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“Your Health Is Your Power”– Experts Urge Young People to Eat and Live Better

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 Dietician Madam Etornam Bansah and gym instructor Mr. Julius Siakpornu have stressed the need for young people to take control of their health by paying attention to their diet and committing to regular physical activity. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, they tackled practical questions about fitness, nutrition, and how simple lifestyle changes can improve long-term health outcomes. The discussion formed part of the Her Health Her Power series, designed to help young women make better choices for their minds and bodies. Nutritionist and dietician, Madam Bansah, encouraged young people to start by eating balanced meals rather than starving themselves in the name of weight loss. “For the average healthy person, eating just once or twice a day is not ideal,” she said. “Three main meals a day with healthy snacks in between is fine. Starving slows your metabolism and throws your body off.” She also cautioned against replacing food with supplements. “Supplements are fine, but they’re meant to support, not replace, good nutrition. Your meals should look like a rainbow: different colors, fruits, vegetables, proteins. That’s the foundation.” Madam Bansah, who was drawn to nutrition after a childhood encounter with a woman suffering from goiter, added that people should avoid self-medicating with supplements unless they’ve been properly diagnosed. “Don’t just pop iron or calcium pills because you feel dizzy. Know your history. If you’re pregnant, a sickle cell patient, or have a condition, talk to a doctor first.” Mr. Siakpornu also touched on the importance of warming up before workouts. “Your muscles are like you; they sleep at night. Warming up wakes them and prepares them for what’s coming. You can’t just jump into lifting or jogging without alerting your body.” He also explained why water is essential during exercise. “You need to stay hydrated to keep your circulation going. When your throat gets dry, it’s your body asking for help. Take small sips to stay balanced.” About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. By Faustina Yeboah

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“When You Know Who You Are, You Can’t Be Broken” – Gloria Sianorkie Odue

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Clinical Psychologist Gloria Sianorkie Odue says having a clear sense of personal identity is one of the strongest anchors for mental health, especially for women dealing with societal pressure and unresolved trauma. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, she explained that many people struggle with anxiety, confusion, and low self-worth because they haven’t taken time to define who they are and what they stand for. The conversation was part of the ongoing Her Mind Matters series, which explores the real-life issues that affect women emotionally, mentally, and socially. “There’s who you are and there’s what society expects you to be,” she said. “When the two don’t align, the pressure can break you, unless you are grounded in your identity and confident in your personal journey.” She explained that identity includes a person’s values, beliefs, and personal story. And without that clarity, people are easily swayed by timelines and expectations set by others. “Somebody may ask, ‘Why are you not married yet?’ and it can break you, unless you know yourself, where you’re going, and what season you’re in.” She noted that many women lose their confidence through repeated negative self-talk. “Statements like ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘I don’t deserve to be loved’ often come from past trauma. But if you feed those thoughts, they grow. You have to learn to reject them with affirmations, speak truth back to yourself.” The clinical psychologist encouraged listeners to take time for deep personal reflection, especially when dealing with people-pleasing habits, emotional triggers, or lack of confidence. “Ask yourself: Why am I like this? Where did it begin? What can I start changing? That level of honesty is a strength, not weakness.” To support mental wellbeing, she recommended practical interventions such as writing down positive moments, filtering what you read and watch, and taking breaks for quiet reflection. “Whatever you feed yourself with, mentally and emotionally, is what comes out.” About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation.

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Springboard Hangout Holds Second Edition of Fireside Reflections in Tamale

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The second edition of Fireside Reflections, a special broadcast under the Springboard Hangout series, was held in Tamale with Comfort Ocran as host. Set in an open-air community setting, the episode brought together a group of energetic young men and women to reflect on their journeys in agriculture, agribusiness, ATVET, and life-changing impact stories through the Ghana Grows program. This edition, which formed part of the ongoing Tamale Series, was built around storytelling, drumming, dancing, and open conversation, all by the fireside. It brought together Ghana Grows Youth Ambassadors, Girls Club members, and other young beneficiaries of the Ghana Grows initiative to share how the program is helping shift their mindset about agriculture and unlocking real opportunities in agribusiness. Ghana Grows is a youth empowerment program by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the Springboard Road Show Foundation. It focuses on preparing young Ghanaians for success in agriculture, agribusiness, and Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET). Through community engagement and hands-on learning, the program is equipping a new generation to see farming as a business and a viable career path. Participants shared how Ghana Grows has helped them better understand the agricultural value chain and take bold steps, including joining Ghana Grows Empower360, an initiative that focuses on training young women and persons with disabilities in skills like shoemaking, soap production, resin art, and more, with participants receiving starter packs to begin their businesses. Abdul Fatou, who serves as a Ghana Grows Ambassador and works in social media communication, reflected on how the program reshaped his thinking: “After I studied more about the Ghana Grows program, I realized that it’s not just agriculture. Agric is a business. Being a farmer isn’t just about going to the farm. There’s so much you can do. What motivated me most was realizing how many rich and powerful people are actually farmers, even though most youth think farming is only for the poor. As a media person, I decided we need to let the world know the truth about farming and agribusiness. That’s what I’ve been doing through Ghana Grows. I’ve actually started farming myself. The program connected me with others I could share ideas with.” The night ended with cultural performances from the local community, a celebration of identity, purpose, and the bold dreams of Northern Ghana’s rising youth. About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation.