Sudden death! Was this caused by the “Village people”?

Today I will share with us an important health problem in our society that has increased in rate of occurrence and affects majorly adults.

Have you heard of, or has someone close to you suddenly slumped and died?

Well, it could be a very scary and heart drenching experience.

Often time we hear of a footballer who was in the pitch and suddenly slumps and dies or a prominent person who went for an event and all of a sudden slumps and dies. In the Nigerian context, so many people would tag it “Village people” which implies that the person was attacked spiritually by his or her enemies from his/her Village and some even say the person has been poisoned.

Sorry to bust your bubbles, most times it isn’t any Village people or as a result of the person being poisoned but simply due to a health condition referred to as Cardiac Arrest! Now, how does it happen so fast without prior notice we may ask!

Truth be told, a lot of us especially Africans have poor health check attitude and we easily ascribe any health related event as being spiritually manipulated.

Cardiac Arrest or simply put Heart Attack is the end stage of heart problems. Many times before Cardiac arrest would happen, the person would have had long standing Heart problems such as hypertension, myocardial infarction (a situation where the heart muscles become weak and cannot contract), or even sometimes high cholesterol. This would have been ongoing for years without prior detection and prompt treatment. Cardiac Arrest is a hopeless situation that often time the people affected hardly get help before they die even in developed countries where medical care is advanced. IT IS A SILENT KILLER IN THE 21^ST CENTURY.

What Then Do WE Do to Avoid This Silent Killer??

First in the list! Please check your Blood pressure regularly and if found to be elevated, kindly seek medical care.

Avoid self medication when you have heart related problems or even any health issues at all.

Often time people with health issues as serious as heart related health issues buy un-prescribed drugs over the counter and even take herbal concoctions as prescribed by friends and family which is deleterious to their health generally.

Take your annual or bi annual holistic health check seriously and follow your medical Doctors prescriptions and advice religiously.

Maintain a Healthy diet mainly of whole grains, protein and lots of fruits and vegetables not forgetting to stay hydrated with clean water.

Avoid refined foods and sugary drinks e.g bottled drinks, junks and sweeteners.

Take alcohol sparingly or totally eliminate from your drink intake if hypertensive.

Have a healthy night routine by having up to 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

Reduce stress from your daily life as much as possible.

Stay active during the day and incorporate exercise in your daily life. Sedentary lifestyle is discouraged in people above 40 years of age.

And if you have a family history of heart related health problems, it is advised that you keep an eye on your blood pressure and consult a Doctor when you experience any heart related symptoms such as pain around the chest or breathing issues.