The speakers in a group photograph with organizers after the summit
A health and fitness summit has been held in Accra as part of activities lined up to herald the 2018 Millennium Marathon on Saturday, September 22.
The event drew renowned health practitioners who spoke on issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular, nutrition and diet.
It was aimed at educating the public on how to stay healthy and ultimately keep fit through events such as the Millennium Marathon.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ledzokuku and Board Chairman of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, encouraged the public to exercise regularly to avoid high blood pressure and its related diseases.
He said aside diet and managing stress, physical activity is essential to staying away from high blood pressure, adding that, ‘everyone must engage in some form of exercise everyday to stay healthy.’
Dr. Boye who authored the book titled, ‘High Blood Pressure in Black People’, said it was important for people to occasionally check their blood pressure because it is the cause of seven out of 10 deaths recorded in Ghana.
He praised organisers of the marathon which will provide the platform for many to exercise and avoid lifestyle diseases.
The official doctor for the Millennium Marathon, Dr. Vanessa Atipui who spoke on managing injuries during the marathon urged everyone who wish to participate in the event to begin some physical activities like jogging, walking and running as a way of warming up for it.
“Do not wait till the marathon day and just begin to run after staying inactive for a long time. That might cause injuries to the person,” she stated.
She also advised runners to stay away from heavy meals and drinks before and during the marathon as it could be problematic to their hearts.
Other speakers were Dr. Alexander Akowuah of Impact Clinic and President of the Diabetes Association of Ghana, Dr. Esi Denyoh, who both encouraged the youth to make exercise a habit in order to stay healthy.
Also in attendance was the Colombian Ambassador to Ghana, Claudia Turbay Quintero and Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Marathon, Ashim Morton.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
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