Avoid heart disease and get tested
Netcare Sunward Park, Netcare Linmed and Netcare N17 Hospital in Springs will come together to promote National Heart Awareness Month on September 27.
The hospitals will embark on an awareness campaign offering community members free diagnostic tests at the Mall@Carnival.
According to Dr Anchen Laubscher, medical director of the Netcare Hospital Division, South Africa’s population has become more urbanised and less active.
She believes that this is a contributor to the increase in serious heart conditions among people.
“Heart disease in South Africa reaching alarming proportions with one in three men and one in four women younger than 60-years, suffering from some kind of heart condition,” says Laubscher.
“This avoidable health crisis will increasingly strain our healthcare system unless individuals take ownership of their health and lifestyle choices.”
Laubscher recommends that people discuss risk factors with their doctors, because there may be no indications that they develop a heart disease.
She also advises that people have their blood pressure checked at least annually if the results of a test are within normal limits, or more often if the results are borderline or high.
Netcare marketing manager, Sanet Bigalke says it is important for their hospitals to not only treat patients within the care of the hospitals, but to also promote the importance of healthcare within the community as well.
The hospitals invite all community members to go test their blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels on the day.
“Qualified nursing staff will be available to provide information and brochures on spotting symptoms of heart-related illnesses, and taking precautionary measures regarding their health,” says Bigalke.
The hospitals staff will be available at the mall from 9am until 4pm.
