May 17, 2011

Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer is appealing to Jamaicans to observe healthy lifestyle practices to reduce their risk of having Chronic Non Communicable illnesses. Minister Spencer was speaking against the background of the observance of World Hypertension Day today under the theme ‘Know your numbers and target your blood pressure’.

“I am appealing to Jamaicans in an effort to improve their lifestyle choices to reduce alcohol consumption, stop smoking, exercise regularly and have a balanced diet particularly increasing their daily servings of fruits and vegetables.  Reducing salt intake will also go a far way in controlling your blood pressure.  Hypertension is known as the silent killer because many times there is no way of detecting the illness. Regular health checks to ensure early detection and treatment is the best way to secure your health,” he said.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. It can also result in damage to the brain and other organs. Increasingly, Jamaicans continue to present at public health facilities with hypertension. In 2009, 168,976 visits were made to public hospitals and health centres by persons seeking care for this condition.
This week Jamaica is represented at the 64th World Health Assembly where the issue of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases is high on the agenda. Recognizing the grave impact of these illnesses, the World Health Assembly by resolution in May 2000, reaffirmed the global strategy to reduce premature mortality and increase quality of life through the prevention and control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.
This will also be in preparation for the High Level Meeting on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases which is scheduled to be held in September this year.

World Hypertension Day, which is observed on May 17 each year, was established to highlight the risks associated with hypertension including preventable illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.