Press Release
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Accra, November 14 – Diabetes remains a major health concern in Ghana with prevalence between 2.6 and nine per cent.
There are many cases undiagnosed, with type 2 diabetes being the main disease burden in the country.
Women and urban dwellers, especially formal sector workers with tight work schedules are predisposed to the disease.
Though WHO Global Diabetes Compact is helping to reduce negative impact of the disease and ensuring access to affordable treatment, cases are on the increase.
Poor eating habit and lack of regular exercises are pushing the cases up yearly. Over 200,000 cases are recorded every year in the country.
Call to Action: Wellness Retreats for Healthier Workforce
HFFG is urging organisations, corporates and institutions nationwide to prioritise the health of their employees by integrating wellness retreats into their corporate offerings.
These retreats will empower workers to set and pursue personal health goals, allowing them to take a holistic approach to wellness that benefits both mind and body.
Exercising and working on breaking old habits are important benefits of wellness retreats.
While exercises improve the overall well-being of people, they have added benefits for people living with diabetes.
They reduce blood glucose levels and boost the body’s sensitivity to insulin and counter insulin resistance, according to experts.
Regular wellness retreats will, therefore, provide education on positive lifestyle changes for people with diabetes and all Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
It is our call that corporates develop regular wellness retreat packages for workers to minimise tobacco use, alcoholism, and promote positive lifestyle like exercising to reduce diabetes cases in the country.
Continued Support, Advocacy
HFFG is also calling for more support for people living with diabetes and urging stakeholders to continue the fight against discrimination and stigma associated with the disease.
All these will eliminate late health seeking behaviour of workers, promote routine checkups, and early detection of diseases.
About HFFG
HFFG is a national, community based, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization that facilitates and improves the health, education and socio-economic status of women, children and young people through empowerment, right based approaches, innovative and acceptable participatory strategies.
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