GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- World Health Day 2013 will be observed globally on Sunday, April 7 and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) urges individuals to "know your numbers" and health providers to take every opportunity to measure patients' blood pressure.
The Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius De Weever 'Get Checked' campaign emphasizes the importance of individuals 'knowing their numbers' (blood pressure) by visiting their family physician regularly to ensure that all is well.
In the "How Healthy is St. Maarten?" study in 1998/1999, hypertension was the second most common chronic disorder and became worse as people grew older. More than twice as many elderly people suffer from high blood pressure compared to younger age groups. Having ones blood pressure checked regularly is very important, especially in light of the fact that 13% of the participants in Sint Maarten reported suffering from high blood pressure.
The study also showed that the population of Sint Maarten leads a sedentary lifestyle with only 24% of all participants practicing any kind of physical activity or sport regularly (at least once a week).
In addition, the eating habits left much to be desired. Almost one third does not have breakfast daily, even though it is the most important meal of the day. Two thirds of the population does not have fruits and vegetables daily, 15% does not consider 'Use little salt' important and 19% add extra salt to prepared food. 17% of the participants do not consider 'Use little sugar or products containing sugar' important and 34% add extra sugar to prepared drinks.
When we look at the weight the results are alarming, the study showed that among both sexes more than 50% of the participants are overweight or obese.
High blood pressure, equal to or above 140/90 mmHg, increases one's risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Hypertension is both preventable and treatable. Although high blood pressure affects some 30 per cent of the adult population, a third of them do not know they have the condition.
Hypertension often has no symptoms, which means adults need to take every opportunity to get their blood pressure checked. The health risks of hypertension are even higher for people who also smoke, are obese or have diabetes.
Hypertension can be prevented by consuming less salt; maintaining a healthy and balanced diet; engaging in regular physical activity; avoiding tobacco use; and avoiding harmful use of alcohol.
