… Imo marks Hypertension Day
By Iheanyi Enwerem
A renowned Owerri based medical partitioner, and coordinator non-communicable disease control department of public health Ministry of Health, Imo state, Dr. Linda Chidindu Adebi, has stated the risk in not taking regular exercise in addition to gulping alcohol without restraint.
Speaking to newsmen at the 2024 World Hypertension Day celebration observed in the State, the health expert revealed that the failure to observe these precautionary measures may lead to several ailments including partial stroke, high blood pressure and others.
“ There are lots of risk factors for Hypertension which includes; sedentary lifestyle, excessive intake of alcohol, tobacco is a risk factor. However there are things one can do to reduce the illness, one must run away from tobacco, reduce intake of alcohol, always exercise at least 15 minutes everyday, and reduce your body weight”. Dr. Adebi said
Earlier in his speech the Commissioner of Health Dr. Prosper Ohayagha who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Okeji Austine, described the illness as a silent killer that affects millions of people worldwide. He hinted that the present administration led by the Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, has carried out renovation works on rural primary health care facilities in the State to tackle some of this health needs.
He emphasized the importance of Imolites knowing their blood pressure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regularly physical activity among others. He acknowledged the federal ministry of health, Population Service International (PSI), Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation(HSDF), and the World Health Organization (WHO), for collaborating with the State government to reduce the burden of non-communicable disease.
In his contribution the W.H.O representative Dr. Adeniyi Adeniro, commended the State government for their effort at ensuring health care delivery system in Imo state is one of the best in the country.
Highpoint of the ceremony was road work by participants to major roads in Owerri capital city.