Hypertension which is also known as high blood pressure is a condition in which the arteries have persistently elevated blood pressure. It is a dangerous disease that can lead to other illnesses such as heart failure and stroke and it can also lead to damaged organs. Although hypertension is a dreadful disease, it can be treated by lowering blood pressure to less than 140/90 or probably lower in certain circumstances (Hays, 2009, p. 212). Alongside that, it can also be treated by changing lifestyle factors or treating it medically. Hypertension is the biggest risk factor for cardiovascular disease which has emerged a key problem among Philippines. Apparently, it is the leading cause of morality among Philippines. Like any other culture, Philippines too have a diverse culture. This paper will address the diversity of culture among Philippines in regards to hypertension.
As the second largest group in the United States, Philippines or Filipino American community have a unique culture of addressing the prevalence of hypertension. Studies show that 3 out of 5 Filipinos have hypertension and 20% of them are at great risk of developing high blood pressure. Philippines have hypertension and this is evident from The National Nutrition and Health Survey II that conducted a survey in 2011 which showed that 10 million Filipinos suffered from hypertention. The major cause of hypertension among Philippines is obesity and alcohol and minor causes are social issues and illnesses. For this reason, hypertension remains excessively high among Filipinos compared to other ethnic and racial minority populations. In addition, data shows that 16% of approximately 7.2 million Filipino adults of 21 years and above have hypertension (Bernstein, 2011, p. 119).
In treating this disease, Philippines use dry coca cola which is attributed it to theobromine present that enlarges blood vessels that are constricted. Studies of personal models of causes of illness and treatment of hypertension reveal that Filipinos incorporate culturally based explanations alongside their specific and profound understanding of depicted biometric model seek meaning for themselves. Anyone with anxiety problems, insomnia and high blood pressure is asked to limit consumption of caffeine. In addition, Dandelion whose leaves and roots produce maannitol is also used to treat hypertension.
Certain Filipino communities use garlic therapy suggesting that it eliminates pain, headache and dizziness and that it also has a healing effect on hypertension. Sodium which is part of Philippines’ diet is required in small amounts at a minimum of about 1,500 milligrams each day. Besides that, early detection and treatment are of paramount importance in treating hypertension. The Philippine society is very communal, it has adopted a culture of helping one another in times of need, for instance, persons suffering from hypertension are given all the care and assistance they need. Filipinos’ cultural values put a lot of emphasis on group harmony, decision making and smooth interpersonal relationship which helps in social cultural events and activities (Miller, 2010, p. 123).
Unlike western countries, Filipinos have integrated good diet and exercise as the ideal treatment for hypertension. This community strictly watches what they eat, for instance Philippines believe that eating vegetables and fruits is the recommended food that will act as a dose. Like any other culture, Philippines too have a diverse culture which is exceptionally unique in many ways. They have incorporated coherent forms of diagnosis, treatment and prevention and helps Filipinos suffering from hypertension recover pretty fast.
References
Hays, J. N. (2009). The burdens of disease: Epidemics and human response in western history. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press.
Bernstein, D. A. (2011). Essentials of Psychology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Miller, G. (2010). Learning the Language of Addiction Counseling. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
