Disease Awareness Frontliners-Daf

11/07/2025

FACTS ABOUT DIABETES

10/07/2025

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
10th July 2025

GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS MENINGITIS OUTBREAK IN MWENSE DISTRICT

The Ministry of Health has officially confirmed an outbreak of Pneumococcal Meningitis at Mwense Secondary School in Luapula Province, following the deaths of two 19-year-old male learners on 8th June and 3rd July 2025. The outbreak was preceded by a surge in learners presenting with flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Laboratory tests conducted by the University Teaching Hospital and other national reference laboratories have confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae as the bacteria causing the current outbreak. Additionally, Influenza A and B, as well as Klebsiella pneumoniae, have also been isolated.

To date, a total of 83 suspected cases have been recorded, with 5 confirmed, 2 deaths, and 16 discharges. 17 patients remain admitted, 9 in Mwense District Hospital and 8 in Mansa General Hospital. No deaths have occurred in the last 24 hours.

In response, the Ministry has taken the following actions:
• Deployed national response teams from ZNPHI and partner institutions.
• Established isolation centres at Mwense District Hospital and Mansa General Hospital.
• Conducted mass screening and intensified infection prevention measures at the school.
• Trained healthcare workers on early detection and management of meningitis.
• Engaged communities and stakeholders on prevention and control.

While vaccines exist for pneumococcal meningitis, the current strategy focuses on preventive antibiotic treatment rather than mass vaccination.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or severe headache. Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks when sick, and avoiding overcrowding are encouraged.

The Ministry calls on well-wishers to support efforts in improving ventilation, spacing, and water supply at the affected school.

This government remains committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all citizens, and calls on the public to unite in raising awareness and kicking out meningitis from Zambia.

Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, MP
Minister of Health

09/07/2025

It's not a death sentence_Managing Diabetes through Lifestyle Changes

Living with diabetes requires a multifaceted approach to maintain optimal health and prevent complications. By incorporating healthy habits into daily life, individuals with diabetes can effectively manage their condition and improve their overall well-being.

Healthy Eating Habits

A balanced diet is crucial for managing diabetes. This however does not mean your Eating should become boring and uninteresting. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can help regulate blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. It is essential to limit or avoid sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats.

To Eat Healthy but interesting meals, you need to:

1. Plan your meals in advance to ensure healthy choices.
2. Eat appropriate portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight.
3. Always read labels to choose foods with low added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats.
4. You can forget your name but don't forget to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of complications. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of both, per week.

Tips for Regular Exercise:

1. Find an activity you enjoy, even dancing is a form of exercise
2. Schedule it and treat it as a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
3. Start small by begining with short sessions and gradually increase duration and intensity.
4. Monitor your progress and track your physical activity and celebrate your achievements. little win in life deserves to be celebrated

Stress Management

Chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels and worsen diabetes symptoms. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises or anything that calms you can help manage stress and improve overall well-being.
‎Or even seek *social support* by Connecting with friends, family, or a support group to share feelings and experiences.
‎Do not forget the importance of *Getting enough sleep* in stress management as it helps regulate stress hormones
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‎Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels*
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‎Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial for managing diabetes. It helps identify patterns, track progress, and make informed decisions about treatment.
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‎Tips for Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels:
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‎1. Use a glucometer: Invest in a reliable glucometer and use it regularly.
‎2. Track your readings: Record your blood sugar readings to identify patterns and trends.
‎3. Adjust your treatment plan: Work with your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan based on your blood sugar readings.
‎4. Stay informed: Educate yourself about your condition and treatment options.
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‎How then do we incorporating Healthy Habits into Daily Life?
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‎Incorporating healthy habits into daily life requires commitment, patience, and persistence. Start by making small changes and gradually build upon them. Celebrate your successes and don't be too hard on yourself when you encounter setbacks. With time and practice, healthy habits will become second nature, and managing diabetes will become more manageable.
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‎By incorporating healthy eating habits, regular exercise, stress management, and monitoring blood sugar levels into daily life, individuals with diabetes can effectively manage their condition and improve their overall well-being.
‎ CALL :Consult with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that suits your needs and lifestyle. We may have the same condition but we should not be managed the same.

08/07/2025

‎"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live".- Jim Rohn
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‎DIABETES MELLITUS
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‎The Silent Wave, Unmasking the Global Diabetes Epidemic and How to Turn the Tide.
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‎Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels.It is the leading cause of adult blindness and amputation and a major cause of renal failure,heart attack and stroke.
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‎TYPES OF DIABETES
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‎1. TYPE ONE DIABETES
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‎CAUSE: lack of insulin secretion due to destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The destruction of beta cells may be due to
‎Viral infection
‎Hereditary tendency for beta degeneration
‎Autoimmune disorders.
‎ - Typically develops in childhood or adolescence hence called juvenile diabetes
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‎Symptoms
‎Frequent urination (polyuria)
‎Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
‎Excessive hunger (polyphagia)
‎Weight loss
‎Hyperglycemia with glycosuria and ketoacidosis.
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‎TREATMENT OF TYPE 1
‎Administration of Exogenous insulin.
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‎2. Type 2 Diabetes
‎ - is a non insulin dependant diabetes.
‎CAUSE: decreased sensitivity of target cells to insulin due to inadequate insulin receptors of the cell surface. Often associated with:
‎obesity
‎physical inactivity
‎unhealthy diet.
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‎Symptoms
‎Similar to type one, except Ketoacidosis is not present in type 2.
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‎TREATMENT OF TYPE 2
‎Lifestyle changes
‎Weight loss
‎Drugs that increase insulin sensitivity such as metformin
‎Note: exogenous insulin administration is not usually required but may be needed as the disease progress gets uglier.
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‎The Call: Diabetes whispers before it strikes. Get screened. Understand your risk. Advocate for accessible care and education. "Undiagnosed diabetes is dangerous; diagnosed diabetes is manageable. We have the tools, the time to act is now.
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‎IGNORANCE IS THE REAL EPIDEMIC.

Ministry of Health Zambia
World Health Organization African Region
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07/07/2025

Understanding Endocrinological disorders.

The Endocrine system is one of the most diverse and cardinal system in the body. It functions by directly and indirectly regulating the functionality of other systems. This is done via hormones which are chemical messengers secreted by various endocrine organs scattered around the body.

🗒️📍There is a steady rise in endocrine disorders globally. Thus, there's need to enhance discussions around these diseases too.

Common examples of endocrine disorders include.

✅ Those affecting the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, the adrenal gland, ovaries, te**es and pancreas.

This week, our focus will be on DIABETES MELLITUS.

Let's join hands in spreading awareness to our various communities by sharing our contents.

04/07/2025

03/07/2025

Hemorrhoids in systemic diseases [liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypothyroidism]
We have discussed the commonest causes of piles , but what could be some of the unspoken causes of piles? Causes that starts as an illness from somewhere else in the body. A few are listed below:
1. Liver Cirrhosis & Hemorrhoids
Portal hypertension will cause portosystemic collateral circulation, which are short cuts, blood flowing in these routes will cause swelling of superior re**al veins called the hemorrhoidal plexus.
- Bleeding disorders (thrombocytopenia, reduced clotting factors) increases bleeding risk.
- Studies show no higher prevalence of hemorrhoids in cirrhotics vs. general population (Gastroenterology, 2016), but bleeding is more severe due to:
- Variceal-like rupture of hemorrhoidal veins.
- Dysfunction of arrest of bleeding.
Clinical Implications
2. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) & Hemorrhoids
Autonomic neuropathy will cause disturbed and slowed colonic transit which causes chronic constipation and straining.
Impaired vascular integrity in a**l cushions.
Obesity (common in DM) increases intra-abdominal pressure.
- A 2020 study (World J Gastroenterol) found DM patients have 2× higher risk of symptomatic hemorrhoids.

Management
Prevention: Glycemic control, high-fiber diet, prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide for gastroparesis).Avoid prolonged sitting (common in neuropathy-related sedentary behavior).

3. Hypothyroidism & Hemorrhoids
Reduced gut motility causes constipation which results into straining. Causing swelling of re**al veins.
Edema (myxedema) → vascular permeability → a**l cushion swelling.

Evidence
- A 2018 study (Thyroid Res) linked subclinical hypothyroidism to slower colonic transit.

Management
Thyroid hormone replacement (improves motility).
Bulk-forming laxatives (psyllium) over stimulants.

Some of the Red flags that you shouldn't ignore, but see a health practitioner immediately are recurrent bleeding from the re**um and when there's no response to conventional therapy.
Conclusion
- While hemorrhoids are often local, systemic diseases (cirrhosis, DM, hypothyroidism) contribute via:
Altered hemodynamics (portal HTN).
Dysmotility (neuropathy, hypothyroidism).
See a medical doctor for a Holistic management where they will treat the systemic condition and local symptoms.

Sandrous Ngoyi Banda, MBChB (5), CBU- SOM @2025

02/07/2025

* *Risk Factors & Causes of Hemorrhoids* Hemorrhoids; The "Pains in the Butt" Why Hemorrhoids Crash the Party!
Ah, hemorrhoids—those uninvited guests that turn your backside into a tiny protest zone! While they’re a global nuisance, Africa, Zambia, has its own special mix of factors that can make these swollen veins throw a rave in your rear. Let’s break it down— with a little fun twist!

1. 🚽 The Great Toilet Tango: Low-Fiber Diets & Constipation.
Zambia diets are rich in delicious carbs (nshima, kandolo,rice, cassava, nafimbi!), but sometimes, we skimp on fiber. When your plate is more starch than veggies, your digestive system slows down like the Lusaka traffic. Result? Constipation—the VIP pass to Hemorrhoid City!

2. 💦 H2-Oh No! (H2O)– Dehydration Drama
Between scorching sun and busy schedules, drinking enough water isn’t always a priority. But when your body’s running on "dry mode," stools get harder than a Nairobi matatu seat. Cue the straining… and hello, hemorrhoids!

3. 🪑 Sitting Pretty (For Way Too Long)!
Office jobs, long bus rides, or binge-watching Zuba or Mpali or Netflix and Chill series? Sitting for ages slows blood flow, turning your nether regions into a pressure cooker. Pro tip: Stand up, stretch, and shake it—your butt will thank you!

4. 🤰 Pregnancy & Childbirth: The Ultimate Pressure Test
Mamas, we salute you! Pregnancy hormones + baby weight = major vein pressure down south. Add childbirth’s heroic pushing, and—boom!—hemorrhoids RSVP to the delivery room.

5. 🏋️♂️ Heavy Lifting (Or Not Lifting Enough!)
Farm work, construction, or even just hauling giant market bags? Straining = increased a**l pressure. Meanwhile, not exercising leads to sluggish digestion and constipation. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t!

6. The "I’ll Go Later" Syndrome (Holding It In)
‎Public toilets scarce? Privacy lacking? Many Zambians delay bathroom trips, letting stool harden into little bricks. End result? A VERY unhappy exit strategy.
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‎So now🎉 How to Kick Hemorrhoids to the Curb!
‎✅ Eat fiber like it’s free money (fruits, veggies, whole grains (mgaiwa)).
‎✅ Hydrate like you’re crossing the Sahara or Namib desert.
‎✅ Move that booty—walk, dance, squat, just be active!
‎✅ Don’t ignore nature’s call—when you gotta go, GO!
‎ Remember, a happy bum is a happy life. 😆✨
‎Got any funny butt stories? Share ‘em—we’re all friends here! 😂
‎Sandrous Ngoyi Banda, MBChB (5), CBU-SoM. @2025

01/07/2025

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Simple Treatments

Hemorrhoids are a common but often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people. If you’ve ever experienced pain, itching, or discomfort in your re**al area, you might have had hemorrhoids. The good news is that they’re usually not serious and can be managed with simple treatments.

What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower re**um or a**s, similar to varicose veins in the legs. They can develop inside the re**um (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the a**s (external hemorrhoids).

What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Several factors can contribute to hemorrhoids, including:
- Straining during bowel movements (often due to constipation)
- Sitting for long periods (especially on the toilet)
- Chronic diarrhea
- Low-fiber diets
- Pregnancy (due to increased pressure on pelvic veins)
- Aging (tissues supporting veins weaken over time)

Common Symptoms

Symptoms depend on whether the hemorrhoids are internal or external:

Internal Hemorrhoids

- Usually painless but may cause bleeding (bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl)
- Prolapse (bulging outside the a**s) in more severe cases

External Hemorrhoids

- Itching or irritation around the a**s
- Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
- Swelling or a hard lump near the a**s (if a blood clot forms, called a thrombosed hemorrhoid)

Simple Treatments & Prevention

Most hemorrhoids improve with home care. Here’s what you can do:
1. Increase Fiber & Hydration
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans to soften stools.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation.

2. Avoid Straining
- Don’t sit on the toilet too long.
- Use a stool softener if needed.

3. Sitz Baths
- Soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes a few times a day to reduce swelling.

4. Over-the-Counter Remedies
- Creams, ointments, or suppositories with hydrocortisone can ease itching and pain.

5. Stay Active
- Regular exercise helps prevent constipation and improves circulation.

When to See a Doctor
Most hemorrhoids go away on their own, but see a doctor if:
- Bleeding is heavy or persistent
- Pain is severe
- Symptoms don’t improve after a week of home treatment

In rare cases, medical procedures (like rubber band ligation or surgery) may be needed for large or persistent hemorrhoids.

Final Thoughts

Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable but rarely dangerous. Simple lifestyle changes—like eating more fiber, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged sitting—can prevent and relieve symptoms. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider.

By understanding hemorrhoids and taking proactive steps, you can keep this common issue from disrupting your daily life!

30/06/2025

Introduction to Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, often called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the re**um and a**s that can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding. While they are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, many hesitate to discuss them due to embarrassment. However, understanding hemorrhoids—their causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment—is essential for managing and alleviating this often-painful condition.

Whether caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting, hemorrhoids can be internal or external, with varying degrees of severity. The good news is that most cases can be treated with lifestyle changes, home remedies, or medical interventions when necessary.

In this series of discussion, we’ll explore everything you need to know about hemorrhoids, from risk factors and symptoms to effective treatments and preventive measures. Let’s break the stigma and address this condition with clarity and confidence.

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health Zambia


Disease Awareness Frontliners-Daf

28/06/2025

‎Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases

‎Topic: How to Live a Heart-Healthy Life ❤️
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‎Cardiovascular diseases (like high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and heart failure) are preventable in most cases—if we act early and live wisely.
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‎Here’s how to protect your heart and blood vessels:
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‎🥗 1. Eat Healthy
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‎Eat more vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains
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‎Use less salt, less cooking oil, and avoid fatty/red meats
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‎Cut down on sugar and processed foods
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‎🏃🏾‍♀️ 2. Move Your Body(exercise)
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‎Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week
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‎Simple things like walking, dancing, sweeping, or farming help
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‎Avoid sitting too long—move regularly
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‎🚭 3. Avoid To***co and Limit Alcohol
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‎Stop smoking—it damages blood vessels and the heart
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‎Limit or avoid alcohol—it raises BP and weakens the heart over time
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‎🧘🏾 4. Reduce Stress
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‎Take breaks, pray, meditate, listen to music, talk to someone
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‎Stress increases BP and weakens the immune system
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‎🩺 5. Know Your Numbers
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‎Check your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol regularly
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‎Get checked even if you feel okay—early detection saves lives
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‎Encourage your friends and relatives to do the same
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‎👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 6. Create a Healthy Environment
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‎Cook together using healthy recipes
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‎Organize group walks or fitness at church or school or work
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‎Share what you learn with others—health is a community effort
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‎✅ Prevention is better than cure.
‎Let’s stop cardiovascular diseases before they start.Visit the nearest clinic or hospital for check ups.
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‎Lets remember to:
‎Encourage one person to check their blood pressure or sugar this weekend—and do the same for yourself.
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‎❤️ Your heart will thank you.
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24/06/2025

‎Topic: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
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‎📌 What is Hypertension?
‎Hypertension means blood pressure that is consistently too high—usually above 140/90 mmHg. Over time, it can damage your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes without any obvious symptoms—that's why it's called a "silent killer."
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‎⚠️ Risk Factors:
‎🔹 Too much salt in the diet
‎🔹 Being overweight or obese
‎🔹 Stress and anxiety
‎🔹 Lack of physical activity
‎🔹 Smoking and alcohol use
‎🔹 Family history of high BP
‎🔹 Diabetes or high cholesterol
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‎📚 Types of Hypertension:
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‎1. Primary (Essential) – No obvious cause, develops over years
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‎2. Secondary – Caused by kidney disease, hormones, medications, etc.
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‎🧠 What Happens in the Body?
‎High blood pressure puts extra strain on the arteries. This causes the heart to work harder, and over time, it can lead to:
‎🔺 Heart failure
‎🔺 Stroke
‎🔺 Kidney failure
‎🔺 Vision loss
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‎🧪 Investigations:
‎✅ Blood pressure measurement
‎✅ Urinalysis (check for protein or damage to kidneys)
‎✅ Blood tests (kidney function, cholesterol, sugar)
‎✅ ECG (heart tracing)
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‎💊 Treatment:
‎✔️ Lifestyle changes first:
‎– Reduce salt and oil in food
‎– Exercise 30 minutes most days
‎– Lose weight if overweight
‎– Stop smoking and reduce alcohol
‎– Manage stress.
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‎✔️ Medication:
‎– Often taken daily for life
‎– Never stop BP meds without advice from a health worker
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‎Everyone over 30years is encouraged to check BP at least twice a year.
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‎🏘️Take home message!!!🏘️
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‎🧄 Herbs like garlic or hibiscus (lubushi) may help slightly, but they don’t replace medical treatment.
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‎🗣️ Caution:
‎Medical treatment is primary care to treatment of confirmed Hypertension Diagnosis as advised by your health practitioner.
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‎🍛 Promote low-salt cooking.
‎Organize group walks or fitness sessions as part of exercises.
Individual exercises.
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‎🗣️ Call to Action:
‎➡️ Get your BP checked this week!
‎➡️ Help someone else do the same
‎➡️ Encourage daily pill adherence if someone is already on treatment
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‎Let’s stop hypertension before it stops us. ❤️
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Ministry of Health Zambia
Medical Association
‎ World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Organization African Region