Author: Gloria Addo

Sleepmaxxing, a trend that’s gained significant attention on social media, particularly on TikTok, refers to prioritizing enough sleep through the use of various methods such as mouth tapping, using weighted blankets, white nose machines, taking magnesium and melatonin, etc. According to Harvard Health, getting adequate sleep is essential for overall well-being, but oversleeping can have negative effects.  Some of these strategies recommended by sleepmaxxers are basically what sleep experts prescribe as good sleep hygiene, which has plenty of research backing its value. Various determinants of sleep hygiene are; Caffeine blocks sleep-inducing chemical like adenosine and stimulates the brain making…

In response to the increasing prevalence of kidney disease among children in Ghana, health experts are urging parents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children’s health. This call was made during the 2025 World Kidney Day celebration on March 13, under the theme: “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.” World Kidney Day, observed globally, aims to raise awareness about kidney health and reduce the impact of kidney-related diseases. In Ghana, the urgency of this issue is heightened as many cases remain undiagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Dr. Robert Yeboah, Programs Director for…

Research smiles on men with prostate cancer as it proves that so long as they stick to a healthy exercise regime their sexual functions will go unabated. Most men experience sexual issues, including erectile dysfunction, after prostate cancer treatment which in the long term affects their relationships. However, a recent study conducted by medicine research institute at Edith Cowen University in Perth, Australia is changing this narrative. According to the lead researcher, Daniel Galvão, PhD, “six months of regular aerobic exercise and resistance training can significantly improve sexual function in men who’ve been treated with prostrate cancer’. The study sampled…

In a keynote address delivered by Her Diviness Naa Juyoo Oshedu Wobolor Jueteer Tsofayelor, at the recently concluded 3rd AI Conference in Healthcare organized by the Health Community of West Africa Association, the traditional health advocate has emphasized the vital role of cultural awareness in improving healthcare accessibility. Speaking passionately under the theme “The Social Impact of AI-Driven Diagnostics and How Culture Influences Healthcare Accessibility,” she outlined how integrating traditional and modern healthcare systems can transform patient outcomes, especially in sensitive areas like mental health, sexual health, and other culturally specific conditions. Opening with a warm greeting, she set the…

“AI presents a unique opportunity to bridge gaps in diagnosis and treatment, ensuring equitable and efficient care for all. Diagnosis remains the weakest link in our healthcare cascade in low- and middle-income countries,” stated Professor Samuel Debrah, the President of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons. This quote was part of his opening address at the health symposium themed “Harnessing AI and IVD: Leading a New Era of Precision Diagnosis and Advanced Treatment.” The conference was the third consecutive event organized by the Health Community of West Africa Association, focusing on exploring artificial intelligence in healthcare. Professor Debrah elaborated…

Malaria transmission is intensifying in Africa due to a combination of drug resistance, climate change, humanitarian crises, funding gaps, and the spread of invasive mosquito species, according to the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA). These challenges threaten to reverse years of progress in malaria control and put millions of lives at risk. “As urbanization accelerates and environmental conditions change, malaria, once largely a rural disease is emerging as a major urban health crisis,” warned ALMA. One of the most pressing concerns is the growing resistance of malaria parasites to drugs and mosquitoes to insecticides. This resistance is weakening the effectiveness…

A new study has found that women with gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, heavy or irregular periods, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may face a significantly higher risk of heart disease and cerebrovascular conditions, including stroke. The research, conducted by a team led by Mathew Leonardi, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, systematically reviewed and analyzed data from 28 studies published through April 2024. These studies involved over 3.2 million participants. Key findings from the study include: Endometriosis, which affects up to 1 in 9 U.S. women between the ages of…

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has issued a stern warning against the illegal importation and circulation of potent opioids in Ghana and other West African nations, highlighting serious public health and safety risks. In an official press statement released on 24th February 2025, PSGH expressed deep concern over the increasing influx of unauthorized pharmaceutical substances, particularly opioids such as tapentadol and carisoprodol, which pose significant health hazards. “As the recognized body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical professionals in Ghana, PSGH firmly opposes the circulation of unregulated and harmful medications, especially opioids like tapentadol and carisoprodol, which endanger public well-being,” the…

The first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), has been confirmed in Ghana. The HMPV is a respiratory virus known to cause serious illness in vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The case, detected in an elderly adult, was identified from 90 samples tested as part of routine surveillance. This testing was initiated following a rise in respiratory infections observed in China and other countries in December 2024. Health Minister, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced the confirmation while appearing before Parliament. His address was in response to a parliamentary request for a comprehensive update…

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise across Europe, with gonorrhea and syphilis cases reaching record highs, according to the latest data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The 2023 report reveals nearly 100,000 new gonorrhea cases, a sharp increase from 74,000 in 2022, marking a fourfold surge compared to a decade ago. Syphilis cases also rose by 13%, exceeding 40,000 reported infections. Chlamydia remains the most frequently diagnosed STI, particularly among people aged 20-24, though its prevalence appears to be declining for reasons still unknown. Gonorrhea cases are most common among women aged 20-24…