HEALTH PROMOTION WATCH GHANA SENSITIZES BEAUTICIANS AND HARIDRESSERS ON DIET AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE.

A sensitization program on the effect of diet and physical exercise in reducing non communicable diseases has been organized for members of Ghana Hairdressers Beauticians Association (GHABA). The program took place on 18th May, 1st and 8th June, 2011.

The program was organized by Health Promotion Watch Ghana a nongovernmental organization with support from Regenerative Health and Nutrition Department of Ministry of Health. The program provided education on diet and physical exercise to over 300 members of GHABA in three different localities namely Abeka/Lapaz, Teshie and Awoshie. The participants were trained on how to discuss issues of diet and physical exercise with their clients, their family and the public. Flyers, posters and materials with information on the need for proper diet and physical exercise were given to the participants to be placed in their salons as part of awareness creation Speaking on the essence of the program Mr. Abraham Arthur (Director of Communication for Health Promotion) stated that currently, 66% of the deaths from chronic NCDs are estimated to occur in developing countries. He also mentioned that according to the World Health Report 2002 non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for about 35 million (60%) of the estimated 58 million global deaths and 47% of the global burden of disease. These figures are expected to raise to 73% and 60% respectively by 2020 therefore a call for campaign against non communicable dieases cannot be greater than now.

Mr Kurt Osei from Regenerative Health and Nutrition Department of Ministry of Health advised participants to engagement in regular physical exercise like running, dancing, brisk walking and jogging to avoid contracting diseases like stroke, diabetes. He recommended at least 30 munites of physical exercise a day to help increase digestion, mental alertness, stamina and to prevent obesity.

Miss Lucy Ofori (nurse) advised participants to take the right proportion of proteins, carbohydrate and fats and oil to avoid obesity which is highly prevalence among women and urban dwellers. Madam Wilhelmina Owusu (Nurse) educated participants on the need to sleep for at least 8 hours every day for adults and 8-10hours of sleep for children to restore brain processes and replace the body lost energy. She further stated rest prevents fatigue, neck and back pains and improves mental alertness and concentration while prolonging life.

Madam Mercy Baah Adobea from Ministry of Health also enlightened participants on the need to take water regularly, she stated that the body is made up 70% water which are lost through breathing, digestion urinating among others and needs to be replaced via the regular intake of water about 8-10 glasses or 6 to 8 sachets or 3 to 4 liters a day. She said lack of adequate water can lead to headaches, tiredness, and constipation lack of concentration.

The program will also be extended to schools and various communities as major risk factors for non communicable diseases are related to diet and physical exercise