Blood is the life-giving substance that flows through our veins, but if the pressure in our veins becomes too high it can be detrimental to our health. This is why the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) is actively promoting blood pressure awareness and measurement during the whole of May Measurement Month (MMM) and on World Hypertension Day on 17 May.
HART is supporting the 2022 May Measurement Month initiative through various projects specifically aimed at encouraging the general public to have their blood pressure measured. This screening is a free service that provides the ideal opportunity to find out what your blood pressure level is and to prevent becoming another fatal hypertension statistic.
The activities of HART are scheduled to take place at different venues in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and in the Vaal Triangle during the month of May.
Just like last year, HART will offer screenings at various venues on and around the NWU’s campuses.
Prof Carina Mels, director of HART, says it is important for people in all parts of South Africa to get their blood pressure measured. Hypertension is a silent killer and the number one cause of preventable death worldwide. If you know your blood pressure status, you can actively seek medical intervention if needed. Most people are not aware of the fact that their blood pressure is elevated until they have major and mostly irreversible health implications.
“You can find out where to get tested by visiting https://maymeasure.org. Here you will find an interactive map that shows where your local screening centre is and also how you can even test yourself at home.”
More about MMM
2022 is the fifth year in which the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) is presenting the worldwide May Measurement Month, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of high blood pressure.
This year the campaign takes place from 1 May to 31 August 2022 and builds on the established World Hypertension Day of the World Hypertension League (WHL).
This year’s theme is #THEBIGSQUEEZE, with more than eighty countries confirmed to be involved in the initiative.
According to the ISH it is estimated that in South Africa alone, one in every three adults has raised blood pressure. Adding to this problem, the majority of people with hypertension are completely unaware of the fact that they have raised blood pressure and it therefore goes untreated. In other instances, the treatment is not effectively controlling their condition. Since hypertension has no noticeable symptoms blood pressure measurement is the only accurate way of identifying those at risk.
From the beginning of May, volunteers across the world will measure the blood pressure of people in their cities, towns and villages. Prof Mels says HART is proud to be part of May Measurement Month in South Africa. “Please take part in #THEBIGSQUEEZE this year. If you know your numbers we can give you advice about what to do next.”
Measure your blood pressure on these days:
Wellness Day on the campus in Mahikeng – 11 May
Wellness Day on the campus in Potchefstroom – 13 May
Amphitheatre on the campus in Potchefstroom – 16 May
Ikageng Mall – 9, 10, 13, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27 May
Open Day on the campus in Potchefstroom – 21 May
Wellness Day on the campus in Vanderbijlpark – 27 May
Potchefstroom Reformed Church bazaar – 28 May
For more information about screening in and around Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark, please contact Carina.Mels@nwu.ac.za.
