SPONSORED CONTENT: World Hypertension Day: When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked, or encouraged your loved ones to do so too? Nearly half of adults with hypertension – high blood pressure – are unaware that they have it
I’d like you to think of yourself and one other person close to you – your best friend, partner, sibling or parent. Statistically, either you or that person could have hypertension. Furthermore, you or the person may not be aware of it.
But there are too many who don’t know. This is the problem with hypertension. You may not be aware you have it until it’s too late, which is why clinicians preach screening, screening and more screening. I love the theme for World Hypertension Day, celebrated on 17 May:Despite efforts to minimise the effects, the numbers are startling:aged 15 years and older have hypertensionto the heart as it has to work harder to pump blood to the body, which can lead to heart enlargement and heart failure.
The burden on our bodies individually – and collectively on our healthcare system – is one that none of us can afford. Especially given simple, accessible screening and treatment interventions.silent killer Vitality rewards members for adopting healthy behaviours that help prevent hypertension, including discounts on healthy food, as well as gym membership fees, access to race events and more to help them get more active. Importantly, members can receive cash back for purchasing at-home blood pressure machines on the HealthyCare benefit at Dis-Chem and Clicks. This enables members with hypertension to monitor their blood pressure at home.