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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Timothy Barber, CEO/President
Controlling Blood Pressure Through Diet and Exercise
Barber D.M.E. Supply Group
. http://www.barberdmestore.com/

Controlling Blood Pressure Through Diet and Exercise

Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when it's at rest (diastolic pressure). It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure (or hypertension) in an adult is defined as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.

One in three adults in America suffers from high blood pressure. This condition impacts the health of about 68 million people, but many can help protect their health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't always need prescription medications to lower your blood pressure. Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control this with a healthy lifestyle, you may avoid, delay, or reduce the need for medication. Many health experts recommend 10 lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline

2. Exercise regularly

3. Eat a healthy diet

4. Reduce sodium in your diet

5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink

6. Avoid tobacco products and secondhand smoke

7. Cut back on caffeine

8. Reduce your stress

9. Get support from family and friends

10. Monitor your blood pressure at home and make regular doctor's appointments

By following these steps, you could be on your way to adding years to your life, and you will definitely be doing your heart a favor.

If you have high blood pressure, you should make self-monitoring at home your number one priority. Learning to self-monitor your blood pressure with an upper arm monitor can really help motivate you. Talk to your doctor about home monitoring before getting started. Regular visits to your doctor are also likely to become a part of your normal routine. These visits will help keep tabs on your blood pressure, while also being a major factor in your overall healthy lifestyle.

If you are fortunate enough to avoid high blood pressure by the age of 55, you face a 90 percent chance of developing it. Why wait until high blood pressure affects your life? Don't allow yourself to be sentenced to a lifetime of prescription drugs; work to maintain a healthy lifestyle today.

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