Ghanaians Cautioned Against Excessive Consumption Of Pepper, Salt & Dried Salted Fish

A Greek Medical Team in Ghana has warned Ghanaians, particularly, those in poverty stricken, areas against excessive consumption of pepper, salt and dried salted fish to prevent them from contracting ulcers and cancers. Head of the team, Professor Xemophon Yataganas, who led the five-member medical team, explained that excessive intake of pepper and salt on almost an empty stomach can easily cause ulcers or cancers while dried fish contains some amount of salt, which must also be consumed in moderation. He gave the warning when the team offered free medical screening and treatment in some districts of the Northern and Upper East Regions. The team was in the country at the request of the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority to screen and treat ailing people in the SADA regions to ensure that those who have no means of receiving quality healthcare are attended to free of charge. Prof. Yataganas expressed concern about the unavailability of public places of convenience in some of the places they visited, leading to open defecation, which he said, results in cholera and other communicable diseases. The ailments they treated included malaria, skin diseases, respiratory tract infections, eye disorders, worms, abdominal pains, urinary tract infections, diarrhoea, High Blood Pressure, ulcers and epilepsy. About 6,000 people, including children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and the Gambaga alleged witches were screened and treated. Prof Yataganas gave the assurance that the team will mobilize resources to return to Ghana for similar missions. The Acting Chief Executive Officer of SADA, Charles Abugre, commended the team for responding to SADA�s request for the collaboration and appealed to the team return to render humanitarian services in other areas. He said SADA will not relent in its efforts to work hard to alleviate poverty and disease in its operational regions to better the lives of the people.