By Kemi Olatunde

|

Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Pharm. (Mrs) Folukemi Aladenola has called for proper health checks for early detection of High Blood Pressure and Diabetes among residents.

She made the call while giving her opening remark during free blood pressure and blood sugar screening in commemoration of the 2023 World Hypertension Day at the Isolo neighbourhood market in Akure.

According to her, Hypertension and Diabetes are closely related non-communicable diseases which have rendered victims incapacitated with resultant low productivity and also lead to untimely death.

Represented by Director, Nursing Services, Mrs Alice Ogundele, she expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his investment in the health sector noting that the exercise is Mr Governor’s goodwill to all market women and other residents.

She stressed the need for them to be conscious of their health in order to receive the desired medical attention that will guarantee their healthy living.

Lecturing participants on the two diseases, Director, Public Health, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi described aging as the major cause of High Blood Pressure, noting that it is not transmittable.

He listed lifestyle including drinking, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, some medications, hereditary and obesity among others as some other causes noting that if not properly taken care of could lead to stroke, blindness, enlarged heart which according to him may lead to heart failure.

While calling on all to use every available opportunity to check their blood pressure to prevent its complication advised those who are 45 years and above to embrace regular Blood Pressure check adding that those with it should obtain proper medication.

Speaking on Diabetes, he listed the symptoms to include; hair loss, cataract, goitre, smelly and dirty vaginal discharge and menstrual irregularity and called on all to embrace regular health check for its detection and treatment.

He advised people seeking employment to do proper medical checks in obtaining medical fitness certificates, noting that “this is when most diseases in the body are detected.”

Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Ayo Orimolade stressed the need for all to embrace proper hygiene to prevent the spread of Lassa fever stating that they should keep food in tightly covered containers and also stop the spread of garri and other food items in the open.

Representative of The World Health Organisation (WHO), Mr. Adewale Moses while commending the state government for the initiatives, also described the programme as crucial.