High blood pressure is a silent killer that can lead to a fatal heart attack. Without treatment, it can also profoundly impact a person’s quality of life, causing heart disease, kidney damage, memory loss or even disability or a stroke. Many people at risk might not even know it, as hypertension operates as a secret agent, often lurking in a person’s body without symptoms as it wears out one’s arteries.
This is why the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) has made it their mission to educate people on and raise awareness about the dangers of hypertension. “With knowledge comes power and it enables people to make better health and lifestyle choices,” says Sister Adéle Burger, manager at the HART clinic at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU).
The HART team has set themselves an ambitious goal to screen and educate more than 2 500 individuals across various venues during the month of May. This is part of the annual May Measurement Month campaign, with International Hypertension Day observed on 17 May.
This campaign is an international drive by the International Society of Hypertension to help people have their blood pressure checked completely free of charge.
Taking hypertension awareness from the campuses into the communities
Prof Carina Mels, director of HART, says the campaign commenced on 6 May as part of Wellness Week at the NWU. They offered free screenings on the Potchefstroom Campus on 16 May, followed by blood pressure readings for community members at the Mooirivier Mall on 17 May. This was done in collaboration with Dischem Pharmacy.
Screenings also took place at several community-based sites throughout the month. These included Huis Anna Viljoen on 14 May, Safe Haven on 21 May and Samuel Broadbent House on 28 May. The campaign concludes at Vyfhoek Mall on 31 May.
“It only takes a moment to check your blood pressure – but that moment could change your life,” says Prof Mels. “We are proud to be part of this global movement, which plays a vital role in increasing awareness of hypertension. Our goal is not only to screen individuals but also to empower them to find manageable ways to reduce their risk.”
Advice in action
“This year, our focus is on simple lifestyle interventions that can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. We encourage everyone to aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking daily, to include plenty of fruits and vegetables – especially nitrate-rich foods like beetroot – in their diet, and to reduce salt and sugar intake.”
Prof Mels says it is equally important to set aside time each day for relaxation, as chronic stress is a key contributor to high blood pressure. By raising awareness and encouraging healthy habits, we move one step closer to a future free of preventable heart disease.
“We are immensely grateful for our dedicated postgraduate student team who were instrumental in organising and implementing this year’s campaign, and extend our thanks to our collaborators from the Biokinetics and Nutrition team from the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as the South African National Blood Service for their support and participation. Together, we can take small steps today for a healthier tomorrow, one blood pressure reading at a time.”
The team that made the hypertension awareness drive a success on the Potchefstroom Campus.
First-year students Tokelo Maleka and Katlego Monnepula receive nutrition advice from postgraduate students Cheré du Toit, Arole Shivambu and Rodgers Hau
First-year pharmacy student Wian Cotter was empowered with information to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Sister Adéle Burger says it is important to know what your blood pressure level is. Postgraduate student Gabriela Gabriel assisted her with the screening.
Makhubele Andruso, a third-year student, has his blood pressure screened by Paballo Kalane.
Eagi weighed in at a healthy 62 kg as first-year student Kyle Loftie-Eaton measured his height and weight.
