Health
Expert Urges Nigerians To Check Blood Pressure, Sugar Levels Regularly
By Diana Omueza
A UK-based senior mental health nurse, Iruoma Onuko, has urged Nigerians to check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly, saying early detection and appropriate medical care could prevent life-threatening complications.
Onuko made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a media engagement on community health matters.
She said people should not wait until they developed symptoms before seeking medical attention, noting that high blood pressure could remain undetected even when an individual felt healthy.
She said the foundation’s community screening outreaches had been identified concerning blood pressure and blood glucose readings, highlighting the need for accessible health checks and stronger links between communities and healthcare facilities.
According to her, the findings underscored the importance of early screening, appropriate clinical assessment and follow-up care in reducing the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases and other health complications.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) says cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 19.8 million deaths in 2022.
“Many people seek medical attention only when their conditions have deteriorated, sometimes presenting at hospitals with strokes, heart attacks, acute heart failure or complications of chronic kidney disease.
“Routine screening can provide an opportunity to identify health concerns earlier and encourage people to seek appropriate medical attention before complications develop,” she said.
Onuko said the foundation’s screening presentation reported that 48.74 per cent of participants at its outreaches fell within the high blood pressure category, while 5.74 per cent recorded low blood pressure readings.
She added that 18.33 per cent had high blood glucose readings, while 9.12 per cent recorded low blood glucose readings.
She described the findings as concerning, calling for increased public sensitisation on the importance of regular health checks.
Onuko, however, said the figures were preliminary community screening findings that required validation against the underlying records.
“The screening results alone do not establish a medical diagnosis, and concerning readings require appropriate clinical assessment.
“We support participants with severely elevated blood pressure to access urgent hospital assessment, provide assistance with medical expenses where resources are available and offer follow-up support,” she said.
She said identifying a potentially serious health condition was only the first step, adding that some people needed assistance understanding their results, accessing healthcare facilities and overcoming financial barriers to treatment.
Onuko said the foundation’s Healthy Nigeria Movement had conducted community screening outreaches across 20 states, providing blood pressure and blood glucose checks, health education and referral support.
She said the initiative would continue to sensitise Nigerians on preventive healthcare and encourage community members to seek appropriate medical attention when screening identified potential concerns.
Onuko called on federal and state health authorities, primary healthcare organisations and relevant clinical institutions to partner with the foundation to strengthen community screening and referral services.
She also called on universities, professional organisations, international health organisations and diaspora health professionals to support training, evaluation and technical collaboration.
According to her, stronger partnerships will help ensure that people with concerning health readings receive clear advice, appropriate clinical assessment and continuing care.
The founder urged the media to raise public awareness about routine screening and encourage Nigerians to take preventive health measures seriously.
She said the foundation remained committed to connecting communities with healthcare services through organised outreach, referral support and practical assistance.(NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
