WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
I am a believer in hugging. Hugging is the most beautiful form of communication. It allows the other person to know beyond a doubt that they matter to you. I don’t recall ever refusing a hug. The neat thing about hugging is that if you hug someone, you get a hug in return.
Among my many medications I take daily, medication for high blood pressure is one I didn’t realize I needed. Nearly 50% of Americans have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. Here are five lifestyle interventions that can make a difference even for those of us already taking medications.
Here they are:
— Follow the DASH Diet. Eating fruits, vegetables, legumes and low-fat dairy products are low in sweets. By eating more of these, it has been shown to decrease blood pressure in hypertensive patients by a fair amount.
— Reduce sodium intake. By using less salt, it will help lower blood pressure by decreasing fluid retention and blood volume. Limiting your sodium intake to less than 2300mg/day is a good start.
— Lose weight. Trials such as the Framingham Heart Study and the Nurses’ Health Study have clearly established obesity as a contributing factor to hypertension in both men and women.
— Exercise. Aerobic exercise – walking, cycling, swimming and other activities that work the cardiovascular system, significantly improves cardio health and lower blood pressure.
— Limit alcohol intake. Limiting yourself to one to two drinks per day can lead to small decreases in blood pressure.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
