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Tue, 21 Jan 2025 Feature Article

The Great Health Con: Why We Must Take Back Control

The Great Health Con: Why We Must Take Back Control

As I enjoyed my mixed vegetable casserole with affordable prebiotic Ga kenkey for my brunch last Sunday, I stumbled upon a startling statistic: the global pharmaceutical market is projected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2025 (Source: IQVIA, 2024). In Ghana, the pharmaceutical market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2023 to 2028 (Source: Ghana Pharmaceutical Chamber, 2024). It's no wonder that the medical establishment often seems more interested in peddling pills than promoting genuine well-being.

The numbers are staggering. In 2023, over 4.5 billion people worldwide suffered from chronic diseases, with 75% of healthcare spending dedicated to treating these conditions (Source: World Health Organization, 2024). In Ghana, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 43% of all deaths, with hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases being the leading causes (Source: Ghana Health Service, 2024).

Meanwhile, the average person is bombarded with conflicting health advice, leaving many feeling bewildered and powerless. A 2024 survey conducted by the Ghana Health Service found that 71% of respondents reported feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of health information available.

But here's the thing: we don't have to be slaves to the pharmaceutical industry or the whims of medical fashion. By embracing simple, evidence-based habits, we can take back control of our health and wellbeing.

So, what's the secret? It's not quantum physics. Eating a balanced vegetarian diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing can work wonders. According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, adopting these habits can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by up to 80%. A study conducted by the University of Ghana's School of Public Health found that Ghanaian adults who engaged in regular physical activity had a 30% lower risk of developing hypertension.

Of course, this is not to say that modern medicine doesn't have its place. But by prioritizing prevention over prescription pads, we can create a healthier, more empowered society.

As the great Greek physician Hippocrates once said, "The natural healing force within us is the greatest force in getting well." It's time to tap into that force and take back our health.

#HealthRevolution #Wellness #PreventionOverPrescription #EmpoweredHealth #NaturalHealing #GlobalHealthMatters #GhanaHealthMatters

Kofi Thompson
Kofi Thompson, © 2025

Writer & activist for environmental justice & human rights. . More Born into a farming family, I speak truth to power to amplify the voices of victims of injustice.Column: Kofi Thompson

Disclaimer: "The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect ModernGhana official position. ModernGhana will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements in the contributions or columns here." Follow our WhatsApp channel for meaningful stories picked for your day.

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