Generations Healthcare Network and its facilities care about the health of our residents. Blood pressure monitoring is an integral part of a resident’s health and is monitored on a continuing basis. May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness month and on average over 67 million people – 1 in 3 US adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure (over exerts your heart) makes your heart work too hard and increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. The force of the blood pushing against the side of your arteries is consistently in the high range and causes this issue also known as hypertension.
Ways to help get high blood pressure under control:
- Talk to your doctor about setting goals and how to reach them
- Take your blood pressure medicine as directed. Not taking your medicine or taking the wrong dose can lead to greater problems
- Quit smoking
- Reduce sodium intake. Did you know there are many no salt options on the market including potato chips, pretzels and crackers that are delicious and will fit into a high blood pressure diet?
- Talk to your doctor about maintaining a healthy body weight
- Try to get 30 minutes of physical activity in daily
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and veggies
- Manage your stress.
- No more than one drink a day for women, two for men
- Check your blood pressure regularly
These steps and more will aid in decreasing your blood pressure as well as getting you on the road to a healthier you!
For more information about high blood pressure visit
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/definition/con-20019580
Sources:
http://www.heart.org
