Due to free medical check-ups provided by various LGUs and NGOs within the Baguio City Jail Male Dorm, 35-year-old “Janjan,” not his real name, learned he has hypertension.

“We’re given maintenance medication to balance our blood pressure. At least it helps us maintain our therapeutic and physical status,” said Alias ‘SS’.

Hypertension, if left unmanaged, can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, breathing issues, and urinary problems.

That’s why it’s one of the health conditions monitored inside the Baguio City Jail Male Dorm, especially since they’ve recorded 31 cases.

The youngest recorded case is 22, while the oldest is 82, according to the agency this year.

According to JISNP. Jean Billick, Medical Officer at Baguio City Jale, Male Dorm, “Most of the hypertensive PDLs didn’t acquire it here—they already had hypertension when they arrived. To address hypertension, we conduct health education on hypertension, promote a healthy lifestyle, and they exercise every morning.”

“This was an idea of the Baguio City judges, a form of random act of kindness, where we contribute from our own pocket to make this activity possible,” Rufus Gayo Malecdan Jr., RTC Executive Judge.

BJMP Male Dorm personnel will also closely monitor food brought in by visitors, which could contribute to the condition.

**VANESSA BUGTONG