Anon-governmental organisation, the Loretta Health Initiative has advised Edo communities on regular blood pressure and blood sugar level check to maintain healthy lifestyle.

The Director-General of the group, Dr Kennedy Alohan, gave the advice during an interview in Benin.

He said the NGO found out about the disturbing situation during its medical outreaches in some local government areas of the state.

According to Mr Alohan, many people in the rural areas were unaware of their health status and at risk of developing stroke and diabetes due to uncontrolled hypertension and high blood sugar levels.

“What we saw at the grassroots surprised us as many people are living with high blood pressure and diabetes, living their lives without knowing that they could slump from cerebrovascular accident (stroke). I am worried that the rural dwellers are not utilising the Primary Healthcare Centres in their communities.

“There are some PHCs that are in the LGAs. But from what we saw, it didn’t appear to us that they go to the PHCs to access healthcare services. This is because some people’s BP checks were over 200/100; not only in one person, but the majority of them. If they were accessing the PHCs in their locality, their BP and blood sugar won’t be that high.”

He urged rural dwellers to visit PHCs nearest to them and check their BP and blood levels on a regular basis, even when they feel healthy.

“Go for a regular check. It is only someone who is alive that can pursue money. I am appealing to people to take their health seriously,’’ he advised.

(NAN)