A medical expert, Adesida Adewunmi, says having a good relationship with God and engaging in religious activities such as praying, fasting, and meditation can prevent the risk of hypertension.

Mr Adewunmi stated this on Saturday at the ongoing medical outreach organised by the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) in Abuja to mark World Hypertension Day.

The expert, a consultant and family physician, said lack of spirituality has been linked to high BP.

He explained that spirituality was an individual’s relationship with God, while being religious entails individuals’ activities to express their relationship with God.

Mr Adewunmi said being spiritual and religious could give people hope even amid difficulties, thereby preventing them from the risk of having high BP.

The expert said that anger, malice, and grudges could lead to high blood pressure, as these behaviours can cause unnecessary conflicts and tension.

He added that maintaining good relationships with family members, spouses, friends, and co-workers can help reduce the risk of high BP.

According to the experts, abstaining from alcohol and smoking can lower the risk of high blood pressure.

“WHO’s latest research has shown that a drop of alcohol is no longer safe; it even predisposes you to cancer,” he said.

He also encouraged personnel and COWA members to steer clear of processed and packaged foods.

According to the consultant, regular sex among married people can reduce the risk of hypertension.

“ We have discovered if you have regular sex with your spouse at least three times a week, it brings your BP down because intercourse releases what we call endorphins and oxytocin hormones, these are relaxation hormones which make you young and calm down, so your BP will calm down,” he said.

Earlier in her remarks, the president of COWA, Kikelomo Adeniyi, said members must ensure their spouses check their BP regularly and accurately to prevent future complications and breakdowns at work.

In his remarks, the comptroller general of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, advised the personnel to undergo regular checks as their duties could be stressful and urged them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

World Hypertension Day is observed globally on May 17 to create awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection and treatment.

(NAN)