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Your Daily Habits Could Be Leading To Hypertension – Expert Warns

Published

6 months ago

May 18, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, has urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles in the fight against hypertension.

Prof Pate made this known during a press briefing in Abuja to mark this year’s World Hypertension Day.

The minister emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes in preventing and managing hypertension.

“Adoption of a healthy lifestyle is an integral strategy that should be practiced by all,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians to engage in physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes daily.

“Use the stairs instead of the elevator and trek instead of taking the bus for short distances. Physical activity relieves stress, keeps you fit,controls body weight, and lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke,” he advised.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate

He also highlighted the dangers of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, urging people to avoid them.

He recommended moderation in alcohol consumption and emphasized the importance of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is crucial, according to Professor Pate. He advised eating a minimum of five servings of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables spread throughout the day.

Additionally, he recommended a diet that includes whole grains, lean meat, fish, peas, beans, and lentils, while avoiding processed foods, limiting salt intake to less than 5 grams (1 teaspoon) daily, and reducing dietary cholesterol and industrially produced trans-fats.

“Know your numbers,” the minister urged, encouraging Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels to stay informed about their health status.

Hypertension In Nigeria

In Nigeria, hypertension affects more than 30% of adults, significantly contributing to the nation’s health burden.

Daily habits such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol consumption exacerbate this issue, compounded by a widespread lack of awareness and timely medical intervention.

To combat this, the minister disclosed that the federal government has implemented several strategic interventions, including the National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI) launched in August 2019.

“This program, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and international partners, has strengthened primary healthcare services to provide comprehensive hypertension care.

Since November 2020, NHCI has activated 104 primary health centers (PHCs) in Kano and Ogun States.”

Professor Pate outlined the government’s ambitious targets which includes; screening 80% of the eligible population, ensuring 80% of those diagnosed receive treatment, and maintaining blood pressure control in 80% of treated individuals.

“These measures aim to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25%.” he said.

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