A Lagos-based religious organisation, The Old Path Revival Commission, has raised concerns over the prevalence of hypertension and self-medication, urging residents to prioritise regular health checks and seek professional medical care.

The concern was raised during a free medical outreach organised by the church as part of activities marking its 2026 Annual Women’s Convention. Some beneficiaries recorded high blood pressure readings and were referred for further assessment and treatment.

Speaking during the programme, General Physician at Isolo General Hospital, Dr Roseline Nwanebu, urged residents, particularly women, to prioritise their health through regular checks, healthy lifestyles, early detection and prompt treatment.

Nwanebu cautioned against assuming one was healthy simply because hypertension had never been diagnosed, stressing the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring.

She encouraged those who could afford it to have reliable blood pressure monitors at home, while advising others to visit health facilities periodically for checks.

The physician advised residents to reduce excessive salt intake, eat balanced meals, include vegetables and fish in their diets, drink adequate water and pay attention to the oils and other ingredients used in cooking.

She also urged residents to monitor their blood sugar and limit excessive consumption of carbohydrate-heavy meals and unhealthy foods.

According to her, stress, physical activity, noise and psychological factors could affect blood pressure, making it important for people to understand their bodies and seek medical advice when they notice changes.

Nwanebu warned against self-medication, particularly in treating children, urging parents to consult qualified health professionals rather than simply purchasing medicines from chemists.

She said prevention and early detection should become part of people’s lifestyles instead of waiting until illnesses became severe.

On women’s health, the physician addressed menopause, breast cancer and cervical cancer, encouraging women to undergo appropriate screening and seek medical attention when they noticed unusual symptoms.

She particularly urged women not to ignore abnormal bleeding after menopause, stressing the need for prompt medical attention.

Nwanebu said women often focused on caring for their families at the expense of their own health, urging them to develop the habit of paying attention to their wellbeing.

The Women Leader of the church, Mrs Chinyere Nnajiofor, said the outreach was organised to bring healthcare closer to the grassroots, particularly mothers, fathers and community members who might not have the financial means to access hospitals, consultations and medicines.

Nnajiofor said the programme also provided an opportunity to educate residents about health conditions commonly affecting women, including hypertension and cervical cancer, as well as poor nutrition and stress.

She noted that the cost of hospital cards, consultations and treatment could discourage people from seeking care, particularly in overcrowded hospitals where patients often face long waiting periods.

She called on the government to subsidise medical care and make healthcare more accessible and affordable to people at the grassroots.

The Pastor in Charge of The Old Path Revival Commission, Oshodi Branch, Daniel Nnajiofor, said the outreach reflected the church’s commitment to addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of members of the community.

He explained that the church’s responsibility extended beyond preaching the Word of God to providing practical support to people in need. According to him, financial difficulties prevent many people from accessing medical care, making free consultations and medicines important to vulnerable residents.

The pastor also encouraged other churches and religious organisations to support vulnerable groups, including the poor, widows and elderly people, through practical programmes that could improve their wellbeing.

He said religious organisations could complement government efforts, noting that government could not meet every need alone.