. I PROMISE not to smoke and encourage my loved ones to neither smoke nor inhale tobacco fumes from others
4. I PROMISE to have my HEART HEALTH assessed and it will include; my blood pressure, my BMI (or other), my blood sugar, my blood cholesterol etc. and I will encourage my loved ones to do the same.
5. I PROMISE to make time each day to relax and get adequate rest and I will encourage my loved ones to do the same.

“On World Heart Day, we’re asking you to make a promise….for MY HEART, for YOUR HEART, for ALL OUR HEARTS”

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI).

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd/St Andrews Clinic

(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Kojo Essel is a Medical Doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition & Corrective Exercise.

Thought for the week – “Heart disease does NOT discriminate. It can hit anyone regardless of age, gender, race, social class or economic status BUT you have far more control over your heart health than you may realize.”

Reference:

1. World-heart-federation.org