Lifestyle Choices Major Factor In Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases — Ashanti Regional Health Director
The Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, has warned that unhealthy lifestyle choices are significantly contributing to the increasing cases of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and cancer in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, Dr. Adomako Boateng explained that daily habits including diet, alcohol intake and smoking play a major role in the development of these conditions.
“Non-communicable diseases such as cancer and high blood pressure are lifestyle-related diseases. How you live your life; what you eat, how you drink, and your daily habits plays a major role in their development,” he said.
He noted that hypertension remains particularly dangerous because it can exist silently in the body for decades without showing symptoms, making early detection critical.
“You can develop hypertension for 20 to 30 years without experiencing any symptoms. That is why screening is very important,” Dr. Adomako Boateng stated.
According to him, regular blood pressure checks can help detect the condition early and prevent severe complications, including kidney failure.
“By simply checking your blood pressure, we can detect it early. If hypertension is not managed properly, it can lead to serious complications such as renal failure,” he cautioned.
The Health Director stressed that while medical professionals play an important role in treatment, individuals must take responsibility for their own health through informed lifestyle choices.
“Doctors and nurses alone do not create good health, it is a collective responsibility. Health professionals do their part, but lifestyle choices are in your hands,” he added.
Dr. Adomako Boateng encouraged the public to adopt healthier eating habits, limit alcohol consumption, avoid smoking and undergo regular medical screening, even when they feel physically well.
