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ROYAL SOCIETY OF SA - MEDAL WINNERS FOR 2012

John F. W. Herschel Medal

in recognition of Highly Distinguished Multidisciplinary Contributions

to the furtherance of Science, to :

Professor David M Richardson FRSSAf

Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany & Zoology

University of Stellenbosch. rich@sun.ac.za

Meiring Naude Medal

in recognition of Outstanding Contributions to the furtherance of Science

by scientists under the age of 35, to :

Professor Alta Elisabeth Schutte

Director : Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), School for Physiology, Nutrition & Consumer Sciences,

North-West University. Alta.Schutte@nwu.ac.za

MEDIA RELEASE

17 May 2011

KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE FOR YOUR HEART'S SAKE

Tuesday, 17 May, is World Hypertension Day.

Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, is a silent killer. It affects 1 in every 5 adults, and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and death in adults over the age of 50/55. *

Globally, 7 million people die every year and there are 1.5 billion sufferers because of hypertension.* Shocking statistics presented in a recent South Africa Demographic and Health Survey, indicate that a staggering 6.1 million South Africans have a blood pressure (BP) of greater than 140/90mmHg or are taking medication for hypertension.*

The Southern African Hypertension Society, a professional body committed to alleviating the burden of hypertension in South Africa, has embarked on the Know your Blood Pressure For Your Heart's Sake campaign. Through awareness of the dangers of this condition, this campaign will place the spotlight on the importance of having regular BP checks and taking the necessary action to combat hypertension.

High risk individuals - especially those with uncontrolled or undiagnosed hypertension – need to know their blood pressure and take appropriate action if diagnosed with the condition. Few people realise that high blood pressure increases your chances of having a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death.

Findings reported by the Medicines Control Council,^*stress the dilemma of young people with hypertension who have poor hypertension control. This is particularly concerning as they could be exposed to high BP for many years, resulting in serious end-organ damage.

Professor Gavin Norton, President of the Hypertension Society of Southern Africa, provides a blueprint for reducing the alarming numbers of hypertension sufferers we have in South Africa.

“It is critical that we strive to reduce the risk factors for hypertension in our society. In order to do this, we need to reduce our high rates of obesity, reduce salt intake, increase the intake of potassium by means of higher vegetable, fruit and lean meat intake as well as reduce high alcohol consumption.”

Hypertension, Two Last

“In addition, we need to motivate people, particularly those at high risk, to have their BP checked regularly,” Norton says. “The need for screening and early diagnosis must be stressed, and persons on medication must be supported and encouraged to achieve maximum compliance levels. We need to create an environment that supports healthy eating and active living.”

Every adult over 18 years of age should have routine BP check-ups. In addition, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle could reduce high blood pressure. Medications may be prescribed by a health care provider in order to control blood pressure.

Healthy eating and active living habits can assist in controlling your blood pressure:

· Eat a heart-healthy diet, including potassium and fiber, and drink plenty of water.

· Exercise regularly -- at least 30 minutes a day.

· If you smoke, quit -- find a program that will help you stop.

· Limit how much alcohol you drink -- 1 drink a day for women, 2 a day for men.

· Limit the amount of sodium (salt) you eat -- aim for less than 2400 mg per day.

· Reduce stress -- try to avoid things that cause stress for you. You can also try meditation or yoga.

^·Stay at a healthy body weight -- find a weight-loss program to help you, if you need it.^*

Hypertension is relatively easy to prevent, diagnose and treat.*So act now and get your BP tested.

Know Your Blood Pressure For your Heart's Sake. It could save your life.

About the Southern African Hypertension Society

The Society is managed by a concerned group of Southern African health professionals who are experts in the field of hypertension. The Southern African Hypertension Society was founded in 1977 by a handful of concerned health professionals, a number of whom are still active in the Society today. It is a professional society open to all who work in the health and education sectors with an interest in hypertension, the related risk factors and target organ damage; and for people suffering from hypertension or who have friends or loved ones suffering from hypertension. The Society has held 16 biennial conferences with the purpose of achieving the objectives of the Society’s members, and the 17th congress will be held in March 2012 in Cape Town. The Southern African Hypertension Society is affiliated to the World Hypertension League. In March 2001, the executive committee resolved to restructure the Society so that it operated off a digital platform, and the website was a part of that plan. The website received major rejuvenation in 2011 after contracting with a management support company. The current constitution is available on the website

and changes are proposed that will be voted on at an open meeting to be held at the biennial conference in March 2012. The SAHS is a section 21 company. Through an unrestricted educational grant, the initial website was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim.

For more information, visit www.hypertension.org.za

Issued by:

Lindy Goodfellow

Jibba-Jabba Communications

Tel: 083 442 5557

E-mail: lingoodfellow@gmail.com

On behalf of the Southern African Hypertension Society

Contact person:

Carolyn Ackermann, CMP

Project Manager

Scatterlings Conferences and Events

011 463 5085

082 223 1338

* Editor's Note:

References available on request

Government targets salt content of processed food

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is planning to introduce legislation to lower the salt content of food, he advised Parliament this week. Motsoaledi said SA could learn from the UK, which decided in 2006 to reduce the salt content of food by 40% within five years <<<click here to read more >>>>

YK SEEDAT RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP In 2009

YK SEEDAT RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP In 2009, Professor YK Seedat made a generous donation to establish a research scholarship to be managed by the College of Medicine >>>>> click here to read more...

Blood Pressure Tester not Fit for purpose

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The NICE website also provides further information. This website can be accessed by http://www.nice.org.uk/newsroom/pressreleases/HypertensionGuidance.jsp#X-201108221418268