A community engagement event was held by the Thumbay Institute of Population Health to observe “World Hypertension Day” themed “Hypertension: A Silent Killer” on May 14th, 2024, at Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, organized by the medical interns and students along with the Higher Diploma in Preclinical Sciences students of Gulf Medical University.
The initiative aimed to foster a deeper understanding of hypertension, a pervasive yet often overlooked health condition. Through a series of insightful posters and interactive sessions, the event sought to educate the community about the critical importance of early detection, effective management, and preventive strategies for hypertension. By highlighting the silent yet severe nature of this condition, the organizers endeavored to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead healthier lives ultimately contributing to the reduction of hypertension-related health risks in the community.
The program centered on five primary objectives of educating the community about the normal anatomy of organs affected by hypertension, analyzing the epidemiology of the condition, illuminating the associated risk factors, discussing the clinical manifestations, and emphasizing the vital importance of treatment and preventive measures. Guided by the expertise and dedication of Dr. Anusha, Dr. Jayakumary Muttappallymyalil, Dr. Kiran Kumar, Dr. Neha Arora, Dr. Ghada and Dr. Liju Susan, the event provided an enriched learning experience that fostered an engaging educational environment.
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure levels in the arteries. This condition forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, leading to potential damage to the arterial walls over time. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension typically presents no symptoms until significant damage has occurred, increasing the risk of severe health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.
Factors contributing to hypertension include genetics, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress. Effective management of hypertension involves lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, reducing sodium intake, limiting alcohol consumption, and, when necessary, medication. Early detection and proactive management are crucial in preventing the long-term complications associated with this pervasive condition.
A feedback survey conducted among the organizers and participants revealed overwhelmingly positive responses. Every organizer expressed that the event instilled a sense of pride in their profession and their role in serving the community, offering a valuable opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world context. Furthermore, 94% of participants reported that the event met their expectations and was satisfactory.
The success of our event was a testament to the meticulous efforts and unwavering dedication of each team member who worked tirelessly within the given time frame. Teamwork emerged as the cornerstone of our achievement with every member contributing their unique skills and knowledge. Through effective communication and supervision by expert facilitators, we navigated challenges seamlessly. The synergy among team members fostered an environment, where ideas flourished, and tasks were executed with ease. It was this blend of individual dedication and synchronized teamwork that allowed us to not only meet, but exceed our objectives, making the event a resounding success.
“Community Engagement and Social Accountability is an integral part of GMU’s vision and mission, and I believe that the University should serve the immediate community in which it exists”, reflected Prof. Manda Venkatraman, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine, who is also the Chairman of the Community Engagement Committee of Gulf Medical University.
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