Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded with two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic (pressure when the heart rests between beats).
Understanding Hypertension
- Normal: Systolic less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.
- Elevated: Systolic 120–129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.
- Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic 130–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg.
- Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic 90 mmHg or higher.
Risk Factors
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Family History: Genetic predisposition.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Symptoms
It is often asymptomatic; hence, regular monitoring is crucial.
Prevention and Management
- Regular Monitoring: Check blood pressure regularly, especially if at risk.
- Healthy Diet: Adopt the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
- Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Limit Sodium Intake: Reduce salt consumption to help lower blood pressure.
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
Blood Sugar: Managing Diabetes Risk
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in the blood and is the body’s primary source of energy. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps cells absorb glucose.
Understanding Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes: The body doesn’t produce insulin; often diagnosed in childhood.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough; more common in adults and linked to lifestyle factors.
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
- Obesity: Excess fat, especially abdominal fat.
- Family History: Genetic predisposition.
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 45.
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise.
- Poor Diet: High in processed foods and sugary beverages.
Symptoms
- Increased thirst and frequent urination.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Blurred vision.
- Slow-healing wounds.
Prevention and Management
- Regular Monitoring: Check blood sugar levels regularly, especially if at risk.
- Healthy Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables; limit sugary foods and drinks.
- Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Call to action!
Book a consultation with a Doctor now! Know your status and receive necessary interventions! Call us on 0202500171 for inquiries.
Your coordinated health management is available to you!
Eramanor Group is a groundbreaking African-led health innovation alliance dedicated to transforming chronic disease prevention and management through integrated, person-centred care.
We unite clinical services, therapeutic nutrition, pharmaceutical access, digital health, and policy advocacy into one powerful, scalable ecosystem.
Operating at the intersection of health, food systems, and technology, Eramanor Group brings together four specialist entities:
Erama Medical Center – delivering primary and preventive medical care with a focus on lifestyle medicine and early intervention.
Manna FoodRx Ghana – a pioneering diet therapy and food-as-medicine initiative that provides clinically tailored food prescriptions.
Erama Pharmacy – offering community-based pharmaceutical support and counselling, aligned with food and medical therapies.
Ephecare International– driving research, policy engagement, and evidence generation to ensure sustainable health system reform.
