29/09/2021
Adopt a healthy lifestyle to lower cardiovascular disease risks.
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading causes of death globally and contributed to 32% of all deaths globally in 2019 according to the World Health Organization. Stroke and heart attack contribute to the majority of deaths and more deaths are also reported in lower- and middle-income countries. Many young people are increasingly becoming victims of cardiovascular diseases for a number of reasons associated to lifestyle. While we mark the world heart day, we wish to remind you to adopt healthy lifestyles in order to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Here are a few tips:
• Do moderate (not strenuous) exercises regularly. Regular/Consistent exercises for about 30 minutes daily keep you fit and your heart healthy. Those morning and evening jog, stretches and jumps are not just for short-term benefits but they go a long way to make your life better and healthy.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet to lower risks of heart and related diseases includes more fruits and vegetables and less of highly saturated fat and cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Eat less or avoid highly processed foods, junks, red meats, and prefer to go natural or unprocessed foods and more white meats such as fish and chicken. Fruits and veggies should be part of your plate daily.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol. Excessive consumption leads to high blood pressure and contributes to stroke and other heart disorders such as cardiomyopathy. Gradually cut down consumption and avoid intake of alcohol and smoking.
• Manage stress. Try to put your mind together and ease stress. When you are stressed, the fight and flight mode of the body is activated and your heart begins to race. Failure to manage stress may end up increasing your blood pressure and eventual cardiovascular disorders.
• Have adequate rest/sleep regularly. Sleep helps the body in many ways but not limited to relaxation of the entire body. Sleep helps in keeping you fit and positive, enhances detoxification and management of stress. Aim to have at least 8 hours of sleep daily.
• Have regular checkups. Good health begins with you. Your attitude and behavior dictate the health status of your body usually. So, try to adopt the habit of get screened for heart conditions and get expert knowledge on risk factors such that you prevent or detect any diseases earlier when it can be best handled.
• Manage your weight. Young people are obsessed about gaining weight. However, weight could be another huge risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Being over weight or obese can potentially risk you to heart and related diseases.
• Manage any other underlying disease. Diabetes and kidney diseases are closely related to heart disease. Many other common conditions such as syphilis, malaria, anemias, dental diseases, respiratory infections etc could contribute to heart disease in several ways. Get proper treatment when you suffer from a disease.
In commemoration of the world heart day, we stand with all people living any heart related condition. You are strong and courageous, keep fighting on and continue to adopt healthy lifestyles to boost resilience.
CAMPUS DOCTOR
Healthy youthhood
