"The Alpha Health Insights"

A clear, evidence based guide to the causes, warning signs, complications, treatment and prevention of peptic ulcers Some pain announces itself loudly. A stomach ulcer often does something more deceptive. It begins as a gnawing or burning sensation in the upper abdomen that comes and goes, eases for a while after a meal or an antacid, and is easily blamed on hunger, pepper soup or a stressful week. Meanwhile, beneath the surface, a raw crater may be deepening in the lining of the stomach, and in some people it continues to deepen until it erodes a blood vessel. Understanding what an ulcer is, why it forms and how it is cured turns a vague, recurring discomfort into something that can be named, diagnosed and, in the great majority of cases, healed for good. That understanding also corrects several long held beliefs, because much of what people assume about ulcers, including that stress and spicy food are the main culprits, is wrong. What Exactly Is a Stomach Ulcer? A stomach ulcer, me...

A STRONG CALL FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION The Ada East District marked this year’s World Malaria Day with a well-coordinated and impactful event held on April 30, 2026, at the Azizanya R.C. School premises. The celebration, under the global theme “Zero Malaria: It Begins With Me, Now We Can, Now We Must,” brought together key stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to eliminating malaria. The programme was organized through a collaborative effort between the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, and Rotary Club Ghana (Greater Accra). It was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including the President of Rotary Club Accra East, Ms. Mary Elorm Addo; the District Governor, Rotarian Nana Yaa Sriboe; and the District Director of Health Services Dr. Hubert D.K Hounkpatin. Delivering remarks at the event, the District Disease Control Officer, Mr. Anderson Obeng , expressed optimism about the possibility of eradicating malaria in the district. He, however, noted with concern the increasi...

THE BEST GHANAIAN BREAKFAST MEALS. It’s early morning. You grab a quick cup of tea loaded with sugar and maybe a pastry or sweet bread, fast, convenient, and satisfying. But just a few hours later, you feel tired, hungry again, and unable to focus. Sound familiar? What you eat for breakfast doesn’t just fill your stomach, it sets the tone for your entire day. And in many homes, the wrong choices are quietly affecting health in ways most people don’t realize.  THE PROBLEM Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, yet many people start it with foods high in sugar and low in nutrients. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive sugar intake is a major contributor to obesity and non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The WHO recommends that free sugars make up less than 10% of total daily energy intake yet many diets exceed this, especially when sugary drinks and processed foods are consumed early in the day. The Centers for D...

Stubborn Belly Fat? You’ve tried cutting down on sugar, maybe even skipped a few meals but that belly fat just won’t go away. It sits there, stubborn and frustrating, refusing to budge no matter what you do. Here’s the truth most people don’t realize: losing belly fat isn’t about doing endless sit-ups. It’s about the right kind of movement targeted, consistent, and backed by science. THE PROBLEM Belly fat is more than just a cosmetic concern, it’s a serious health risk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), overweight and obesity have nearly tripled worldwide since 1975, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that excess abdominal fat also known as visceral fat is particularly dangerous because it surrounds vital organs like the liver and heart. This type of fat is strongly linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Research from the National Institutes of ...

"Is This Normal?" The Question Many Women Are Afraid to Ask You're at work, in a taxi, or getting dressed after a long day, and you notice a smell that wasn't there last week. Your first thoughts might be: Is it my underwear? Did I wash properly? Is something wrong with me? Many women keep the worry to themselves and reach for a scented wash or a home remedy, hoping it goes away. Here is what most women are never told: the vagina is not meant to be odorless. It has a natural scent that changes through the month and through life. The real skill is telling a normal smell from a warning smell, because the second kind is your body pointing to a problem that is usually easy to treat. First, What Does "Normal" Smell Like? A healthy vagina is mildly acidic, with a pH of roughly 3.8 to 4.5. This acidity is maintained by Lactobacillus bacteria, which produce lactic acid and keep harmful organisms in check. A healthy vagina can smell: Mild, slightly tangy ...