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Story by Shirley Thompson-Accra
The licensed counselors and AAPMAC executivesAAPMAC licensed 50 counsellors
The licensed counselors and AAPMAC executives[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he African Association of Psychosocial and Marriage Counsellors over the Weekend licensed fifty (50) trained counselors after graduating from the Akona School of Counselling Ghana.
[ads1]It was held at the premises of International Central Gospel Church at Dansoman Exhibition.
Dubbed: “Licensure of Aapmac New Members and Katacm October Mentorship Lectures,” which coincided with a special lecture on the rising incidence of prostate cancer in black men: the role of the Psychosocial and marriage counsellors in Ghana which was delivered by a well-known figure and researcher in the fight against prostate cancer in Ghana; Dr. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu.
Addressing the Counsellors, Dr. NyarkoteyObu who is the President of Men’s Health Foundation Ghana; the National peak body of prostate cancer and men’s charity working with men affected by prostate cancer who also doubles as Research Professor of Prostate Cancer and Holistic Medicine at Da Vinci College of Holistic Medicine, Larnaca city, Cyprus, said his aim is to transform and change the cancer situation in Africa. Dr. Nyarkotey has conducted extensive research into prostate cancer in black men and evidence-based holistic medicine in the management of the disease.
His work also extends to Nigeria where he made several media appearance’s and was conferred the Nigeria Legendary Award by the Optimum Men Health Foundation in Ikeja, Nigeria. He was recently named in the Ghana maiden edition of 40under40 achievers award for 2017.
The lecture was focused on the role of the counselors and how to deal with the diagnosed man with prostate cancer as the treatment of the disease presents with diverse side effects.
“I am a man on a mission to stop prostate cancer before it strikes in the black community,” he said. My role as a specialist in prostate cancer and a researcher is to provide an invaluable service to patients of diverse backgrounds and beliefs using holistic and conventional medicine. Also as a policymaker, I want to use ‘Medical Politics’ to influence decisions in Government for total holistic healings in health care.
I want to see a continent where cancer treatment is not a luxury, a continent where there is national recognition of all cancers as a major health challenge and policies to address it.
According to him, he has come to realize that no matter how well you eat or how fit you are, you are not indestructible – nobody is including Vegetarians. But aside that there are defense measures one can take and arm yourself with knowledge is by far the most important
On cancer Treatment according to Dr. Nyarkotey, Prostate cancer treatment is a choice and diverse treatment modalities available to the patient. “You have to be proactive on your treatment choice based on the stage of the cancer.
There are both conventional ones; surgery, Brachytherapy, Hormonal treatment, chemotherapy etc. He further said Prostate Cancer after treatment affects men’s’ sex life in the sense that during treatment the testicles are being removed, and also the manhood of the man shrinks after treatment.
“The treatment also comes with financial issues as the costs of treatment are very expensive. To end his presentation Dr.Nyarkotey, prescribed some forms of supplement which will help a prostate cancer patient.He mentioned Cordyceps, Zinc, Vitamin D3, Hibiscus tea, and Green tea, alkaline water, as they all boost the immune system of the patient. Dr. Nyarkotey who is a member of the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium revealed the role of the consortium in handling the disease in the black community.
Speaking to Today, the President of African Association of Psychosocial and Marriage Counsellors (AAPMAC), Rev Dr Abraham KonoteyAhulu, said AAPMAC is an African Psychological professional body of trained counsellors, Psychologists, Sociologists and Psychiatrists working with: the Police Service, Prisons Service, Fire Service, Education Institutions, NGOs and many more organizations.
“AAPMAC was officially registered in 2001 as Counsellors and Ministers professional body for training, mentoring and licensing, “He disclosed.
He added that AAPMAC is where life transformation, growth, and development is achieved through systematic training, mentoring and counseling services for individuals, families, and organizations at all levels by their skillful (Professional) Counsellors and Collaborating Organizations.
According to him, medical science has recognized that about 70 – 80 percent of diseases are caused as a result of anger, bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness which National Health Sector cannot solve all of these so they set up this Organization to help solve all these problems.
“A lot of these problems do not need medical attention to solve it but sometimes Counselling, He revealed.
Dr.Ahulu also revealed that a lot of people don’t see the need for Counselling or the important of Counselling and as a result die of stress, loneliness, and many problems which could be solved by the Counsellors but not the medical sectors.
“Inthe 21century if you want to live a very sound and victorious life then you need professional Counsellors.
In conclusion, he urged the public to recognized and know the need of a Counsellor in the Society as a whole. Interestingly, Dr. Nyarkoteywho is also the National President of the Alternative Medical Association of Ghana (AMAG) also graduated from the Akona School of Counselling and was also presented with his membership certificate and licensed to practice counseling. According to Dr. Nyarkotey he added Psychosocial counseling in other to help manage his cancer patients very well and revealed his interest to research extensively into the role of psychosocial oncology in the management of the cancer patient.
