Lack of exercise, potbellies fueling high blood pressure among youth

A medical professional in the Upper East Region, Luis Tidan, has stated lifestyle choices, such as  lack of exercise, poor dietary choices and failure to seek early medical attention, are fueling a high rate of high blood pressure in the Upper East Region, especially among the youth.

He explained that even though older persons are more likely to get high blood pressure, the youth  have become predisposed to high blood pressure due to poor lifestyle choices and health-seeking behavior.

He advised residents of the region to have regular medical check-ups to enable them detect and treat ailments and diseases.

“With the aged, research has shown that we are prone to getting hypertension as we grow older. And even with the youth, most of us are roaming with potbellies, not much exercise amongst us and we are recording very high cases of hypertension among even the youth.  

For these cases, get yourself checked. If you can, every week, get yourself checked, every month, get yourself checked. Weight check and management is important and when it comes to diet, the salt and fatty intake should be reduced and exercise is a major part of it,” on this score that Mr. Tidan advice after leading a team of medical professionals to conduct health screening exercises in Vea and  Soe-Yipaala communities in Upper East Region.

The health screening exercises were undertaken by the Bolgatanga Health Directorate were  sponsored by Christ Church Ministries, Real Life Ministries.