Author: Priscilla Akorfa Fomevor

By Diana Yeboah In today’s fast-paced world, managing stress and maintaining good mental health is crucial—not just for emotional well-being, but also for physical health, including the kidneys. Chronic stress, anxiety, and unhealthy lifestyle habits can increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels, both of which are major risk factors for kidney disease. Protecting your mental health, therefore, directly contributes to keeping your kidneys healthy. One way to support both mental and kidney health is through effective time management and regular breaks. A busy lifestyle often leads to prolonged stress, which triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and…

A family’s health is a shared journey, and one of the most powerful tools we have to protect every member is immunization. Vaccination is not just a childhood ritual; it is a lifelong strategy for wellness that begins before a baby is born and continues through the senior years. For parents, understanding how to navigate this path ensures that their loved ones are shielded from serious, preventable diseases at every stage of life. The journey typically begins in infancy, guided by the schedule recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC. This carefully designed timeline ensures that children…

By Rev. Mrs. Charity Essie Djokoto, Head of Nursing, Ghana College of Nurses & Midwives Kidney health is an important aspect of women’s overall well-being. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. The kidney’s functions includ removing metabolic waste products, regulating fluid balance, maintaining electrolyte levels, controlling blood pressure, and producing hormones that support red blood cell production and bone health. When kidney function becomes impaired, it can lead to serious health complications. Women experience some unique risks related to kidney disease due to biological, hormonal, reproductive, and social…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2026-2027 northern hemisphere season, following a four-day consultation with global experts. The updated formula is designed to target the influenza strains expected to circulate later this year, offering optimal protection against severe illness. The announcement comes as health officials note that influenza viruses are constantly evolving, requiring regular updates to vaccine formulations. This year’s recommendation follows the emergence of a new variant of the A(H3N2) virus in August 2025. Classified as a “subclade K” strain, this variant spread rapidly across the globe, contributing…

By Seth O. Konadu, RRT, CRT The kidneys are among the most vital organs in the human body, yet they are often overlooked until something goes wrong. Many people associate kidney health only with alcohol consumption, but the kidneys do far more than that. These small, bean-shaped organs work continuously to filter waste products from the blood, regulate fluid levels, and maintain the delicate chemical balance that keeps the body functioning properly. Globally, kidney disease has become a major public health concern. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (2023), about 788 million people worldwide are living with chronic…

By Ethel Selasi Dei, Occupational Therapist According to the Down Syndrome Association of Ghana, approximately 31,000 people are living with Down syndrome in Ghana. In many communities, understanding of the condition is still limited. Misconceptions and incomplete information can sometimes shape how individuals with Down syndrome are perceived and supported. Increasing awareness and promoting accurate information are important steps toward building more inclusive and supportive communities. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material affects the way the body and brain develops. Individuals with…

Beets are a superfood for your kidneys! Rich in antioxidants and nitrates, they help lower blood pressure and improve kidney function. Paired with quinoa, a great source of protein and fiber, this salad is a slam dunk for your health. Ingredients: – 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained – 2 cups water – 2 medium beets, peeled and diced – 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – 2 tbsp olive oil – 1 tbsp lemon juice – Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Cook quinoa in water (about 15-20 mins). 2. Steam beets until…

By Samuel Boye Hinson, Medical Lab Scientist Across the world and even more in Africa, chronic kidney disease rises quietly. Many people go to the hospital and are reassured that their kidney test results are “normal” only to be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease months or years later. The problem is not always the absence of testing or false results. It is the over reliance on one marker to check kidney functionality; creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product formed from the normal breakdown creatine in the muscle. Every day, our muscles produce it at a relatively steady rate as we…

By Alberta Okyere The skin often reflects the health of the body’s internal organs, including the kidneys. The kidneys play an essential role in filtering waste products, balancing minerals, and regulating fluids in the body. When kidney function declines, toxins and excess substances accumulate in the bloodstream. This buildup can lead to several skin disorders that may affect a person’s comfort, appearance, and overall quality of life. One of the most common skin conditions seen in people with kidney disease is uremic pruritus, a condition characterized by persistent itching. This occurs when waste products build up in the blood because…

By Nurse Sylvia Kumahor Immunisation remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to protect children and communities from life-threatening diseases. Yet misinformation, fear, and missed appointments continue to leave many children vulnerable. In this edition, a public health nurse sheds light on why vaccines matter, addresses common concerns, and explains how timely immunisation can safeguard the health and future of every child. Q: What is immunisation, and why is it considered one of the most important public health interventions for children and communities? Immunisation is the process of protecting the body against infectious diseases by giving vaccines that…