Hypertension or High Blood Pressure, as it is more commonly known, is one of the silent killers that plagues the general population. It owes its lethal efficiency to the fact that it goes on undetected for months, and even for years, up until a point where significant damage has already been done. Such as it was in my case, where I neglected and took it for granted, in spite of being aware of its past devastation on our family’s medical history. But that’s all in the past, and as I have always told myself, regret is one of the most futile and unproductive of all human emotions. So there’s really nosense in trying to undo what’s already been done.

What about you? Are you also suffering from Hypertension? You know you might be, and worse, you’re not even aware of it. This is a common enough scenario, especially for the population’s poorer class who’s financial capability to seek medical attention is virtually non-existent. Nobody could really blame these people the tendency to take for granted the sensibility of early detection through screening. But if you’ll ask me, however, this should not be an excuse.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

The higher the blood pressure, the harder the heart has to work to keep on pumping against increasing resistance. If, in the course of time, the heart muscles tires, it could eventually lead to heart failure. Because of the enormous burden it puts on the arteries, high blood pressure adds to their wear and tear, especially in the target organs, the brain, coronary and kidney vessels. Stroke and Myocardial Infarction (heart attack) are frequent and dangerous consequences of untreated hypertension.

Recognizing high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a Silent Killer simply because it doesn’t show typical symptoms that might serve as early warning signals. In fact, in certain cases, many people feel well and energetic despite their high blood pressure. There is only one way of finding out whether or not you have hypertension and that is to have your blood pressure checked. Measurements must be repeated at least once a year. If an elevated pressure is detected in time, early treatment can help prevent the possible fatal consequences.

Prevention of complications from high blood pressure

Bringing the pressure down relieves the strain on the heart and arteries; this lessen and often eliminates the dangerous consequences of elevated pressure. With proper treatment, high blood pressure can be normalized, or at least brought down to a tolerable level. The treatment does not call for any heroic measures; regular checking of the blood pressure, a few generally painless changes in one’s eating and living habits, and taking the prescribed medication everyday. If detected and treated in time, hypertension should not stop you in leading a normal and productive life. All that is required is determination and close doctor-patient cooperation.

Protect yourself against high blood pressure

A genetic predisposition is a frequent cause of hypertension. It “runs in the family”. Caution is advised if you have a family history of high blood pressure. Your way of living could have an important bearing on whether or when you will develop hypertension. If you are overweight, has a high sodium intake on your diet, under psychological stress, agitated and hyperactive, you’re more likely a candidate, or can exacerbate an existing tendency. Losing weight, cutting down on salt in the diet, and avoiding stress are useful precaution to help you keep your pressure down.

Protect your health why you still can and when you still can. As always, being well-informed is being well-prepared.

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This was the news 5 days ago describing the current status of the A(H1N1) Influenza Virus rampage, a.k.a. Swine Flu, here in the Philippines:

MANILA – Thirty-three new cases of influenza A (H1N1) were confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday bringing the country’s total number of victims of the virus to 344, as the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts the virus will be active for three more months.

Of the new H1N1 patients, 24 are male and 9 are female, and 31 are Filipino nationals, Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

The new patients’ ages range from one year to 52 years old, Villaverde said.

He also said that out of the total number of cases so far, 242 patients have fully recovered from the illness, 142 of whom recovered only recently.

Despite the large number of patients who have recovered from the illness, the DOH again reminded the public to observe proper hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.

– courtesy of ABS-CBN News

To date, 36 new infections has been added to the total count of the confirmed cases, from which 79% have fully recovered.

– image courtesy of GMA News

(Update 06/25: Sorry for the link error on GMA News. I already resolved the matter and fixed the link.)

The mere fact that there is a contagious disease on rampage outside the comfort of your house is enough to make us dialysis patients concern of our health. I previously voiced out my concerns regarding the “Swine Flu” virus, and I also stated my basis for these concerns.

I have been practicing caution from this Flu Virus in my household way before it got here in the Philippines and started infecting people. I make it a habit to clean my hands before and after meals; I always carry a hand sanitizer with me; and I avoid physical contact from sick family members, relatives, and friends.

The Philippine Kidney Dialysis Foundation or PKDF, the clinic where I go for my dialysis treatments, has recently put up information posters regarding the A(H1N1) Virus. It includes a brief but concise description of what the virus is, symptoms to watch out for, as well as various preventive steps a patient could take.

Some of these steps are:

• Always wash your hands before and after meals.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoid being in contact with people that are sick with colds or flu.
• Avoid being in heavily populated areas like school campuses, malls, and markets as much as possible.
• Get enough hours of sleep and always eat healthy foods that would help boost your immune system.

Another precaution our clinic is taking is that it makes sure every person entering the clinic doesn’t have a fever. A nurse is stationed at the entrance and checks your body temperature. If you checked in with a fever, you are denied entrance to the clinic’s premises and advised to have yourself checked further by a doctor or in a hospital.

This might sound a bit strict, but as a patient that’s more likely to get infected than others, I am in complete sympathy with this precutionary measure. I’m sure my fellow patients share the same view.

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The current news about Swine Flu Virus has been the subject of discussion on our dialysis clinic recently. Concern and unrest seems to be the general consensus, and for good reason, I might say. It’s because we dialysis patients are immunocompromised, meaning our immune system is down and it would be quite difficult for us to fight diseases compared to a normal individual. Coping with the rigors of treatment is hard enough already, and any viral outbreak like this would simply spell disaster for us.

Our weak immune system is the reason behind our continuous vigilance to health issues around us. It’s hard enough to cope with the rigors of dialysis already and an added ailment would seem too much to bear anymore. That’s why the news of Swine Flu outbreak, and any viral outbreak for that matter, would immediately warrant concern and unrest among us dialysis patients. And even though there’s still no reported case of swine flu outbreak here in the Philippines, it still wouldn’t hurt to be prepared.

Here are some ways that I employ myself to minimize contamination from airborne diseases:

• Stay away from crowded places like malls, parks, market places, and the like, especially during rainy season where cold and flu are rampant.
• If there’s nothing important for you to do outside, just try to remain at home.
• Stay away or avoid direct contact with a family member or relative that has a cold, fever, or flu.
• Don’t forget to take the medicines prescribed by your doctor, especially those that helps boost the immune system.
• Be sensible with your food choices. Eating right helps your body build resistance from diseases.
• Wash your hands and maintain personal hygiene at all times.
• If you still work and travel a lot, it is advisable to wear a face mask for protection.

The things I’ve mentioned above are some of the ways that could help you get out of harm’s way if you’re a dialysis patient. Even though it might not be completely foolproof, there’s still no harm on trying to be safe, especially if you’re as susceptible as us.

An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of care… and isn’t it proves right on the mark?

Stay safe and stay healthy!

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2. Dialysis Update – Taking Steps on A(H1N1) Prevention
3. Food Considerations For Dialysis Patients