A leading consultant family physician has called on Nigerians to prioritize regular medical check-ups to curb the alarming surge in non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, which have overtaken infectious illnesses as top killers. Speaking at the close of the 9th Annual Abuja Cardiovascular Symposium organized by Cardiocare Multi-Specialty Hospital, Iorfa Tor-Ayiin of Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, highlighted how lifestyle factors and ageing fuel these conditions, stressing early detection through blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol tests to prevent organ damage across the body.
Tor-Ayiin emphasized continuous training for healthcare workers to manage these "silent epidemics," noting the event drew doctors, nurses, and lab experts to refresh skills on handling Nigeria's deadly trio of NCDs. He warned against sugary drinks, alcohol, smoking, poor diets, and inactivity, advocating natural foods and movement to dodge obesity and complications, while nursing manager Nwobodo Chukwuka reinforced personal responsibility to ease burdens on patients and systems alike.
Administrative manager Solomon Olusola touted the hospital's one-stop cardiovascular services, from angiography to bypass surgeries, promising swift emergency care amid growing demand. Early intervention promises normal lives for those affected, underscoring the symposium's role in domesticating global strategies for Nigeria's unique health battles.