Lack of exercise, potbellies fueling high blood pressure among youth

A medical professional in the Upper East Region, Luis Tidan, has stated that 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 region, especially among the youth.

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

He advised residents of the region to have regular medical check-ups to enable the detection and treatment of 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 exercising much, and we are recording very high cases of hypertension among the youth.

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

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