Firm urges Nigerians to prioritise exercise, reduce sedentary lifestyles to combat hypertension

Creates awareness with 7.5km walk, offers free BP screening

In commemoration of World Hypertension Day, a firm, May and Baker (M&B) Nigeria Plc., has urged Nigerians to prioritise exercise and reduce their sedentary lifestyles to combat hypertension.

The advice was given, yesterday, during a walk for life event with the theme: “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer,” in Lagos. The awareness was made through a 7.5-kilometres walk and stop for checks & health talk.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Patrick Ajah, who described hypertension as a silent killer, said: “Hypertension is something many people have without knowing.”

Ajah, therefore, advised people to limit their intake of salty, fatty and processed foods, reduce alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy weight, noting that walking enables one to maintain a healthy life. He also recommended regular blood pressure checks and seeking of medical attention if hypertension is detected.

The firm’s managing director, further urged Nigerians to avoid self medication after headache persistence, saying: “The free screening and consultation is our contribution to commemorate World Hypertension Day and we are more interested in people knowing their health status.”

M&B Nurse, Joy Osondu said regular checkup on Blood Pressure (BP) is important to limit risk of complications, described it as a silent killer

“the blood pressure is high when it’s above 140, and the down one is above 90, we advise the people with high BP to see a doctor but when it’s normal, they should keep exercising, eat well and maintain a healthy body weight,” she added

She added that the lack of movement and exercise can lead to weight gain, which in turn increases blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke.

One of the beneficiary, Mariam Ishola commended M&B for the initiative, noted that they are passionate about people’s life

Speaking about her experience during the screening and consultation, she said ” After checking my BP, it was high, so I was told to see a doctor and start using my medications”