Voluntary project for screening hypertension, diabetes, and obesity at a popular restaurant in a city of Minas Gerais State

Abstract

Objective: To track Systemic Arterial Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, and Obesity and provide health guidance to the socially vulnerable population frequenting a popular restaurant in a city of the state of Minas Gerais. Experience relate: Medical students from a philanthropic university in Minas Gerais conducted a voluntary health screening action organized by the Academic Directory at a Popular Restaurant in a city of the state of Minas Gerais. The students collected data for research, performed measurements such as blood pressure and capillary blood glucose, calculated body mass index, and recorded the results on forms provided to the participants for longitudinal monitoring at their respective Basic Health Unit. Guidance was also provided to the restaurant staff and management regarding the quality of food and its impacts on the customers' health. Final considerations: The initiative had good participation from the restaurant users and staff, who felt benefited by receiving accessible health information. The students considered the experience enriching and highlighted the importance of health education. The collected data provided valuable insights into the possible prevalence of Systemic Arterial Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, and Obesity among the population served by the popular restaurant.