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World Health Day

publication date: Apr 7, 2013
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author/source: Anne Coates

blood pressure being takenWorldwide, it is estimated that high blood pressure affects more than one in three adults aged over 25 – that amounts to approximately one billion people. High blood pressure is one of the most important contributors to heart disease and stroke which together make up the world's number one cause of death and disability.

The first step in preventing and controlling high blood pressure is to detect it and so WHO is calling upon all adults to get their blood pressure measured.

High blood pressure – also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension not only increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes but can lead to kidney failure, and if left uncontrolled may cause blindness.

People can cut the risks of high blood pressure by:

  • reducing salt intake to leass than 5g a day
  • eating a balanced diet
  • engaging in regular physical activity
  • not smoking
  • cutting down on alcohol
  • managing stress

Managing stress can be a nightmare for busy parents but anything you do to reduce stress levels will produce benefits including:

So the first thing is to have your blood pressure measured and if it is high start taking steps to control it.

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