My people, ndewo nni
It is a profound honour to address you in this edition of our community magazine. As a son of this soil and a medical practitioner, my goal is to bridge the gap between our rich heritage and modern medical knowledge. Today, I wish to speak about a condition that walks silently among us, affecting many of our fathers, mothers, uncles, and aunts: High Blood Pressure.
You have likely heard the term, but many still refer to it as “the rich man’s sickness” or something that only causes sudden death. It is time we demystify this condition. High blood pressure is not just a disease; it is a gateway to more severe problems like stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. The good news is that it is both preventable and manageable.
Why is this a special concern for us in Arochukwu?
Our way of life, particularly our beloved traditional diet, plays a significant role. We are blessed with nutritious food, but the methods of preparation often involve excessive salt (Nnu), palm oil, and long hours of cooking that can strip away nutrients. Dishes like Ugba, Akidi, Ose Oji with plenty of salt, and even the way we preserve our meats and fish contribute to high salt intake. This salt draws water into our bloodstream, increasing the volume and pressure of blood against our artery walls.
What Exactly is High Blood Pressure?
Think of your blood vessels as new, flexible rubber pipes. When the pressure of water running through them is consistently too high, they begin to stiffen and weaken. Over time, this constant pressure can cause small tears or even bursts (a stroke), or it can damage vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and eyes.
The Silent Nature of the Problem
The most dangerous aspect of high blood pressure is that you can have it for years without feeling a single symptom. You might feel strong and healthy while the pressure is silently causing harm. This is why we call it the “Silent Killer.” Some people may eventually experience headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, or shortness of breath.
What Can We Do? A Call to Action
1. Know Your Numbers: The first and most crucial step is to get checked! I urge every adult, from age 18 and above, to make blood pressure checks a routine. You can check at the Primary Health Centre in Arochukwu, at any local pharmacy, or during visits to the hospital. Do not wait until you feel sick.
2. Modify Our Diet (Nri Anyị):
· Reduce Salt: Let us gradually reduce the amount of salt we use in cooking.
· Be Mindful of Palm Oil: While palm oil is rich in vitamins, excessive use in stews and soups adds unhealthy fats. Let’s use it in moderation.
· Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: We have an abundance of bananas, oranges, pineapples, Ugwu (fluted pumpkin), and waterleaf. These are natural gifts that help lower blood pressure.
· Limit Processed Foods: Canned foods, stock cubes, and instant noodles are packed with hidden salt. Avoid foods that typically come with high concentration of salt like salted groundnuts.
3. Embrace an Active Life: You don’t need a gym. A 30-minute brisk walk in the cool of the morning or evening around your compound, to the farm, or in the neighbourhood can make a world of difference. Farming itself is a great exercise!
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight and Avoid Harmful Habits:
· Excess weight puts a strain on your heart. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will help.
· Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are major risk factors. Let’s practice moderation.
5. Take Your Medications: If a doctor has prescribed medication for you, please take it exactly as directed. Do not stop because you “feel fine.” The medicine is the reason you feel fine. Do not replace prescribed drugs with unverified herbal concoctions without consulting your doctor.
Conclusion
Ukpara okpoko gburu, nti chiri ya. Our health is our greatest wealth. The strength of our community lies in the well-being of our people. Let us move from ignorance and fear to knowledge and action. Let us protect our elders and guide our youth towards healthier habits.
Schedule a blood pressure check today. Talk to your family about it. Together, we can silence the silent killer.
Jisie ike!
Dr. Ochiabuto Igboko
