NAN-HG-7
Foundation
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Sept. 28, 2016 (NAN) Dr Jacob Nwachukwu, the President, Blood Pressure Control Foundation, Nigeria, an NGO, on Wednesday advised Nigerians to cultivate habit of checking their blood pressure regularly to avoid stress-related ailments.
Nwachukwu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, ahead of the World Heart Day scheduled for Thursday.
NAN reports that World Heart Day is part of an international campaign to spread the awareness about heart diseases and stroke prevention.
Nwachukwu said that the advice became necessary because blood pressure showed no signs or symptoms.
He said that stress-related ailments such as stroke, diabetes and hypertension showed minor signs which were usually ignored until they became severe.
Nwachukwu said, “Some of these ailments can lead to sudden death, if not detected early and properly managed by medical experts.
“They can occur almost immediately; someone who is apparently fit may be at risk; that is why routine checkup is of utmost importance.’’
The NGO chief described hypertension as one of the most common stress-related ailments that affect many people silently.
According to him, hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries becomes elevated.
“Blood pressure measurement is consistently normal if it is 120/80, but when it repeatedly becomes 150/90, that is when there is hypertension.
“When somebody is hypertensive, there are certain food modifications that one has to make to ensure that the pressure is not aggravated.
“Anybody diagnosed with hypertension should avoid fatty foods, sugary drinks and change some lifestyles.
“The person should take more of fish, chicken with the skin removed, more fruits and vegetables, avoid alcohol intake and sugary foods completely,’’ he advised.
Nwachukwu said that the lifestyle of an individual could affect the way the body reacted to issues.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to avoid consuming excessive salt and some foods with artificial seasonings, saying that they could trigger ailments.
The doctor said salt reduction was a preventive and treatment measure to hypertension.
He added that taking medication and avoiding junk foods would go a long way in eradicating chronic conditions.
Nwachukwu also advised Nigerians to cultivate the habit of regular exercise and create time for relaxation as a way of reducing stress-related ailments.
NAN reports that aim of the Day is to improve health globally by encouraging people to make lifestyle changes and promoting education internationally about ways to be good to one’s heart.
Also, the need for regular check on blood pressure is becoming increasingly relevant as reports of obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity in children and young people become common. (NAN)
OEO/DUA/GOK
Edited by Dada Ahmed/controlled by Olagoke Olatoye)
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