Hypertension is a notable health problem worldwide, and like many serious diseases, it causes life-threatening complications. Hypertension, which was considered to be nonexistent in most African societies, particularly in rural communities, is now emerging as a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa due to rapid changes in diet and physical activity related to modernization. However, this lifestyle disease, labelled “silent killer” along with Diabetes is usually underdiagnosed due to its undetectable nature. This undoubtedly calls for the need to consistently raise awareness, as well as promote good health-seeking behavior. Health is the major pathway to human development, which is the cornerstone for a healthy, wealthy and prosperous life. However, in our communities most locals living with the disease do not appreciate the need for regular checkups due to behavioural and financial reasons. As discreet as the symptoms of hypertension usually are, people with poor health-seeking behaviour fall to its claws. Therefore it becomes essential for people to know about hypertension and detect it as early as possible.
Through education, people in the society can learn how to avoid the vulnerabilities associated with hypertension. Hypertension has been associated with various factors, including age, sex, family history, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, level of education, and occupation, among others. And with the right cry to curtail the incidence of mortality by hypertension, the attention of the society would be gained. The typical Ghanaian society takes interest in hysteric programmes; hence the media as a stakeholder in hypertension campaigns cannot be undermined. Hypertension programmes could be incorporated under the auspices of the local authorities and the media to promote interest. They say ‘Knowledge is Power’ and while this is meant more emblematically, it is literally true. By developing this sense of control over hypertension, people would undoubtedly Think and Act on Hypertension Every Day. A purposeful infrastructure would need to spread its wing. Professionals who are in similar wavelength of thoughts regarding hypertension should take up outreach roles. Screening and control program that use population- based approaches are needed; these programs should incorporate changes in lifestyle, health promotion, increasing awareness, and detecting individuals at risk of developing hypertension.
