Pretoria - The Department of Health in collaboration with its private sector partners will during the months of September and November promote health screening services, specifically for diabetes and hypertension.
September is World Heart Month and November is World Diabetes Month.
According to the Department of Health statistics, one out of every four people have diabetes and many people are unaware they have it.
If undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation or even death.
“High blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, is a silent disease and the majority of cases in South Africa remain undiagnosed. It is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke,” the department said.
The department said that during September and November, the private sector partners like DisChem stores, Clicks and Pick ‘n Pay as well as clinics, throughout the country will provide free health screening services in all public health facilities.
The following steps decrease the risks with early diagnosis and treatment:
- Everyone over 40 years of age, especially if overweight or obese, should get tested regularly at a health facility for diabetes and hypertension.
- Eat healthy foods like fresh vegetables and fruit.
- Be physically active - do exercise regularly.
- Take your daily medication to control and manage your diabetes.
- Lose weight and reduce your daily intake of salt, sugars and fats.
– SAnews.gov.za
