World Health Day – 7 April 2013

In 1948, the World Health Organization held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day. The theme for 2013 is high blood pressure.

World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of World Health Organization in 1948. Each year a theme is selected for World Health Day that highlights a priority area of public health concern in the world.

About High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure ‘also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension’ increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can also cause blindness, irregularities of the heartbeat and even heart failure. The risk of developing these complications is higher in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes. One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure. The proportion increases with age, from 1 in 10 people in their 20s and 30s to 5 in 10 people in their 50s. Prevalence of high blood pressure is highest in some low-income countries in Africa, with over 40 per cent of adults in many African countries thought to be affected.

However, high blood pressure is both preventable and treatable. In some developed countries, prevention and treatment of the condition, together with other cardiovascular risk factors, has brought about a considerable reduction in deaths from heart disease.

Reducing Blood Pressure
High blood pressure contributes to an alarming number of deaths each year. Although it may not have apparent symptoms, high blood pressure leads to heart attacks and strokes aside from also causing kidney failure. You can reduce your blood pressure by reducing your weight (if you’re obese) and making a few small changes in your life, say doctors. Here are some suggestions that doctors usually give in this regard:

– Walk it out ‘Walking at a brisk pace can help lower your blood pressure. A good workout will ensure the heart uses oxygen more efficiently. Getting a rigorous cardio workout 4 to 5 times a week can make a huge difference. Start by incorporating about 15 minutes of exercise in your daily routine and slowly increase the time and difficulty level.

– Deep Breathing ‘Learning some slow breathing and meditation techniques can do wonders. It will help reduce stress and keep your blood pressure in check. Try taking out 10 minutes every morning and at night. Inhale and exhale deeply. You can also join a yoga class for some time to learn the proper method.

– Go for potassium-rich foods ‘You have probably heard of the negative effects of sodium on the body, and potassium is an essential mineral to counter the effects of sodium on blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium. Try adding sweet potatoes, tomatoes, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, peas and prunes and raisins to your regular diet.

Important World Days in April
2 April         World Autism Awareness Day
4 April         International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
7 April         Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide
7 April         World Health Day [WHO] 12 April     International Day of Human Space Flight
22 April     International Mother Earth Day
23 April     World Book and Copyright Day [UNESCO] 25 April     World Malaria Day [WHO] 26 April     World Intellectual Property Day [WIPO] 28 April     World Day for Safety and Health at Work [ILO] 29 April     Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
30 April     International Jazz Day

– Go slow on the salt ‘Whether you have a family history of high blood pressure or not, reducing your intake of salt can make a huge difference to your health. Before adding that extra pinch of salt to your food, think if you really need it. Try substituting salt with lime, garlic, pepper or other herbs and spices. Go slow on processed and packaged foods. Potato chips, frozen chicken nuggets, bacon, etc. are high in sodium. Try calculating your daily sodium consumption. Keep a food diary and you may be surprised at how much you’re taking in.

– Dark chocolate benefits ‘The darker variety of chocolate has flavonols that make blood vessels more elastic. Choose one that has at least 70 per cent cocoa to really reap the benefits.

– Don’t smoke’ Smokers are at higher risk of hypertension. But even though tobacco and nicotine in cigarettes can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, smoking itself is not thought to cause chronic hypertension .Nevertheless, quitting smoking may help you lower your blood pressure a bit, says Dr. Fletcher. And, of course, the other health benefits are countless.

– Tea benefits ‘Herbal teas are the way to go. In a study conducted, those who sipped on hibiscus tea daily lowered their blood pressure. Many herbal teas contain hibiscus or you can always opt for green tea. The effects of caffeine are still debatable. Drinking caffeinated beverages can temporarily increase blood pressure. The solution is to check your blood pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee to determine if it works for your body.

World Health Days in 2000s
2013:     High Blood Pressure
2012:     Good Health adds life to years
2011:     Antimicrobial resistance: no action today no cure tomorrow
2010:     Urbanization and health
2009:     Save lives. Make hospitals safe in emergencies
2008:     Protecting health from climate change
2007:     International health security
2006:     Working together for health
2005:     Make every mother and child count
2004:     Road safety
2003:     Shape the future of life
2002:     Move for health
2001:     Mental health: stop exclusion, dare to care