NOTES FROM THE PARISH NURSE
Lifestyle plays an important role in treating high blood pressure. It is not always necessary to take medication. High blood pressure means the systolic pressure - top number - is 140 or above or the bottom number - diastolic pressure - is 90 or above.
Losing weight may be one way. Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches. Women are at risk if their waist is greater than 35 inches.
Exercising regularly at least 30 - 60 minutes most days can lower your blood pressure.
Eating a healthy diet is another factor which you can control by eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
Reducing the amount of salt in your diet can be done by reading food labels, eating fewer processed foods, not adding salt to food but use herbs or spices instead.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Binge drinking can cause large and sudden increases in blood pressure, in addition to other health problems.
(Taken From Mayo Clinic Newsletter)
