Olympus Marino Deck of the Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has sensitized residents of Rivers State on the importance of prioritizing their health despite their busy schedules.

During the event, Prof. MacClean Akpan, one of the panelists, discussed managing high blood pressure (HBP). This was achieved through their humanitarian program, “Street Pulse Series,” held in Port Harcourt.

He explained, “HBP is a condition rather than an illness,” and highlighted that it is often associated with age. He identified risk factors such as “diet, lifestyle, obesity, smoking, stress, alcoholic consumption,” adding that these factors can be regulated to mitigate the condition.


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Prof. Dasetima Altraide, another panelist, warned against cosmetic skin bleaching using hydroquinone. He stated, “It induces high blood pressure,” urging residents to avoid such practices.

Addressing diabetes mellitus, Dr. Ibitrokoemi Korubo described it as “the increase of sugar content in the body due to insulin impairment.” He outlined the risk factors, including frequent urination, persistent thirst, constant hunger, kidney failure, and frequent vaginal discharge in females.

Dr. Korubo advised that the strategies to manage diabetes mellitus include “frequent screening, medical nutrition therapy (not eating carbohydrates at night and morning), avoid injury on the leg, exercise, information, surveillance, maintaining body weight, and drugs.”

Dr. Chinweowa Ohaka, a consultant gynecologist, spoke about the burden of prostate gland enlargement and noted its increasing prevalence. He classified the condition into cancerous (stages I, II, III, and IV) and non-cancerous types, identifying risk factors such as age (≥50 years), obesity, and “lifestyle (abstinence from sex for a long period).”

The program emphasized the need for regular health checks, adopting healthy lifestyles, and raising awareness to combat prevalent health issues in the community.

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