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SLDHA Encourages Saint Lucians to know their Blood Pressure Status

The Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association is today calling on all Saint Lucians to know their blood pressure status as this information could save their lives.

The call comes one day before the Association joins with other diabetes and hypertension associations around the world to observe World Hypertension Day, May 17, under the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.” “It is important for each of us to know about the pressure of the blood circulating in our bodies as such an information could be vital for our continued health,” said the Association’s president, Sylvestre Phillip.

“Every year, May 17, is observed as World Hypertension Day. Many patients all over the world suffer from high blood pressure, however, they lack awareness about this health condition. Often people take it lightly but high blood pressure can cause many other major diseases. World Hypertension Day is celebrated to spread awareness about hypertension among people,” Sylvestre said. He added, “One of the several responsibilities we have as an Association is to raise public awareness of the importance of measuring blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure is preventable and yet it is a cause of death in Saint Lucia.”

The Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association will tomorrow, May 17, and for the rest of the week provide free blood pressure screening at its headquarters on 60 Coral Street, close to Riverside Road, in Castries, as part of its observance of World Hypertension Day. World Hypertension Day was first observed in 2005 by the World Hypertension League. It has been celebrated on May 17 every year since 2006.

People’s blood pressure is rising day by day with the changing routine and it is very important to control it because every fourth person in the world is struggling with this problem. Hypertension is not just limited to just numbers, it gradually leads to many other conditions. Patients with hypertension are at risk of heart attack andstroke. There is also a risk of damage to the kidneys and other organs.

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