Ross University students provide free blood pressure screenings

Ross University students are giving back to the community in recognition of World Hypertension Day.

During the first round of free blood pressure screenings for the public at Sheraton Mall on Saturday, Dr. José Gómez, an Instructor at the university, says the school saw this initiative as an important act of engaging with the wider community.

“We have this initiative where we are doing blood pressure screenings in recognition of World Hypertension Day, which is on May 17. We understand at Ross University the importance to teach our students about community engagement,” he said.

“Community engagement to do what? Address common health issues that we see in the community. One of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide is hypertension, the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease is hypertension, so therefore it’s our mission and focus to raise awareness in recognition of World Hypertension Day.”

Meanwhile, Gómez says the school fully supports Government’s decision to double the tax on sweetened beverages, as the high sugar content was also an important factor in the wider hypertension debate among citizens.

“High levels of sugar in blood is also a risk factor towards hypertension, and therefore it was amazing to address the sugar content, the sugar consumption here in Barbados, because it is also going to allow us to address other diseases, not only diabetes, but as well hypertension.”

On Tuesday, World Hypertension Day, the team from Ross University will be at Skymall conducting another round of free blood pressure screenings for the public. (SB)