Editorial
Control blood pressure, high sugar level to prevent kidney disease
The Spectator published a report last week titled “Chronic Kidney Disease surge among the youth,” which disclosed that 70 per cent of people with Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD) cases in Ghana are between the ages of 20 and 50.
The high incidence of kidney diseases among middle-aged workers raises severe public health concerns, and the nation runs the risk of losing its young to (CKD) if action is not taken.
According to reports, 800 million people worldwide are afflicted with the disease, which kills 2.4 million people yearly, making it the sixth fastest growing cause of mortality worldwide.
Sadly, most of the cases are reported to occur in underdeveloped nations with low resources.
These alarming statistics highlight the need for preventative measures to be implemented in order to prevent the disease, which shows symptoms like itchy skin, cramping in the muscles, foamy urine, fatigue and weakness, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, increased or decreased urination, and unexplained weight loss, among others.
We are informed that when these symptoms appear, the illness has progressed to an irreversible level, and patients may require dialysis or a kidney transplant if their kidney function has been severely compromised.
Also, the disease may be caused by unchecked hypertension, drug abuse (including ibuprofen and diclofenac), and herbal remedies, among other things.
The worrying part is that having CKD, no matter how minor, puts a person at risk for more significant issues like cardiovascular disease, which is a set of illnesses that affect the heart and blood arteries and includes heart attacks and strokes.
Medical experts state that diabetes is the primary cause of kidney disease, and that those with the condition should monitor their sugar intake.
They describe CKD as a progressive and irreversible decline in kidney function that occurs over months or years without any noticeable symptoms.
The Spectator is concerned about the issue and believes that setting early detection, intervention, and prevention as top priorities will provide the solution. After a diagnosis, in that case, it is imperative to manage it by reducing salt intake, losing weight, exercising regularly, and adhering to a balanced diet to prevent it from getting worse.
In order to lower their blood pressure, patients with high blood pressure must also modify their lifestyle, take medication, eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, drink enough water, sleep for seven to eight hours every night, abstain from smoking, and consume alcohol in moderation.
To lessen the financial burden that comes with kidney diseases, the government actually needs to act pragmatically and set up an insurance programme for dialysis sufferers.
We also urge every individual to be health consciousn in order to avoid contracting the disease, as the expense of treating a patient undergoing renal dialysis is high and beyond the means of most families.
With CKD, there is no known cure; medication can only assist manage the disease’s symptoms and prevent it from growing worse.
Let us be health conscious to prevent kidney disease.
Editorial
Obtain license before practising traditional medicine
People suffer from a variety of health problems, and instead of consulting with medical professionals who are competent to treat them, they prefer to take various concoctions from unqualified people, which ultimately makes their condition worse.
The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has expressed concern and warned practitioners of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine that neglect to obtain or renew their licenses from the council may be subject to legal action.
The Spectator is happy about this move because controlling Traditional Medicine Practice (TMP) will restore sanity to the system, as more and more people choose traditional rather than mainstream medicine.
The term “traditional medicine” describes the knowledge, abilities, and procedures utilised in the preservation of health as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical and mental illness.
These methods are founded on the theories, beliefs, and life experiences that are native to many cultures.
The alert was sent out on August 31, on the occassion of African Traditional Medicine Day, which is observed every year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) created the Day in 2003 to honour the significance of traditional medicine in Africa and to encourage its incorporation into all of the continent’s national health systems.
According to the council, 70–80 per cent of people use herbal medicines as their major source of healthcare, making them the most widely used type of traditional medicine.
As to Section 9 of the TMPC Act, 2000 (Act 575), it is impermissible for an individual to manufacture herbal medicine for commercial purposes or run a business as a practitioner without first registering with the council.
In order to enhance public safety when administering herbal medications, it is crucial that herbal practitioners follow the Council’s recommendations and renew or obtain licenses from the organisation.
This is due to the fact that regulated practice would improve and promote the THPs’ meaningful participation in primary healthcare operations.
Most importantly, for millions of people, particularly in rural areas, traditional medicine and THPs are essential parts of the healthcare field.
Additionally, obtaining a license before practice will be extremely beneficial to herbalists as it will spare them from the harsh consequences of breaking the law.
The Spectator concurs with the Council that making safe and effective traditional medicines available could play a significant role in expanding access to healthcare services, as one-third of the population does not have access to vital medications.
Without a doubt, this will have a significant positive impact on Ghanaians’ health and wellbeing.
Whatever it may be, traditional medicine is here to stay and will continue to play a significant role in the healthcare systems of many communities, so the correct protocols must be followed to guarantee everyone’s safety.
Editorial
Construction of ‘Ayee Ayee Fee’ Avenue road in Akweteyman stalled
Dear Editor,
Residents of ‘Ayee Ayee Fee Avenue’, an area around Akweteyman in Accra are unhappy with the stalled road construction in the area.
The project, which began on a promising note, has been abandoned for months, leaving the road in a deplorable state.
The present state of the road has made its usage a nightmare for residents, commuters, and traders in the area.
The potholes and dust makes it difficult for vehicles to ply the road, while pedestrians risk their safety navigating the uneven terrain.
The lack of progress on the project has also created traffic congestion, air pollution, and economic hardship for local businesses.
It is unacceptable that the authorities have allowed this project to stall, despite the clear need for a safe and accessible road.
I implore the relevant authorities to take immediate action to complete the road construction on ‘Ayee Ayee Fee’ Avenue.
The community deserves a safe and reliable transportation infrastructure, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to deliver it.
Regular updates on the project’s progress, coupled with a clear plan for completion, can help restore confidence in the authorities’ ability to deliver on their promises.
Richmond Angel Mensah,
Accra.
