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In celebration of World Heart Day, St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital organized a free heart health screening event today, attracting over 200 participants. The initiative, which takes place every September 29, is part of a global effort supported by the World Heart Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and their impact on public health.
The event provided participants with various health screenings, including assessments for Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, and sugar levels. Medical professionals were on hand to offer advice on maintaining heart health and managing risks associated with cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Lawrence Agyeman Serebour, a medical specialist at St. Michael’s, addressed the media during the event, stressing the importance of heart health awareness. He revealed that cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally, with millions of lives lost each year.
“Every year, over 20 million people die from heart diseases and stroke,” Dr. Serebour noted, adding that effective health policies must be implemented to reduce the high incidence of heart disease.
He identified key contributors to cardiovascular disease, including obesity, alcoholism, and smoking, and highlighted the particularly harmful effects of smoking shisha. “An hour of smoking shisha is equivalent to smoking 100 sticks of cigarettes,” he warned, underscoring the urgent need for people, especially young individuals, to avoid such harmful habits.
Dr. Serebour urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles by incorporating regular exercise into their daily routines, quitting tobacco use, and attending regular health checkups. “We recommend that everyone visits the hospital at least once every six months to check their heart health,” he advised.
Participants in the event expressed their gratitude to St. Michael’s Hospital for organizing the free screenings. Many of them emphasized that such initiatives are crucial in educating the public about heart health and encouraging early detection of cardiovascular issues.
A local resident, Madam Akua Asantewaa, expressed her appreciation, saying, “This program is very important, and it has helped me understand the importance of checking my heart health regularly. I hope more events like this will be organized.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that the screening provided valuable insights into their current health status. Many participants called for more frequent heart health initiatives to help build a stronger and healthier community.
St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital, known for its dedication to promoting public health, is expected to continue organizing similar community-based events in the future. The hospital’s commitment to improving heart health and raising awareness about the dangers of cardiovascular diseases remains a central focus of its healthcare outreach programs.
World Heart Day, observed globally on September 29, serves as a reminder to people around the world to take control of their heart health and make lifestyle changes that can prevent heart disease. With cardiovascular diseases being responsible for an estimated 31% of all global deaths, the message of prevention and awareness has never been more critical.
As the community applauds the efforts of St. Michael’s Hospital, the hope is that more people will take proactive steps to safeguard their heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease through early detection and preventive measures.
*About St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital*
St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital is a leading healthcare facility in Kumasi, providing a range of medical services, including cardiology, diagnostics, and preventive care. The hospital is known for its patient-centered approach and commitment to improving the overall health and well-being of the community.
