High blood pressure or also known as hypertension is a major risk factor of many cardiovascular and kidney diseases and often leads to stroke when uncontrolled and unmanaged.  

The Department of Health (DOH) had set aside the month of May to observe the celebration of Hypertension awareness month, by virtue of Proclamation No. 1761 signed on May 1, 2009, to increase cognizance of Filipinos about its considerable risks, signs and symptoms as well as its prevention and control. 

According to Food Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), the National prevalence of hypertension among Filipino adults (20 years old and over), had significantly increased after a decline in 2013 from 22.3% to 23.9% in 2015.  DOH also revealed that hypertension remains to be the leading cause of illness and said to be one of the identified precipitating factors of premature death in the Philippines. 

Hence, as an adult, it would be a good idea to take steps in minimizing your risk to acquire such condition. It is very much important to know your blood pressure level and have regular check-ups. 

Treatment and control of hypertension may involve consulting your medical practitioner for prescribed medications as necessary. Otherwise healthy, prevention typically encompasses lifestyle modifications and maintaining heathy eating habits.  

Ultimately, a lot of healthy lifestyle interventions can be done to prevent hypertension. One must consider eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is also encouraged to limit consumption of processed foods and using of food additives as this contains high amount of sodium which can raise blood pressure levels. These, together with low fat diet, and avoiding high-caloric foods can help you attain and maintain a healthy weight. 

Increasing your physical activity is also another way to lower your blood pressure. Routine exercise not only helps to lower your blood pressure, but may also give you more energy to sustain your daily activities, thus, a great way to reduce stress. 

Finally, reducing or better still, cessation of smoking and limiting your alcohol intake are great ways to get your blood pressure heading into the healthy range.

Consequently, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) had drawn up to useful tools as guides for the nutritional well-being of Filipinos. One is the Pinggang Pinoy which is beneficial in achieving a balanced diet and shows the appropriate proportion of various foods in a plate. One must also be familiar about the 10 Kumainments which are the popularized versions of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos approved by NNC.  Hence, these guidelines aim to address malnutrition and prevent non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and including hypertension.  

Moreover, let us help one another to bring the spotlight on the importance of knowing your blood pressure levels and at the same time raising the level of awareness of every Filipino on the potential risk factors which may adversely cause toll on one’s health.  By: NO II Aurel/NO III Flores

High blood pressure or also known as hypertension is a major risk factor of many cardiovascular and kidney diseases and often leads to stroke when uncontrolled and unmanaged. 

The Department of Health (DOH) had set aside the month of May to observe the celebration of Hypertension awareness month, by virtue of Proclamation No. 1761 signed on May 1, 2009, to increase cognizance of Filipinos about its considerable risks, signs and symptoms as well as its prevention and control.

According to Food Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), the National prevalence of hypertension among Filipino adults (20 years old and over), had significantly increased after a decline in 2013 from 22.3% to 23.9% in 2015.  DOH also revealed that hypertension remains to be the leading cause of illness and said to be one of the identified precipitating factors of premature death in the Philippines.

Hence, as an adult, it would be a good idea to take steps in minimizing your risk to acquire such condition. It is very much important to know your blood pressure level and have regular check-ups.

Treatment and control of hypertension may involve consulting your medical practitioner for prescribed medications as necessary. Otherwise healthy, prevention typically encompasses lifestyle modifications and maintaining heathy eating habits.  

Ultimately, a lot of healthy lifestyle interventions can be done to prevent hypertension. One must consider eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is also encouraged to limit consumption of processed foods and using of food additives as this contains high amount of sodium which can raise blood pressure levels. These, together with low fat diet, and avoiding high-caloric foods can help you attain and maintain a healthy weight.

Increasing your physical activity is also another way to lower your blood pressure. Routine exercise not only helps to lower your blood pressure, but may also give you more energy to sustain your daily activities, thus, a great way to reduce stress.

Finally, reducing or better still, cessation of smoking and limiting your alcohol intake are great ways to get your blood pressure heading into the healthy range.

Consequently, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) had drawn up to useful tools as guides for the nutritional well-being of Filipinos. One is the Pinggang Pinoy which is beneficial in achieving a balanced diet and shows the appropriate proportion of various foods in a plate. One must also be familiar about the 10 Kumainments which are the popularized versions of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos approved by NNC.  Hence, these guidelines aim to address malnutrition and prevent non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and including hypertension. 

Moreover, let us help one another to bring the spotlight on the importance of knowing your blood pressure levels and at the same time raising the level of awareness of every Filipino on the potential risk factors which may adversely cause toll on one’s health.  By: NO II Aurel/NO III Flores