Mr Rasheed Abubakar has been diagnosed with high blood pressure for years yet, he uses no medication to manage it. Despite being over 60 years, his active life has got him too preoccupied to visit the hospital on a regular basis for drugs to manage the condition.
Although he could be considered as one of the very few lucky ones, skipping drugs to manage high blood pressure has sent many to their early grave as well as made others have some other medical conditions.
High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if the individual is over the age of 80). Ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
A Family Medicine & Geriatrics expert based in Pennsylvania, Dr Melinda Ratini has said that there are lifestyle changes that individuals can engage in to lower their blood pressure.
In a publication published by WebMD and reviewed by Dr Ratini advise, “If you have high blood pressure, there’s plenty you can do every day to control it. Eating healthier, exercising more, and tweaking other day-to-day habits can help keep your readings in check. That might keep you from needing medication to keep your numbers where they should be.”
READ ALSO:
She suggested 12 non-medicinal options for managing high blood pressure thus;
Healthy diet
The expert is of the view that blood pressure can be reduced through the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. This is by eating lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy as well as foods that don’t have much fat or cholesterol. DASH diet includes lean meats, poultry, fish, and nuts and should be high in protein and fiber. Avoid sugary drinks, red meats, and sweets, she advised.
Lose extra weight
Exercise
Exercise can help lower both blood pressure and weight. She suggested, ” Aim to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Look for aerobic workouts that make your lungs and heart work a little harder. Try things like brisk walking, biking, swimming, or dancing. Even chores like raking leaves or washing windows count.”
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is an important way to keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Many people need at least 7 hours of high-quality sleep each night.
Sodium reduction
Too much sodium can raise the blood pressure. Aim for no more than 1,500 milligrams a day. Asides salt sprinkled in foods, sodium can also hide in packaged foods, sandwiches, pizza and other items.
Increase potassium
Blood pressure is likely to be higher if individuals don’t get enough of this nutrient. Foods high in potassium include; banana, Spinach, beans, tomatoes, oranges, yogurt, and sweet potatoes. She warned people with medical issues like kidney disease or who take certain medicines may have to be careful with potassium.
Manage Stress
Find ways to cope with stress, like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Each person should take time to relax and do things they enjoy, whether it’s listening to music, gardening, or spending time with friends.
Limit alcohol
Drinking too much of alcohol can raise blood pressure. People who are on medication for their blood pressure, alcohol may affect how well it works. Women should try to have no more than one drink a day. For men, it’s two.
Stop Smoking
It raises blood pressure and makes a heart attack or stroke more likely. Smoking hurt the linings of the blood vessels and it makes some medicines less effective.
Be mindful of Caffeine
Those who regularly drink coffee, soda, and other drinks with caffeine, it may not affect their BP much. But those who rarely have it, caffeine can cause a short spike in their blood pressure when they drink it.
Regular blood pressure check
Check BP regularly to ensure it doesn’t get too high. High blood pressure often doesn’t have symptoms. So measuring the BP is the best way to tell if diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes are working.
Keep other conditions in check
Measles outbreak kills 42 in northern Nigerian state
The Adamawa State Government confirmed on Friday evening that 42 individuals have tragically succumbed to a measles outbreak.
Felix Tangwame, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, disclosed this somber update, specifying that the fatalities occurred in Mubi and Gombi local government areas.
Addressing reporters following a state executive council meeting at the Government House, Yola, Tangwame detailed the extent of the outbreak. He revealed that eight wards in Mubi and seven wards in Gombi were affected by the measles outbreak, resulting in the loss of 42 lives out of 131 and 177 affected individuals, respectively, in the mentioned LGAs.
READ ALSO:
In response to the crisis, all local government areas in the state have been placed on red alert as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread.
Tangwame emphasized the promptness of his ministry’s response upon receiving reports of the outbreak, attributing their ability to manage the situation effectively to swift action. He assured that both the government and development partners are actively engaged in addressing the situation.
Nido infant milk neither registered nor sold in Nigeria – NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Sunday declared that the Nido infant milk formula, alleged to contain sugar or honey, was not registered and sold in Nigeria.
The director-general of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Mr Adeyeye said the attention of NAFDAC’s Management was drawn to an online publication alleging that one of the worlds largest consumer goods company added sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases.
It stated that the online publication of April 17, 2024 was being circulated widely to the general public.
Mr Adeyeye said the report further stated that samples of baby food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were tested and results revealed that sugar and honey were added in form of sucrose in samples of Nido and Cerelac.
“The Management of NAFDAC wishes to use this medium to reassure the public that the Agency exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria.
“This is in line with relevant Codex Alimentarius international food standards (Codex) and more specifically, Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
READ ALSO:
“This is applicable to all categories of infant and young children foods distributed by manufacturers, importers, and marketers of infant and young children foods operating within Nigeria.
“Regarding the mention of Nido follow-up milk formula in the publication, NAFDAC wishes to state that the product is not registered in Nigeria, is not known to the Agency and is not in circulation in Nigeria,” she stated.
According to Ms Adeyeye, the range of Nestle Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria are duly registered with NAFDAC in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children.
“Processed Cereal Based foods (NIS 256:2010) and the Codex Standard for Processed Cereal-based Foods for Infants and Young Children (CXS 74-1981 was adopted in 1981, revised in 2006, amended in 2017, 2019, and 2023), as well as the applicable NAFDAC regulations for compliance with safety, quality, and labelling requirements.
“Adequate, optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential.
“The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) implements the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, developing international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice with the mandate to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair international food trade.
“Nigeria (NAFDAC) is an active participant at these international food standards setting arena to contribute Nigerians positions during food standards development,” it said.
According to the statement, the Agency, on March 22 held a stakeholders engagement with members of the Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and Marketers in Nigeria, AIFMN, anchored by the Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FSAN, Directorate, to further drive home the importance and special place of infant and young child nutrition.
Adeyeye reassured the public that the Agency was fully alive to her responsibilities of assuring the safety, wholesomeness and quality of infant and young children foods offered for sale in Nigeria in compliance with the relevant standards and regulations.
NAN
5 reasons men need to eat pineapple before sexual intercourse
Sex ought to be an enjoyable activity, but many factors can get in the way of such enjoyment. Factors like low libido, lack of stamina, and erections can prevent such enjoyment. That’s why pineapples are so important. Many people believe it only benefits women, but it has many sexual benefits for men.
Pineapples are rich in manganese, an antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents cellular damage. A manganese deficiency can lead to diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which are linked to erectile dysfunction. However, adequate manganese intake can increase blood flow and prevent infertility.
Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which increases testosterone production and provides many sexual benefits in bed. This hormone regulates libido and encourages nitric oxide oxidation which makes men more sexually active.
READ ALSO:
Pineapples are also rich in vitamin C and thiamine which can increase low libido in men. Thiamine stimulates the development of sex hormones, and this is especially important when men can’t have an erection during sex.
Pineapple can help increase sexual stamina, especially for those who find themselves exhausted from sex. Sex requires endurance and stamina, with studies showing men can burn up to 101 calories in 30 minutes of sex. To enjoy bedroom fun without exercising, consider indulging in pineapples, which are rich in vitamins B1 and C, which can help increase sexual stamina.
Pineapple consumption before sex can enhance the taste of ejaculate by making it sweeter. This is due to the high levels of acid and sugar in pineapple, which make semen less bitter and more sweet. The primary benefit for partners is the added sweetness, in case they want to taste it.
Raw pineapple, rich in vitamin C, is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and prevents inflammation. Studies on rats have linked reduced inflammation to improved blood flow, which is important for sexual health.
This is because healthy blood flow is essential for achieving sexual arousal and erectile function for penetrative sex. This increased blood flow and higher blood pressure within the penis make the penis firm and erect.
Finally, a cup of pineapple or one pineapple finely chopped is enough; do not eat more than that, as it will have the opposite effect.
BREAKING: EFCC, Cubana Chief Priest agree to settle out of court
US students slam Biden’s comments on Gaza encampments
Updated: NNPC blames fuel scarcity on panic buying, hoarding, marketers disagree
Don’t host US, French military bases in Nigeria, northern leaders warn Tinubu
Sanwo-Olu appoints KWAM1’S daughter as aide
I never said I’m a billionaire— Ex-Anambra CP
Dam collapses, death toll rises in Brazil floods
Lagos GDP hits N41tn, earns N433bn from IGR
