WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY: OVER 2000 WORKERS GET FREE MEDICAL SERVICES
The Ogun State Government in collaboration with health partners has conducted free medical screening exercise for over 2000 public servants to commemorate the 2017 World Hypertension Day.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunda Ipaye, made this known during this year’s celebration tagged “know Your Numbers ” at the Arcade Ground, Governors Office, Oke-Mosan.
Ipaye who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Adesanya Ayinde said hypertension day was initiated to increase the awareness for hypertension.
He said the day was important to sensitize the public on the danger of the ailment, stating the causes of hypertension to include smoking, alcoholic intake, sitting for long, stress, lack of exercise and obesity.
“Health they say is wealth and prevention is better and cheaper than cure, people should therefore endeavor to check their blood pressure regularly and rest”, Ayinde said.
A Cardiologist at the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Dr Olaniyi Oyebowale, while giving a health talk, said ”knowing your blood pressure is important as this will let one know his or her health status”. He therefore advised the participants to ensure regular checkup as hypertension is no respecter of age.
”You find that young people are also prone to having hypertension, therefore youths are advised to take good care of their health and stress less”, Oyebowale said.
A representative of one of the partners, Mr Gbenga Abiodun, said they were excited to partner with the State in providing health care services to its work force, stating that hypertension was not a disease to be handled lightly.
”Hypertension can cause heart attack, stroke and kidney failure, therefore, one should avoid being a victim”,Abiodun said.
Appreciating the efforts of the State Government and its partners for their support, Miss Tomori Folashade, from the Office of the Head of Service said she was excited having benefited from the gesture hoping that it will be sustained.
