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Hypertension Awareness Month On

THE St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA) has organized a series of activities for this month which has been designated Hypertension Awareness Month by the World Hypertension League.

The Association, in order to sensitize the general public on the ravaging effects of the disease, has organized for its main activity for the month, a two-part ride against hypertension and beach bash.

This event is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Stroke Busters Association.

The event encompasses a number of activities, among them a ride from Soufriere to Vieux Fort by the members of the various motorcycle and bicycle clubs to culminate in a beach bash. The riders are expected to visit communities in the north, south, east and west of the island distributing information about hypertension and stroke.

The beach activity will include martial arts and fitness demonstrations, Zumba, Socasize, appearances by leading local entertainers and short PowerPoint presentations by Dr. Lisa Monrose and Dr. Timotheus Dorh.

One such event is scheduled for May 7 at Sandy Beach in Vieux Fort from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a free event aimed at raising awareness on the importance of diet and exercise in fighting hypertension and stroke.

A series of radio and television presentations will also form part of the month’s activities

The theme for the month is “Know Your Blood Pressure Number”. In order to highlight the dangers of this silent killer, the Association has decided to focus on four main areas. From May 1 to 6, the spotlight will be on low sodium intake; May 7 to 13, the centre of attention will be on the importance of movement in combating this deadly disease; May 14 to 20, the emphasis will shift to the value of drinking adequate amount water daily and from May 21 to 27, the highlight will be on starting your day with a healthy meal.

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