Bicolanos urged to adopt healthy lifestyle to counter hypertension

The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) stressed the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle in the prevention of hypertension among Bicolanos, particularly this National Hypertension Awareness Month.

The department underscores the importance of regular blood pressure ( measurement in the detection and monitoring of the medical condition, which often do not have any symptoms.
“Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure, or the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, is high,” said the department.

“Its complications include damage to the heart, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and even death. According to the DOH, hypertension is diagnosed if, when measured on two different days, both BP readings are above 140/90 mmHg,” it added.

In the May 3 episode of DZGB Legazpi radio program Chikahang Pangkalusugan, DOH Bicol CHD Lifestyle Related Diseases Program Coordinator Yolanda Almonguera said that like other medical conditions, hypertension can be avoided by having a healthy lifestyle/.

“Exercise regularly, eat nutritious food and avoid fatty and salty ones, maintain a healthy weight, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. It is also important to learn how to manage stress,” she said in Filipino.

Almonguera also said that early detection and management of hypertension is important in controlling the medical condition.