LETTERS: We are moving to a new normal of living with Covid-19. We have learnt standard operating procedures to live with Covid-19, but do we do enough to live a life that prevents non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?
NCDs remain the leading causes of deaths in Malaysia and hypertension contributes to most disabilities and deaths.
Hypertension may cause serious illnesses like heart diseases and stroke without showing many symptoms.
The National Morbidity and Health Survey in 2019 reported that nearly half of those who had high blood pressure were not diagnosed.
How often do we check our blood pressure and screen for NCDs in comparison with doing Covid-19 tests when feel unwell?
The World Hypertension Day's theme, "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer," highlights the significance of blood pressure control.
Blood pressure reduction lowers risks of major disease events, heart failure, and stroke and subsequently reduction in all-cause mortality in the population.
We should practise a healthier lifestyle:
PREPARE mentally and plan it;
DO regular health screening and seek treatment early if needed;
MEASURE your blood pressure accurately and keep it below 140/90 mmHg;
TAKE less than 5g of salt a day and choose a diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods;
GET physically active for at least 150 minutes a week;
MAINTAIN a body mass index (BMI) within 18.5kg/m 2 to 24.9 kg/m 2.
QUIT smoking and limit alcohol intake;
MANAGE stress with coping skills and relaxation therapies;
GET adequate (seven to nine hours) and good quality sleep; and,
MAINTAIN a healthy lifestyle.
Do your part by choosing to live a healthier life.
DR YOONG LEE YEEN, PROFESSOR DR MOY FOONG MING and PROFESSOR DR SANJAY RAMPAL
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya