Daily Independent (Lagos)
Kemi Yesufu
20 May 2009
Abuja — Minister of State for Health, Aliyu Idi Hong, has advised Nigerians to use salt moderately in preparing their meals.
Hung, who spoke during the celebration of World Hypertension Day in Abuja on Tuesday, said 80 per cent of global deaths from cardiovascular diseases and related conditions occur in low and middle-income countries, including Nigeria.
According to a 1990 national survey of non-communicable diseases, 11.2 per cent of Nigerians above the age of 15 have hypertension.
The report also showed a high prevalence rate of the disease in urban than in rural areas, a situation attributed to the stressful living condition of urban dwellers.
The minister noted that theme for this year's celebration, 'Salt and High Blood Pressure: Two Silent Killers', takes into cognisance the twin relationship between excessive salt intake, hypertension and kidney disease.
Hong decried the lukewarm attitude of Nigerians towards undergoing regular medical check-up.
He advised that the only way to avert complications was through scheduled medical checks up and that people should not wait until they slumped or came down with stroke, heart failure or some other organ damage before they seek medical care.
He said it is never too late for Nigerians to start a life of discipline by choosing healthy diets, reduce their sugar and salt intakes and engage in exercises regularly to stay alive.
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