The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker has called on all and sundry to be committed to exercising their body which will in turn have a positive effect on the heart.
Dr. Coker made this known while speaking at the inauguration of the committee on hypertension in commemoration of the 2020 World Heart Day with the theme: Use heart to beat cardiovascular diseases," in Abeokuta.
She lamented that about 18 million lives are lost globally to cardiovascular diseases which represents about 31per cent of all deaths worldwide.
The Commissioner called on the general public to use their sphere of influence on their loved ones to make positive changes to heart health.
She pointed out that the regular exercise with due diligence will make the heart healthy, adding that commitment to jogging, taking a walk and going for golf, among others are good recipes for the heart health.
"We need to understand what it takes to live a heart healthy life in order to make lifestyle changes in our choice of heart healthy foods and exercise for a better quality of life now and in the future, " Coker said
She called advised that tobacco use, excessive use of alcohol and physical inactivity which pose a great danger to the heart should be avoided.
According to her, the common warning signs which may indicate future heart disease such as high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose and obesity call for urgent medical guidance without delay.
Coker, however, revealed that the Federal Government in its wisdom chose Ogun and Kano as the two states to drive the pilot test of the hypertension control initiative in the country, noting that the commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government towards implementing policies that will lead to better societal "heart health" is second to none.
The Commissioner said that the initiative, which is geared towards early detection and treatment of hypertension in six local government areas of the state will help reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease among the residents of the Gateway State.
Coker revealed that the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, which would be formally launched soon, will provide free screening and treatment of high blood pressure for residents who enrolled at the Primary Healthcare Centers ( PHCs).
Charging members of the 17-man committee headed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Adesanya Ayinde, the Commissioner urged them to give to their best in line with what the state is known for.
In her remarks, the Coordinator, Non-Communicable Diseases ( NCDs), World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Olatunde Yewande, the committee will work on increasing awareness about hypertension and NCDs as well as develop the state implementation plans.
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