World Health Day

7 April 2013

World Health Day is being observed all across the world today, 7 April, 2013.  With a focus on: High Blood Pressure, the Cayman Islands joins hands with other countries to promote greater awareness, healthy behaviors, improved detection and most of all – prevention  – of one of our biggest Public health concerns.

High blood pressure – also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension – increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can also cause blindness, heartbeat irregularities and heart failure. The risk of developing these complications is higher in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure. The proportion increases with age, from 10% among persons in their 20s and 30s, to 50% after the age of 50. Our Census 2010 has revealed that hypertension is one of the top three illnesses with a prevalence of 89.1 per 1000 population representing 11.6% of adults.   Worldwide, raised blood pressure is estimated to cause 7.5 million deaths, which is about 12.8% of the total of all deaths. There may be many people with undiagnosed high blood pressure, and so these people are missing out on treatment that could significantly reduce their risk of death and disability from heart disease and stroke.

As Minister of Health, I applaud the many preventative measures undertaken by the Public Health Department, Health Services Authority, Cayman Heart Fund and all Healthcare workers in the Cayman Islands. The recently concluded STEPS survey, along with the many Information Education and Communication outreach programmes, has helped to build awareness and identification of those who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, and kidney failure, due to raised blood pressure. A good, solid working relationship has been established by our Cayman Islands Hospital, with the heart Health Centre in the Cayman Islands and the St Lukes Mid America Heart Institute in the USA for care and treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases beyond our current capacities. The relationship is to be commended.

The good news is that high blood pressure is both preventable and treatable. As responsible citizens, everyone must ensure knowledge and status of health numbers. I urge the public to engage in physical activity, to utilize the walking track at the football grounds behind the John Gray High School Compound, reduce salt intake, use a balanced diet and appropriate medication to prevent or control high blood pressure.

Through continued collaborative and concerted efforts, it is hoped that we can meaningfully impact and reduce the incidence of these diseases.

Therefore, I urge you to become a part of this global initiative and let us work towards securing healthy and longer lives for ourselves and our loved ones through participation of our National Public Health Week April 5-12.

Let this, and every day, be World Health Day!  Know your numbers, and if you don’t know your numbers, get a wellness check today.