Amasaman (G/A), Feb.2, GNA- Speakers at the just ended workshop on regenerative health and nutrition have called on Ghanaians to exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables to help regenerate their bodies. With the alarming statistics of Ghana's expectancy rate at 57, the workshop organised by the Ministry of Health at Amasaman sought to place emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

Topics discussed during the workshop included Mother and childcare, weight management, exercise, people to people ecology, adopting a positive mind during pregnancy, stretching, Ghanaian diet, Meal planning/food combination, method of fortification and massaging. Facilitators from the African-Hebrew Development Agency (AHDA) shared their experiences with participants.

Minister of Health, Major Courage Quarshigah, (Rtd) observed that if Ghanaians would adopt this new way of healthy living in a clean environment coupled with the drinking of lots of clean water as well as exercising regularly, they would prevent diseases and live longer. He emphasised the need to put health at the centre of economic growth to create wealth, adding that countries like Singapore and Malaysia have been able to achieve it and have doubled their expectancy rate and so can Ghana.

He was of the view that a healthy, strong, intelligent and active human capital creates wealth and contributes to an increase in Gross National Product (GDP).

"The health status of any population determines its level of productivity," the Health Minister said.

The Ministry of Health, he said, had developed a new Health Policy that emphasises on health promotion and prevention with the aim of improving the health status of Ghanaians through the promotion of healthy lifestyles with good nutrition.

The policy would also improve the health and nutritional status in children; ensure their physical and mental development and lay the basis for a more productive nation in future.

Participants were therefore charged to go out as apostles and spread the gospel on healthy lifestyles to improve the health status of Ghanaians.

Mr Prince Immanuel Ben Yehuda, representative of the African Hebrew Development Agency, commended the Government and the Ministry of Health for ensuring a health policy that promoted health and prevention of diseases.

The generation of today, he noted, was afflicted with diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes caused by a change in lifestyles could be prevented.

He called for the adoption of healthy lifestyles, including positive eating habits, continuous exercise, drinking of more water and eating of fruits and vegetables.

Mr. Kofi Adusei, Project Manager of the Regenerative Health and Nutrition at the MOH advised Ghanaians especially those above 40 years to change their diet from animal based to that of plant and stick to healthy lifestyles.

He said even though changing a lifestyle was difficult, Ghanaians must try and change and influence others to help regenerate their lives.

"Be agents of change, practice it, feel it benefits and testify to all" he said adding that each persons' health was in his own hands.