Cool Riderz provide boost for community health

MEMBERS OF THE Cool Riderz Motorcycle Club journeyed to Georgetown on Saturday April 28 to provide health service to residents in that community.

Blood pressure and blood glucose tests were done free of cost.{{more}} Of the seventy five persons seen, twenty five were referred for further management and follow-up care. They were persons with elevated blood pressure and blood glucose. This underscores the importance of continuing the fight against chronic non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Some persons were previously diagnosed with the condition but were non-compliant with medication and diet; others did not have a history of either diabetes or hypertension.

It has been well researched and documented that diabetes and hypertension are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The social and economic impact must also be considered. The appeal is therefore made for persons diagnosed with one or both conditions to comply with recommended management, particularly regular exercise and controlled diet.

Following the community health service, club members visited Rhoda Medica, an eighty nine year old from Mt. Bentick. Medica was presented with a food basket for which she expressed gratitude. The distribution of food baskets is a monthly activity of the Cool Riderz Motorcycle Club in which indigent elderly persons are selected by the District Nurse. Medica was identified by Staff Nurse Theckla Billingy-Jack assigned to the Georgetown Health Centre.

The club thanked Noel and Monique Browne of Georgetown for permitting the use of their premises as the venue for the health assessment.