SEVEN new cases of non-communicable disease were recorded in the first hour of screening at Davuilevu Housing yesterday.
This was revealed by the zone nurse, Torika Radinimale, who said the new cases comprised of diabetes and hypertension.
The new cases were recorded in the age group of 40 to 60. Ms Radinimale said almost 60 per cent of the first 50 people examined were obese.
She said many visitors were aware of NCDs and the measures that could be taken to prevent or control such conditions.
"It is important to practise a lifestyle that prevents NCDs," Ms Radinimale said.
"Some of the people, especially those in squatter settlements, lack financial support to attend medical clinics for check-ups and this is the biggest constraint they face in maintaining good health."
People as old as 80 and as young as 17, visited the half-day event.
"This is a good sign because it shows people are interested in knowing about their health," Ms Radinimale said. "The elderly with an NCD are given advice of the diet they should follow and the young are told what they can do prevent getting one of the diseases."
She said some NCDs, such as diabetes, cannot be determined by the appearance of a person, therefore people ought to take care of their health very vigilantly.
