I have had several of my friends close to me deal with Hypertension. Obviously just another fancy term for High Blood Pressure. What's sad about it is that it is preventable, but we tend to take it on as if there is nothing that can be done about it. We have all heard the "it runs in my family" terminology, but what if you could help prevent that within yourself?

According to the Mayo Clinic.org, here are 10 things that can be done or added to your life that could help you live longer not only for yourself but for your loved ones

How To Lower Blood Pressure

  • Lose Weight and watch your waistline: Get the weight off. I know it seems harder for some than others. Believe me, I am speaking from experience. Throughout my life, I have had the up and down battles of losing weight. However, I have noticed that lately as I have watched my intake of certain foods, my pressure has become a lot more manageable.
  • Exercise Regularly: Take some time out of your day to exercise. Whether it is in the morning or in the evening. Try to set aside 30 minutes to an hour and walk or bike around the neighborhood if you don't have a gym membership.

Exercise for Beginners:

  • Eat A Healthy Diet: One thing that I found out about Louisiana is the food is great. It is also at times not the healthiest of choices either. Everything is served with rice for the most part and again the food is just great. Always remember though that there are healthy choices regardless of where you live. Even if you have to prepare the food for yourself.

Healthy eating on a budget:

  • Reduce Sodium in your diet: Being from a Black family I have to admit that Sodium was big in our household. Regardless of how much seasoning we already had on the food, we would always add more. This is something that is frowned on when it comes to High Blood Pressure. The more Sodium, the higher the risk of jeopardizing your health.
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you intake: We all love to have our spirits when we go out for events and special occasions. I am not somebody to tell you not to drink but limit it as much as possible. Believe it or not, but drinking a lot can actually cause you to eat more and consume even more calories.
  • If you smoke, stop it. If you don't smoke, please don't start: This is self-explanatory for so many reasons.
  • Cut back on caffeine: Limit your intake of caffeine. Consuming too much of this actually raises your heart rate which can cause your pressure to rise.
  • Reduce your daily stress: This is another easier said than done, but consider taking a break and walking away from your desk or listening to some calming music, even comedy. Something that can help to take your mind off of things and will help you deal with those stressful issues a little better.
  • Monitor your blood pressure at home and keep regular doctor appointments: I have a portable blood pressure monitor at home. I generally try to check my pressure once a day and that is usually at night. Some would consider taking it in the morning as well and that is not a bad idea.
  • Get help from friends and family going down the same health journey you want to take: Find some like-minded friends who want to see you on your journey and will help to instill positivity into you so that you can get healthier. You may also have to move certain people out of your life if they are not contributing good things to it.

We are losing too many people due to poor health choices and if we can get a head start on it or at least a starting point. I truly believe that we can add some years to our lives rather than taking away

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