CPS calls on fathers in connection with men’s health to cut salt intake to reduce blood pressure

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Sint Maarten’s calendar of health observances is to promote particular local or global health issues, and encourage the population to Get Checked.  As of Tuesday, June 16 and until the end of June, the Ministry of Public will observe Men’s Health.

In connection with the aforementioned, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is calling on all fathers’ to cut salt intake which in turn reduces blood pressure to normal levels.

Hypertension also known as High Blood Pressure is a chronic medical condition that is preventable and treatable. It is possible to develop high blood pressure at any age and anyone can get high blood pressure especially if they have a family history of it. It is the major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two of the main causes of illness and death in the Caribbean and the Americas.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour is calling on the Sint Maarten populace to ‘Get Checked,’ and know your risk factors.

In the “How Healthy is St. Maarten?“ study in 1998/1999, hypertension was the second most common chronic disorder and became worst as people grew older. More than twice as many elderly people suffer from high blood pressure compared to younger age groups. Having ones blood pressure checked regularly is very important, especially in light of the fact that 13% of the participants in Sint Maarten reported suffering from high blood pressure.

Although high blood pressure affects some 30 per cent of the adult population, a third of them do not know they have the condition.

Hypertension often has no symptoms, which means adults need to take every opportunity to get their blood pressure checked. The health risks of hypertension are even higher for people who also smoke, are obese or have diabetes.

Hypertension can be prevented by consuming less salt; maintaining a healthy and balanced diet; engaging in regular physical activity; avoiding tobacco use; and avoiding harmful use of alcohol.