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.”
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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
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.
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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.
NAFDAC alerts to counterfeit Tandak injection in Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the sale of counterfeit TANDAK injection 1.5g powder and water for injection, manufactured by Intracin Pharmaceuticals PVT. LTD C-1, B-53, G.I.D.C Estate, Nadiad- 387001, Gujarat, India.
A statement released by the agency on Wednesday, April 10, says the counterfeit product was discovered in Gombe State, Nigeria, and reported to the Agency by Marcson Healthcare Ltd. – the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH).
‘’Tandak® injection of 1.5g powder is a co-formulation of Ceftriaxone 1000mg and Sulbactam 500mg. It is prescribed for use in the treatment of various types of bacterial infections. It fights against micro organisms by preventing their growth, and further spread of the infection. Ceftriaxone+Sulbactam 1000mg/500mg Injection should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. the statement read
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The illegal marketing of counterfeit medicines poses a risk to the health of people, since by not complying with the regulatory provisions, the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.
NAFDAC has directed all its Zonal Directors and State Coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within the Zones and States.
Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322 or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC recalls Benylin cough syrup
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has recalled Benylin Paediatrics Syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, following recent toxicity findings in the laboratory on the product.
NAFDAC said laboratory analysis conducted on the product showed that it contains an unacceptable high level of Diethylene glycol and was found to cause acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals.
The agency disclosed this on its website on Wednesday.
A product recall is an important method of managing risks in response to product safety events and emergencies.
According to an online health portal, Science Direct, a product recall is a request to return to the maker, a batch, or an entire production run of a product, usually over safety concerns, design defects, or labelling errors.
“Benylin Paediatric syrup is indicated for the relief of cough and its congestive symptoms and for the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions in children aged two to 12 years.
“Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death,” it noted.
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The details of the product showed that the product is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in Cape Town, South Africa.
With batch number 329304, the product was manufactured in May 2021, and it is to expire this month, April 2024.
NAFDAC, however, implored importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard (contaminated) regulated products.
It said all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
“Anyone in possession of the above-mentioned product is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. If you witness any adverse reaction/event after the use of this product in any children, you are advised to direct such patients to immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the medicinal product to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” it added.
Meanwhile, the agency said it has directed the marketing authorisation holder (Johnson and Johnson company, West Africa) to initiate the recall of the batch and the notice will also be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System.
NAFDAC regulates and controls the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, chemicals, and detergents.
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