HEALTH FAIR AT LEHMAN COLLEGE

The beginning of our national anthem reads, God bless our homeland Ghana" and so in celebration the 48th anniversary of independence, NCOGA, a powerhouse organization in New York celebrated the occasion with a purpose. In conjunction with Ghanaian medical professionals, the celebration kicked off with a grand health fair consisting of sponsors; Abbot Laboratories, Schwartz Pharma, diversified medical specialties, nutritionists and pharmaceuticals. Other exhibitors included Western Union and Vigo. Among the renowned doctors who attended the fair were; Dr. Benjamin Doodo, Dr. Yao Kaledzi, Dr. Joseph Mintah, and Dr. David Ofori.

The Fair's attendants were given free health assessments, preventive education on Heart diseases, strokes, diabetes, cancer, spine and neuromuscular disease as well as healthy lifestyle changes.

The most popular booth, according to the fair reviewers, was that of CMORS Group, a highly rated New York Medical Rehabilitation Specialists providing orthopedic and sports physical therapy to those involved in work related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and other personal injuries at their clinics in the Bronx and Queens.

When asked about why back pain is very prevalent in the Ghanaian working population? Dr. Ofori, a sports medicine specialist and owner of CMORS, stated " In general, back problems are common and about 80% of the working population do experience low back pains with about 1% of the affected individuals suffering from sciatica, a more severe, chronic and self-limiting disabling spinal disorder". He said, the disease affects males as often as females and it has a serious socioeconomic impact on the American economy, costing about $20 billion to $50 billion annually. Dr. Ofori also stressed that early medical intervention is the key to low back pain prevention, diagnosis and management". He advised that, proper body mechanics, postural awareness and avoidance of repetitive movements on the job with moderate exercises three times daily will go a long way to maintain a healthy spine.

Ghanaweb would like to commend NCOGA for putting together such an interesting project.