Stronger hearts, healthier lives: NMC Healthcare marks World Heart Day with free screenings

On World Heart Day 2026, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Osun State has taken steps to emphasize the importance of prioritizing heart health and adopting healthier lifestyles. This initiative comes as the world marks World Heart Day, focusing on raising awareness about heart disease and stroke. The theme for 2026 is “Don’t Miss a Beat.”

Adefarasin, the spokesperson for the NOA's State Director, Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, emphasized in a statement that early detection and preventive measures are crucial in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases among Nigerians. He identified risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption.

To mitigate these risks, Adefarasin recommended that citizens regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Early detection, he stressed, can enable individuals to take necessary steps to protect their health. He advised reducing consumption of salt, sugar, and fried foods, while increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and ensuring adequate rest were also highlighted as essential practices for maintaining a healthy heart.

The NOA director warned against neglecting symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, facial drooping, and speech difficulties, emphasizing the importance of seeking prompt medical attention. He urged Nigerians to be proactive about their heart health by knowing their numbers and making healthy choices. Encouragingly, he called for collective efforts from families, community leaders, schools, workplaces, and health institutions to promote heart-healthy habits, emphasizing that daily lifestyle choices can significantly contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.