Methodist High School Celebrates Founder’s DAY, as Prof. Faduyile Highlights Hypertension Risks.
By Steve Ovirih.
The Methodist High School (MHS), Okitipupa, Ondo State, has marked its Founder’s Day and Annual Convention, with a call on Nigerians to pay attention to the risk factors and causes of systemic hypertension.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Adedayo Faduyile,OON a renowned physician and medical administrator, who is also an old student of the school, made the call during the convention, which held on Friday.
Faduyile, a former President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), noted that hypertension has become a prevalent health challenge among Nigerians, and stressed the need for individuals to be aware of their blood pressure status.
He explained that hypertension is a pervasive and complex medical challenge affecting millions of people worldwide, and a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseases.
Faduyile, who is also a Professor of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, identified primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, as the most common type of hypertension, accounting for about 90 per cent of cases.
He listed factors such as genetics, age, obesity, physical inactivity, and diet as contributing to the development of primary hypertension.
The medical expert also identified secondary hypertension, which is caused by underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, and certain medications.
Faduyile emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes in managing hypertension, including reduction of sodium intake, adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), losing weight if overweight or obese, and limiting alcohol consumption.
He also noted that medications such as beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors are effective in treating hypertension.
In her remarks, the Principal of the school, Mrs.Jegede commended Prof. Faduyile for his insightful lecture and called on the old students to support the school’s development projects.
The convention also featured discussions on the welfare of the school and the need to renovate the school hall, which is estimated to cost N15 million.
