World Health Day focuses on high blood pressure

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 04, 2013 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis will join with the international community in marking the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO), by commemorating World Health Day on Sunday, April 07, 2013.

World Health Day is being held under the theme “high blood pressure” and the Ministry of Health has coordinated a series of yearlong activities. Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator Ms. Petrunela Edwards revealed to the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service that activities were extended beyond a week because non-communicable chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, are prevalent in the Federation. The opportunity was therefore taken to educate residents on how to avoid, and if necessary manage “high blood pressure.” She revealed that the annual activities will focus on specific aspects such as salt reduction which can reduce one’s risk of contracting the condition.

Events commence with Blood Pressure Screenings at four supermarkets in Basseterre on Friday, April 05. As such, health personnel will be stationed at C&C Supermarket on George St., Best Buy at Buckley’s, Rams at Bird Rock and Hosford’s Valu Mart, Wellington Road to screen, provide educational material and give counselling where necessary.

Activities continue on Saturday, April 06 with a Fun and Fitness Walk that commences at Best Buy Supermarket, at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, April 07 – World Health Day – Health Workers and well wishers will congregate at the Basseterre Church of God, Durant Ave. at 10:00 a.m. for worship.

In the following months of 2013, hypertension-focused events will include seminars with Food Handlers demonstrating how to reduce salt while preserving the tasty flavour of dishes. Additionally, collaborative activities will take place with the Ministry of Agriculture in order to encourage household use of natural seasonings, with the end result of a decrease in salt intake.