HYPERTENSION PREVENTION: 4 SIMPLE TIPS FOR HEALTHIER BLOOD PRESSURE By Dr Yaowarat Jantree, Internal Medicine Specialist, Medical Clinics, Bumrungrad International Hospital In the past 40 years, the number of adults with hypertension — the medical term for high blood pressure — has nearly doubled. Hypertension is now the leading cause of heart disease and stroke. What makes hypertension even more dangerous is that it rarely produces symptoms — it’s known as “the silent killer” — leaving many unaware they have high blood pressure until their health suffers serious harm. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked by a healthcare professional.
The Impact of Hypertension High blood pressure (140 / 90 or higher) puts additional strain on the arteries and the heart. Over time, high blood pressure can cause arteries to become partially or fully clogged, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and dementia.
3. Limit or abstain from alcohol. More than a modest amount of alcohol raises blood pressure over time. Try limiting your daily consumption to one or two drinks. And consider abstaining for 30 days to see how much better you may feel without alcohol.
Fortunately, hypertension is preventable. These four simple tips can help keep your blood pressure under control.
4. Up your physical activity. Physical activity is critical to preventing hypertension. For optimal health, 30 minutes of physical activity every day is recommended. You don’t need a gym to be physically active, and you don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once.
1. Cut back on salt.Reducing your salt (sodium) intake can boost your hypertension prevention efforts significantly. 2. Consume more potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that lowers blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of salt.
Weight control, exercise and not smoking are the three pillars of hypertension prevention. Consult your doctor before embarking on any new exercise regimen or making significant dietary changes — and to have your blood pressure checked. (Photo courtesy of Bumrungrad International Hospital)
EVENTS SUMMARY Canuck Connections Networking at Thai Institute of Directors (IOD) On October 17th, CanCham organized a “New Members” Canuck Connection Networking event at the Thai Institute of Directors. CanCham’s newest members were able to introduce themselves by giving a one-minute pitch about their companies & activities in a welcoming and intimate setting. The Thai IOD representatives gave a detailed briefing on their wide range of worthy corporate governance programs.
Remembrance Day On November 11th, CanCham’s Board members came together to pay their respects at the annual Remembrance Day gathering, which took place at the official Residence of the Embassy of Canada. CanCham Board Advisor Marisha Shibuya and her son Isao laid the CanCham wreath on behalf of the Chamber. This was a particular significant and poignant honour for them, as their father and grandfather were World War I & II veterans whom were laid to rest at the Veteran’s cemetery in Montreal.
Disruptive Coaching for Game Changing Results On November 20th, Dr. Peter Chee, the acclaimed world business coach, engaged CanCham’s audience by sharing his insights on disruptive techniques used by the world’s top performing leaders. This innovative coaching seminar was held at the Landmark Bangkok and participants had the unique opportunity to learn and interact with new people and win a signed copy of one of Dr. Chee’s coaching books. The event concluded with a lively networking event.
Annual Christmas Party On December 13th, CanCham co-hosted the “Arctic Meets Antarctic” Christmas Party with both the New Zealand Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce. The highlights of the night included a Chamber President Salmon tasting competition (we can be proud that our President John Stevens knows his Canadian salmon and while blind-folded picked out the winning piece of Canadian goodness).
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