Heart to Heart
The ICHA Blog
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Hope for the Future |
How to describe such an immense experience? I feel as though I have been through a lifetime and back, however still have not processed the experience fully. We achieved so much, extending beyond our expectations and yet there remains an endless amount of work left to do. Each step we took opened doors to a whole new set of opportunity and need.
The Doctor and RN shortage in Ghana is astronomical secondary to lack of relocation incentive packages and lack of local resources. Ghana only has three medical schools, one of which has yet to graduate its first class. As of now, Ghana only graduates an average, of about one-hundred medical students a year! Most of these graduates flock towards the big cities, leaving rural areas barren. At the Elmina Health Center, nurses and medical assistants may see up to one-hundred patients in one morning, leaving patient to clinician ratios unmanageable. It is under these conditions that we set out to make our impact on lowering CVD.
At first, staff was overwhelmed by our presence. It was too much for them to lengthen their rushed patient interview to ask additional questions and check more clinical values. We were frustrated at first, but then extremely encouraged by high lecture turnouts and gradual clinical change. Clinicians traveled from all over the greater KEEA area, during office hours, to attend our lectures. They did this with enthusiasm for two and a half weeks. Educational levels varied, so each student took away what they were capable. All took away an understanding of preventative CVD and Stroke measures, diet and exercise. Some were able to absorb all we presented and apply them to their own lifestyles and clinical practices. All yearned for more and begged our speedy return. As a parting note of encouragement, we traveled to a nearby clinic run by some of our students, where our teachings were in full application. I look forward to returning to Ghana and expanding to this second clinic. It is through return repetition and slow expansion that we will make an impact.
About ICHA
The International Cardiovascular Health Alliance (ICHA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cardiovascular health in the developing world. ICHA works closely with local clinics and community organizations to provide knowledge and tools to prevent cardiovascular disease.
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Comments
Dear doc,
am from elmina,and having question to ask, is wheat rice is good for the body, and how exercise do i have make within a week please.
nana eric
elmina
Dear Nana, I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to respond! Hopefully you are well. In answer to your question about wheat rice, the answer is “Yes”. White rice and flour have very little nutritional value, however grains, such as wheat, are a necessary part of a nutritious diet and so choosing wheat instead of white rice is an excellent choice!
As far as exercise is concerned, optimally we should do some form of exercise every day. Understandably, most people are very busy with family and work, making it difficult to find the time. What I recommend is trying to aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times per week, or 20-30 minutes of vigorous exercise 3-5 times per week. If you can fit just 10 minutes a few times a day, that is just as good! Just remember that any exercise is better than none at all and the more you do the easier it will become. Good luck and let me know how you progress.
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