4th Annual Healthy Heart Seminar: Oparaocha Expresses Gratitude

4th Annual Healthy Heart Seminar: Oparaocha Expresses Gratitude

By Sampson Uhuegbu

The 4th annual healthy heart seminar has taken place in Imo state.

The well attended weeklong event , themed ” The Effects Of Stress On The Heart and Brain; Prevention and Care ” was kicked off at Graceland event center , close to Graceland Estate off AA Rano filling station in the capital city of Owerri with notable health experts and captains of industry in attendance . amongst whom is Dr . Damian Oparaocha , Dr . Benjamin Dozie Anyanwu CMD of Regions health care and hospital. Consultant Neurosurgeon , Dr Mark Okhueleigbe , CMD Doctor savealife mission Hospital Dr Richard Okoye , Dr . Pearl Onukwugha , Dr.John Ohiri and host of others who converged to brainstorm on the topic of focus , and to find a lasting solution to the pressing issue bedveiling the nation “Stress”

Addressing the gathering , the initiator , who also doubles as the President of Precious Healthy Life Foundation PHLF and Chief Medical Director of Precious Stone hospital located at Km2 Owerri- Onitsha Road Irete, Owerri West LGA of Imo state, Dr. Damian Oparaocha maintained that the mission of the seminar is to touch whole person body, soul and spirit , with the mission statement ” To assist , To raise a generation of healthy and educated people, and society balanced in health and education, To achieve success in carrier vocation , leadership and faith in God being accomplished by committed Professional men, women and the youths” he submitted.

Dr. Oparaocha reiterated that Cardio pulmonary resuscitation is central to PHLF project which has been Incorporated in the PHLF Programs. He gave a brief history of the annual healthy heart seminar which he recalled was kicked off in April 2022 ,viz : 26th April 2022 ” Prevention of heart attack” ,16-17th June 2023 “Preserving the heart” , 25- 27th April 2024 ” Prevention of Stroke and care” and Recently 24- 26th April 2025 ” The effects of stress on the heart and brain” with so many testimonies” he concluded.

Dr. Oparaocha also pointed out that so many sensitization programs both completed and on going has been anchored by PHLF at various work places, schools and market places to enlighten citizens on how to handle cases of sudden cardiac collapse and other cardio pulmonary problems.

In their respective speeches, the Imo state Commissioner for Health (Primary Health, Health Insurance and Social Services ) , Dr. Chioma Egu , Prof. Chukwuemeka Ubaka Commissioner for Health (Secondary and Tertiary Health ) and Dr.Perry Njoku advised citizens to be mindful of their health status through regular health checks ,

In his paper presentation , the Chief Medical Director of Regions Health care and hospital Dr. Benjamin Dozie Anyanwu , gave an extensive rundown of how stress affects the brain using cognitive , emotional , behavioural and physical examples

Also in his Presentation, the Chief Medical Director of Mark of Glory Hospital located along MCC Road Owerri , Dr. Mark Okhueleigbe highlighted that ” Proper management of stress will go a long way to help a patient, sucide is not an option ” Dr.Okhueleigbe admonished.

In furtherance ,Dr Richard Okoye of Savea life mission Hospital mentioned that stress has killed a lot of people as he enjoined all and sundry to join hands together to find a way out of stress.

Consultant Physician in the department of medicine Imo state University Teaching Hospital Dr. Ernest Nwaigbo , also spoke extensively on the effects of stress on the and brain, prevention and care , he described stress as a build up of mental and physical tension in the human body which distracts mental focus , drains , energy impair immune system and reduce work product.

Lending his voice Consultant Pathologist and a discussant , Dr John Ohiri Harped on Stress among Proffessionals , with the notion that more hours of work is stress as Education Expert Dr. Pearl Onukwugha , also a discussant buttressed on how stress can affect families in various homes.