The Director, Prevention, Care and Treatment Services, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Ernest Ekong, has called for regular routine medical check-up to avert health emergencies.
Ekong who made the call at the first Health Fair, organised by the Institute in Abuja, urged members of the public to develop a culture of checking their health status regularly.
No fewer than 300 people, who attended the fair, benefited from free tests for malaria, hepatitis B and C, blood sugar, cholesterol and PCV at the fair, themed “Take charge of your health”.
The participants were taught how to respond to common emergencies like burns, electrocution, seizures, shocks, breathing difficulties, fainting and stroke.
For his part, Dr. Oluokun Young, IHVN Senior Program Manager of the Institute, gave tips on how to treat, in the first 90 minutes, anyone suffering from a heart attack as well as treat blisters and burns.
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“If breathing isn’t normal or the patient is unresponsive, hands-on CPR may be applied, to double the chances of survival,” Young said.
Participants were offered free measurement of vital body signs, counselling on mental health and training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation as well as management of fire outbreaks.
On management of fire outbreaks, the Superintendent, Federal Fire Service, Babadoko Garba urged members of the public to avoid leaving fire unattended.
Garba urged the attendees to always turn off electrical appliances, keep their environment free of unnecessary luggage and to ensure installation of fire extinguishers and fire alarms in buildings.
“When there is fire, move to a safe place; as you are moving, lock your doors to prevent spread of fire and seek help,” he said.
For his part, Mr. Dennis Mordi, Communication Manager, IHVN, in a statement on Friday stressed the need for regular medical health check-up, noting that its importance could not be over emphasised. (NAN)
