Did you know that 1 in 3 US Adults have high blood pressure? 20% don’t even know it!
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. Let’s take this time to study up on the silent killer that claims 1,000 deaths a day and how we can prevent it.
I received compensation to facilitate this post.
The American Medical Group Association’s (AMGA) Measure Up/Pressure Down program offers excellent resources to learn about the realities, risks, and how to prevent high blood pressure that we all need to know and understand.
10 Steps to Prevent High Blood Pressure
Did you know that you can prevent high blood pressure? There are simple steps we can all make to prevent high blood pressure
- Eat Right
Fine tune your diet to limit sodium and fats.
- Be Active
Be sure to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day with things like taking stairs instead of elevator.
- Reduce Stress
Know what triggers your stress and create stress-busters like time spent outside and laughter.
- Set Alcohol Limits
Keep to 1 drink a day for women and about 2 for men.
- Communicate
Keep a journal to communicate all your concerns with your doctor complete with questions, treatment plans, and goals.
- Stop Tobacco Use
Call 1-800-QUITNOW to quite tobacco use, consider quitting with a friend and get support with a group.
- Track Your Numbers
Keep track of your blood pressure at the doctor’s office, pharmacy, and at home. Discuss with your doctor.
- Manage Health Issues
What happens to one part of your body affects the whole, learn about the connections.
- Take Your Medication
Take your medication consistently, not just when you aren’t feeling well. Post reminders where you will see them.
- Know Your Risks
There are things you can control like your weight and diet but there are things you can’t control like your age, gender, and race. Learn the risks and make lifestyle changes with your family.
These 10 steps are easy ways to keep high blood pressure in check for you and your family. Understanding the risks and knowing how to prevent them is key in fighting the alarming stats here in the US.
Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke
You can actually view your state’s level of heart disease and strokes as well as with this tool. Drill down to learn about your state’s rate of heart disease, hypertension, strokes, and more based on race, gender, age, etc. You can even see which areas have the most hospitals and specialists and where they are located.
You can get further support from the Measure Up/Pressure Down program socially on facebook and twitter.
