REFLECTION SERIES

One Saturday after church a friend said to me, "is it good to have high levels of good cholesterol? If it is good as you - medical people say, why should there be a limit?". Like my good friend, there may be other people who are yearning for answers to these questions and more. However, cholesterol is one of the most misunderstood topics in health. In this reflection series, I will talk about cholesterol; where we get it from, how good or how bad it is, how to keep it under control and possibly how to prevent complications that come with it. Cholesterol; what is it? Cholesterol is a waxy type of fat which is found in the blood and moves throughout the body. Since fats do not dissolve in water, cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood which is water-based, and for that matter it floats in the blood as it moves in the blood vessels. This explains why it can be found everywhere in the body. Cholesterol; where do we get it from? It is important to know that the body produces ...

The issue of the sabbath has become a topic for national discussion in Ghana after the West African Examination Council (WAEC) released the time table for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for 2020. Unlike the years past, WAEC for the first time scheduled some of the WASSCE papers on Saturdays. This action by WAEC has resurrected the old age debate of the sabbath in homes, churches, schools, social media, main stream media etc. Whilst sabbath keepers are very worried and vocal about this action, a lot more people are indifferent. They don’t seem to understand why there should be a controversy over a day when all the days are same ie. 24 hours. This article seeks to answer the questions below from a Biblical perspective. All references will be solely from the Bible (Both old and New Testaments)      1. Are all the days of the week the same?      2. What makes one day (sabbath) different from all the other days of the week? ...

Cherimoya is the fruit of the cherimoya tree which is heart shaped and can weigh from 100g to 1kg. It is covered with a green skin with scale-like design that looks like a reptile. The pulp contains numerous black seeds that are easily removed. Cherimoya is noted for its high sugar and energy contents. It is also rich in vitamins (B1, B2 and B6) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium). However, it is low in protein and fat.  Cherimoya is recommended for all ages particularly for adolescents. Athletes and students will also gain energy together with vitamins and minerals appropriate to their activities when they eat it. It is therapeutic for people with heart failure, obesity and stomach pains (Gastritis and Gastroduodenal Ulcers).  You can eat cherimoya raw or combine it with other fruits like orange. Written by James Mckeown Amoah

Cashew is the seed of the cashew fruit and it is one of the most highly prized nuts in the world. It is an oil bearing nut with a sweet, pleasant taste and rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.  It is noted for its magnesium content, one of the highest in the vegetable kingdom. Meat, milk and eggs are poor in magnesium. Magnesium is involved in a variety of metabolic functions, but particularly the transmission of nerve impulses. Lack of magnesium produces nervousness, irritability, cramps and spasms. Since cashew is rich in magnesium as well as vitamin B1 and B2, it is recommended in case of nervousness, irritability, depression, weakness, abnormal tiredness and spasms in hollow internal organs leading to irritable bowel, dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) or angina pectoris (chest pains).  Research shows that eating more nuts such as cashew can boost your immune system and lower your risk for cardiovascular diseases by reducing blood pressure ...

When it comes to food, human beings can eat just about anything from mammary gland secretions (milk) to mineral crystals (common salt), including fruits, flowers, seeds, leaves, roots, seaweed, fungus, eggs, fish and bird or the dead bodies of various animals. All these things put together provide thousands of different recipes and foods. With this background, there are two (2) critical questions that must be answered in the selection of food. Does the fact that we can eat these variety of foods mean that all of them are equally fit for human consumption ? Is there an ideal diet for humans such that in addition to it being nourishing, maintains health and prevent disease? Always keep in mind that our health depends on the food we eat. Written by James Mckeown Amoah

The word Anaemia which literally means “lack of blood” is defined as a decrease in Red Blood Cell (RBC) count in the blood. The function of the Red Blood Cell is to deliver oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. A decrease in Red Blood Cell count therefore impairs gaseous exchange in the body and leads to symptoms such as pale skin, dizziness, general weakness, headache, easy fatigue and loss of energy, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, poor appetite, tingling sensation in the feet, insomnia and leg cramps. Anaemia is twice common in women than men. Diet plays an important role in the body’s ability to produce enough Red Blood Cells. Food supplies the body with essential nutrients such as iron, protein, and vitamin B required for blood cell production.   It is therefore important to increase intake of legumes, soy, fruits, green leafy vegetables, avocado, spinach, lemon, grape and red beet. Tea and a...

Myocardial Infarction is the irreversible death (necrosis) of the heart muscles caused by prolonged lack of oxygen supply to the heart (Ischemia).   This ischemia is usually caused by reduced blood flow in the heart blood vessels (Coronary artery) due to atherosclerosis or blocking of an artery by a blot clot or both. Approximately 1.5 million cases of myocardial infarction occur annually in the United States of America (Zafari, 2018). Patients with myocardial infarction experience severe chest pain that occurs suddenly and continues despite rest and medication. Other symptoms include fatigue, palpitation, shortness of breath, anxiety, malaise, nausea and vomiting. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcoholism, obesity, and lack of exercise Like all medical conditions, diet plays an important role in either preventing or encouraging it. Foods such as meat, saturated fat, sausages, ham, margarine, butter, fried foods, milk, alcoholic beverages, white sugar ...

Angina pectoris is a condition of the heart which manifests itself through an intense, oppressive pain in the left side of the chest and radiates down the left arm. It usually occurs after some physical activity, intense emotions or a stressful situation. It is a severe chest pain caused by ischemia of the heart muscle (lack of blood supply hence oxygen supply to the heart), obstruction or spasm of the coronary arteries (the heart's blood vessels) and atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the coronary arteries). Angina is reversible and usually does not leave any permanent heart damage. The diet we choose has a great influence on the condition and function of the heart’s blood vessels (coronary arteries). A diet that is poor in plant-based foods and rich in saturated fats and high salt, in addition to tobacco and lack of exercise puts a person at risk of atherosclerosis which causes angina.  To improve the condition of the heart, you must increase intake of grapes, walnu...

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a feeling of sadness, pessimism, hopelessness, discouragement, dejection (self-dislike) or despair. Depressed individuals often exhibit physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, sleep disorder, aches and pains, menstrual disorder in females, loss of libido, fatigability and neglect of personal hygiene and appearance. Suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behaviors are common in severe stages. The actual causes of depression are not fully understood. However, a complex combination of genetics, biological changes, environmental, psychological and social factors can cause it. It can be treated even in severe stages using medication, psychotherapy or combination of the two. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is.   Generally speaking, people who are depressed tend to crave for refined sweets (pastries, candy, chocolate etc.) that have very little nutritional value. Some may also ha...

Alzhiemer’s disease is type of progressive dementia (loss of mental ability and memory) caused by the degeneration of brain cells. It begins with memory loss, followed by mental confusion, apathy and depression. Its cause is unknown, although it has been proven that ingestion (intake) of high levels of aluminium favours its onset. Aluminium is toxic to the nerve cells, and higher levels of it are found in the brains of alzhiemer’s patients than in healthy population. Diet plays a vital role in the prevention of alzheimer’s disease. Hence the need to increase the intake of green leafy vegetables and food rich in antioxidants, and Vitamin E . Green leafy vegetables for example, contain silicon; an element than hinders the absorption of aluminium in the small intestines. Alcoholic beverages and cured cheeses should be eliminated from our diet. In addition to dietary advice, it is wise to avoid the following. The use of aluminium cooking utensils p...

Nervousness occurs when the nervous system reacts disproportionately to what would be considered a normal stimulus and puts the person in the state of apprehension, anxiety, worry and hesitancy.  It affects how we feel, behave and can cause physical symptoms including sweating without physical exertion.  Nervousness by itself may not be considered a serious problem until it becomes overwhelming, never seems to go away, impacts personal life and/or is accompanied by severe physical symptoms. Often times, stress is the cause of nervousness. However, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, energy drinks and other stimulant beverages also cause nervousness and imbalance in the nervous system. In order to prevent or deal with nervousness, it is important avoid alcohol, tobacco, white sugar, energy drinks and other stimulant beverages and consume foods such as oats, avocado, cashew, apricot, lettuce and passion fruits . In addition to these, other healthy habits li...

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is known for its symptoms of unrest and inability to sleep. It affects millions of people worldwide and its effects can be devastating. Insomnia c ommonly leads to daytime sleepiness, lethargy, poor concentration, and a general feeling of unwell both mentally and physically. Mood swings, irritability, and  anxiety  are common symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia can be  caused  by psychiatric and medical conditions (eg. cough, arthritis, diarrhoea, depression, asthma, chronic pain etc.), unhealthy habits (eg. eating late, sleeping late, bright light, dehydration etc.) substances abuse (eg. alcohol, tobacco, narcotics etc.) and certain biological factors.  The type of food one eats influences his ability to sleep well as well.  To prevent insomnia, you must increase intake of Oats, Malt beverages, Honey, Carbohydrates and lettuce . You must also reduce or eliminate stimulant beverages, spices, c...

The Nervous System which includes the Brain and Spinal Cord is an important system in the human body. It controls and co-ordinates all parts of the body and contains the higher human functions such as memory, perception and reasoning. It provides a complex communication system between the body’s internal and external environments as well as detects and responds to changes inside and outside the body. The system requires only glucose and oxygen to function. However, many other nutrients such as Vitamin B, Minerals and Unsaturated Fatty Acids are needed for higher function such as thoughts, memory and self-control. Lack of these nutrients produces nervousness, depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritability among others. Consumption of excess sugar and certain additives such as colouring on the other hand, affects the nervous system and alter behaviour. Foods such as Oat, Groundnut, Cashew, Lettuce, Almond, Avocado, Apricot, Banana and Grapes can supply these essential nutrients to th...

Conjunctivitis also known as pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (a thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids). Children get it more often than adults and it is highly contagious (can spread easily). It can be caused by a Virus, Bacteria, Irritants (such as dirt, smoke, and shampoos), Allergic reaction to substances such as drugs, and Sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Pregnant women with Gonorrhoea or chlamydia can pass pinkeye to their babies through the birth canal when delivering. Symptoms include redness of the eye, swollen conjunctiva, excessive tearing, thick yellow discharge that crust over the eye lashes especially after sleep, green or white discharges from the eye, itchy eyes, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to the sun. Pinkeye is treatable hence the need to report to the hospital when you experience any of these symptoms. You can relieve the symptoms at home by washing your...

Glaucoma is an eye disease that is associated with elevated intraocular pressure (pressure in the eyes) which damages the optic nerve of the eye and leads to loss of vision and even blindness. It is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Glaucoma does not give any symptoms in the early stages but can be diagnosed early by regular eye examinations. While there is no known ways of preventing glaucoma, blindness or significant vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented if the disease is recognised in the early stages. Risk factors for glaucoma include age over 45 years, family history of glaucoma, people from the black race (Africans), diabetes and hypertension. Although glaucoma is due to anatomical alterations in the eye, the type of diet we eat can influence the intraocular pressure (Improving or aggravating glaucoma). It is important to increase intake of food like mango, orange, sweet potatoes, squash, cereals, carrots, green beans, green leafy vegetables,...

I have read the report of Alphonso;  a final year MD student from Yale School of Medicine who did a 4 week clinical rotation at the department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on  Ghanaweb titled -   What I learned during my rotation in Ghana - Foreign medical student ( https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/What-I-learned-during-my-rotation-in-Ghana-Foreign-medical-student-627687 ) .  This report has been published widely in both local and international media houses as well as social media.  As a Ghanaian health worker, I agree and disagree to parts to her report.  I see some of her description of Ghana and her citizens as derogatory and insulting. Even though Ghana is a developing country, these descriptions do not in anyway portray the exact picture of Ghana. They are very unfortunate and are in bad taste.  "The first thing that I noticed when I stepped off of the plane was intense heat. We landed during a...