Health Teams Hit Bahrain's biggest Mall
Visitors to Avenues Mall recently had the chance to get their blood pressure checked on the spot, thanks to a joint hypertension awareness campaign by American Mission Hospital and RCSI Medical University of Bahrain.
The campaign transformed a retail space into a health checkpoint, where doctors, nurses, and student volunteers offered free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI, along with lifestyle-based medical advice. The initiative aimed to alert residents to the risks of high blood pressure, a condition often without symptoms but potentially life-threatening if left unchecked.
Bringing care closer
The event, held ahead of World Hypertension Day, ran through May 24th and focused on reaching people in everyday settings. 'By engaging with the public and providing basic screenings and guidance for hypertension, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, we strive to make a tangible difference,' said H.E. Dr Jameela AlSalman, Director of Quality and Infection Disease at American Mission Hospital and a Member of the Shura Council. Alongside doctors and nurses, medical and nursing students from RCSI Bahrain played an active role in welcoming visitors and conducting screenings, offering both service and support under academic supervision.
Joint mission for health
Peter Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer of American Mission Hospital, and Dr Eman Tawash, Deputy Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at RCSI Bahrain, were present at the launch. Professor Kathryn Strachan, Head of the Nursing School, highlighted the shared vision between the two institutions. 'By providing healthcare education, we aim to empower individuals to manage their health proactively and mitigate potential risks associated with hypertension.'
Focus on prevention
Experts warn that hypertension can go unnoticed for years. Although usually asymptomatic, it may cause headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision. Risk factors include poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition. Organisers say that regular screenings and early interventions are key to avoiding more serious complications down the line.
The campaign underlined a simple message - good health can begin anywhere, even during a casual walk through a mall.
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