ALIMOSHO GENERAL HOSPITAL COMMEMORATES Y2023 WORLD THROMBOSIS DAY

Alimosho General Hospital recently commemorated the Y2023 World Thrombosis Day, themed: “Move Against Thrombosis” with the sensitisation of staff and students of Igando Community Senior Secondary School on symptoms, causes, risks and prevention of Thrombosis.

The Head of the Haematology Department, Dr. Olubukola Orolu stated that World Thrombosis Day is commemorated to raise awareness and reduce the burden of premature death and disability caused by Thrombosis.

Explaining that Thrombosis is a medical disorder that occurs when blood clots block the blood vessels, she revealed that the two forms of Thrombosis condition “Venous and Arterial” pose serious health challenges in Africa.

“Statistically One in Four people worldwide die as a result of Thrombosis related illnesses. The disorder affects about 40,000 Nigerians yearly. Cancer patients are more susceptible to developing serious blood clots than the general population while 60% of hospitalised patients develop the health condition”, she revealed.

She said that Venous Thrombosis occurs when blood clots clog a vein, Arterial Thrombosis occurs as a result of blood clots on the artery which could lead to a stroke or a heart attack.

Speaking on the symptoms of the disorder, Orolu discloses that unilateral leg swelling, pain and redness, shortness of breath and chest pain are some of the discomforts the body will experience when Thrombosis occurs.

The Head of the Haematology Department maintained that Thrombosis, which is one of the world’s most serious health conditions, has risk factors which include prolonged immobility, surgery, trauma, cancer, pregnancy, long-distance travel, obesity, positive family history of the disorder and certain heart condition.

Speaking on the need to ensure consistent awareness of the risks of the condition, the Doctor stated healthy body weight, avoidance of a sedentary lifestyle, lower salt and sugar consumption are recommended lifestyles for the prevention of the disorder.

Other key components of Thrombosis prevention according to her include avoidance of prolonged sitting and standing, regular exercise, timely risk assessment by healthcare practitioners, use of clot prevention medications and early detection of clots.

In her remark, the Head of the Dietetics and Nutrition Department, Mrs. Oludayo Sowo-Olu-Coastes encouraged people to consume more grains, tubers and legumes, fruits, veggies, water and a healthy breakfast, adding that people should eat less fats, sugar, salt, alcohol and tobacco to prevent the health condition.