SAINT Lucia Thursday joined the rest of the World in observing World Hypertension Day. But more than just observing the day, the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association wants Prime Minister Allen Chastanet to attend a United Nations high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases, under which hypertension falls.
The meeting is scheduled for September this year and according to the Association “It is time we start observing some results in our country and region.”
The Association’s President, Dr. Timotheus Dorh, also calls on Saint Lucians to walk some more, noting that lifestyle modification — such as changing diet and habits, reduction of salt in the diet, exercise and taking medication — though necessary, are sometimes affected by circumstances created by the powers that be.
“Staying healthy does not have to be so dramatic, difficult or painful,” Dorh said.
“We need to get some more exercise into our day.
According to Dorh, it is still unknown why most of the people who have high blood pressure also have diabetes, even though they account for nearly 90 % of the cases of high blood pressure.
The purpose of the World Hypertension Day is to promote public awareness of hypertension and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer.
Meanwhile, as part of this observance, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the association, hosted a fair at Constitution Park, which included a free breakfast and free blood pressure checks.
Similar activities took place at the JQ Mall in Rodney Bay, at the Soufriere Waterfront and on Lower High Street in Dennery.
