By: Joyce Kantam Kolamong
Farmers often prioritize their work over their own health due to the demanding nature of farming activities. This can lead to a neglect of personal well-being, increasing their risk for various health issues. To ensure more care for health, the Ghana Nurses Association of Dallas-Fort Worth (GNA-DFW), a non-profit organisation based in the United States has reached out to over 150 farmers under the “Happy Tomato Project” facilated by Agromite limited.
They were screened for various health conditions at Yapei in the Central Gonja district of the Savannah region. The group also donated pain medications to the farmers and prenatal vitamins to nursing mothers and pregnant women. The “Happy Tomato Project” at Yapei, is being facilitated by Agromite limited, an agricultural service delivery company with support from the National Service Scheme and Mastercard Foundation.
The project seeks to cultivate about 200 acres of tomatoes to boost Tomato production, reduce its importation from neighbouring countries. In all, 14 Nurses from the Ghana Nurses Association of Dallas-Fort Worth led by its President arrived in Tamale for some activities in the region.
The health screening at Yapei is part of the activities outlined for the nurses. The workers were screened for hypertension, diabetes, blood pressure, and were sensitive to health education on hydration, balanced diet and treatment.
Family Health Practitioner in Dallas and Founder of Ghana Nurses Association, Mrs Joana Asafo-Adjei, said a friend from Agromite limited reached out to the Association for medical services for farmers at the company, hence the visit. She said Ashanti, Volta, Greater Accra, and Central regions have benefited from the annual medical outreach.
“We observed those with high blood pressure who didn’t know that they have high blood pressure and those who know but they are not taking their medication. We also talked to them about nutrition. Our advice for the Yapei community is to regular health checks, even if you do not have any medical problems, after age 30, it is important that at least once a year you do get your health checked. One thing we have also observed is that people get their health checked, get medication and they think that is it and others who continue their medicine go to the pharmacy to buy without getting checked again. So we want to encourage people that every 3 to 6 months, being on a medication, you need to go back to the doctor for checkup so that you know you are not developing any kidney problem or cardiovascular problem”, she emphasized.
Director, Human Resource at Agromite limited, Mrs Rosemond Anim Somuah, commended the group for not relenting when she reached out.
She advised farmers to take their health seriously since farming is physically intensive and strenuous, which can make it difficult to prioritize breaks and rest.
“We are so grateful to them and it is my prayer that every year if they come to Ghana, they would pass by Yapei to see these women, if it is a continuous thing, they would also take care of their health because they know that there is somebody who is going to check them. At the end of the day, if you have good health it is more than riches, if you are not well, how can you come to work?. We are all going to sensitize them, make sure they are eating well and take care of themselves because at the end of the day, it is a win win for everybody”, she said.
President of Ghana Nurses Association, GNA-DFW, Mrs Gloria Opoku Darteh, said the Association consists of 83 Nurses and two radiology associates with the aim to promote health in Dallas and beyond. She advised the public to check their health at least once a year.
“We want people to visit the hospital to do their physicals. See your dentist to check your teeth, visit the doctor to check for blood sugar, and blood pressure. For the men, you need to visit so they can check your prostrate, your sex health and mental health is one thing that we also encourage people to also seek help. Through the visits and the screenings, they would be able to pick up if there is any underlying disease that would prevent any long term health issues”.
The group later donated bags of rice and cooking oils. Some of the participants were grateful to the group for the gesture.
