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Momodou
Denmark
11792 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Dec 2005 : 12:40:41
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Can anyone tell me why High blood pressure (hypertension) has become a very common health problem in Gambia? I think almost everyone I know has a family member suffering from hypertension.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2005 : 17:20:22
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Some of my Gambian friends have high blood pressure and I must admit I was surprised. It is associated with a western life of over eating and lack of exercise. Also a stressful life doesnt help! I thought it wouldnt be a problem in Gambia!!!!!
BUT high fat and high sugar diet isnt good. In England for the heart and blood pressure we are told to take exercise, eat fruit and veg and little meat. LOW FAT. Drink a little red wine. Like most things....... moderation is the key.
There is a genetic link too.....it runs in families...... and it tends to worsen as you get older.
The last resort is medication to control it........
Perhaps Gambia now has better screening......years ago people wouldnt know their blood pressure was high. |
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Momodou
Denmark
11792 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2006 : 10:20:42
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quote:
Originally posted by gambiabev
Some of my Gambian friends have high blood pressure and I must admit I was surprised. It is associated with a western life of over eating and lack of exercise. Also a stressful life doesnt help! I thought it wouldnt be a problem in Gambia!!!!!
BUT high fat and high sugar diet isnt good. In England for the heart and blood pressure we are told to take exercise, eat fruit and veg and little meat. LOW FAT. Drink a little red wine. Like most things....... moderation is the key.
There is a genetic link too.....it runs in families...... and it tends to worsen as you get older.
The last resort is medication to control it........
Perhaps Gambia now has better screening......years ago people wouldnt know their blood pressure was high.
Thanks for the response, Gambiabev. What puzzles me is that some of the people I know with high blood pressure are from farming communities where hard physical work is a routine. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2006 : 10:37:59
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| I know, it is very strange! Perhaps just genetics? In Italy around lake Garda, there is a group of people with very high life expectancy.......... they are from the same genetic pool....plus have med. life style and diet. It is the recipe for long life!!! |
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Momodou
Denmark
11792 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2006 : 11:06:17
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I made a search on the internet and found these useful sites:
Document: Sub-Sahara Africa Guidelines for Hypertension http://www.meduohio.edu/whl/pdf/guidelines.pdf |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2006 : 12:04:39
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Greetings and a Happy New Year to Everyone,
It is well known that hypetension is common amongst Continential Africans and African Diaspora. That is why it is important for us all to limited salt intake within our diets. Momodou, just like you hypertension is common in my family too, and if not controlled leads to strokes. So it's important that we are careful about what we eat, coupled with stress being on the go 24/7 is not good for the body or the soul.
Peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2006 : 21:01:16
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| Greetings, How good it would be if the people of The Gambia really did have a better screening of healthcare as suggested by Gambiabev might be the case with hypertension. From the general postings a few days ago regarding the new 'Kanilai medicines'and the free handouts of a solution by the Head of State. I had a look around the WHO Co-operation Strategy/The Gambia & National Health Accounts / Public Health Sector. I would have to e mail for account facts. It was not good reading Gambiabev, but if you have an interest in healthcare' you can have a few hours interesting read. I believe you will be disillusioned and have to reconsider your thoughts of the health system that is supported by Taiwan money for 1.4million people. regards, peace & freedom. |
The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2006 : 22:29:52
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| My only experience of the health care system in Gambia is visiting Kwinella health centre in kiang district. It is VERY slowly improving over the past 3 years. |
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