Eat early this Christmas to avoid pot belly - Health Minister

Minister of Health Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah has advised the public to have early dinner during the yuletide to avoid developing pot belly, obesity and related diseases.

The Minister in a Christmas message to the nation also proposed vegetable soup or fruits for dinner for easy digestion.

Food and drinks served at parties during the season have become the Ghanaian way of marking the celebrations and, therefore, eating late at such events cannot be ruled out. 

But Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah has cautioned the youth in particular, not to do eat wisely. 

“Ghana needs you strong and healthy for the year 2015. The year 2015 looks promising and brighter, but it is only when one has optimal health that you can create wealth for a healthier and happy year”. 

The Ministry, therefore, recommends the following health tip to ensure a successful, merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year:

1.    You are what you eat and drink so it is important to watch what you eat this               Christmas season to stay healthier during and after the season. We must try to           reduce the consumption of excess meat, saturated and trans fatty foods (deeply         fried foods), too much salt in our meals, excess sugar in pastries and soft drinks,       and over consumption of alcoholic beverages. We should still not forget to include       more vegetables in our festive meals and eat a lot of fruits throughout the season.       Let natural fruit juices replace your soft drinks.

2.    Try to eat safe and fresh foods. Use safe food keeping practices e.g. freezing and heating all leftover food before eating.  

3.    Drink at least 8 glasses or 6-8 sachets of water each day. It will flush toxins and waste from your body and thin your blood for              effective circulation.

4.    Try to have early dinner to prevent pot belly, obesity and related diseases. You may consider vegetable soup or fruits for your              dinner for easy digestion.

5.    Quit smoking and drink responsibly.
6.    Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes three times a week.

7.    Ensure clean environment and do not litter around to avoid diseases.

8.    Have enough rest to control stress. Early to bed early to rise! Sleeping early will help you rest and build your cells and tissues for        a regenerative morning. 

9.    Remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after visiting the lavatory.

10.    Avoid direct contact with body fluids of a person suffering from Ebola by using protective materials like gloves, goggles, and               masks

11.    Disinfect the beddings and clothing of an infected person with disinfectant

12.    Persons suspected to be suffering from Ebola should be taken to the nearest health unit immediately

13.    People who have died from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried under strict supervision

RENEW YOUR STRENGTH AND PREVENT DISEASE! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This message is brought to you by the kind courtesy of the Hon. Minister for Health, Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Ghana. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Jerry Tsatro Mordy | [email protected]