17/05/2022
WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY!
THEME: MEASURE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE ACCURATELY, CONTROL IT, LIVE LONGER!
The following though lengthy may help you or a loved one in maximizing the benefits of this year's message:
(1) TIPS FOR ACCURATE BLOOD PRESSURE(BP) MEASUREMENT:
(a) Check your BP regularly at your clinic/hospital.
(b) On each visit politely insist the attending Doctor measure or re-measure your BP irrespective of the figure/value before him/her. It is your RIGHT!
(c) Politely insist that a mercury (manual) sphygmomanometer be used to measure or re-measure your BP.
(d) Do not completely rely on the BP readings you get at home, clinic/hospital or any other place when a digital sphygmomanometer is used to measure your BP. The readings are often inaccurate!
(e) Please note timing, mood/emotional state and seating position affect BP readings. For accurate BP measurement these should be taken into consideration.
(f) Do not check your BP at chemist shops, herbal stores, with road vendors or any other unregistered/unregulated place.
(2) TIPS FOR GOOD BP CONTROL:
(a) Take your medication(s) regularly as prescribed by your Doctor.
(b) Keep to your clinic appointments religiously.
(c) Avoid self medication.
(d) Do not share or take antihypertensives of another patient. Individuals respond differently to drugs including antihypertensives.
(e) Adopt a healthy lifestyle by:
(i) Exercising regularly. Walking is good.
(ii) Reducing stress
(iii) Loosing weight
(iv) Reducing your dietary salt intake:
(a) Reduce your intake of salt-containing processed foods.
(b) Reduce your patronage of food outlets/restaurants.
(c) Substitute your table salt with potassium containing salt.
(d) Reduce the quantity of seasonings used during meal preparation.
Always remember: Home-made meals are the best!
(v) Cutting down on alcohol and to***co intake.
(vi) Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables.
(vii) Practicing good sleep hygiene (aim for 6-8 hours of restful sleep per night).
(3) TIPS FOR A LONGER AND FULFILLED LIFE:
If you strictly adhere to the above two counsel you are on track for a longer and fulfilled life.
In summary, this year's message:
ACCURATE BP MEASUREMENT + GOOD BP CONTROL = LONG LIFE!
HYPERTENSION IS SYMPTOMLESS!
IT IS A SILENT KILLER!
Abide by this message. Spread the message!
Dr. Fubara,
Ponoba Medical Consult.
