Hello steemians! Happy new year!
Steemit is one of the most educative platforms out there, and what better way to start 2018 than to educate.
The world over, there's an epidemic of noncommunicable diseases ( hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cancers, heart attack etc.) Infact, according to the WHO, noncommunicable diseases cause about 70% of deaths globally! 😨😨Alarming right?
The disease known as the silent killer is hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. It is a condition in which blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. Don't forget, the higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to work to overcome it.
Globally, hypertension is estimated to cause 12.8% of total deaths annually, and it affects over 1billion people.
Complications
The Silent killer affects numerous organs, and true to its name does so silently such that when the disease is usually discovered, a lot of damage has been done.
Prevention
With the alarming prevalence, death toll and the numerous complications of hypertension, I thought to share some ways on how to prevent the disease. What's better? The measures taken to prevent one noncommunicable disease can be applicable to the others, therefore prevent one, prevent all!
It is never too early to begin prevention of the disease. Infact, the earlier the better.
Maintaining healthy weight:
I know I know, you hear this all the time, but truth is that it can never be overemphasized. Being overweight makes you 2-6times more likely to have high blood pressure than a person who isn't overweight.
Regular physical activity
Physically active people have a lower risk of having hypertenaion. A reduction of about 20-50% when compared to a physically inactive person! Physical activity of 30mins on most days of the week is recommended.
Physical activity in this case doesn't necessarily mean a marathon, but activities that make one break a sweat for the recommended duration. Jogging, briskwalking, using a treadmill or an elliptical would do just fine.
Healthy diet
Each of us must pay attention to the foods we eat. Foods high in potassium are especially preventive of hypertension. These foods include most fruits and vegetables which should form a part of our normal diet.
Reduced salt intake
Reduced alcohol and smoking
If possible, these 2 should be ceased completely. For alcohol, the recommended volume is <1oz (30ml) of ethanol/ day for men (I.e. 720ml of beer, 30ml of wine, 60ml of 100proof whisky) and 0.5oz (15ml) of ethanol for women.
** Stress reduction**
Try as much as possible to reduce stressors in everyday life.
Regular blood pressure checks
This is very very important. Don't forget it is the silent killer and it doesn't show any symptoms unless it's complicated.
Do not wait until you feel that headache or dizziness before you do a blood pressure check. Check it now, know your numbers, and catch the disease early if it has already begun.
Once again, HAPPY NEW YEAR STEEMIANS!!!