Priorities

How do you prioritize in your life? Are you concerned with the things that are the most important?

Do you know what kills more Ghanaians than anything else? When adjusting for age the WHO found in 2002 that non-communicable diseases were the main cause of death among Ghanaians, with cardio-vascular diseases the main cause among them. We wash our hands all the time. We cover our mouths when we cough. I see Ghanaians cover their mouths and nose with handkerchiefs at hospitals or around sewers, and avoid touching dirty animals.

That’s all well and good, it is very important to avoid contracting diseases as much as possible. However, the statistic would show that our priorities are askew.

Who exercises every week? Who is thinking about making meals that are balanced and nutritious? We know to wash every day, but do you know your blood pressure? How about your sugar level? Do you know your Body Mass Index? We need to be as concerned about leading a healthy lifestyle and preventing non-communicable diseases as much as we are about catching disease. Get screened, stay informed, and stay alive.