General News of Saturday, 6 October 2007

Source: GNA

Ghanaians walk for health

Accra, Oct. 6, GNA - Thousand of Ghanaians took to the street on Saturday in a walk to draw attention of Ghanaians to regular exercise as a preventive means to fight diseases and stay healthy. Dubbed "Crusade 4 Life" the initiative a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and the Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, the walk is to make a statement that present life expectancy of Ghanaians could be enhanced through attitude change to proactive and preventive forms of healthy living.

The walk from Dzorwulu to Choice FM through the Obasanjo highway and back attracted participants from the media, corporate executives, students and school children.

Addressing the participants after the walk, Ms Ama Busia, a member of the Council of State, said in order to change the direction of health, Ghanaians need to embrace basic living principles such as periodic health check- ups, regular exercise, drinking good water, clean sanitation and routine safety measures.

She stressed the need to sensitise children to the benefits of good sanitation and its relationship with good health. Dr Marcus Manns, Chief Executive of the Chiropractic and Wellness Centres, said the objective of the Kids Day Africa Africa walk was to promote and encourage children and their parents about the need and importance of practising healthy lifestyles. It is also to expose children and their parents to the necessity of good sanitation and the benefits that could be derived from protecting the environment.