Disturbed by the increasing rate of sudden deaths in the country, the National Complementary and Alternative Medical Association (NACAMA), has urged Nigerians to use digital health services to improve awareness on health diseases with a view to preventing and managing the aliments.
The National President of NACAMA, Professor Peter Katchy, made the call while speaking with reporters in Enugu on Tuesday to mark the World Heart Day.
The World Heart Day, which has the theme: “Harnessing the Power of Digital Health to Improve Awareness, Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)”, is being celebrated every September 29.
Katchy said that the use of digital health services was necessitated by recent universal disruption of health services occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said that Nigerians could use the advantage of their digital or internet-enabled devices to learn more, create awareness and share information meant to positively improve the good condition of the heart and health of all. He said that digital networks have the power to connect patients with families, friends, other patients, doctors and caregivers, adding: “Nobody should have to feel alone so let Nigerians use technology to overcome isolation and gaps in care”.
According to him, from tele-health consultations to finding helpful online tools, everyone, everywhere should be able to benefit from digital heart health solutions.
“The right digital/internet enabled tools and information can help us to develop a better understanding of our health, and social connections that are an important defense against cardiovascular (heart) diseases.
“Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) or heart disease is the number one cause of death on the planet and majorly caused by hereditary pre-conditions, environmental conditions, smoking diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, to air pollution etc, he said.
“In this COVID-19, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) patients are faced with a double-edged threat. Not only are they more at risk of developing severe forms of the virus, but they may also be afraid to seek ongoing care for their hearts”.
The NACAMA boss said that heart disease being the number cause of death in the world, its prevention and awareness should concern every living person in the world. He called on Nigerians to check all forms of hereditary pre-conditions and negative personal adopted lifestyle of smoking, bad eating habits, lack of exercise as well as environmental context such as air pollution and other threats to the heart.
