A Senior Physician, Dr Thomas Agbemaple, is urging Ghanaians to make healthier food choices as part of efforts to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
He says excessive consumption of foods high in unhealthy fats, particularly when combined with conditions such as high blood pressure, can contribute to cholesterol buildup in the arteries and increase the likelihood of serious cardiovascular complications.
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Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, August 26, Dr Agbemaple stressed that preventing stroke should receive greater attention, particularly as concerns grow over cases among men.
Diet Changes Could Reduce Risk
According to the physician, reducing the amount of fried and high-fat foods in everyday diets could make a significant difference in protecting cardiovascular health.
He specifically mentioned foods such as fried rice, potato chips and other meals associated with high-fat diets as examples of foods that should be consumed with greater moderation.
Dr Agbemaple explained that poor dietary habits can contribute to cholesterol being deposited along the walls of arteries, increasing the risk of conditions such as stroke and heart attack.
“Changing our diet, by re-emphasizing fried foods, you know, jollof here, fried rice, potato chips, and the typical Western diet, we will be making a lot of headway in reducing the incidence of cholesterol deposition in the walls of our arteries,” he said.
He added that reducing such deposits could make it less likely for individuals to become victims of stroke.
Prevention Must Take Priority
Dr Agbemaple argued that greater emphasis should be placed on preventing cardiovascular diseases before they reach the stage where intensive medical treatment is required.
He said healthier eating should form part of a broader lifestyle approach aimed at reducing known risk factors.
High blood pressure, he noted, remains an important concern when combined with unhealthy diets and cholesterol buildup.
He therefore encouraged individuals to take greater responsibility for their everyday food choices and adopt habits that support long-term health.
Healthier Choices Beyond One Month
The physician’s comments come as Channel One TV and Citi FM prepare to dedicate the month of September to a healthy living campaign.
The initiative is expected to focus on practical ways individuals and families can improve their lifestyles and reduce their exposure to preventable health risks.
organizers say the campaign will provide listeners and viewers with information they can apply beyond September rather than treating healthy living as a temporary exercise.
The program is also expected to draw greater attention to diet and other lifestyle choices that can influence the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Public Urged to Take Prevention Seriously
Dr Agbemaple maintained that improving eating habits could play an important role in reducing the burden of stroke and related conditions.
His message is particularly focused on encouraging people to act before serious complications develop by reconsidering diets dominated by fried and high-fat foods.
He believes that making healthier choices consistently could help reduce cholesterol accumulation in the arteries and lower the likelihood of stroke.
The healthy living campaign in September is expected to reinforce that message by providing practical guidance to households seeking to improve their overall well being.
