100 loom weavers in La Union get free hypertension screening from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A hundred loom weavers from Bangar, La Union, underwent free lab tests to check for hypertension this Hypertension Awareness Month thanks to GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Luisa Acosta was one of the loom weavers who availed herself of the free screenings. She has been weaving inabel for almost 20 years and her work requires her to sit still for long hours. This causes her to feel dizzy sometimes, especially because hypertension runs in the family.

At just 35 years old, she already has to take maintenance medicine for high blood pressure.

"Sumasakit 'yung batok. 'Yung ulo. Mahihilo kami sa sobrang init," said Luisa. "Minsan di na ko nakakabili ng gamot," she said.

Gina Ladi, another loom weaver, experiences the same symptoms but has not been to the doctor for a checkup because she'd rather use her earnings on her children's studies. She earns about P200 for every blanket that she weaves.

GMA Kapuso Foundation, in partnership with the Lacasandile Medical Clinic and Diagnostic Center, organized free electrocardiogram tests, lipid profile tests, fasting blood sugar tests, and consultation and hypertension awareness lectures for the loom weavers of Bangar.

It was discovered that out of the 100 loom weavers who underwent medical checkup, 42% of them suffered from hypertension. They were given medication aside from the checkup.

According to Dr. Kareen Lacasandile-Sanchez, an internal medicine specialist, hypertension doesn't spare anyone or any age. She advises that those with sedentary lifestyles, such as weavers, should exercise regularly.

For more information on how to support GMA Kapuso Foundations' initiatives, visit this website.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News