Kemi Olatunde

The need for residents to check their Blood Pressure on regular basis to prevent untimely death has been stressed.

Ondo State Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO) spoke during the 2024 World Hypertension Day in Akure on Friday.

According to him, there is need to create awareness on the atrocities being caused by hypertension in the society, noting that adequate check would encourage longevity.

He called on the people to support government in sensitizing other residents on the disease.

The resource person, Dr. Elihu Meduoye who described it as a silent killer disease whose main cause is unknown listed overweight, smoking, excessive salt intake, genetics and alcohol as some of its risk factors.

He said that hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure occurs when the pressure in the blood vessels is too high and an individual becomes hypertensive if his blood pressure reads 140/90mmHg or higher when it is measured on two different days.

While stressing the need for hypertension to be checked by residents above the age of 18 years, he called on them to eat healthy food, maintain healthy weight, take fruits and vegetables, embrace regular exercise as well as avoid alcohol to prevent it.

Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Paulinus Omode stated that Blood Pressure ( BP) status can be detected through regular check up and urged residents to always keep record of their BP for proper medical attention when necessary.

The theme for the celebration is; “measure your B/P accurately, control it, live longer.”