Controlling Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. Know your blood pressure and remember to check it regularly. Doing so can save your life. Here are some things you can do to help control your blood pressure.
Choose Heart-Healthy Foods
- Eat 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
- Eat 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products
- Choose lean meats, fish, or chicken.
- Eat whole-grain pasta, brown rice, and beans.
- Limit canned, dried, cured, packaged, and fast foods. These can contain a lot of salt.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
- Ask your health care provider what weight range is healthiest for you. If you are overweight, a weight loss of only 3% to 5% of your body weight can help lower blood pressure.
- Ask your health care provider how many calories to eat a day. Then try to stick to that number.
Get Up And Get Active
- Be active at a moderate to vigorous level of physical activity for at least 40 minutes for a minimum of 3 to 4 days a week. Choose activities you enjoy or find ones you can do with friends or family.
- Park farther away from building entrances.
- Use stairs instead of the elevator. When you can, walk or bike instead of driving.
Manage Stress
- Make time to relax and enjoy life.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Talk with your health care provider about quitting smoking.
To make an appointment with a Jackson phsyician, please call 305-585-4564
For more heart health articles during our Heart Month series, click here.
To read our Hearts of Jackson patient stories, click here.