Controlling Your Blood Pressure
February is Heart Month, and what a great time it is to commit to living a healthier lifestyle! One of the many ways Americans are keeping healthy this month is by striving to keep their blood pressure under control.
Also known as “the silent killer,” high blood pressure shows no warning signs. In fact, only half of the 70 million people who have high blood pressure have it under control. When it comes to managing and controlling your blood pressure, your lifestyle plays an important part. Making the needed changes can help save your life, and allow you to delay, avoid, or reduce your need to take medication.
We at Physicians Premier, your Bulverde, TX emergency room highly encourage you to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Here are some healthy changes that you can make that matter:
- Exercise regularly – Yes, physical activity can lower your blood pressure. Do your best to exercise regularly, as consistency is key. Try to incorporate a 30-minute exercise routine most days of the week. The best exercises for lowering blood pressure includes swimming, walking, cycling, jogging, and dancing. Be sure to consult with your doctor first about what exercise program is right for you.
- Eat a well-balanced diet – Maintain a healthy diet that is low in salt. Did you know that minimizing your salt intake by a small amount can help lower your blood pressure up to 8 mm Hg? There are other things you can do to maintain a well-balanced diet. Start by incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, as well as low-fat dairy products into your diet.
- Drink in moderation – This is the best way to handle alcohol consumption, more so if you are striving to lower your blood pressure. If you are taking medication for your blood pressure, alcohol can lessen the effectiveness of your medication. Also, drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.
Schedule a regular visit with your doctor to get your blood pressure checked, eat healthy, exercise regularly, or take steps to quit smoking. Take ownership of your treatment by tracking your blood pressure at home. If you need more help on how to keep your blood pressure under control, our caring, board-certified doctors at Physicians Premier, your Bulverde, TX emergency room are available to help.
Bookmark mdpremier.com to find your nearest ER or call (361) 986-0911.
Texas locations include: Corpus Christi ER, Portland ER, Calallen ER, Bulverde, & Bryan-College Station ER
