High blood pressure or Hypertension is a common medical condition that develops when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. This high pressure causes the heart to work harder to pump blood. Hypertension leads to complications such as stroke and heart attack.

There are mainly two types of hypertension:

Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension or essential hypertension is the most common type of hypertension in adults. There is no identifiable cause, but there are risk factors that predispose one to getting it. Risk factors that can increase your chances of getting primary hypertension include, aging, your family history and your lifestyle.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition or certain medications. It causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Conditions such as kidney disease, adrenal gland tumours, thyroid disease and drugs like contraceptive pills and NSAIDs can lead to secondary hypertension.

Risk factors that increase your risk of getting high blood pressure include:

 Family History

Genetics plays a role in hypertension. You have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure if your parents, siblings or close relatives have high blood pressure.

Age

Blood pressure tends to increase with age. This is because, as you get older, your blood vessels gradually lose some of their elasticity and become stiffer. This can cause a rise in blood pressure.

Race

Black people are predisposed to high blood pressure more than white people. Black people also develop hypertension at an earlier age than white people.

Lack of Exercise

Regular exercise or physical activity helps your heart and circulatory system stay healthy and lowers your blood pressure. Not exercising can cause weight gain. Being overweight or obese increases your blood pressure and can worsen your hypertension if you already are hypertensive. It also raises your risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.

High Salt Intake

Eating too much salt (sodium) raises your blood pressure. Sodium causes the body to retain fluid, leading to increased blood pressure. Processed foods and fast foods tend to be high in salt content.

Stress

High levels of stress can lead to high blood pressure. Behaviours associated with stress such as poor eating habits, not having enough sleep, smoking and alcohol use also lead to an increase in blood pressure.

 Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure or worsen hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women for people who drink alcohol.

Smoking

Smoking, using tobacco and vaping temporarily raises your blood pressure. Smoking contributes to the hardening of the blood vessels (atherosclerosis) which causes high blood pressure.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can lead to hypertension. Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, pregnancy and obesity can lead to hypertension.

Are you looking for a pharmacy near you? We are delighted to let you know that we have opened a new location at Community 25, on the Tema-Dawhenya Road near the Palace Shopping Mall. Walk into our new pharmacy any time, any day, and experience the same pleasurable shopping experience offered by our other branches.
Our pharmacy has a wide range of over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, cosmetic & beauty products and sundries. We also have an in-house pharmacist who will provide you with all the information and advice on your medications and health needs. Do you need your blood pressure checked or a weight check? We offer a wide range of basic diagnostic services. Pop into our community 25 branch, a one-stop pharmacy, and open 24 hours for your comprehensive healthcare needs. You can call us on +233201716504/+233531012797.

Water makes up about 60% of your body weight and is involved in many essential functions. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to function properly. Every system in your body needs water to function and survive.

Getting enough water is essential in maintaining overall good health.

Benefits of Drinking Water:

• It regulates your body temperature
• It helps produce saliva
• It lubricates your tissues, spinal cord and joints
• Protects body organs and tissues
• Transports nutrients and oxygen to cells
• Dissolves minerals and nutrients to make them available to your body
• Helps remove waste products through sweating, urination and defaecation
• Improves sleep quality, mood and cognition
• It aids digestion
• Helps prevent constipation
• It helps prevent infections and diseases
• It helps boost energy
• It helps normalize blood pressure
• Helps maximize physical performance
• It helps you to lose weight

How much should you drink?

It is commonly recommended to drink 8 glasses of water a day. However, individual needs vary from person to person. Generally, most healthy people can stay well hydrated by drinking water whenever they feel thirsty. For most people, four to six glasses of water daily may be enough. Factors such as hot weather, high altitude, exercise, and intake of caffeine, alcohol, salty, spicy or sugary foods would increase your fluid needs. You would also need more water in conditions such as pregnancy and diabetes.

The US National Academies of Medicine recommends that men take in 15.5 cups (3.7 litres) of fluid daily and women 11.5 cups (2.7 litres) of fluid daily. 20% of daily fluid intake is derived from the food you eat. The rest is from drinking water and water-based beverages such as fruit juice, milk and tea.

You lose water every day through breathing, sweating, urine and bowel movements. That is why it is necessary to replenish your body’s water supply by drinking adequate water and taking in beverages and foods that contain water.

Signs of Dehydration

Not getting enough water may cause dehydration. Factors that increase your fluid needs such as hot, dry weather, high-intensity exercise, medical conditions like kidney stones, diabetes and medications like diuretics can contribute to dehydration.

The signs of dehydration differ by age group. Signs and symptoms of dehydration in babies and young children include irritability, lethargy, no tears when crying, dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes, dry diapers for as little as three hours and shrinking of the soft spot on top of the head.

For adults, observing the colour of your urine as soon as you wake up in the morning can be an indicator if you are dehydrated. Pale or light-coloured urine is a sign of adequate hydration whereas dark-coloured urine like apple juice is a sign of dehydration. Other signs of dehydration include headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, dry skin, decreased urination and extreme thirst.

Older adults may not feel thirsty but can still be dehydrated because signals for thirst to the brain decrease as one ages.

Ways to Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated. Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated:

• Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up, even before tea or coffee
• Carry a bottle of water with you during the day and drink gradually throughout the day
• If you don’t like the taste of water, add lemon or orange slices to enhance the flavour
• Set goals for yourself. For example, drink water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch, dinner and before you go to bed. Or drink some water every 2 hours
• Drink water before, during and after exercise
• Drink water when you are feeling hungry. Sometimes thirst is confused with hunger. Drinking water can help you feel full.
• Avoid sugary beverages to reduce empty calories

Keeping skin well hydrated can be challenging during dry, cold weather conditions such as harmattan. Cold weather can irritate and cause skin to lose moisture worsening dry skin. If you have dry skin, you need to use a moisturizer formulated with your skin’s needs in mind to reduce irritation, restore your skin barrier and protect your skin from harsh weather conditions.

When choosing a moisturizer for dry skin, you must choose a moisturizer with emollients which soften the skin, occlusives which protect the skin and humectants which draw moisture into the skin.

This article discusses our top picks of the best moisturizers for your specific skin needs.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

One of our top picks for dry skin is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream was formulated by dermatologists to heal a compromised skin barrier. It is a rich, non-greasy, fragrance-free moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides that help to heal the skin’s barrier. Ceramides are lipids that occur naturally in the skin but start to deplete when we start ageing. This leads to dry, wrinkled skin. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contains three types of ceramides that help the skin retain moisture and help prevent dehydration.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream also contains hyaluronic acid and petrolatum and features MVE delivery technology that works by releasing moisturizing ingredients continually for long-lasting hydration. This fast-absorbing moisturizer is gentle on even the most sensitive skin. It is often recommended for people who have eczema and psoriasis.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream- Dry to Very Dry, Sensitive Skin

This dermatologist-recommended product is one of the best moisturizers for dry to very dry, sensitive skin. It defends against five signs of sensitive skin including a weakened skin barrier, irritation, roughness, tightness and dryness. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream enriched with humectants and emollients is clinically proven to provide lasting hydration for 48 hours. It soothes, hydrates, repairs skin and improves the resilience of sensitive skin thanks to a dermatologist-recommended blend of niacinamide, panthenol and hydrating glycerine.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. This non-greasy cream enriched with sweet almond oil can be applied daily to the face and body.

Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream

Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream is a gentle moisturizer for dry skin. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin and rosacea. It is a dermatologically approved, intensive moisturizing cream that is quickly absorbed into the skin leaving the skin soft and supple. The key ingredients in this product are jojoba oil, vitamin E and glycerine. Jojoba oil is a humectant ingredient. It moisturizes the skin by attracting water to the top layer of the skin, keeping it hydrated. An added benefit of jojoba oil is that it is noncomedogenic. It works by regulating the body’s sebum production. This helps prevent acne or less severe acne.

Vitamin E helps prevent dry skin by hydrating the skin. Glycerin works by binding moisture to the skin. Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream can be used on the face, hands and body.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter is nature’s formula for dry, irritated skin. Raw Shea Butter is deeply hydrating and rich in vitamins and nutrients such as vitamins A & E, oleic acid and stearic acid. It is a must-have for people with eczema, very dry, cracked skin, rough, scaly patches and chapped lips. Shea Butter relieves skin dryness, and irritation and prevents cell damage.

It has a high concentration of fatty acids which restores lipids and maintains skin hydration. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and redness in the skin, easing irritation. Research shows that Shea Butter significantly reduces eczema symptoms. It also reduces wrinkles and crepey skin. Shea butter contains antioxidants, vitamins A & E which prevent cell damage and promote anti-aging effects.

Shea Butter can be applied to the face, lips and body. It is suitable for all skin types. For soft, smooth, supple, youthful skin which is well hydrated, get some Shea Butter.

 Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is rich in emollients and colloidal oatmeal which soothes and relieves dry, itchy skin. It is best for dry, eczema-prone, sensitive skin. The soothing colloidal oatmeal relieves red, irritated skin, itching and increases moisture. It also cools razor burns. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is also enriched with glycerine, petrolatum, isopropyl palmitate and dimethicone which work to hydrate the skin.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion nourishes and helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier. It has been clinically proven to moisturize skin for up to 24 hours. This product is fragrance-free, non-greasy and noncomedogenic. This formula is suitable for dry skin in men. It can be applied to the face and the body.

 Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

One of our favourite moisturizers is Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion. It has a mix of emollients, humectants and occlusives. It contains three occlusives: cocoa butter, shea butter and tiny microdroplets of Vaseline jelly. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing combination hydrates, nourishes and smoothens skin from head to toe. The key ingredients in this product, ultra-hydrating lipids replenish moisture and reinforce the skin barrier; cocoa butter and shea butter nourish, hydrate and make the skin feel smoother.

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion is dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to provide 48 hours of moisture and leaves a long-lasting radiant glow. Apply daily for best results and preferably right after showering while your skin is still damp.

Top-Up Pharmacy has renovated the Female Ward of the Police Hospital in the Greater Accra Region. The company was motivated to renovate the ward as part of our commitment to improving the working environment for staff of the facility as well as creating an ambient care environment for patients of the ward.

Speaking at the inauguration of the renovated facility, the Chief Executive Officer of Top-up Pharmacy, Dr Richard K. Odor said that as a responsible stakeholder in the healthcare industry, the company strongly believes in supporting the healthcare infrastructure of the communities in which they operate in.

He explained that they focused on enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the ward, adding new windows and air-conditioners, and improving lighting and ventilation among others. The various rooms of the wards including the doctor’s office, nurses’ station, and restrooms were neatly labelled for easy identification by patients. The works also included repainting and incorporation of artwork with soothing colours to create a calming atmosphere for users of the facility.

Dr Odor was optimistic that the renovated ward would provide a more welcoming and comfortable environment for patients during their stay at the Police Hospital, stressing that it would also create a positive impact on the morale of the medical staff, as they work in a well-designed space to carry out their duties efficiently.

”Top-Up Pharmacy is committed to continually supporting healthcare facilities and initiatives. We are actively exploring the possibility of partnering with other hospitals and medical institutions in improving their development and service delivery,” he said. This renovation project is one example of our commitment to improving the healthcare infrastructure and patient experience in healthcare institutions like the police hospital,” he added.

The Medical Director of the Police Hospital DCOP Dr Samuel Otu-Nyarko commended Top-up Pharmacy for the intervention, adding that before the renovation was done, it was difficult working in the facility and that the beautiful renovation carried out would offer staff a conducive environment to work in and the client a good atmosphere to heal in.

We aim to contribute to the holistic approach to healthcare delivery and support healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality care to patients.

Do you need a boost of energy this 2024? A healthy balanced diet, good quality sleep and regular exercise are enough to provide all your energy needs. But in today’s fast-paced world, stress, low quality sleep and your eating habits can negatively impact your energy needs. Supplements can be used if you need a boost of energy but should not replace a healthy diet.

Here are some of the best vitamins and supplements for energy.

• Vitamin B Complex

The B vitamins play an essential role in the production of energy in the body. A vitamin B complex supplement usually contains all eight B vitamins which are

B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin) in one pill. The B vitamins are involved in many processes in the body such as energy production, formation of red blood cells, immune function, cell function and brain development.

Many foods are rich in the B vitamins. However, chronic alcoholism, gastrointestinal disorders, pregnancy and being vegetarian can increase your risk of B vitamin deficiency since animal foods are most commonly the best sources of B vitamins.

• Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the production of energy from the food you eat. It contributes to the health of your nerves and blood cells. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in fish, meat, eggs, milk and poultry. Older people, vegetarians and people with gastrointestinal disorders causing malabsorption may have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of a deficiency in vitamin B12 may include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Taking a vitamin B12 supplement has not been shown to have harmful side effects.

• Iron

Iron is an essential mineral in the body needed to produce haemoglobin in red blood cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the entire human body.  Iron plays a role in immune system function, cognitive function, energy production, and reduction in tiredness and fatigue. Foods rich in iron include red meat, green leafy vegetables, seafood, beans and nuts. People likely to be deficient in iron are pregnant women, women who bleed heavily during menstruation and vegetarians.

Excessive iron intake can, however, be toxic to the body and result in severe adverse effects. Consult with your doctor first, before taking iron supplements.

• Magnesium

Magnesium helps regulate nerve function and muscle contraction and relaxation. It also helps regulate blood glucose and blood pressure. Magnesium is required for metabolism and energy production. Magnesium supplements have been shown to improve sleep quality and ease fatigue. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Food sources of magnesium include milk, bananas, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and whole grains such as brown rice. People with type 2 diabetes, older people, alcoholics, and gastrointestinal disorders that cause malabsorption are more likely to be deficient in magnesium. Magnesium supplements may interact with some antibiotics, diuretics and antihypertensives.

• Ginseng

Ginseng is a herb rich in antioxidants which may decrease inflammation, reduce fatigue, increase energy levels and enhance physical activity. Research shows that ginseng can boost the immune system and improve brain function like memory, behaviour and mood.

Vitamins and supplements are generally safe when used appropriately. Nevertheless, some supplements may interact with other medications, may worsen underlying medical conditions and result in harmful side effects when overconsumed. Speak to a doctor or dietician before you start taking supplements. If you are experiencing chronic mental and physical fatigue, see a doctor to rule out any underlying disease.

We are excited to inform you that our Coastal Estate Pharmacy is one year old! It’s been a delight serving the people of Coastal Estates and its surrounding communities for the past year. Thank you for trusting us with your health and wellness needs. Your support and loyalty have been the driving force behind our success. Join us in celebrating this milestone!

As we celebrate our anniversary, we want to give back to you our cherished clients. Our Coastal Estate Pharmacy is offering:

Up to 10% discounts in-store every Friday throughout the whole month.

FREE delivery within a 5km radius from our pharmacy!
Free blood pressure monitoring and blood sugar tests on weekends.

FREE HEALTH SCREENING
27th November – 1st December 2023

Look out for exciting prizes to be won in-store throughout the month.
Call us on 0593 935 404 / 0509 941 535. Find us with our store locator. Please click here.

TOP-UP Pharmacy, Whatever you need….24/7

Today, we join the rest of the world in celebrating World Diabetes Day under the theme “Access to Diabetes Care.” The purpose of this theme is to focus on the prevention of type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot use the insulin it produces effectively. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose or blood sugar. Diabetes leads to major health complications such as blindness, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and lower limb amputation.

One in ten people worldwide, currently live with diabetes. In 2021, 537 million adults had diabetes. Diabetes was responsible for 6.7 million deaths in 2021 worldwide – 1 every 5 seconds. In Ghana, 329,200 adults out of a population of 16,732,900 adults had diabetes with a prevalence rate of 2% in 2021.

Living with diabetes can be challenging. However, as your trusted pharmacy, we are here to support you in managing your diabetes with the right medications and expert advice on lifestyle modifications to enable you to lead a long, healthy, and balanced life. In this article, we highlight lifestyle changes to help you manage your diabetes.

DIETARY CHANGES
Healthy eating plays a major role in managing diabetes. The type of food you eat, the quantity and the combinations of foods you eat affect your blood sugar. Eat a balanced diet of starches, proteins, fats, fruits and vegetables. Reading food labels can help you make healthier food choices. Reduce your
portion sizes to help reduce your calorie intake.

Carbohydrates affect your blood sugar the most because carbohydrates are converted to sugar. Reduce your portion sizes, know the amount of carbohydrates in your food, and try to eat the same amount of carbohydrates for each meal especially if you take insulin.

Decrease your intake of foods that are high in sugar such as sweetened drinks, fruit juice and cake. Decrease your fat intake, especially saturated fats found in foods such as pastries, spring rolls and fatty pork. Eating less processed meats like hot dogs and consuming lean meat like skinless chicken and turkey help reduce your saturated fat intake.

Increase your intake of dietary fibre. Foods high in fibre include whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits. These foods are low in carbohydrates and help control your blood sugar. Speak to your doctor or dietician about the best foods to eat in addition to your medications to help control your diabetes.

WEIGHT LOSS
Losing 5% to 10% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Weight management helps control diabetes and reduces the risk of complications if you already have diabetes. Being overweight increases your risk of cardiovascular disease which is a leading cause of death in people with diabetes. If you are obese or overweight, aim to lose weight gradually till you achieve a healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9. Increased physical activity and eating a healthy diet with fewer calories would help you lose weight.

EXERCISE
Regular physical activity helps to control diabetes by decreasing blood sugar. It is recommended that most adults should have 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling and playing football.

Check your blood sugar levels before, during and after exercise. This is very important if you take insulin or medications that decrease blood sugar. Stay well hydrated when exercising and be conscious of signs of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) such as increased sweating, lightheadedness, irritability, hunger and confusion.

Speak to your doctor if you have not engaged in exercise for a long time and about the best type of exercise for you.

MANAGING STRESS

Stress increases your blood sugar levels and can cause insulin resistance making diabetes difficult to manage. Being stressed and anxious can lead to bad food choices, overeating, increased alcohol intake and poor sleep quality which affect your blood sugar levels. Stress increases your risk of developing complications of diabetes such as stroke and hypertension.

Manage stress by exercising, getting good quality sleep, taking time off work to relax and psychotherapy.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol adds excess calories to your daily intake. Consuming alcohol can lower your blood sugar levels and affect your diabetes medications. It can also worsen diabetes complications such as nerve damage and eye complications. Avoid alcohol if you can. If you decide to drink, speak to your doctor.

Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than one drink a day for women of any age and men over 65 years old and two drinks a day for men under 65. One drink equals a 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.

Check your blood sugar levels before you drink and be aware of signs of low blood sugar.

References

www.who.int.com | www.diabetesatlas.org | www.idf.org | www.webmd.com | www.mayoclinic.org | www.heart.org | www.diabetes.co.uk

In our bid to expand across the country and make pharmaceutical products readily available 24/7, we are delighted to announce that Top-Up Pharmacy has opened a new branch in Ho to serve the people of Ho and its surrounding communities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the CEO of Top-Up Pharmacy, Dr. Richard K. Odor, stressed our mission of alleviating the suffering of people who come into contact with the Top-Up brand by providing good quality and affordable healthcare for all.

He stated that our overriding philosophy is to meet the total healthcare needs of our clients. This vision has led us to set up a clinic, diagnostic centre, and modern medical lab. ”We did not look up to the skies of profit or the valleys of pride when we took up this journey,” he added.

Dr. Odor reiterated that Top-Up Pharmacy is focused on promoting preventive healthcare and seeks to become a trusted healthcare partner for Ho and its neighbouring towns and villages.

He said “Our goal is not only to help individuals manage their existing health conditions but also to prevent future ones from occurring. We want to be proactive in promoting a healthier Volta Region.’’

The guest speaker for the occasion, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archebald Yao Letsa, emphasized the importance of preventive health care to help reduce deaths from cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Dr Letsa said, ‘’According to the World Heart Federation, at least 80% of all premature deaths as a result of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by controlling four main factors such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use, lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol intake.”

He emphasized the importance of pharmacy operators in ensuring the privacy and protection of their clients’ health information.

Tell a friend to tell a friend that Top-Up Pharmacy has opened its doors to the Volta region and its environs.