Malibongwe Senior Citizens Club learned a lot from the psychiatric nursing students
UNIVERSITY of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN) psychiatric nursing students used their medical knowledge to educate and equip the members of Malinbongwe Senior Citizens Club on Friday, 19 March in Wentworth.
Already in an established relationship with Malibongwe, the students constantly return to the club with new information to help the senior citizens live better and healthier lives.
They touched on uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) and how it can cause problems by damaging and narrowing the blood vessels in the brain. Over time, this raises the risk of a blood vessel becoming blocked or bursting. If blood cannot carry energy and oxygen to a part of the brain,due to a blocked or burst blood vessel, some cells in the brain may be damaged or even die.This damage can sometimes affect a persons memory, thinking, or language skills. This is called vascular dementia, said Chiragudeen Shaik.
Sgcino Hlophe educated the elderly on the benefits of lowering their blood pressure, Through lifestyle changes and medication you can reduce your risk. Vascular dementia is most commonly caused by the effects of a stroke. You can lower your risk of a stroke by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels down, she said.
A blood pressure machine and a blood glucose monitor was donated to the club and a demonstration was given to show the senior citizens how to safely use the devices.
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Nursing students enlighten Wentworth seniors - Southlands Sun
