THE INFLUENCE OF DIET AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE BLOOD PRESSURE

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) has been gradually turning into one of the most serious public health problems. The immutable risk factors are age, gender, ethnicity and genetics, and modifiables include inappropriate lifestyle. Thus, a key component for the treatment of hypertension is the change in lifestyle, being the most effective and least expensive way in terms of public health (Oliveira et al., 2012). So, this study aimed to: promote clarification of hypertension; guide balanced diets based on the economic conditions of the population; encourage physical activity and promote a leisurely afternoon focused on the control of hypertension. METHOD This is a descriptive experience report. The meeting happened on 11.27.2013, on Martins neighborhood, in Rio Verde, Goiás. It was attended by 30 students from the Rio Verde School of Medicine, which conducted activities through flyers, posters, clowns, trampoline and raffle giveaways. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The importance of this work was noticed, since patients were warned about death’s five major risk factors, wich are: hypertension, smoking, hyperglycemia, physical inactivity and obesity (Taylor, D., 2014). Our project showed that the minority of the population practiced physical activities, which was also shown in a study that says that hypertension and hyperglycemia, as well as obesity are related to physical inactivity (Taylor, D., 2014 ). So, many of the people who participated in the project may change wrong habits regarding their eating and exercise practices, in order to prevent, stabilize and even reverse hypertension.