Page 9 - Cornwall Issue 6 2024

HEALTH MATTERS

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa (HSFSA),
215 people die every day from heart disease or strokes in this country.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for heart disease
and affects more than 45% of adults. Its prevalence continues to rise.

here is an urgent need to shift from hypertension. If you need to lose weight,
treatment to prevention with regards reduce your calorie intake and partake in
to heart health, and recently released regular exercise;
guidelines for the European Society of * Limit alcohol and definitely stop smoking if you
THypertension (ESH) offer a blueprint for a have not done so already as both these habits
healthier future. are major contributors to heart disease and
cancer;
ADOPT A HEART-HEALTHY DIET * Manage stress as this is a known risk factor
* Eat less red meat and more vegetables, fresh for high blood pressure. Incorporating stress-
fruit, fish, nuts and low fat dairy products; reducing practices such as mindfulness,
* Reduce salt intake as excessive sodium meditation and yoga can significantly benefit
consumption is closely linked to hypertension. heart health. Also ensure that you’re getting
It is recommended to have less than one enough sleep: seven to nine hours per night is
teaspoon of salt per day; recommended;
* Limit your sugar and carb intake; eat less * Limit exposure to environmental noise and
cakes, biscuits, bread, and sweets, and quit all air pollution, as these are major stressors.
carbonated beverages; While admittedly difficult to control if you live
* Eat more foods rich in potassium, such as in the city, those with high blood pressure can
lentils, squash, prunes, raisins, potatoes with try changing the location, timing and type of
the skin, kidney and soya beans. Potassium, outdoor activities to reduce their exposure.
along with calcium, magnesium and fibre, are
core elements of dietary approaches to stop By following the hypertension guidelines and
hypertension; making small but meaningful lifestyle changes,
* Engage in regular physical activity such as the risk of heart disease can be reduced. Adults
walking, swimming or cycling, for 150 minutes are advised to assess their heart health by visiting
per week. This can lower the risk of heart their GPs annually for a check-up and making the
disease, and people with high blood pressure necessary lifestyle changes.
are also encouraged to do some form of weight
and resistance training; Whether through adopting a healthier diet,
* Try to maintain a healthy weight because as increasing physical activity or managing stress,
your body mass index and waist circumference every step counts in the journey to a healthier
increases, so does your risk of developing heart.

ISSUED BY MEROPA COMMUNIC ATIONS ON BEH ALF OF PH ARMA DY NAMICS .

Cornwall View • Issue 6 2024 19 7