Mommies, admit it—life today is super convenient, but also super stressful. Social media, traffic, work, news, politics—minsan parang kahit saan ka tumingin, may dahilan para ma-high blood. And according to experts from Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), all that stress might actually be raising your blood pressure.
Dr. Kristina Ozaeta-Lorilla, a cardiologist at MakatiMed, says hypertension isn’t just caused by unhealthy eating or lack of exercise. Even your emotions—like anger, anxiety, and even heartbreak—can trigger it. “Stress releases adrenaline,” she explains. “It speeds up your heart, tightens your blood vessels, and temporarily raises blood pressure.”
And while high BP might sound like something only older adults deal with, that’s not the case anymore. Lahat ng edad, pwedeng maapektuhan—lalo na if you’re constantly exposed to stress and unhealthy habits.
So how do we protect ourselves (and our families) from these sneaky BP triggers? Dr. Ozaeta-Lorilla shares a few practical tips:
1. Social Media
Take breaks. Unplug when the comments section turns toxic. Instead, spend quality time offline with people who lift you up.
2. Politics & Elections
Avoid heated debates—especially online. If your candidate lost, feel it, then focus your energy on making a difference in your own community.
3. The News
Choose your sources wisely and check in with your emotions before tuning in. If you’re already stressed or sad, it’s okay to skip the headlines for now.
4. Heavy Traffic
Use calming music or deep breathing to manage your road rage. If possible, explore work-from-home options. Masks can also reduce your exposure to pollution during commutes.
5. Work Stress
If quitting isn’t an option, release stress in healthy ways—exercise with friends, join a walking group, or open up to someone you trust.
Dr. Ozaeta-Lorilla reminds us that small daily decisions can go a long way in keeping our BP under control. “Let modern life work for you, not against you,” she says.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t ignore it. Your health—and your heart—deserves just as much attention as your to-do list.
For more info or a check-up, reach out to MakatiMed On-Call at +632 8888 8999 or visit makatimed.net.ph.
May katanungan tungkol sa pagpapalaki ng anak? Basahin ang mga artikulo o magtanong sa kapwa magulang sa aming app. I-download ang theAsianparent Community sa iOS o Android!
