Have you ever taken a relative to the hospital for a different medical problem only for the doctor to reveal that he/she is diabetic, hypertensive, hypotensive or has hepatitis?
If yes how did you feel?
I must say it’s a difficult feeling, and gets even worst when they have a combination of two of these medical conditions.
The need to avoid some of their favourite meals, pause some activities they loved and do away with a major part of their life is even more psychologically draining.
It’s really hard to know that your dad, mum, maybe you or any loved one has any of these conditions. Moreover, realising they will suddenly have to live their/your lives differently.
I thought hard on what to write about these medical conditions that we pay less attention to, especially when it’s not in a chronic stage.
Well yes, I decided to open you up to what they really meant without using a lot of medical jargons.
I’m dedicating this article to you, simply because you are special and your health remains my utmost priority. All I want you to do is understand what these conditions really are and prevent them as much as possible.
DIABETES
Diabetes is a common medical condition. It’s a situation where either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (Type1) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced (Type 2).
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. In simple terms, it minimizes the effects of sugar in the blood.
Bear in mind that all carbohydrates are transported in the blood as simple sugars, hence one of the reasons why there is a thing as blood sugar.
The blood sugar further gets high on two conditions.
The absence of insulin because it’s not produced in the production center (pancreas) and the presence of insulin but the body unable to use it due to excessive body weight (fat) and physical inactivity (sedentary lifestyle).
This evidence suggest that diabetes can be prevented and managed.
But how?
All we need to do is take responsibilities for ourselves, maintain a healthy diet and normal body weight, exercise often, and also avoid tobacco.
What about type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is as a result of overweight or inactivity while the cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown.
HYPERTENSION
Hypertension is simply high blood pressure. You can attest that blood is a necessity in the human body and so is everything concerning it.
Our blood is pumped by the heart and transported to every part of the body through blood vessels (Arteries and Veins).
We know that pressure is the exertion of force by an object or fluid on a surface. Hence, a high blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition in which the force of your blood against your arterial wall (surface) is too high.
For a clearer and more practical understanding, I’ll use an analogy.
For easy supply of water in a house, a pipe is used to construct a passage canal. If the pressure of water on the pipe is too high its effect on the pipe is always detrimental and could lead to a burst.
The pipe is like the blood vessels and the water plays the role of the blood. A high pressure is detrimental to the passage canal (Blood vessel) and leads to an increase in blood pressure.
You can know your BP level by checking it using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope.
Research shows that one maybe hypertensive if the blood pressure is higher than 150/90mmhg at a relaxed State.
It’s therefore advisable to see a medical expert as often as possible whether you have an underlying medical condition or not. If you do not constantly have medical check-ups, it will be difficult to know when conditions such as this shows up.
For prevention purposes, you should avoid excessive alcohol intake, fat intake (fatty foods), engage in simple exercises like walking, have a moderate diet, and avoid excessive stress.
It’s necessary for you to avoid having a high blood pressure because it increases your risk of contracting a heart disease, stroke or even premature death.
HYPOTENSION
Hypotension is also known as low blood pressure. It’s a condition where there is very little supply of blood to the brain.
In my opinion I would say that low blood pressure should be dreaded.
Recall that when there is little or no supply of blood to a particular tissue it begins to die off (ischemia). This is exactly what happens when there is little or no supply of blood to the brain.
The brain gets affected and it reflects on other parts of the body. You’ll begin to feel dizzy, weak and exhausted, you may even faint.
It’s necessary to ensure that your blood pressure is stable at all times. Book appointments with medical professionals and continue to stay healthy. Health is wealth.
HEPATITIS
Hepatitis is a liver disease. It is an inflammation of the liver.
Your liver is the largest organ in your body. It is that organ in your body that breaks down the drugs you take from complex molecules to simple absorbable molecules. It neutralizes the effect of the alcohol, and creates a balance between your body and these chemicals.
Your Liver is not just a vital organ but a very important organ. Blood from the digestive tract pass through it (the liver) and it constantly purifies them so that your body can make use of them without complications.
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Hepatitis has five strains, A,B,C,D, and E, but hepatitis B and C account for a greater number of infected persons.
One set of hepatitis in your body will lead to a distortion in the normal body function. Your liver would be unable to properly filter blood, produce bilirubin or even plasma protein for blood clot.
From research, the spread of these viruses is majorly due to multiple sexual partners, piercings, intake of contaminated water, prick by contaminated objects (like razors, needles etc.), blood transfusion as well as tattooing.
Hepatitis can be both viral and acute but none is worth having. If hepatitis becomes chronic it can cause liver cirrhosis (death of liver cells), liver cancer and liver failure.
By all means steer clear of it.
To sum up
Diabetes, Hypertension, Hypotension and Hepatitis are all medical conditions that may not have obvious signs and symptoms at the early stages, therefore you must be alert.
What can I do?
It’s necessary to know your family history. If any of the condition is a recurring history in your family, then you will need to be cautious and deliberate.
Always remember that hereditary plays a role in contracting some diseases. So see a professional if underlying medical conditions is a family trait.
Live healthy and stay safe.
I hope you found this article insightful?
If you did, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment or a suggestion on what I can write on, specially for you. You can also join us on Facebook or Twitter.
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Maxwell is a Dietitian with passion for showing people hope. With nearly a decade experience helping people make key decisions on education and career, you can find him almost everywhere on this site. From answering admission and scholarship questions to creating tutorials and helping others live their best lives though nutrition. Connect with me on Twitter.