LAGOS (SUNDIATA POST)- Mr Patrick Ajah, the Managing Director of May & Baker Nig. Plc., advises Nigerians to be conscious of what they eat and drink to minimise the risk of heart-related diseases particularly hypertension.
Ajah gave the advice during a health awareness walk tagged: “Walk-For-Life’ organised by the company to mark its 80th anniversary on Thursday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the health awareness walk featured Blood Pressure (BP) check as many market women and passersby were given medical care for BP, as well as blood sugar check.
He said that many of the staple food and beverages being consumed could lead to heart-related diseases.
According to him, most heart/cardiovascular-related diseases can be controlled if detected at the early stage.
He, therefore, emphasised the need for regular medical checkup particularly on BP and blood sugar level to avert the risk of hypertension.
“Hypertension is a silent killer, and if not detected at the early stages, the sufferer is at high risk and that can lead to sudden death.
“It is more expensive to treat the ailment and cheaper to prevent it by maintaining a regular medical check, a healthy diet, regular exercise, checking cholesterol, avoiding too much of carbohydrates and sugar.
“Hence, we can avoid heart diseases by eating less of carbohydrates, but more of vegetables and drinking more water than fizzy drinks,” he said.
Ajah said that the major way to prevent hypertension was through lifestyle changes; diet and exercise.
According to him, studies have shown that when you take low salt intake, your hypertension is likely going to go down, adding that diet, lifestyle modifications and consideration for barriers to BP control including poor knowledge about the condition, must be part of all treatment regimens.
“To control hypertension, lifestyle modification is very important.
“There are people who always add salt to their meal, salt intake should be greatly reduced.
“Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, fruits that contain potassium, because they help reduce high blood pressure.
“Fruits like banana and orange help in controlling and preventing high blood pressure too.
“Also, reduce alcohol and smoking; when you are able to do all these things, it will help in controlling not just high blood pressure but diabetes and cholesterol level,” he advised.
On the cost of drugs, Ajah said that the prices of drugs and other goods would continue to rise unless the Federal Government does something to control the exchange rate (Forex) and increase the value of naira.
According to him, the persistent increase in the cost of exchange rate is the primary cause of high cost of drugs and other commodities in the country.
“Unless the Federal Government does something to control/reduce the exchange rate and increase the value of naira currency, the prices of drugs and other goods will continue to rise.
“Almost all the raw materials the company use for production are being imported.
“And there is limit to what companies can do, but we will continue to do our possible best to ensure that the prices of our products remain affordable,” he said.
On the outlook for the company going forward, Ajah said said it would not relent in its commitment and resilience to research, human and capacity development.
He added that the company would continually focus on harnessing cutting-edge technologies and partnerships that will guide it navigate the ever-changing landscape of healthcare (NAN)
