Shade sat on her couch, holding the results of her health check. Earlier that day, her organisation had hosted a health week event where health professionals discussed with them the importance of prioritising their physical, social, and mental well-being.
Initially, Shade didn’t feel the need to attend, she believed she was managing just fine and had work to do, but her team members were able to persuade her to come along with them.
At the event, there were stations for various health checks, including weight, eye, and blood pressure. Shade casually strolled through the stations and opted for the checks. She recently became a mother, and her baby is presently 8 months old. She resumed back from her maternity leave two months ago. Where she works is a fast-paced environment, and though her husband has been supportive, she has had to juggle a lot of her commitments as a mother and a professional.
Now, in her well-lit living room, patting her baby, who was lying on the couch, Shade stared at the results in disbelief, that’s all she thought about on her way back from work. Her blood pressure was elevated. She had no symptoms and thought she was managing her responsibilities well. The health personnel who attended to her recommended more rest as her result wasn’t at serious levels.
What Led to It?
During her conversation with the health professional, Shade reflected on her current lifestyle and the factors that could have predisposed her to her current state of health:
• Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation
Shade mentioned feeling fatigued due to her baby’s irregular sleep patterns, leaving her with only a few hours of rest. Returning to work after maternity leave added to her stress, as she had work piled up that needed her attention.
• Weight Gain
Like many new moms, Shade had gained some weight during pregnancy. While it wasn’t excessive, she was concerned about the extra pounds.
• Unhealthy Eating Habits
Due to her and her husband’s busy schedule, as he recently got a new promotion as a bank manager, they often resorted to quick, convenient meals. These meals, though practical, were not the healthiest choices.
• Emotional Stress
The challenges of balancing motherhood, work, and other responsibilities left Shade emotionally drained. She has tried to keep it in check and just focus on sorting out what she needs to do, telling herself, “Work can’t wait,” but the pressure to manage everything perfectly added to her stress levels.
• Family History
Shade also learnt that her family’s history of high blood pressure increased her risk, as her dad has been managing this same challenge, making her more predisposed to the condition.
Taking Charge of Her Health
After reflecting on her lifestyle, Shade was aware of what she needed to do. Being a solution-oriented person, she knew she needed to make intentional changes to improve her health. She started taking the following steps:
• Delegating Responsibilities
Shade decided to hire a nanny, overcoming her initial skepticism. This helped her delegate some tasks and free up her time. At work, she requested remote workdays, allowing her to care for herself and her baby more effectively.
• Incorporating Light Exercise
She introduced light exercises into her routine, such as stroller walks with her baby around the neighbourhood and skipping rope. These small changes helped her stay active and manage stress.
• Improving Her Diet
With more time at home, Shade started planning and preparing healthier meals, incorporating vegetables, fruits, and proteins into her family’s diet, which improved the quality of her family meals.
• Prioritising Rest
Shade used any available free time to rest, ensuring her body had the chance to recover from the demands of her busy life.
• Monitoring Her Health
She began tracking her blood pressure and attending regular health checks to stay on top of her condition and stopped being dismissive of the importance of this.
The Outcome
Eventually, Shade’s blood pressure began to stabilise due to the steps she adapted to her daily routine. She felt healthier, more energised, and better equipped to handle her responsibilities. Shade’s story is to make us more aware of our health and remind us that high blood pressure isn’t a death sentence and doesn’t always require medication to manage. What’s important is being intentional about your health.
Things to Know About High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against artery walls is consistently elevated. It is often called the “silent killer” it doesn’t usually present symptoms, but the damage it causes is significant.
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is through regular health checks. Don’t wait to feel sick; these checks can be life-saving.
Like Shade, taking control of your health is essential. Small, consistent changes in lifestyle can make a big difference in managing high blood pressure naturally. Prioritise your well-being, and remember, your health is your wealth.
