Elburgon: Over 500 residents of Elburgon have benefited from a free medical camp organized by St. Joseph’s Hospital in collaboration with medics from Nakuru, aimed at addressing the rising cases of non-communicable diseases among the elderly in the slums of Elburgon.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event was spearheaded by Dr. Florence Wairimu and focused on non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and respiratory diseases, which are responsible for 85 percent of deaths among the elderly population in the area. Dr. Wairimu emphasized the challenges posed by the lack of access to health facilities and late diagnosis, which often lead to complications due to self-medication practices among the elderly.
Dr. Wairimu explained that the initiative was prompted by the increasing number of elderly individuals attending clinics for communicable diseases within Molo Constituency. The camp provided free health services, including heart screenings, ECG and ECHO tests, non-communicable disease screenings, blood sugar tests, blood pressure tests, breast examinations, and urinalysis tests.
She stressed the importance of regular check-ups to identify potential health conditions at an early stage and advocated for education on prevention measures. Dr. Wairimu pointed out that the lifestyle and poor diet in Molo sub-county significantly contribute to the rising numbers of non-communicable disease cases and advised residents to adopt a balanced diet and engage in lighter exercises to manage their weight and health.
Community members who benefited, such as Samuel Githae and Joyce Nyambura, encouraged the Elburgon community to embrace regular health screenings and clinics to manage health challenges. Githae highlighted the advantages of regular clinics, including personalized care, reduced hospital burdens, and support for community health through education and screenings.
Catherine Wanjiru, a medic at St. Joseph Hospital, underscored the essential role of medical clinics in providing outpatient services, chronic disease management, and acute illness treatment. She advocated for regular check-ups over self-medication practices, which often lead to severe health consequences.
According to WHO, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity contribute to approximately 30% of preventable morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases, including hypertension. Excessive intake of unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar poses significant risks for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension.
