Hypertension Mantra

British doctor Dr Andrew Steptoe from the University College London reveals in his study that people who are on upbeat moods had lower levels of the stress hormone called cortisol . Cortisol contributes to the development of blood pressure in elevated levels. It can also cause lower immune function, and abdominal obesity. In his study which was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, states that positive emotions helped lessen chronic inflammation in the body (caused by 2 proteins called C reactive and interleukin). It is widely believed that on and off body system inflammation contribute in the long term to heart disease or cancer among others. "Researchers have long noted that happier people tend to be in better health than those who are persistently stressed, hostile or pessimistic." "The current findings according to Dr Steptoe is that positive emotions are associated with biological responses that" promote good health. Dr. Steptoe's recommend

Dr. Rafael R. Castillo in his Inquirer column entitled Medical Files talks about Filipinos trivializing hypertension . He says that: less than 50% of hypertensives are aware that they have it; only 25% are taking anti-hypertension medications and only 10% or less have adequately controlled high blood pressure. What gives? No symptoms. That's why. It is hard to get alarmed if you don't feel any adversely symptomatic condition/s. What's more, even if these hypertensives do take medications, this is not religious habit but considered as a hop and skip thing...not until a stroke strikes. And as the good doctor says, "by then it's too late". Solution to an apparent problem. "Increase awareness" with the I-Stroke campaign. Dubbed as "Marunong and Nagtatanong", (Wise is the Person Who Asks), aims to increase awareness. Properly disseminated, it could prevent the escalation in the number of people getting debilitated with a stroke caused by hyper