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Paskong Pinoy won't be complete without the most awaited Noche Buena. It will always be a festive night overflowing with Christmas spirit, joy, and of course, food!

Image Source: cottonbro / Pexels

But how can someone with borderline hypertension get the most out of this holiday's feast? 'Pinoy MD' invited Makati Medical Center cardiologist Raul Lapitan to share how one can prevent elevated blood pressure this time of the year.

“Christmas season is once a year, but the thing is, it should not stop us from doing the right thing,” said Dr. Raul Lapitan.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), one out of four Filipinos has hypertension. To make the matter worse, the Philippine Society of Hypertension said that records of heart attacks and strokes spike up in the months of December to January.

To be disciplined with food is to watch what you eat. Pinoy MD listed down the recommended amount to consume for these three Noche Buena staples:

• 1 ½ slice for hamon
• 2 slices of lechon without the fat
• and only a slice of queso de bola

There are 10 specific ways to control high blood pressure without medication, according to the Mayo Clinic,

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline
2. Exercise regularly
3. Eat a healthy diet
4. Reduce sodium in your diet
5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
6. Quit smoking
7. Cut back on caffeine
8. Reduce your stress
9. Monitor your blood pressure at home and see your doctor regularly
10. Get support from family and friends

Lastly, Pinoy MD host Connie Sison reminds the viewers: “Hypertension should not hinder us from enjoying the celebration, instead we need [the] self-discipline to keep our health merry.”

Learn about how a hypertension victim is preparing for the Christmas season in this episode of Pinoy MD: