‘World Hypertension Day’
DIMAPUR — Health department across Nagaland observed ‘World Hypertension Day’ on Wednesday by organising awareness programme and screening camp on theme “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer.”
The day is observed with an aim to educate people about the importance of screening, early diagnosis and early treatment of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCD).
Dimapur: Medziphema community health centre (CHC), in collaboration with National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), Dimapur, observed ‘World Hypertension Day’ at CHC Medziphema.
During the programme, Dr. Valentina Neikha, district programme officer for non-communicable diseases (NCD), highlighted the key facts about hypertension and a brief overview on the diagnosis, treatment and management of complications due to hypertension.
She stated that India is witnessing rapid rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, etc. surpassing communicable diseases such as TB, vector borne diseases etc. She added that deaths due to NCD have increased in an alarming trend over the years.
She informed that uncontrolled hypertension could lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney damage etc. The easiest way to prevent hypertension, according to her, is change in lifestyle such as eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active to lower blood pressure.
NCD screening was also organized after the programme.
Mon: Mon division of Health department observed ‘World Hypertension Day’ at Wakching community health centre (CHC).
Dr. Vezokholu Theyo along with health officials and residents of Wakching town after the World Hypertension Day programme on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, CMO of Mon, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo, stressed on the importance of awareness on accurate blood pressure management methods and requested to use the means of ‘word of mouth’ for widespread among the community. She explained the causes and risk factors that lead to high blood pressure and how to take preventive measures.
She also explained on what happens in the body when one is diagnosed with hypertension.
“In order to have a healthy lifestyle and to live longer, one should regularly check their blood pressure,” she said.
Wokha: Awareness programme-cum-screening camp marked ‘World Hypertension Day’ at Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Likya Colony in Wokha town.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Aseno Rhetso, DPO (NCD), stated that hypertension has become prevalent among the local populace and urged the healthcare workers to create more awareness about the disease in the community.
Also speaking at the programme, Dr. Chumdemo Kikon, medicine specialist at District Hospital Wokha, informed that high blood pressure could lead to kidney and heart diseases. He advised the public to go for regular blood pressure check up, continue medication prescribed for BP by medical practitioner and decrease the intake of salt in daily diet.
During the screening camp, blood pressure, blood sugar test, weight check, general check up, distribution of free medicines, etc. were some of the activities carried out by the healthcare workers.
Phek: Phek division of Health department observed ‘World Hypertension Day’ at CHC Pfutsero.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Khriezotuo Paphino, CMO Phek, urged the gathering to be ambassadors in advocating the importance of preventing hypertension by creating awareness in the society.
Dr. Vepfuhu, MO of CHC Pfutsero, highlighted the risk factors for hypertension and its preventive measures. He stated that hypertension is often called the ‘Silent killer’ because it usually has no symptoms but could lead to severe health complications, if left untreated. He also spoke on the importance of lifestyle modification, dietary eating plan and measuring blood pressure regularly.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shasinle Tep, DPO (NCD), informed that NCD clinics are available at District Hospital Phek, CHC Meluri, Pfutsero and Chozuba.
A mini health camp was also organised where screening for hypertension and diabetes were conducted.
