Health Tips: 101 – High Blood Pressure

If you have been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure, do you know how you can control it?  Are you aware of the Natural ways you can help lower your Blood Pressure?  Lets talk about it for a minute.  First off, this article is not meant to replace the advice of your Physician but to give you tips on controlling your blood pressure.  If you have been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure – you should be checking your blood pressure at home.  Why?  Your blood pressure may fluctuate, it is important especially as you begin making Healthier changes in your lifestyle to know what your blood pressure is.  You may either purchase a cuff and have it checked for accuracy at your physicians office or perhaps you know of someone who can check it for you once a week or so.  The important thing is, you are checking it!  If your doctor has placed you on a prescription medication, KNOW the side effects before taking it – do a search on WebMD – look under “drug treatments” – this is your body and you need to know what to look for.  Many pharmacies give you the paper attached to your medications – but I know and you know, you usually dont read it — I encourage you to READ IT.  Starting a blood pressure medication can cause you to have a “drop” in pressure and sometimes your heart rate, due to the dose possibly being to much for you — you should start the medication at home – change positions slowly – make sure your doctor is aware of any differences you experience.  Okay, lets take a look at “Why” – you have to take the medication.  There are many reasons for high blood pressure – some of which YOU can control and some which you cannot.  Stress is one of the biggest factors that influence blood pressure.  Lifestyle is another big factor: smoking, alcohol, being overweight, eating habits and more.  Did you know that if you are overweight or extremely overweight, simply losing 10-15 lbs can significantly lower your blood pressure?  Did you know that beginning to exercise at least 3-5 days a week at 30 minute intervals: using cardio and weight training can lower your pressure?  The new recommendations for exercise is 7 days a week for 30/mins each day – but remember you are just starting out – you can increase slowly.  Did you know that lowering your cholesterol can also help lower your blood pressure?  We will talk about lowering your cholesterol in another segment.  Some people think high blood pressure is not a serious “disease” – I hate to tell you, it is very important.  High blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems – heart attack, and stroke of which are the most serious.  The normal blood pressure should be around 120/80– this is your target.  If you consistently have a blood pressure reading higher than this, it is time for lifestyle changes and time to see your doctor.  Now, what about more natural ways to lower your blood pressure.  Did you know that vitamin supplements can aid in lowering your blood pressure. Antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, multivitamins and even a supplement to regulate platlet activity can assist in protecting your heart and possibly lower your blood pressure “Naturally”.  Before you start a prescription medication that can have side effects – make sure you do your research.  You can make changes on your own to lower your blood pressure – its your body – take control of your health by making changes today.  Your doctor is not responsible for your health, YOU ARE!  Doctors are available to help you in controlling your health issues – but make no mistake – it is YOU that needs to take part also.  Work with your doctor, ask questions, if you dont understand something – ask.  If you would like information on Natural Products that I believe work – feel free to send me a message.  Its time to take your health back – make changes – work with your doctor- ask him about Natural products – take them in and ask them what they think.  Always consult your physician – never start any intense exercise program, special diet or supplement without your doctors consent especially if you have serious health issues. 

I hope you have a better feel for how you can control your blood pressure – if you have questions that I havent answered, please feel free to contact me.  Once again, I am not trying to diagnose or treat your blood pressure, but I am giving suggestions on how to control your blood pressure and alternatives – always always consult your physican. 

Begin Today – its never too late!

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