Nigerians urged to take medical checkup seriously

Nigerians of all ages have been urged to take their health seriously, particularly undertaking a periodic checkup, to prevent the spread of terminal diseases and avert the risk of untimely death. The charge was given recently by Rotaractors from District 9110 when they embarked on a three-day medical mission to the popular Oke Aje Market in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State to mark the Rotary Family Health week.

The Rotary Family Health Days, which was celebrated around the world is dedicated to providing medical check-ups for the people and administering drugs to deserving patients. The young Rotaractors alongside some medical personnel administered free medical services to the masses who turned up for the three-day medical mission at the market.

Having noticed that many people do not go for medical check-up, Rotary Family health and AIDS prevention initiative decided to make the process easier by bringing healthcare and checkups closer to the people and making it free of charge, while going into partnership with the government and private organisations.

The programme, which registered over 300 patients tested across various health issues such as Malaria, HIV, glucose sugar, blood pressure, and gave out free male and female contraceptives, sanitary towels, treated mosquito nets and drugs to many people that were tested positive to different ailments.

The event, which was led by the District Rotaract Representative, Rotaractor Constance Jaiyeola, saw in attendance volunteers from the Rotaract District 9110, and from AIDS Prevention Initiatives in Nigeria Public Health.

Speaking after the event, the District Rotaract Representative, Constance Jaiyeola appreciated the people of Ijebu Ode and its environs for coming out in mass to get medical checkups without being afraid of the processes.

On why it is important to go for regular medical check-up, a Laboratory Scientist, Mrs. Mary Gbele of the Harvey Road Health Centre, Yaba, Lagos, said regular medical check-ups will aid in early detection of ailments and prevention of complications that could be detrimental or cause death.

“Through regular medical check-up, you can detect if you have high or low blood sugar, hepatitis B, high/low blood pressure. People of all ages should undergo vision and eye care tests. Optometrists and eye doctors can check for glaucoma and provide vision reports and possible glasses or contact lens prescriptions, should you need them.”