By Kemi Olatunde

Three hundred and sixty seven residents including traders in Isinkan markets benefitted from free medical health check in commemoration of the World Diabetes Day in Akure, yesterday.

The event which took place at the Phase 2 of Isinkan neighborhood market was organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Health.

In her remarks, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Folukemi Aladenola noted that government has given priority to the health of residents through its various health programmes, stressing the need for them to embrace the initiatives in order to improve their health.

While calling for active participation of traders in the exercise, she noted that it is important that they engage in regular blood pressure check, weight intake and regular exercise to prevent Diabetes.

While lauding Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his investment in the health sector, she advised traders to embrace healthy living through periodic Blood pressure check, regular intake of fruits and vegetables and regular follow up visit for those who are diabetic in order to live long.

In his welcome address, Director, Public Health, Dr. Richard Adesoji, while noting that health is wealth, stated that it is important that traders live healthy.

She called on them to make good use of the knowledge gained from the exercise for the benefit of themselves and the state at large.

Speaking on behalf of State Coordinator World Health Organisation, Mrs Modupe Dosumu in her goodwill message, stated that it is crucial for all to be opportuned to access care for diabetes.

She noted that it is the responsibility of all to access the free health service to improve their health.

While lauding the government for bringing the exercise to the doorsteps of traders, she admonished traders to use the occasion to know their diabetes status.

Iyaloja, Phase 2, Isinkan market, Chief (Mrs)Modupe Ogunjebi called on traders to limit their intake of carbonated drinks, stating that it is not beneficial to their health.

She stressed the need for regular blood pressure check and adequate rest.

Consultant, Physicians and Endocrinologist, Dr. (Mrs) Adenike Enikuomehin in her lecture stressed the need for education to reduce incidence of diabetes calling for the intake of local food with vegetables by traders.

According to her, people should eat at least five types of fruits daily in-between meals and also increase physical activities to prevent it.

While stating that residents should visit health facilities for proper medical intervention when ill, she explained that a lot of people are coming down with the disease which she described as a metabolic one.

According to her, more than 500 million people have diabetes in the world, noting that in six seconds, one person dies from it and added that six out of 10 diabetes patients have complications from it.

Symptoms according to her include; frequent urination, regular intake of water, weight loss, consistent cough, vaginal discharge and incessant palpitation among others.

However, she called on all to take between 5,000 and 10,000 steps daily and also eat dinner early to prevent Diabetes.