Dear You,
On this World Heart Day September 29, 2025, it gives me great pleasure to write you this letter. Regrettably, it has been quite some time since you properly responded to my messages, daily sent to you through the beat you feel in your chest. How are you? I am not really quite fine because I do not think you truly care for me as I do for you by keeping you alive.
Why? Do you want us to meet our maker so soon? I don’t want to meet Him now; so, listen carefully to me!
Do you know that globally, nearly 20 million people die of heart diseases and in Ghana, heart diseases account for 14.5% of reported total deaths while malaria deaths account for 13.4% reported institutional deaths annually? Heart diseases have become the leading cause of deaths in our country. This is because you and the others have allowed dangerous elements: poor eating habits and physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use and secondary smoking into your lives. Change your lifestyle in order to maintain and sustain the beat in me.
Why do you continue to eat red and processed meat products every day of the week simply because you have the money to buy and consume anything you want? The tobacco smoke that you blow into your body, the excess salt and sugar that you often call for when your table is set, sitting in your car even for the shortest distance when you could walk; …… look at how heavy you’ve become paying no attention to exercising your body. My good friend and partner in life, I might give up soon if you allow these conditions to persist, thus making it difficult for me to pump the needed blood around your body.
Here are my seven rules for sustaining our friendship and our desire to live a long healthy life:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet; more plant-based meals – fruits and vegetables are essential.
- Be more physically active; move around and stretch your limbs for my sake.
- Maintain a healthy weight; where are you going with that extra flesh?
- Give up smoking of any form: cigarette, rolled tobacco, or shisha; just don’t start it at all!
- Reduce your alcohol consumption; you can take your meals without the tot of …..
- Keep your blood pressure under control; regular checks are necessary.
- Keep your diabetes under control; adhere to your medications.
Remember, I am that lonely warrior hanging in there keeping you alive, respect me, follow my rules and you will live a long, happy and healthy life. Happy Healthy World Heart Day to you! I thank Meatless Monday Ghana for the opportunity to send this letter to you.
Sincerely
Your Heart.
