Ross University’s community service effort

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 Jose Gomez from the university spoke briefly to the media, and said the school saw this initiative as an important act of engaging with wider community on the important subject.

“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 of community engagement.

“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.”

He added that the school fully supported 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 the 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 as hypertension.”

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