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
Residents uncomfortable with noise pollution at Abeka-Botwe
Dear Editor,
I write to complain about the incessant noise pollution from churches and drinking spots in the Abeka- Botwe community.
Despite the many complaints from residents, the churches and operators of these drinking spots have turned a deaf ear to these complaints from the neighbours and residents.
Even suggestions to reduce the volume of their gadgets have been ignored.
One can audibly hear these noise from meters away and it’s very bad especially for those living close. In communicating, one is forced to shout for the other to hear.
These churches holds evening services twice or thrice a week and morning service on Thursdays and Sundays.
On all these occasions, one is forced to leave the house, move somewhere to relax and return home when they are done.
Most residents are at their wits end as complains to the churches and drinking spots have not been heeded to.
Through this platform, I wish to appeal to the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly to take the needed action against them or caution them to give some relief to residents.
Akosua Addo
Abeka-Botwe
Editorial
Fix deplorable roads at Dansoman Camara
Dear Editor
I am writing to express my concern about the deplorable condition of the roads in my area, Dansoman Camara, specifically the numerous potholes that have become a menace to drivers and pedestrians alike.
The roads in the neighbourhood are full of potholes and for months has become so difficult for drivers to navigate their way on them.
Despite the numerous complaints to the local authorities, nothing seems to have been done to address the issue. The potholes are not only causing damage to vehicles but also posing a significant risk to road safety.
As the rainy season draws closer, it will turn into something else as these huge potholes become large pools of water.
And as drivers drive through them, they splash the water on commuters. The buildings nearby are also not left out, leaving them in a poor state.
As a resident of this area, I am appalled by the lack of attention given to this critical issue. I urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to repair the roads and fill the potholes.
It is their responsibility to ensure that the roads are safe and well-maintained.
I hope that by highlighting this issue, I can bring attention to the plight of residents in my area and prompt the authorities to take necessary action.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Dansoman Camara
