The overall health of individuals is influenced by lifestyle behaviours including healthy diets, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption. Over the past few months Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) has been working to help ensure the community is informed and educated on healthy lifestyle and wellness. 

Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours particularly poor dietary practices, physical inactivity, extensive alcohol consumption and smoking are major risk factors for conditions like overweight, obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases. It is also influenced by high blood pressure, which is another illness that is very common among blacks, especially Africans due to the genetic make-up. GCAO provides health education to the various age groups on prevention, increasing health equity, and decreasing negative health outcomes such as availability and accessibility of health services to create healthy communities. 

This August, GCAO held a health education resource give away, where they provided 120 seniors and families who face financial challenges with blood pressure monitoring kits at the Apostle continuation church. This project was led by Juliet Opoku (Julie Oo) BScN, RN, CDE, (GCAO Health Wing), Nana Yaw Awuku (Young Adult Wing) and Mrs. Felicia Botchway (Golden Ages).

Prior to the give way, GCAO held multiple health workshops on diabetes management. Many participants expressed the need for resources to community members to improve the community health. The resources provided to individuals in the community were to support those who need to monitor their blood pressure at home. 

As you may know, individuals with diabetes, their small blood vessels are damaged, which makes it difficult for blood to flow in the body, leading to increased blood pressure which can then lead to an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. In order to prevent heart attack or stroke, it is important that we teach individuals and the community on healthy living lifestyle as well as how to monitor the body. 

Self-monitoring of blood pressure can give a stronger sense of responsibility for one’s health. This may help an individual feel even more motivated and empowered to control blood pressure with an improved diet, physical activity and proper medication use. Blood pressure management tips along with education will allow individuals to follow routine doctor’s advice. Self-monitoring can also decrease the number of unnecessary visits to your doctor or clinic and let them know when to seek medical attention.

This support to the community was made possible through the Toronto Supports COVID 19 Emergency Relief Funding. 

By Juliet Opoku (Julie Oo)