Viva Health Magazine tackles underlying risk factors for COVID-19 in latest edition
VivaHealth Magazine, a health and lifestyle publication has announced the launch of its third edition in Accra.
The latest edition delves deeper into the underlying illness and conditions that have emerged as high-risk factors for COVID-19 infections and related deaths in the country.
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The editor-in-chief of the magazine, Dr Carl Nutsugah at the unveiling of the third edition said recent findings show that underlying diseases are more likely to accelerate the rate of death among infected COVID-19 patients.
He said although the magazine features vital information on community health, pregnancy, childbirth education and assistance and infectious diseases, the priority of the current edition is to ensure a reduction in the risk of patients with certain lifestyle diseases and conditions.
He noted that not enough attention has been paid to the many underlying conditions that could easily lead to the death of infected patients, adding that understanding the dynamics surrounding the virus is critical to curbing its spread and therefore strongly urged stakeholders of Ghana's healthcare system to not only recognize the causes and symptoms but to create more awareness of risk factors associated with COVID-19 infections.
Additionally, Dr Nutsugah said while looking at root causes that trigger the severity of the disease, he suggested that hospitals should invest in health databases which will help in monitoring and identification of persons with underlying risk factors as well as make grounded decisions in addressing these challenges.
He said the country does not currently have a reliable data that could be used to track down such patients to administer preventative measures.
He said although Ghana’s death rate is minimal compared to the global scale, the magazine intends to raise as much awareness for the underlying diseases as the virus itself.
“To educate people on diseases and conditions that are likely to push the numbers forward is an essential part of both inpatient and outpatient care and we have embarked on an extensive campaign to raise awareness about how patients can safeguard themselves during this pandemic,” He stated.
Dr Nutsugah emphasized that as an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) resident surgeon, preparing patients to accommodate and adjust their lifestyle is one of the best ways to serve the Ghanaian society.
“It is important for health professionals to reach out to patients with these diseases with relevant and practical solutions on how to keep COVID-19 at bay,” he said.
According to him, the generic advice on prevention does little to curb the virus and that it is important to use innovative approaches to identify people at great risk and thoroughly look for links that could lead to fatal cases.
"We aspire to be able to positively affect the lives of the population by bringing them content that matches their medical needs, “he noted.
VivaHealth magazine is available for free at hospitals, clinics, hotels, gyms, and supermarkets across the country.