Immunization and high blood pressure influencing hypertension are important health markers to watch in avoiding catching COVID-19
I visited the local hospital today to get my annual flu vaccination and another couple of tests which I have each year about this time in June.
The flu jab was soon over but I needed to wait another hour before I got the results of the other tests.
The hospital waiting room was air conditioned and there was reading material available and plenty of advisory notices relating to COVID-19 precautions.
I happened to see and read some health notices which I thought could be of interest to your readers in the Solomon Islands.
The first health advisory said doctors strongly believe that one’s immunization needs to be strengthened to avoid catching coronavirus.
The advisory went on to say, and I’ll quote:
“Fatigue at all times:
If you feel tired all the time, it can be a symptom of low immunization.
“Always feel sick:
Frequent illness is a major symptom of low immunization. If you also fall ill again and again, take a healthy diet to strengthen the immunization system.
“Allergic:
If you are repeatedly allergic to some kind of allergy, it is a symptom of low immunity.
“Taking time to heal wounds:
If you have a wound somewhere in your body and do not fill it completely, it is a sign of low immunization.
“Digestive problems:
People who have low immunization may have digestive problems.
“Find out the reasons why immunity becomes low:
“Pre-illness:
“People who already have a disease such as diabetes, etc., have a weak immunization system.
“More cigarettes, alcohol, and bad food:
“The use of more cigarettes and alcohol leads to immunization. The immune system does not work properly due to poor eating habits.
“Know how to increase immunization:
“Vitamin C helps in increasing one’s immunization.
The second health advisory related to high blood pressure, and again I quote the piece.
“With COVID-19 mortality rates increasing for those with hypertension – usually defined as blood pressure above 140/90, considered severe if above 180/120 – the heart health organisation says it’s never been more important for people to keep it in check.
“Evidence suggests that those with high blood pressure may be at risk if infected with the COVID-19 virus compared to the general population.
“High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but, if untreated, can also cause health conditions, such as irreversible blood vessel damage or increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
“The Heart Foundation says too many are putting their health at risk by not being aware of how much harm high blood pressure can do to their hearts.
“High blood pressure is known as a silent killer because there are often no obvious signs or symptoms, yet it puts you at higher risk of a heart attack or stroke,” said Heart Foundation risk reduction manager, Natalie Raffoul. “The only way to find out if you need to do something about your blood pressure is to have it checked regularly.
“The good news is high blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, keeping active, limiting alcohol, eating a healthy diet and being smoke-free. In more serious cases, it can be managed with medications.
“If you have high blood pressure, now is an important time to look after it. This includes continuing to take your medications as prescribed, following a heart-healthy lifestyle, and staying in touch with a doctor.
“A healthy lifestyle is important, but it’s also important to keep an eye on clinical risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Close to one in two heart disease deaths are attributable to high blood pressure, so knowing your risks and keeping your blood pressure within a normal range is a key part of protecting your heart,” said Ms Raffoul.
“If you’re 18 or over, the Heart Foundation recommends that you get your blood pressure checked at least every two years. If you are 45 and over, you should get your blood pressure checked as part of a regular, comprehensive Heart Health Check.”
Do keep safe and well.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
