Focus on high blood pressure

Last Sunday, April 7th marked the anniversary of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which was founded back in 1948. Around the globe, Sunday was celebrated as World Health Day. Each year on this occasion a public health concern is highlighted and for 2013 the theme in focus was high blood pressure.

According to a report released last year by the WHO, high blood pressure (or hypertension) affects one in three adults. The occurrence increases with age and evidence also points to increased incidences in low-income countries. The real threat from hypertension is that it leads to higher risks of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and blindness and, when combined with other medical issues, can be life-threatening.

Here in the Caribbean, hypertension is a major health issue. In one territory, it has been estimated that 20 per cent of citizens suffer from high blood pressure and at least one person has a stroke every day. A further impact has been financial, as governments have allotted millions of dollars towards the treatment of this condition, along with other chronic non-communicable diseases. Societal effects also abound as ill health or death caused by high blood pressure can have devastating, long-term effects on families and impact negatively on the productivity of the local workforce.

States therefore should see it fit to push preventative health care, with educational programmes targeting youths aimed at motivating healthier living, as well as the establishment of national initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity and exercise.

These are some of the steps that can be taken to raise awareness of the risks of hypertension and motivate a change in behaviour. However, it is also important to have the right environment to support persons in their move towards improving their health. In fact, one of the goals for World Health Day 2013 was “to incite national and local authorities to create enabling environments for healthy behaviours”.

In the past, we have suggested that a vital change towards healthier living must take place at work, since the majority of one’s waking hours are usually spent in that environment. It was noted that companies could take the initiative to provide healthy food choices for employees as well as gym facilities. Health instructors and counsellors could also be provided to motivate persons. While this may be considered an additional expense, especially in these tough times, it would be more costly in the long-run dealing with poor productivity and constant absenteeism due to sickness. Government could even consider subsidising such initiatives, since it would help to lower the state’s overall health care costs.

Another suggestion is for all food establishments to list the calorie content of foods on their menus, thereby empowering the individual so that they can make informed choices. Fast food franchises can further look into adopting healthier alternatives like grilled foods and a wider array of salads, as is being done in international markets.

Meanwhile, it is hoped that people take note of the issue which was highlighted last Sunday and keep it at the forefront of their focus at all times. For those already diagnosed with high blood pressure, healthy eating and exercise, along with medication, can significantly reduce additional health risks and may in fact improve your present condition. For those who are hypertension-free, do not rest on your laurels. Be forewarned and ensure you do not become a statistic.