Lower Your Blood Pressure

You may be the next potential victim of high arterial blood pressure!

Twenty five to 30 million Americans – more than 1 out of 10 Americans – have high blood pressure. Of this number about 29 percent are unaware they have it, 23 percent know they have it but not are treating it at all, 19 percent know that they have it but are unsuccessfully treating it, and 29 percent are aware they have it and are successfully treating it.

In case your mercury reading is higher than the normal 120/80, can you do something to bring it down? Fortunately, yes! Even if you may not fully understand the difference between systolic and diastolic, and you have a hard time pronouncing sphygmomanometer, you can take these steps to help remedy your situation:

Reduce your weight. Get rid of those excess kilograms, that dead weight that you are carrying around. If your tummy goes ahead of you when you walk, you really need to fight the Battle of the Bulge manfully. And don’t give up the struggle until you can comfortably bend down to tie your shoelaces.

The best way to lose weight is for you to increase your physical activity. Follow a regular exercise program. But before you engage in something more vigorous than a leisurely walk, you should see your doctor first.

Along with an exercise program that fits your physical condition is a diet that will aid in lowering your pressure to a normal level. Reduce your use of saturated fats. Lessen especially your sodium (salt) intake. In other words, eat a moderate and balanced diet.
There are also certain medications that you should change or entirely give up. Many prescriptions and over the- counter drugs can increase your pressure, such as oral contraceptives and some asthma medicines. Your physician is the best individual to consult regarding this matter.

And, finally, learn to relax. Leave worry alone, and look at the sunny side of life. Develop a hobby that will take stress and strain off your mind. Best of all, have faith in God who is more than able to take care of your puny problems. Give all your problems to our heavenly Burden Bearer, and trust Him fully.