Dr Thomas Agbemaple, a Senior Physician Specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, has urged Ghanaians to adopt healthier diets and active lifestyles to lower their risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, August 26, Dr Agbemaple emphasised that individuals must prioritise prevention over treatment, especially as stroke cases continue to rise among men.
He explained that eating excessive amounts of foods high in unhealthy fats, combined with high blood pressure, builds up cholesterol inside arterial walls. Over time, this cholesterol accumulation significantly increases an individual’s likelihood of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
To combat this trend, Dr Agbemaple advised the public to transform their everyday eating habits. He specifically urged people to cut back on heavy, oily, and fried options—such as fried rice, jollof, potato chips, and typical Western fast foods. By replacing these heavy dishes with cleaner, nutrient-dense foods, people actively prevent cholesterol from coating their arterial walls, drastically lowering their overall risk of developing life-threatening conditions.
This medical advice comes as Channel One TV, in partnership with Citi FM, prepares to launch a month-long healthy living campaign throughout September. The initiative aims to educate listeners and viewers on practical wellness strategies, empowering the public to build and maintain healthy habits long after the campaign concludes.
Prioritising daily preventive care over later medical intervention offers the most effective path toward reducing cardiovascular risk. By making intentional adjustments to everyday eating habits and minimising high-fat, processed foods, individuals actively take control of their long-term arterial health and significantly lower their chances of experiencing a stroke.
