Brazilian Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao suggested that Brazilians have sex up to five times a week to put a stop to chronic health troubles such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems.

After launching hypertension prevention campaign in Brasilia, Temporao said, "Dance, have sex, keep a stable weight, do physical exercise, and above all measure your blood pressure."

According to Brazilian functionaries, the problem of high blood pressure is increasing among South Americans.

A research by the Health Ministry, which carried out telephone interviews of 54,000 individuals, showed the percentage of Brazilians who say their blood pressure level is 140/90 or above rose from 21.5% during 2006 to 24.4% now.

At a press meeting, Gomes Temporao called upon Brazilians to have more fruit, veggies and legumes and to get workout, comprising sexual activity.

While safeguarding the ministry's insistence on safe sex to prevent the spread of HIV, the minister said, "It's not a joke, I'm serious. Getting physical exercise regularly also means having sex, obviously protected sex." (With Inputs from Agencies)