By Dr. Flow
Hello! It’s Dr. Flow here—your favorite doctor who loves a good chat and a tasty plate of Kelewele! I’ve always believed health is a journey, and I’m here to walk that path with you, one small choice at a time. Let’s dive into some of my stories and insights on staying healthy, even when life tempts us with delicious fried plantains and a busy schedule.
One of my favorite evening treats? You guessed it—Kelewele! But every time I buy some, I have this little ritual: I squeeze it hard, watching all the oil that drips out, and think to myself, “Wow, I could cook a whole meal with this oil!” At that moment, I decided to quit Kelewele for good. But guess what? The very next evening, I’m right back in line for it again.
This little back-and-forth got me thinking about a more serious issue: Hypertension.
Diseases like high blood pressure, which used to be for “old folks,” are now affecting young people too. I recently met a 13-year-old girl who’d already suffered a stroke!
Shocking, right?
It made me realize how important it is to take control of our health early. And there are two big reasons why we’re seeing more of these cases: genetics and lifestyle.
Hypertension: A Rising Concern
Hypertension, otherwise called high blood pressure, is what happens when your heart has to pump extra hard because your blood vessels are narrowed or stiffened. Once upon a time, we thought only older people had to worry about this, but things have changed. Lifestyle habits—especially our diet and activity levels—are putting younger people at risk too.
Genetics vs. Lifestyle
As I always say, “Genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger.” If hypertension runs in your family, you may have a higher risk, and that’s where genetics come in. If your grandparents, parents, or even great-grandparents had it, you might be more likely to face it too. But here’s the good news: while we can’t change our genes, we can control our lifestyle!
Lifestyle Choices That Impact Blood Pressure
- First, let’s talk about diet.
The food we eat has an incredible effect on our health. Eating too much sugar, drinking sugary or alcoholic beverages, and loading up on unhealthy fats all strain our blood vessels. Imagine trying to squeeze a river through a tight dam—your heart has to pump extra hard to get blood flowing, and that’s when hypertension starts creeping in.
- Then, there’s exercise.
Don’t get me wrong—you don’t have to spend hours in the gym. Just make small changes to keep moving. Walk instead of driving everywhere. Try dancing around the house or taking the stairs. Just a little more movement each day can make a big difference.
- And don’t forget regular check-ups.
I know, nobody loves a doctor’s visit for “no reason,” but think of it as an investment in yourself. Now, with virtual tools like the Drdogood app, you can even consult a doctor from your phone, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your health.
Practical Steps for a Healthier Lifestyle
Creating a healthier life doesn’t have to happen overnight.
Start with one thing—
- a short daily walk,
- less salt in your food,
- one less sugary drink.
These small choices add up, I promise.
Remember, it’s not about a complete overhaul; it’s about taking one step at a time.
So, next time I see you in the Kelewele line, remember this conversation.
Let’s make it a once-in-a-while treat, not an everyday habit. One day at a time, we’re building resilience and taking control of our health—together!
If you need a more personalized approach to managing high blood pressure, You can talk to a doctor here
