Heart Matters

Hypertension is a disease that has claimed the lives of many and has left many others with disabilities. It is a condition that has no absolute cure, however, with early detection, referral and treatment, it can be controlled with minimal to no complications.
In the case of New Barili, the lack of personnel who can satisfactorily take and record blood pressure readings, has greatly affected the health-seeking behaviour of those who are known hypertensives, furthermore, it greatly impairs recognition and referral of early cases of hypertension thus delaying management. Because of this the team decided to conduct a seminar which focused on imparting skills in taking blood pressure readings, and also included basic information about hypertension and when referral is warranted.
The activity was attended by the NBBP Team which is composed of seven (7) volunteers each representing one purok and two (2) Barangay Health Workers. It started with a pre-test to gauge what the participants knew about the topic prior to the seminar. It was then followed by a lecture and demonstration. After which, a post-test was administered. The participants also had a return demonstration, for which they were allowed to practice with each other, it was facilitated by the medical students. It ended with the awarding of certificates for their attendance and participation and the announcement of future plans for the projects connected with the control of hypertension in the barangay.
Overall, the activity was a success as each member of the team actively participated during the event, this makes all of us hopeful that with the help of the team, in cooperation with the LGU, medical students and all the residents we will be able to achieve our goals in making the residents of New Barili healthier. After all, “TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!”

Mary Midette Repolidon
ADZU-SOM Level 2

---